Bicycle Accident Attorney in Marietta, GA
Protecting Injured Bicyclists in Metro Atlanta & Beyond
While no one wants to be involved in a bicycle accident, it's important to be prepared. Securing experienced representation after a bicycle accident is a must. If you or a loved one was injured as a result of someone else's negligence, our skilled bicycle accident attorney can help protect your rights and help recover the compensation you deserve in court.
Our compassionate legal team at Connelly Law, PC understands how daunting it can be to navigate the complexities of personal injury laws on your own. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, turn to a firm with a longstanding reputation for providing compassionate yet aggressive legal support to clients in Marietta and beyond. We can help guide your steps throughout the duration of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we fight to recover the maximum compensation you're rightfully entitled to.
Our trusted lawyer at Connelly Law is committed to pursuing justice on behalf of injured cyclists in Georgia. Contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
While there are various reasons why bicycle accidents happen in Georgia, some of the most common causes include:
Negligent Driving
It isn’t uncommon for vehicle operators to disregard traffic laws and regulations, knowingly or otherwise. In many cases, bicycle accidents are caused by distracted drivers who fail to look out for cyclists sharing the roads. Common behaviors that can lead to bicycle accidents include:
- Failure to yield at intersections
- Turning at red lights without looking for bicyclists beforehand
- Drivers operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Bicycle Defects
Bicycle defects can also cause bicycle accidents, such as defective brakes or a loose chain on a bicycle. A bicycle with faulty parts is more likely to cause an accident than one that is maintained properly. Poor road conditions also present a risk as potholes, debris and lack of bike lanes can contribute to bicycle collisions.
Hazardous Weather
Hazardous weather, such as rain, sleet, and snow, can also lead to bicycle accidents, collisions, and injuries on the road. Common examples include:
- Impaired visibility for vehicle operators. Hazardous weather can make it difficult for drivers to see cyclists on the road. This can be especially detrimental when cyclists use hand signals to indicate stops, turns, and lane shifts.
- Impaired visibility for cyclists. Bad weather can also make it challenging for cyclists to control their bicycles and react to potential hazards, such as a car hydroplaning into the bike lane due to slick road conditions.
- Bicycle conditions. Certain weather conditions can impact a cyclist’s ability to use equipment effectively. For example, freezing temperatures can lead to reduced tire pressure and increased risk of blowouts. Moreover, strong wind gusts can put cyclists at risk by swaying bicycles offroad or into traffic.
In any case, it's important for drivers and cyclists alike to be aware of their surroundings on the road in order to avoid bicycle collisions caused by negligence or unsafe conditions. By adhering to traffic laws and taking necessary precautions when cycling or driving, bicycle accidents can be prevented throughout Georgia.
Common Injuries Sustained in Bike Accidents
Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, depending on the severity of the collision and the impact it has on cyclists. Common bicycle accident injuries include:
- Road rash. This occurs when skin comes into contact with the pavement at high speeds, causing abrasions and lacerations. Although road rash is often minor, it can still be extremely painful and lead to infection or nerve damage if not treated properly.
- Broken bones. Broken bones are another common injury sustained in bicycle accidents due to the impact that bicycle riders experience when they collide with other objects or vehicles. Broken arms, legs, wrists and ankles can occur from bicycle accidents as well as ligament tears in these joints which can be very painful.
- Traumatic brain injury. Head trauma is also a risk for bicycle riders due to the lack of protection that helmets provide against a direct impact. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur from bicycle accidents when cyclists suffer a hard blow to their head which causes their brain to hit the inside of their skull. This type of injury can cause long-term cognitive impairment and even death if not treated promptly.
- Spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries are some of the most serious bicycle accident injuries due to the potential long-term effects they can have on victims' mobility and quality of life. The abrupt force experienced by bicycle riders during a crash puts them at risk for spinal cord damage which can lead to complete or partial paralysis in some cases.
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Bicyclists in Georgia are subject to the same traffic rules as vehicle operators, meaning that cyclists must adhere to certain safety regulations on public roads. It’s crucial for bike riders in Metro Atlanta to understand important state cyclist laws and traffic regulations to stay safe on Georgia roads.
Consider the following cyclist laws enforced in the state of Georgia:
- Cyclists must obey all traffic signals, such as red lights and stop signs.
- When riding in a group, cyclists should ride single file.
- All bicycle riders under 16 years of age are required to wear a helmet that meets US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
- Whenever possible, bicycle riders should use bicycle lanes or paths instead of traveling on the main roadway with other vehicles.
- Cyclists should always keep their hands on their handlebars while riding.
- Bicyclists should be aware of blind spots when passing parked vehicles or intersections with parked cars.
- In certain areas, bicycle riders may be permitted to pass slower-moving vehicles in their lane if they can safely do so.
- At night, bicycle riders must have a white light illuminated from the front and a red light illuminated from the rear of their bicycle that is visible from at least 500 feet away.
Additionally, reflective equipment must be worn by cyclists riding at night for extra visibility on roads or bikeways.
5 Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident
Injured bicycle riders in Georgia should take the following steps after a bicycle accident to ensure that their rights are protected and that they receive fair compensation for their losses:
- Seek Medical Attention. Immediately after a bicycle accident, it is essential to seek medical attention even if you think your injuries may be minor. This will ensure that any injuries are properly documented and treated, as well as help protect your legal rights.
- Document the Accident. If you can do so safely, document the bicycle accident by taking photos of the crash site, recording any witness statements, and noting any other pertinent information that could be used in court. Additionally, collect contact information from all parties involved in the bicycle accident.
- Collect Evidence. Gather clothing and bicycle parts from the bicycle accident scene if possible as this can help support your claim in court. Also make sure to keep track of all medical records related to your bicycle accident injuries, such as doctor visits and medication receipts.
Contact a Trusted Bicycle Accident Attorney in Metro Atlanta
If you or a loved one was recently injured in a bicycle accident due to someone else's negligence, don't hesitate to contact our bicycle accident attorney at Connelly Law. Our experienced legal team is dedicated to taking on bicycle accident cases and fighting for justice on behalf of injured bicyclists in Marietta and the surrounding areas.
From bicycle accidents to catastrophic injuries, our firm has a longstanding reputation for developing personalized legal strategies designed to help our clients recover the maximum compensation possible for their losses. We understand that bicycle accidents can be physically and emotionally traumatic, which is why we make it our mission to provide compassionate yet aggressive representation while guiding you through the entire process with care.
If you were injured in the Atlanta area, you deserve maximum compensation for your suffering. Call (404) 500-0259 to discuss your case with an experienced personal injury attorney.
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Personalized ServiceYou'll work directly with your attorney; you'll never be pushed off to a case manager. We communicate at every step of the process.
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Skilled Settlement NegotiatorMany personal injury matters are settled by negotiation, and we are highly skilled at producing fair settlements for our clients.
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Accomplished Track RecordWe have successfully handled many personal injury cases and have helped many clients obtain favorable outcomes.
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Practicing Since 2012As legal advocates for injury victims since 2012, we have acquired a great deal of experience in a multitude of cases.
Whether you have questions regarding our firm, your case, or the next steps you need
to take, we are here to guide you through the legal process of recovering from an
injury.
To schedule a free consultation with Connelly Law, contact us at (404) 500-0259.
Our Marietta personal injury attorney is here to help.