Are you or your loved ones facing the consequences of a bicycle accident in Atlanta? If so, you can claim compensation for your damages. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bicycle crashes account for nearly 130,000 emergency department visits. More than 1,000 deaths result from bicycle accidents in the United States annually.
There is a wide range of injuries related to bicycle accidents, ranging from minor scrapes and fractures to more serious injuries like head trauma and organ damage. These injuries are often costly to treat, so claiming compensation from the negligent driver for the damages you’ve suffered is vital.
A bicycle accident lawyer can help you pursue your personal injury claim. These lawyers represent cyclists injured in bicycle accidents. In addition to explaining personal injury law and proving negligence, cycling accident lawyers can help you file a civil lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Right turn accidents:
These accidents frequently occur when drivers are watching oncoming traffic to their left but fail to look right to check for oncoming cyclists or pedestrians before starting their turn. Right turn accidents most frequently occur at stop lights, stop signs and parking lot exits.
Opening car doors:
Parked cars can be dangerous too, especially if someone opens their door as a bike rider is approaching. These accidents can result in serious injuries, especially if the bike rider is going relatively fast. Liability in these cases can be difficult to establish, so it’s important to consult with a bike accident attorney as soon as possible.
Failing to give bike riders adequate space:
In Georgia, cars must give bike riders at least three feet of space when passing. If a vehicle can’t give the bike rider three feet of space, they must stay behind the rider until it’s possible to do so. Not every driver is that patient, and accidents can easily happen when impatient drivers try to zip past bike riders with limited room.
Here are the main steps for filing a bicycle accident claim:
Step 1: Report the Accident and Collect Evidence
You need to call 911 and report the bike incident. The police will draft a report documenting the details of the accident. The police report contains the date, location, weather, road conditions, witnesses, and parties involved.
You want to collect as much evidence as possible at the scene. Take photos of your injuries and damage to your bike. You can also take photos of damaged property. Witness names and contact information are also crucial for your arsenal. Remember to take the other driver’s insurance company information, contact, and license plate.
When you cannot collect evidence, hire a lawyer to investigate the accident scene.
Step 2: Seek Medical Attention and Document Your Injuries
Next, seek medical attention after the accident for a thorough evaluation. Keep track of all your medical records, medical expenses, and receipts. These can help prove the extent and severity of your injuries.
A bicycle accident attorney can help a bicycle rider in the following ways:
- Legal advice and guidance: With our extensive experience, our attorneys will explain the laws and regulations that apply to your case. These include the statute of limitations, the comparative negligence rule, and the types and amounts of damages you can recover. We are also always ready to answer questions you may have about your case.
- Investigation and evidence collection: Our team can assist you in gathering and preserving evidence supporting your claim. Then, we will evaluate your case and guide you on the best course of action. The evidence we can help you collect includes the following:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Video footage
- Photos
- Negotiation and settlement: In addition to assisting you with negotiations with the negligent driver’s insurance company, we can protect you from tricks used by the insurance company to reduce your claim.
- Litigation and representation: Our team can help prepare and file the paperwork and evidence to initiate your lawsuit. We’ll stay on top of things and ensure that the discovery process, motions, and responses are handled correctly. In addition, we can handle any appeals or post-trial motions.
The Dressie Law Firm prides itself on offering client-centered services. Feel free to contact us for more information.
Reach Out to Dressie Law Firm TodayGet a FREE Case Evaluation
Getting injured in a bike accident can be a life-changing experience. The right attorney can make all the difference in your quest for fair compensation for your injuries.
Reach out to a bicycle accident attorney at the Dressie Law Firm today. Our Atlanta bicycle accident attorneys will fight for your rights and interests to help you get justice.
We understand the stress and confusion that can come with a bicycle accident. You can rely on us to guide you through the legal process and fight tirelessly for the compensation you deserve.
We can evaluate your case, advise you on the options to take, and answer your bicycle accidents questions. You can focus on recovering from your bicycle accident injuries while we do the heavy lifting for you.
Schedule a consultation with our bicycle accident lawyers now!
