Bike Accident Attorney in Atlanta, GA

A 2018 article from Atlanta Magazine determined bicycle accidents had more than doubled in Atlanta between 2006 and 2015. During this same time, there was a 26 percent increase in pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities.

The state of Georgia as a whole also ranks high (7th in the nation) for the most pedestrian and bicycle fatalities, although they also have one of the lowest percentages of bicyclists in the nation. The Director of the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition attributed the number of bicyclist accidents to the poor street design in Atlanta’s city streets.   

The city of Atlanta took this information seriously, vowing to ensure Atlanta’s city streets would be made friendlier and safer to those who bike and walk. Some of the methods used to accomplish this included making more room on specific roads for bicycle lanes, widening sidewalks, creating wide, attractive medians, and adding more lighting.  

Unfortunately, the majority of all bicycle accidents occurred on the following streets in Atlanta:

  • Peachtree
  • Piedmont Road
  • DeKalb Avenue
  • Monroe Drive
  • Howell Mill Road

In fact, 71 percent of all traffic-related fatalities were found to have occurred in only 6 percent of the city’s streets. The city also began converting abandoned railroad tracks into bicycle paths in an effort to make the city safer for all those who share the roads.

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Why Bicycle Accidents Are So Dangerous to Cyclists

When a motor vehicle hits a bicyclist, the injuries are likely to be severe, catastrophic, or deadly. Unlike those in the vehicle that are surrounded by a steel and glass cage and have airbags and seatbelts, the bicyclist has virtually no protection, other than a helmet, if worn. Because of this lack of protection, the bicyclist may suffer a wide range of injuries, including:

  • Spinal cord injury
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Internal organ damage
  • Internal bleeding
  • Fractures
  • Cuts, bruises, sprains, strains
  • Neck and back injuries

These injuries—particularly the more severe ones—can keep the bicyclist from returning to their place of work, therefore, preventing them from paying normal monthly expenses. The medical bills may be growing in an alarming manner, leaving the injured bicyclist feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. 

Having an experienced Atlanta bicycle accident attorney from Kim Law can truly make a difference in the outcome of your bicycle accident, allowing you to heal and get the medical treatments you need while your attorney handles the legal aspects of ensuring you get a fair settlement.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

In order to ensure you can hold the negligent driver accountable for your injuries, you will need to be able to clearly establish liability. Drivers are charged with a duty of care, meaning they must obey all traffic laws and rules of the road. When they fail to do so, they have breached their duty of care. If an accident resulted from that breach of duty, and injuries resulted from the accident, then the negligent driver can be proven liable for your injuries. Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:

Common Factors of Car Accidents:

    • Distracted drivers likely cause the majority of all auto accidents, including auto/bicycle accidents. Distractions can include eating entire meals while behind the wheel, talking on a cell phone, texting, changing GPS or other car controls, turning around to see what the children are doing in the back seat, talking to a passenger, or simply daydreaming.
    • Fatigued drivers are also much more common these days. Few adults are getting the amount of sleep they really need, meaning more and more drivers are driving while overly fatigued. When a driver has not slept for 18 hours or more, his or her reactions are slower and decision-making skills are not nearly as sharp.
    • Impaired drivers can hit other vehicles or bicycles because of slower reaction times, lack of proper judgment, slower response times, and slower reflexes when responding.
    • Drivers may fail to leave an adequate buffer between their vehicle and the cyclist, creating a dangerous situation for the cyclist.
    • Excess speed on the part of drivers causes many accidents, limiting the amount of time they have to make a decision, as well as increasing the time it takes to stop.
    • Drivers making unsafe lane changes can be extremely dangerous to bicyclists, as can drivers who make turns without looking for bicyclists.

     

    No matter how your Atlanta bicycle accident occurred, it is essential that you speak to a knowledgeable Atlanta bicycle accident attorney as quickly as possible. Your attorney will ensure your rights are protected throughout the process and will help you get the medical treatment you need to get your life back on track.

Contact Our Atlanta Bicycle Accident Lawyers

For years, the Kim Law Team has helped injured bicycle accident victims after suffering a serious injury in a crash. We know that insurance companies do not take these accidents seriously – but we do. We know the pain you’re in and how much a bicycle accident can disrupt your entire life. That’s why we fight aggressively for you during the legal process.

If you suffered an injury in a bicycle accident in Atlanta, we can help you pursue maximum compensation. Our law firm offers FREE initial consultations and reviews, so you can get the answers you need – when you need them. Call 404-587-8946 or fill out our confidential contact form. Just call and JUST WIN.