Articles Tagged with Bicycle Accidents

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People who ride bicycles around town know that there are certain risks to their activities but still generally feel comfortable while riding. Many situations can arise, however, that lead to bicycle accidents in which people suffer serious injuries. 

The injuries that are possible in a bicycle accident are almost limitless, with some people only suffering minor harm that heals relatively quickly while many others can be dealing with injuries that will require several months if not years of rehabilitation. When another party is at fault for a bicycle accident, then that party could be liable for a person’s injuries. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident area in the area, call us today to speak with a bicycle accident lawyer in Atlanta.

Types of Bicycle Accidents

Two cyclists biking on a streetPre-COVID, more and more Americans each year were commuting to work on bicycles. While still a small fraction of overall daily commuters, numbers were on the rise. While no statistics are available on bicycle commuting during the pandemic, continued growth in bicycle commuting likely stalled. After all, many Americans suddenly found themselves in “nonessential” jobs and were either laid off or otherwise found themselves unemployed. However, it seems likely that the upward trend in commuting via bicycle will continue as life becomes a little more normal, whenever that might turn out to be. 

If so, then bicycle accidents in traffic crashes likely will become an issue again.

In 2018, there were 857 traffic fatalities among bicycle riders. Each year, there are about 450,000 bicycle-related injuries nationwide. Whether commuting, exercising, or just out for some fun, bicycle riders on the roadways have the same rights – and responsibilities – as any other vehicle on the roads. Given their near-total lack of protection, bicyclists involved in a traffic accident are far more likely to be injured, perhaps seriously, than the occupants of a car or truck. If you were the injured bicyclist, how do you determine your damages from a traffic accident?

A man on a road bikeBicycle accidents can leave victims with extremely serious injuries that result in astronomical medical bills and keep them out of work for weeks or months. In addition, victims often experience tremendous physical and emotional pain and suffering as a result of their accident, often long after their initial injuries have healed.

If you have recently been involved in a bicycle accident, you may be wondering how much compensation you will be able to recover. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question, and every case is completely different. That said, there are some factors that will determine how much your case is worth. For more information, call us today to connect with an Atlanta bicycle accident lawyer.

Your Injuries

a bicycle parked on a sidewalkWith 80 million bicyclists on the road with various motorized vehicles, drivers and bicyclists should always follow applicable laws and safety tips for the road. Since May is National Bicycle Safety Month, there has never been a better time to review the steps you can take to keep everyone safe. If you or someone you love suffered an injury while riding a bike, a knowledgeable Georgia personal injury lawyer can help.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

Although bicycling is an excellent form of physical exercise and a great way to enjoy the outdoors, it has inherent dangers. The number of deaths from bicycle accidents grew by 29 percent over eight years, from 793 in 2010 to 1,024 in 2017, according to data from Injury Facts®. Of the 1,024 bicyclist deaths in 2017, over 66 percent involved motor vehicles. In 2018 alone, 857 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes in the United States. This represents a seven percent increase over 2017. Since 1975, bicyclist fatalities have decreased by 15 percent. This is good news, except that these fatalities reached their lowest point in 2010 and have since increased by 38 percent.

illustration of a car and bicycle collisionIf you’re a cyclist, you are probably very familiar with the hazards you face every time you go out on the road. Distracted drivers, potholes, and angry dogs are just three of the common dangers that can quickly ruin your ride. But do you know what to do if you are injured in a bicycle accident? The steps you take immediately following your accident can be crucial in the event that you need to pursue a claim for your injuries. 

Stay Calm and Contact the Police

If you were hit by a car, emotions may be running high and you may be in considerable pain. You do not want to provoke an altercation. Do your best to stay calm and avoid making the situation worse. You should also contact the police, even if you don’t think you are injured. The police will come to the scene and prepare an accident report, which could be very helpful to your case if you have to pursue a claim later on. Get the officer’s name and badge number, and ask how to get a copy of the accident report once it’s ready.  

When most people think of car accident injuries, they think of injuries caused by two cars colliding with each other. After all, since most of us drive a personal vehicle to commute each day, this is our primary concern. However, riding a bicycle as a form of transportation has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially in large cities like Atlanta. While there are several advantages to cycling over driving an automobile, including being healthier, better for the environment, and just more fun all around, safety is not one of them. Cyclists face serious injury or even death when they are struck by automobiles.

Bicycle Accident Liability Basics

Bicycle accidents involve many of the same determinations of fault as auto accidents. In fact, bicycles are considered “vehicles” for legal purposes in Georgia, meaning that the general rules of vehicular traffic apply to bikes on the same basis as motor vehicles. This includes driving on the right side of the road, stopping at stop signs and lights, and using forward and rearward illumination at night.

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