Canton Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Bike Accident Claims in Georgia

The Georgia Department of Transportation says bicycle riders are ten times more likely to be involved in an accident than those riding in automobiles. Bike accidents have a higher mortality rate and can cause serious injuries.

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident and are concerned about who is going to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and the associated pain and suffering, let the Canton bicycle accident attorneys at Hasty Pope, LLP can help. Our goal is to protect your rights by developing an effective legal strategy that will position you for success. We offer free case evaluations to those who were injured and are seeking legal counsel from a professional and highly reputable law firm.

Georgia Bicycle Laws

If you ride a bicycle or drive near bicyclists in Georgia, you should be aware of the state’s bicycle laws. Bicycles are considered vehicles, meaning cyclists share the same rights and responsibilities as other motorists operating cars, trucks, SUVs, and other motor vehicles.

Below is a brief overview of some of Georgia’s bicycle laws:

• Bicyclists are expected to follow all traffic laws when riding, including obeying traffic control devices, such as red lights, stop signs, etc.
• Anyone under the age of 16 must wear an approved bicycle helmet when riding a bike.
• Anyone over the age of 12 may not ride a bicycle on a sidewalk.
• Bicyclists should stay as far to the right of a roadway as possible except when turning left, avoiding hazards, traveling at the same speed as traffic, passing a vehicle (parked or moving), or when there is a right turn lane but the cyclist is not turning right or the lane is too narrow to safely ride side by side with vehicles.
• Motor vehicle operators must leave a “safe distance” of no less than three feet when passing bicycles on the roadway.
• Cyclists may ride two abreast on the road, but may not ride more than two abreast anywhere other than designated bike lanes, bike paths, or areas of the road specifically set apart exclusively for bicycles.

Keep in mind that bicycle laws may vary from municipality to municipality; make sure you know the bicycle laws of your city or town.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, be sure to inform your attorney of all the details surrounding the accident. We will need to know what caused the accident to properly handle your case.

Bicycle accidents are often caused by:

• Negligent motorists
• Defective bicycles/bicycle parts
• Defective roadways
• Negligent pedestrians or fellow cyclists

Negligent motorists are the leading cause of bicycle accidents. When drivers are not careful or drive aggressively around cyclists, they can cause serious accidents that leave cyclists dealing with catastrophic or even life-threatening injuries.

Some of the ways in which negligent drivers put bicyclists at risk include:

• Driving while distracted
• Texting while driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Speeding
• Following or passing too closely
• Driving or stopping in a designated bike lane
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Failing to stop at red lights or stop signs
• Opening car doors into bicyclists
• Engaging in road rage
• Failing to share the road with cyclists

These and other unsafe driving behaviors can have devastating consequences. If you believe a negligent motorist was at fault for your bike accident, contact Hasty Pope, LLP to learn how we can help.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Even when cyclists ride carefully, they cannot always predict when a motorist might act negligently or cause an accident. Unfortunately, the people on bicycles are the ones who sustain the most severe injuries in these collisions.

Some of the most common injuries arising from bicycle accidents include:

• Broken bones/fractures
• Bruising/contusions
• Concussions
• Cuts, scrapes, and lacerations
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Paralysis
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries

These and other serious injuries can have long-lasting effects and, in the most tragic cases, may even be fatal. Victims who survive may need extensive medical treatment and ongoing care. They may suffer significant impairments, as well as a number of physical, emotional, and financial hardships.

At Hasty Pope, LLP, LLP, our Canton bicycle accident lawyers understand the devastating impact a bike accident can have on your life. We believe that negligent parties should be held accountable for the harm they cause, which is why our team is ready to fight aggressively for the maximum compensation you are owed.

How Hasty Pope, LLP, LLP Can Help

At Hasty Pope, LLP, we cover every base. Our Canton bike accident lawyers will do what it takes to help you seek a positive outcome.

Some of the actions we may take include:

• Evaluating the scene of the accident
• Interviewing witnesses
• Hiring experts to provide testimony
• Negotiating with the at-fault party’s insurance company
• Litigating your case

Depending on the circumstances of your bicycle accident, our attorneys can determine who is liable for your accident. You may need to file for compensation from a third party, such as the bicycle manufacturer, a government agency, an individual, or an insurance company. We strive to ensure you recover the maximum compensation you are owed.

Comprehensive Representation You Can Count On

When you need an attorney to help you get back on your feet, trust Hasty Pope, LLP. We have taken hundreds of cases to trial and have recovered more than $100 million for our clients. As a family-run law firm with over 150 years of combined experience and deep roots in the Polk/Cherokee County area, you can rely on our team to advocate for you.