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Gainesville Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Fighting on Behalf of Injured Cyclists

Bicycle accidents often lead to devastating injuries. Even when cyclists wear protective gear and safely follow all the rules of the road, they are not immune to serious accidents and life-altering injuries. If you or someone you love was hit by a distracted or negligent motorist, turn to the Gainesville bicycle accident lawyers at Hasty Pope, LLP. We have been fighting for victims of negligence since 1953 and have recovered more than $100 million for our clients. We understand just how challenging this time may be, and we are here to help you navigate the legal process, fight to hold the at-fault party responsible, and work to secure the fair compensation you are owed.

Injured in a bicycle accident? We can help! Call (770) 741-1951 or submit an online case evaluation form to get started with your free initial consultation.

Georgia Bicycle Laws

At Hasty Pope, LLP, we are advocates for safe cycling. By knowing and following both local and state bicycle laws, you can reduce the risk of an accident and keep yourself—and others—safe.

Here are some important Georgia bicycle laws every cyclist should know:

  • Anyone under the age of 16 must wear an approved bicycle helmet while riding. Those aged 16 and up do not need to wear a helmet by law, but should consider doing so, as this is one of the best ways to prevent serious head and/or brain injuries in the event of a crash.
  • People over the age of 12 may not ride a bicycle on a sidewalk under Georgia law. There are currently no exceptions to this rule.
  • Anyone using a bicycle at night must have, at minimum, one red reflector attached to the rear of the bike and one white headlight that can be observed from a minimum distance of 300 feet. Rear lights are not required, but they are recommended.
  • Whenever practical, bicyclists should ride as far to the right of the road/a lane as possible. Bicyclists may use the full lane to turn left, avoid hazards, pass parked vehicles or those moving in the same direction as the cyclist, avoid a right turn only lane, or when the lane/road is narrow. Cyclists may also use the full lane when traveling at the same speed as traffic.
  • Drivers must leave a “safe distance,” defined as no less than three feet, when passing a bicyclist.
  • Two bicyclists may ride side by side on a roadway, but more than two bicyclists may not unless they are on a bicycle path or using a bicycle lane/area of the road specifically intended for bicyclists.

It is also important to note that all bicyclists in Georgia must follow the same general rules of the road as any other vehicle operator. This includes stopping at red lights/stop signs, following traffic control devices, and refraining from operating a bicycle while intoxicated, among other rules.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Of course, even the safest bicyclists are not able to anticipate the behavior of a distracted, drunk, or negligent motorist. All too often, bicyclists are involved in accidents that they could not control, but which the at-fault motorist could have—and should have—prevented. When this is the case, the injured cyclist can take legal action against the liable motorist and seek compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents that can be attributed to another’s negligence include:

  • Distracted driving, including using a cell phone/texting while driving
  • Motorists speeding, passing too closely to cyclists, and engaging in other reckless behavior
  • Driving while intoxicated/under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Motorists failing to yield the right-of-way to bicyclists
  • Motorists failing to check for bicyclists in bike lanes before turning
  • Opening car doors into the path of oncoming cyclists
  • Motorists failing to follow traffic control devices, such as red lights and stop signs
  • Motorists violating traffic laws
  • Pedestrian negligence (walking/standing in bike lanes, darting in front of cyclists, etc.)

These are just some of the causes of bicycle accidents; negligence can and does contribute to serious cycling accidents in nearly countless ways. If you were injured as a result of someone else’s careless or reckless behavior, turn to our Gainesville bicycle accident lawyers to learn how we can help.

Request a Free Consultation Today

At Hasty Pope, LLP, we have handled numerous bicycle accident claims on behalf of injured cyclists throughout Georgia. Our attorneys have over 130 years of combined experience and have taken hundreds of cases to trial, securing hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. We offer free initial consultations and contingency fees, meaning you do not owe us a thing unless/until we recover compensation for you.

You have nothing to lose by contacting our Gainesville bicycle accident attorneys to discuss your case; call (770) 741-1951 today to get started.

Hear It From Our Clients

  • Expectations Exceeded

    “They truly cared about our recovery and health while keeping focused on our issues. The team exceeded our expectations. While we are glad it is behind us, we will miss the time we spent with them.”

    - Brian and Sheryl
  • Simply the best

    “I always felt like they had my best interest at heart. Very professional & made me feel at ease. I know who I will call if ever need a top notch Lawer again. On point in every way.”

    - Christine Chester
  • Absolutely satisfied with the way were treated

    “We were treated like we mattered and I am happy with the service that we were received our questions were answered and everything was taken care of in a very timely manner.”

    - Michael Smith
  • Top notch service

    “I couldn't be happier with the way that my family was trading in the way that we were taking care of the service was amazing the whole firm was absolutely outstanding and making sure that we were taken care of the way that we should have been.”

    - Nicole Smith
  • Thank you John & Kirsten

    “I’ve experienced many firms, this is definitely the most professional by far! Took my case the same day when no one else would even look into it. I was always informed and updated.”

    - Vanessa
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Our Clients' Successes

  • $9,000,000 Wrongful Death

    Settlement of $9 million in September of 2019. This was for the family of a 20-year-old man struck and killed by a driver who crossed the centerline in Cherokee County, Georgia on May 18, 2018.

  • $6,000,000 Truck Accident

    A tractor-trailer lost control and struck two motorcyclists, both suffered catastrophic injuries.

  • $5,000,000 Rear-End Accident

    A female client was rear-ended at a high rate of speed in Fannin County, Georgia, a county in North Georgia. The negligent driver was following too closely and failed to maintain control of her vehicle.

  • $2,800,000 Dental Malpractice

    A woman sustained permanent injury to her mouth and teeth as result of dental work performed below the standard of care by a dentist employed by a large corporate dental chain.

  • $2,500,000 Intersection Collision

    A woman suffered multiple injuries including head trauma, multiple rib fractures, and a collapsed left lung when another car ran a red light and struck her vehicle in West Palm Beach, Fla.

  • $2,000,000 Intersection Collision

    Our 76-year-old client, Sara, was on her way home from the salon. She was driving through an intersection on a green light when a young driver turned in front of her.

  • $1,735,000 Distracted Driving Accident

    Our client was struck and killed on I-985 in Hall County, Georgia. Our client had pulled off I-985 to secure his load and was outside all lanes of travel.

  • $1,700,000 T-Bone Collision

    A woman suffered permanent injury to her dominant arm after being involved in a collision at Davis Drive and Mansell Road in Alpharetta, Georgia.

  • $1,650,000 Accident on MARTA Bus

    Our client sustained an injury in an accident in which the wheelchair ramp of a MARTA bus closed on her foot in 2016.

  • $1,300,000 Rear-End Collision

    Our client, a 49 year-old small business owner was on his way home from a job when his life was forever changed - he was rear ended at a high rate of speed by a large construction truck.

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