Although bicycles are one of the slowest moving vehicles on the road in Roswell, they can be very vulnerable. Other cars are often not on the lookout for bicyclists as they should be. Their failure to pay attention can result in accidents that leave a bicyclist impaired for the rest of their lives. Even an open car door can be a hazard to a bicyclist. When you have been in a collision with a vehicle on your bike, you likely have legal options. You need to consult with a Roswell bicycle accident lawyer.
Let us help you. Our Roswell personal injury lawyers never work for insurance companies. The Strong Arm™ takes great pride in helping those who need us most: cyclists and other accident victims.
If you want compassionate counsel that will be there for you when you work through this challenging time, John Foy & Associates is ready to assist you—and our team has over 350 years of combined experience.
What are the most common causes of bicycle accidents in Roswell?
Bicycle accidents commonly take place because other vehicles are not aware of bicycles around them. They also may not understand what rules and regulations that bicycles must follow while on the road. Whether a biker had the right of way is often a significant issue in bicycle accident cases. Bike accidents commonly occur in the following situations:
Uncontrolled intersections.
When two vehicles arrive meet at an intersection, the car that was there first should be given the right of way. This is true if a bicyclist reaches the junction first as well. But, many drivers either don’t realize that this rule applies to bikes, or they may not seek a biker because they aren’t on the lookout for bicyclists.
Intersections with stop signs and stop lights.
Bicyclists should follow traffic control devices and signs, just as they would if they were driving a car. But, sometimes drivers, and even the biker themselves, may not be aware of this rule. This often leads to accidents and injuries.
Left-hand turns.
Accidents are often caused when a driver makes a left-hand turn into a bicyclist. Those making left-hand turns are required to yield the right of way to those going straight. But, again, drivers are usually watching for other cars and trucks, not bicyclists, when they are making left-hand turns.
Sharp right turns.
In some cases, a car may make a right-hand turn in front of a bicyclist. This situation is particularly common where a biker is in a bike lane riding alongside a vehicle. This type of accident is almost always the result of driver inattentiveness.
Door accidents.
When a bicyclist is riding alongside a row of parked cars, opening a door suddenly in front of their path can be devastating. The rider is often thrown from the bike when they run into the door. Exposure to sharp objects and debris is also common.
Rear-end collisions and sideswipe collisions.
Drivers sometimes have a hard time determining the distance between themselves and a biker. They may get too close either on the side or from behind, resulting in an accident. Mirrors are sometimes the cause of side-swipe collisions as well.
Distraction is a huge concern for drivers. Many bicycle accidents can be prevented if drivers would just pay more attention to what is going on around them.
What should I do if I was involved in a bike accident in Roswell?
You should treat bike accidents as you would any other type of traffic accident. That means that you should:
- Get medical attention right away if you need it
- Involve the police to report the accident
- Get the other driver’s contact and insurance information
- Talk to witnesses and get their contact information
- Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and damage to your bike
You should also call an experienced bike accident attorney as soon as you can after the accident. Your lawyer will be able to help you with your investigation, evaluate your case, and provide you with realistic advice on what your situation is worth and what you should do next. They can also work with the insurance company to negotiate a settlement that addresses your losses after your bike accident.
What kind of insurance will pay for my bicycle accident claim?
If you bike accident was caused because of the fault of another driver, you will likely be able to use the other driver’s insurance coverage to deal with your losses after a bike accident. This includes paying for things like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- And more
Georgia is a fault state, which means that the at-fault driver is responsible for any costs that they cause, even when you aren’t in another vehicle. It should also cover you as a pedestrian involved in a collision as well.
There are situations where the driver doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage to address all of your losses. In those cases, your own insurance coverage may apply if you have underinsured or uninsured insurance. That is, you look to your own insurance policy to determine how much insurance coverage is available to you.
You can also start a lawsuit against the other driver regardless of whether they have insurance. If the driver is determined to be at fault in court, then they will have to pay for your losses. That payment would come from them directly instead of through an insurance company. Those cases are more likely to go to trial, and it can be challenging to collect the money that is owed to you, even after you win. Your attorney will be able to help you weigh the pros and cons of taking this type of action after your bike crash.
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Talk to a Roswell Bicycle Lawyer for Free
You may have legal options after a bicycle accident. The only way to know for sure is to speak with an experienced Roswell attorney about the facts of your case. Let The Strong Arm™ give you a FREE consultation. Call today!
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