Even if you wear proper gear, obey traffic laws, and take every other precaution, biking can be dangerous when other drivers act recklessly on the road. Unfortunately, numerous bicycle accidents occur in Georgia each year. Many victims suffer debilitating and life-threatening injuries due to another person’s misconduct.
Any driver who strikes a bicyclist because of their own irresponsibility should bear financial liability for the resulting injuries. A skilled attorney could help bring a claim to secure the compensation a victim deserves. If you were hurt while biking, contact a Kennesaw bicycle accident lawyer for dedicated guidance.
How Negligence Can Cause Bicycle Wrecks
Every person licensed to drive owes the same “duty” to everyone else on the road. This duty involves following applicable laws, paying attention to one’s surroundings, and acting like a reasonable person behind the wheel. Any person who violates this duty and causes injury to a bicyclist as a direct result may be considered legally negligent. This makes them liable for ensuing injuries, whether their actions were overtly illegal or broadly irresponsible.
While bicycle crashes can occur in various scenarios, they commonly stem from the following situations:
- Not giving a rider enough space on a road shoulder
- Driving illegally in the bike lane
- Drunk or fatigued driving
- Failing to yield appropriately when turning
- Running stop signs or lights
- Opening a car door when a bicyclist is passing by
In some situations, road rage or other malicious acts may be the primary cause of a bicycle accident. In this case, a Kennesaw bicycle accident attorney could help pursue compensation through a lawsuit or settlement demand. This is a separate legal proceeding from those addressing any related criminal charges.
Recovering after a Bike Crash in Kennesaw
Even when collisions between cars and bicycles happen at relatively low speeds, bicyclists often suffer severe and potentially life-altering harm. Common injuries include spine or brain damage, crushing injuries, limb amputation, and internal organ trauma. Because biking injuries can be so severe, civil litigation based on these accidents must take a long-term view when defining compensable losses.
Damages in a Biking Accident Claim
A comprehensive claim could cover short-term out-of-pocket expenses like medical bills, bike repair costs, and lost work income. A bike accident lawyer in the area could also help seek restitution for damages like lost earning capacity, physical pain, and psychological trauma that may not fully manifest for years after the initial accident. Assistance from legal counsel is essential to recover from these types of losses. Official Code of Georgia §9-3-33 sets a two-year filing deadline for most personal injury claims, so it is important to contact a bicycle crash lawyer as soon as possible.
Speak with a Kennesaw Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
Bicycling can be a healthy and environmentally conscious means of transportation. Sadly, the presence of reckless or careless motor vehicle drivers can also pose a danger to cyclists. You have legal rights after being in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence.
Experienced legal counsel at the Gunn Law Group could help you recover substantial compensation for your losses. A Kennesaw bicycle accident lawyer could provide the custom-tailored support you need to achieve a positive case result. Learn more by calling our office today.