Bicycling is a popular way to commute, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors in Lawrenceville. While riding offers many benefits, it may also come with risks, especially when cyclists share the road with cars and trucks.
When a bicycle accident happens, riders often face serious injuries and difficult legal questions. This is where a bicycle accident lawyer in Lawrenceville comes in.
At John Foy & Associates, we understand how dangerous a bicycle accident can be and believe you deserve compensation for your injuries. With over 350 years of combined experience, our personal injury lawyer in Lawrenceville is here to help you receive the maximum possible compensation.
Why Bicycle Accidents Are Often More Serious Than Car Accidents
Bicyclists have far less protection than drivers in motor vehicles. Even a low-speed collision can cause serious injuries. While cyclists may have helmets or possibly even additional padding, the protection offered is minimal compared to that provided by a car or truck. This often increases the severity of injuries.
Not only do cyclists have to worry about the initial impact from the car or truck, but there is also the secondary collision with the ground or any other objects that they may have been pushed into. The resulting injuries can be catastrophic, leaving you with lasting effects such as long-term disabilities and pain.
As a cyclist, you deserve to feel safe on the road in the same way any other traveler does. If you have been the victim of a bicycle accident, a bicycle accident attorney in Lawrenceville can work with you to see how much your case may be worth and secure the settlement you deserve.
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Bicycle Accidents in Lawrenceville Can Have Many Causes
Bicycle accidents can happen for many reasons, often involving driver error. Georgia mandates that the road be shared. With a multitude of laws outlined by Georgia Highway Safety for cyclists, in return, other vehicles are expected to treat bicyclists with respect and be cognizant of their safety. Common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Drivers failing to yield at intersections
- Unsafe passing or crowding bike lanes
- Distracted or impaired driving
- Opening car doors into bike lanes
- Poor road conditions leading to a lack of visibility
- Debris on the roadway either dropped or being kicked up by vehicles
Identifying the cause of the accident is key to determining responsibility. Sharing the road is an expectation in Georgia; therefore, bicyclists should feel safe while riding on the road just like any other driver.
In the unfortunate event that doesn’t happen, an attorney can work with you and guide you on how to file a claim for a bicycle accident.
Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
Because cyclists are unprotected, injuries can be severe. What may have been a minor fender bender if it were two vehicles can be a difficult, life-altering situation for a bicyclist.
Common injuries include:
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken arms, legs, and collarbones
- Road rash and deep abrasions
- Spinal cord damage
- Other back and nerve injuries
- Internal injuries
Some injuries may not be obvious right away, making medical care important after any crash. Prompt medical evaluation can lead to better healing and can help strengthen your case.
Injuries can worsen over time, so the sooner you receive treatment, the more likely you are to be able to recover, along with linking the injury to your accident.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Lawrenceville
The steps you take immediately following a bicycle accident can make a difference in your case. Understanding what you should do at the scene of a bicycle accident can be a key factor when determining whether you receive full compensation or only a percentage.
Key steps include:
- Seeking medical attention right away
- Calling law enforcement to document the crash
- Taking photos of the scene, bicycle, and injuries
- Gathering witness contact information
- Contacting a Lawrenceville bicycle accident lawyer
These actions help preserve important evidence. Additionally, it is essential that you do not admit fault or make formal statements without first speaking to an attorney.
Insurance companies may attempt to shift blame, but a qualified lawyer with John Foy & Associates will not let that happen.
How Fault Is Determined in Bicycle Accident Cases
Determining fault in a bicycle accident requires a close look at what happened before and during the crash. To do this, your attorney will gather evidence, speak to witnesses, and may even bring in outside expert witnesses to help prove your case.
Looking at all of the evidence may involve:
- Police reports
- Medical reports
- Investigating local traffic laws and right-of-way rules
- Eyewitness and expert witness statements
- Video footage or physical evidence of the scene and the accident
Georgia abides by a modified comparative negligence law (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33). This means that as long as you are less than 50% at fault, you may still be able to recover damages, minus your percentage of responsibility.
Understanding the Role of a Lawrenceville Bicycle Accident Attorney
A bicycle accident lawyer helps injured riders understand their rights and navigate the legal process. This includes explaining options, handling insurance communication, and protecting deadlines. The legal system is complex, and misfiling or missing deadlines can cost you your case.
While recovering from your injuries, the last thing you should have to worry about is fighting insurance adjusters. Your attorney can work on your behalf, having these conversations and handling negotiations, so you can focus on recovery.
Understanding how these cases work allows cyclists in Lawrenceville to make informed decisions after an accident. If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you are owed justice, and the right attorney can help you achieve that.
You Deserve an Attorney Who Will Fight for You
You were the victim in this accident, and you deserve a fierce advocate who will fight on your behalf.
At John Foy & Associates, we stop at nothing to secure a fair settlement that provides proper compensation for the pain and stress you’ve endured. Call us today to get started on building your case.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form