Georgia has some of the best bicycle trails in the country, and Acworth is no exception. However, with increased bicycle traffic comes an increase in bike accidents as well. Unfortunately, many drivers are not on the lookout for bicyclists, which can lead to crashes. They also might not understand bike laws or how bicyclists should act around vehicles or in high-traffic areas. In those situations, your injuries after an accident can be serious enough to change your life. An Acworth bicycle accident lawyer can help you deal with the aftermath.
Our lawyers have over 20 years of experience helping bike accident victims in Acworth and the surrounding areas. We never defend bike accident cases, and we never work for insurance companies. Our attorneys’ goal is to help victims get back on their feet again, both physically and financially after an accident. Give us a call at 1-404-341-6555 or fill out the form to the right to get your free consultation today.
What should I do if I was hit by a car while on my bicycle?
Many bicyclists make the mistake of treating a collision with a vehicle as if they had just fallen off their bike because of their own error. They don’t call the police and they don’t get the driver’s contact or insurance information. This is a huge mistake. If you’re hit by a car, you should treat your collision as if you were in a vehicle as well. That means you should:
- Get medical help if you need it.
- Get the driver’s contact information and insurance information.
- Call the police.
- Get a copy of the police report.
- Take photos of the accident location, your injuries, and the damage to your bike.
- Gather information from witnesses who may have seen or heard the accident.
You also need to call a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer can help you conduct an investigation and negotiate with the insurance company as well.
If you’ve already left the scene and didn’t get the driver’s info, we can still help. Our investigators may be able to find the person who hit you and help you start a claim.
In some circumstances, a driver may not stop after hitting a bicyclist. In those situations, you need to report the incident to the police so they can investigate the incident. Leaving after hitting a bicyclist is illegal. That means that the police will do an investigation on your behalf to charge the driver. If you can gather any information about the car or the driver, such as the type of car or the license plate number, that will be very helpful to the police’s investigation.
How long do I have to file a bike accident lawsuit in Georgia?
Just like a car accident, bicycle accidents often trigger personal injury cases. A personal injury claim in Georgia must be filed within two years from the date of the crash. This time limit applies to bike accidents that lead to injuries or even death.
By legal standards, this deadline comes fast. Although two years may seem like a long time, it can go quickly when you are recovering from a severe injury. Involve an attorney as early as possible after the crash. Starting the process right away makes the investigation process much easier and often less expensive.
If you don’t file your case before the two-year deadline, your claim will likely immediately be dismissed. That means that you can’t recover any money for things like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The sooner you take action, the better.
What kind of injuries commonly result from a bicycle accident?
Bike accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor bruising and scrapes to injuries that could affect you for the rest of your life. Some of the most common injuries caused by bike accidents include:
- Neck and back injuries
- Head trauma
- Broken bones
- Disc bulging or ruptured discs
- Nerve damage
- Spinal cord injuries
Wrist fractures are very common because many bicyclists will automatically put their arms out to try to stop themselves from hitting a vehicle or the ground. These types of injuries often require surgery, and they can take a significant amount of time to heal. You may never be able to use your hand the same way again.
What are some common causes of bicycle accidents?
The most common cause of bicycle accidents is other drivers who don’t see bicyclists. Drivers are also commonly distracted, which makes spotting bicyclists even more difficult. Other common reasons bike accidents occur include:
- Poor maintenance or road conditions
- Speeding
- Driving too close to the bicycle lane
- Dangerous conditions on private property
- Flaws in the bicycle, including manufacturer and retailer defects
- The driver made a left-hand turn in front of a bicyclist
- Someone opened a door into the bicyclist’s path
Even when you are in a bicycle accident that did not involve another vehicle, you can still have a personal injury case. For example, if you recently had your bike serviced and your bike chain comes off while you are riding because the servicer didn’t put the chain back on correctly, that can result in a serious crash. In those circumstances, the bike shop that worked on your bike may be responsible for your injuries and damages.
In situations where unexpected hazards cause your crash, you may also have a legal case. Imagine you are riding on private property when there is suddenly a drop in the sidewalk. The uneven surface can cause you to lose control and crash. Poor maintenance that leads to accidents can also result in a lawsuit.
If you suspect that your crash was caused by the fault of another person, you may have legal options. The best way to determine whether you have a personal injury case is to talk to a knowledgeable Georgia lawyer who has experience with bicycle accidents. Our lawyers would love to sit down with you and walk you through your legal options.
Talk to an Acworth Bicycle Accident Lawyer for Free
Bicycle accidents can be very serious. You need a legal professional who knows the ins and outs of these cases. Our lawyers have years of experience that they can put to good use for you. Don’t wait to make the call—contact us at 1-404-341-6555 or fill out the form to the right to schedule your free consultation today.
