Fort Oglethorpe Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycles are considered vehicles under Georgia traffic and civil law. This classification means they follow the same rules on the road as cars and must also be afforded the same protections. Motorists need to exercise due caution when operating their cars to avoid colliding with a rider. If motorists do not, a crash resulting in injuries ranging from lacerations and broken bones to paralysis and brain damage may occur.

If you are injured in an accident with an automobile while riding your bike, a Fort Oglethorpe bicycle accident lawyer could help you hold the driver responsible. In the process, our skilled personal injury attorneys could help you recover the compensation you need to move forward with your life physically, emotionally, and financially.

Bicycle Laws in Fort Oglethorpe

In Fort Oglethorpe, certain statutes have been enacted to protect bicyclists and reduce the risk of an accident with a car. Several laws contained in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated specifically address interactions between bicyclists and motorists, including:

  • 40-6-55, which says motorists must yield to bicyclists who are riding in a bicycle lane
  • 40-6-56, which requires that motorists keep a safe distance (no less than three feet) between themselves and a bicyclist when overtaking and passing a rider going in the same direction on the road

For more information about bicycle laws, reach out to a Fort Oglethorpe bicycle accident lawyer. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney could answer an individual’s questions regarding the rules of the road and how it applies to his or her case.

What are the Common Causes of Bike Accidents?

About half of all bicycle crashes in Georgia involve a collision with a vehicle. According to Georgia Bikes, a statewide organization, the most common causes of bike accidents with cars are the result of a motorist:

  • Failing to yield at a stop or yield sign
  • Making a turn in front of an oncoming bicyclist
  • Failing to yield in an intersection
  • Entering a roadway from a driveway

How Does a Bike Accident Victim Prove Negligence?

In many cases, when motorists are at fault for an accident involving a bike, it is because they failed to see the cyclist, often due to driver distraction, fatigue, or impairment. Since drivers have a duty to keep a safe lookout when operating their cars, the cyclist may have a cause of action for negligence under such circumstances.

To file a lawsuit against a driver for his or her negligent behavior, a plaintiff must establish that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care and breached the duty through his or her actions or inaction. The plaintiff must also show that the breach caused his or her injuries and that he or she suffered damages. A seasoned Fort Oglethorpe bicycle accident attorney could help an injured individual prove negligence.

According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, a bicyclist whose negligent behavior also contributed to the crash that resulted in his or her injuries can still recover damages if he or she is found to be less than 50 percent at fault. However, the amount the plaintiff is awarded may be reduced in proportion to the percentage of his or her fault.

Working With a Fort Oglethorpe Bicycle Accident Attorney

A bike accident resulting from a driver’s negligent behavior can cause serious injuries that may require life-long medical care. If you did not cause such an accident, you should not be the one to pay for these consequences.

An experienced Fort Oglethorpe bicycle accident lawyer could help you establish the defendant’s fault in the accident by helping you gather evidence and negotiating on your behalf. With our professional representation, we could help you recover the damages you need to heal and move on. Call us to discuss your situation today.