Many people don’t think about bicycle accidents in the same terms as car accidents or truck accidents. But the truth is, bike accidents in Gainesville are treated the same under the law—and victims injuries can be much more serious. If you’ve been hit by another vehicle on your bicycle, you’re likely facing steep medical bills, painful injuries, and more. You shouldn’t have to pay for any of this if you accident wasn’t your fault—and many times, with bike accidents, the motorist is to blame, not the bicyclist. It’s time to contact a Gainesville bicycle accident lawyer.
Our attorneys bring over 20 years of experience to the table, and we know how to navigate personal injury cases like bike accidents. We’ll give you a FREE consultation to talk about your case, discuss your options, and help you decide how best to move forward in your financial recovery. Don’t get left paying the bills for someone else’s negligence. Call us today at (404) 341-6555 or complete the form to your right for a free consultation.
Four Steps to Take If You’re Hit By a Car on Your Bike
The moments after an accident are painful, scary, and often overwhelming—especially if you were riding a bike. Bicycles just don’t have the same level of protection compared with motor vehicles, so the aftermath is often more extreme. However, it’s important to take action as best you can gathering evidence after a bicycle accident. The more information you can compile, the greater your chance of a full financial recovery from the accident.
Here are four things you should after being hit by a car on your bike:
1. Get Any Necessary Medical Treatment
If you’ve been badly hurt and need to see a doctor, don’t delay getting this help. Your well-being is the number one priority, so call for an ambulance if you need immediate treatment. Bike accident injuries can be serious even if you feel okay in the moment. So, don’t put off getting looked at by a medical professional as necessary.
2. Call Police
Besides making sure your medical needs are addressed, you should call Gainesville police as soon as possible after your accident to report what happened. Make sure you and your bike are pulled off to the side of the road to avoid oncoming traffic when you call.
Officers will come to the scene after you’ve reported the accident and create a police report. This is good because it ensures there’s a record of the accident for your case. Tell police officers exactly what you can remember happening before, during, and after the accident. If the other driver was acting strange or you suspect they were acting illegally, such as driving while intoxicated, let officers know that too.
You can also remind police that bicycles have the same right to be on the road as other drivers. Unfortunately, bicyclists are rarely treated with the same respect on the road, but you have an equal right to use the roads.
3. Gather Information from the Scene
If you’re able, document the details of the bicycle accident as fully as possible. Here are some things you can do:
Take pictures of the scene
Use your smartphone to take photos of damage to your bicycle, your injuries, and the whole accident scene. This can act as solid evidence of what occurred and the damages the accident cause. If the motorist is acting suspicious, try to get pictures or video of them too, including their vehicle and its license plate.
Write down what you remember
Use your phone or a piece of paper to record what you remember from the accident if you’re still waiting for police to arrive. This will ensure everything is written down while still fresh in your memory.
Talk to witnesses
If anyone saw the accident occur, ask for their contact information and whether they’d be willing to give a statement to police.
4. Call a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been in a bicycle accident, you need a legal professional on your side. A good Gainesville bicycle accident lawyer will know the steps to take in gathering information and building a solid case to get you the financial recovery you deserve. And also contact a lawyer before you accept ANYTHING or give any statements to the other driver’s insurance company.
What if I Was “Doored”?
“Dooring” is where a cyclist is hit by or rides into a car door that a driver opened quickly and without checking first. While dooring might sound fairly minor, it can be very bad for the cyclist. Dooring accidents can lead to injuries like:
- Cuts and bruising
- Serious bone fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries
- Nerve damage
- Organ damage
Drivers of motor vehicles are required under Georgia law to treat bicyclists as their equals on the road. This means motorists have a responsibility to check their side view mirrors when parked on streets before opening their doors. If a driver is not checking properly for incoming bicycles and a cyclist gets “doored” as a result, that could be an example of them acting negligently.
If the motorist’s carelessness is found to have caused the accident, they are liable for your damages. That includes:
- Medical bills for doctor’s visits, prescription medications, surgeries, and more
- Lost wages from missing work due to the accident
- Repair or replacement costs for your bicycle
- Any permanent disability or disfigurement
- Pain and suffering costs
If you were doored or injured in any other way during a bicycle accident, you should contact a bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible so they can help you pursue the fullest financial recovery possible.
Talk to a Gainesville Bicycle Accident Lawyer for Free
Bikes can be on Gainesville roads just like all other drivers. Don’t let the careless actions of another driver leave you with the burden of medical bills and damages your bicycle. Call a bicycle accident lawyer today. Our attorneys have 20+ years of experience helping bike accident victims get back on their feet after the pain and stress of their accident by getting the financial recovery they deserve. For a FREE consultation with one of our experienced attorneys, call us today at (404) 341-6555, or fill out the form to your right.
