Griffin Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Cyclists in Griffin have the same rights to be on the road as motorists, but they are often treated as if they do not. This can cause a lot of stress in an accident, as the other party may be quick to blame the bicyclist. If you were hurt in a crash on your bike, you should understand your rights and talk to a Griffin bicycle accident lawyer as soon as you can.

Our Griffin personal injury lawyers have been helping injured cyclists since 1999. John Foy & Associates understands the unique challenges cyclists go through after an accident, and we’re here to make sure your rights are upheld. 

Contact The Strong Arm™ today to book your free bicycle accident case consultation.

Bicyclists Are Rarely at Fault in Accidents

Many drivers do not know what the laws are for bicyclists in Griffin. So, when a collision happens, they may be quick to assume the bicycle was in a place it shouldn’t be or simply getting in the way. This can be a risk to your rights as a cyclist since Georgia law dictates the at-fault party in an accident is responsible for a compensation of all damages (Georgia Code section 51-12-4).

Although there are exceptions, in most cases, cyclists are not at fault for auto accidents. There are several reasons for this:

• Bicyclists already try to avoid vehicles because they know they are more vulnerable.
• They often ride their bikes on the side of the road, not in traffic, so it’s more likely for cars to hit cyclists while not paying attention.
• Drivers are supposed to maintain a safe distance from bicycles when following or passing, and if not, it can easily lead to accidents.
• Most motorists are not used to looking for bicycles on Griffin roads, while cyclists are often hyper-aware of surrounding vehicles.

Unfortunately, Bicycles Are Often Blamed for Crashes

Even cyclists are rarely at fault for accidents, they are routinely blamed for them or assumed to be at fault. Car or truck drivers may blame the cyclist, but what matters most is how the insurance company sees the accident.

If you were not at fault for the accident that happened while you were on your bike, you should be legally entitled to seek compensation for your damages. You would do this by filing an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, the insurance company may look for ways to reduce how much they pay out.

Some tactics insurance companies may use to reduce your claim include:

• Rejecting the claim if you weren’t wearing a helmet
• Saying you were not paying attention or riding your bicycle recklessly
• Claiming the lights on your bike was not visible enough to prevent the accident
• Saying you were riding your bike in an illegal location, even if you weren’t

Unsuspecting bicyclists may get this type of response and assume their case is hopeless. But don’t let a negative response from the insurance company, or even a rejection, stop you. Instead, call a Griffin bicycle accident lawyer immediately. They can help you take the best action towards fighting for your rights to the money you deserve.

Types of Bicycle Accidents in Griffin

The most common bicycle accidents involve the cyclist and a car, truck, or another motor vehicle. However, sometimes roadway hazards can cause bicycle accidents in Griffin, too. Those might include:

• Potholes
• Sewer grates
• Uneven or damaged pavement
• Other obstacles that cause you to fall off or lose control of your bike

There are various hazards that can lead to injuries or damage to your bicycle. In these situations, you might assume the accident was caused by your own clumsiness or lack of attention. However, when a bicycle accident happens, there’s often someone who is responsible—even if it seems like another person was not directly involved.

Bicycle Accidents on Roads or Highways

Depending on the city, county, or state where the accident happened, the government may be at fault. You will need to report the accident and investigate who is responsible for the area where you crashed. Your claim will look different than a personal injury claim against a motorist, but you may still be entitled to compensation.

Bicycle Accidents on Business Property

If your accident happened at a business location, such as outside of a store or at a shopping center, the property owner may be responsible. You would be looking at a premises liability case against the at-fault party.

No matter how your bicycle accident happened, it’s best to talk to a Griffin bicycle accident lawyer right away. Most injury lawyers offer a free consultation, so you can tell them about your accident and go over your options at no risk.

A lawyer can also help protect you if the insurance companies try to reach out and get information from you. They can ensure your legal rights are upheld and you are not taken advantage of or unfairly blamed for what happened.

Talk to a Griffin Bicycle Accident Lawyer for Free

After a bicycle accident, we know how hard it can be to face the pain, medical costs, bicycle damage, lost work time, and other damages that you didn’t think you’d have to deal with. Our bicycle accident lawyers are here to legally protect you and fight for your rights to full compensation for your costs.

John Foy & Associates has been helping injured bicyclists recover what they need and deserve since 1999. We know the local law for bicycles, and we know what it takes to win these types of cases. Let us help support you and your family during this stressful time—starting with a FREE, no-risk consultation.

During the consultation, The Strong Arm™ can discuss your options and how much your case may be worth (which is often a lot more than you’d expect). If you decide to work with us, there is no fee or cost to you unless we win your case—making the whole process risk-free for you.