Bike Accidents

Bicycles are used by many as a way of life. Many choose to ride bicycles as a mode of transportation, for fitness, or to obtain quality times with friends or family. In many places, including Georgia, bicycles are considered vehicles and must be ridden on the roadways. As such, bicyclists have the same right to use the road as other, motorized vehicles. Unfortunately, not all drivers respect this right and riders are exposed to dangerous conditions. When bicycle accidents occur, the results can be catastrophic, with many victims left with life-altering injuries or fatalities. The Marietta bike accident attorneys at the Persons Firm represent these victims, as well as families who have lost loved ones in a devastating accident. If you have questions about your legal rights following a bike accident, contact our office today for a risk-free initial consultation.

Bicycle accidents account for a small percentage of overall accidents that occur on Georgia roadways. However, despite the relatively small number of accidents, the risk of injury is far greater on a bicycle when compared to accidents involving larger passenger vehicles. Bicyclists often encounter hazardous road and weather conditions, aggressive drivers, and other unforeseen circumstances that lead to accidents. When these incidents occur, bicyclists often suffer debilitating physical injuries. The most common bicycle injuries are sustained to the head and spine.

The most common bike injuries are those victims sustain to their heads. Head injuries are also usually severe, regardless of whether or not a helmet was worn at the time of the incident. In many bike accidents, traumatic brain injuries occur. Traumatic brain injuries, which are also referred to as ‘TBI’ can range from minor concussions to more severe cases in which brain bleeding occurs. The most catastrophic TBIs require significant changes to a victim’s daily life, which not only includes lengthy rehabilitative efforts but the costs associated with them. Consulting a knowledgeable Marietta bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible following your injury is important to ensuring the proper parties are held liable.

Spinal injuries are unfortunately another common type of injury associated with bicycle accidents. After a fall, many experience damages to the nerves within the spinal cord, which often requires corrective surgery followed by short or long term therapy to regain function. In some cases, victims never fully recover, leaving them in a paraplegic or quadriplegic state.

If you or your loved one has been involved in an accident, you may be wondering whether you are entitled to monetary compensation. The answer to this question will depend on a variety of factors. During an initial consultation, we will take steps to determine whether you are entitled to relief, which will include a determination of when the accident occurred, how the accident occurred, if the individuals responsible for the accident are known, and whether you sustained injuries as a result of the accident. Answers to these common consultation questions typically prompt more detailed questions and responses about a potential claim. Our bicycle accident attorneys in Marietta have the experience and expertise to evaluate your answers in order to properly assess the chances of successful legal action.

Generally, bicycle accidents are caused by one or more party’s negligence. Unfortunately, most often it is a negligent driver who fails to take proper care in respecting a bicyclist’s valid use of the road. Some examples of negligent acts are:

• Failure to yield the right of way.
• Parked drivers failing to check for oncoming cyclists before opening their car door.
• Excessive speeding.
• Failure to leave adequate room when passing a bicyclist.

When another’s negligence causes your injuries, or results in the death of a loved one, that party should be held accountable. Compensation that might be available in these cases include past and future medical expenses, loss of income or earning capacity, as well as pain and suffering. In wrongful death actions, certain family members may also be awarded funeral and burial costs and loss of support damages.

If you have been injured in an accident while riding your bicycle, you need an experienced Marietta injury attorney on your side. When you meet with The Persons Firm for an initial consultation, you will have a clear understanding of your right to relief, which will allow you to make an informed decision on how to proceed. The Persons Firm is located in Marietta, but we represent clients throughout Georgia in personal injury and wrongful death claims. Contact us today to determine how we can help you obtain relief.