Bicycles are economical and healthy modes of transportation in Stonecrest. Unfortunately, bicycle accidents are far too common. When a bicycle crashes, the injuries and damages are often serious. Bicyclists can face costly medical bills, many missed workdays, and emotional trauma for many years to come.
Serious damages are common because bicyclists have much less protection during a collision. If you or a loved one were hurt in this type of crash, contact a Stonecrest bicycle accident lawyer today. You might deserve total compensation for the damages.
Our experienced and compassionate Stonecrest personal injury lawyers at John Foy & Associates can help. As one of Georgia’s largest law firms, we’ve been helping accident victims for over 20 years. We also do not collect a fee unless we win you compensation. To discuss your rights during a FREE consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Why Bicycle Accidents Happen
Anyone can be at fault during a bicycle accident. However, the driver of a car or truck is often responsible. Motorists are more likely to ignore or fail to check for bicycles on the road.
Here are some common situations where drivers cause bicycle accidents:
- A driver changes lanes without checking their blind spot first. They fail to see a bicycle on the roadside and collide with them or run them off the road.
- A driver makes a right or left turn at an intersection before checking, colliding with a bicycle rider.
- Someone opens their car door after parking without looking at the street first. The driver’s door hits a bicyclist who is passing the car.
- A motorist drives too closely behind a bicycle rider, hitting the rider when they slow down to stop or turn.
Bikes have a right to be on Stonecrest roads, but many drivers don’t realize this. For example, according to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, riding with traffic is actually safe for a cyclist. Riding facing oncoming traffic doubles or quadruples the risk of an accident.
A driver might blame a bicycle rider after an accident. The motorist could think the ride has no right to be where they were on the road. In reality, the driver is more likely to be at fault. If you were injured on the bike, chances are high that you were not at fault.
Drivers should maintain a safe distance when passing a bicycle. Many bicycle accidents happen because of driver negligence, such as:
- Speeding
- Failing to yield
- Unsafe lane changes
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Tailgating
If a driver caused your accident, you’ll need to show how. You can probably seek compensation through a personal injury claim. The first step is usually to file a claim with the driver’s insurance company.
Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were nearly 467,000 bicycle-related injuries and 1,000 deaths in 2015. Although bicycle rides are less common than car trips, bicyclists are more likely to suffer serious injuries or death during a crash.
Bicycle accident injuries are often life-changing. Bike riders do not have the same degree of protection as motorists. There’s little between the rider and the open road, even while wearing a helmet or other protective gear.
Common injuries from bicycle accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Road rash
- Broken bones
- Dislocations, sprains, and strains
- Nerve damage
- Neck and shoulder injuries
Bicycle crash injuries can be long-term. Many cyclists need years of medical treatment to fully recover. Some injuries become permanent, not to mention the financial and emotional effects of the accident.
Personal Injury Damages from Bicycle Accidents
A personal injury case must reflect what you’ve lost from your accident injuries. These losses are known as your “damages.”
Common damages from bicycle accidents include:
- Medical treatment costs, such as doctor bills and medications
- Future medical care for your injuries
- Lost wages from having to miss work time
- Loss of earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work
- Property damage to your bicycle or other personal objects
- Pain and suffering, such as mental anguish and loss of enjoyment of life
Bicycle accident damages tend to be severe. Injuries can take months or even years to fully recover. If possible, it’s best to fully complete treatment before you file a claim.
An experienced lawyer can determine all of your losses. Pain and suffering damages are often the most difficult. These damages do not have a set dollar amount like medical bills or lost wages. Your lawyer will use their own formula to put a value on your emotional damages.
If you were not at fault for your bicycle accident, you have rights. You might deserve full compensation for everything you’ve lost. However, you cannot automatically receive money without a claim. A bicycle accident lawyer can help by gathering information, building your claim, and fighting for your rights.
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Don’t Wait to Get Started on Your Case
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for injury claims is two years. That means you have two years from your accident to bring legal action. If you miss the deadline, you probably won’t be able to recover anything.
Get started today to make sure you stay within the limitations period. It can take time to build a claim, and your lawyer might need extra time to negotiate. Contact a lawyer today to ensure you stay on track.
Talk to a Stonecrest Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
Bicycle accident damages are often serious and life-threatening. If you or a loved one were hurt in a bicycle accident, you have legal options. An experienced lawyer can help fight for the compensation you deserve.
At John Foy & Associates, we have over 20 years of experience helping accident victims. As the “Strong Arm,” we’re not afraid to fight for what you deserve. We also do not collect a fee unless we win your case.
You can get started today at no risk during a FREE consultation. To get your case review, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online. We are available 24/7 to take your call.
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