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.