Bicycle Accidents

Whether it is the scenic Stone Mountain Trail or the charms of rides in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, there are multiple spots in Atlanta that are idyllic for cyclists of all ages. Additionally, many residents also find bikes to be a preferred method of commuting to or from work in downtown locations.

The drivers of motor vehicles and bicyclists are expected to share the roads throughout the state of Georgia, but motorist negligence frequently leads to devastating collisions. Because of their inherent lack of protection, even when wearing a helmet, cyclists are susceptible to catastrophic or possibly even fatal injuries as a result of these crashes.

Atlanta Bicycle Accidents Lawyer

If you sustained serious injuries or your loved one was killed in a bicycle crash that was caused by another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. The Balams Firm represents victims and their families on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay any fee unless you receive a financial award.

Atlanta attorney ReShea Balams will fight to get justice and hold negligent parties accountable. She represents clients involved in these kinds of bike accidents all over the city as well as surrounding locations in Cobb County, DeKalb County, Clayton County, Fulton County, and Gwinnett County.

It is important to understand that you have a very limited amount of time to file a personal injury claim in these types of case. Let The Balams Firm evaluate your case and help you understand all your legal options by calling (404) 445-2005 today to set up a completely free initial consultation.


Georgia Bicycle Accidents Information Center


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Types of Bicycle Accidents in Atlanta

Although no two bicycle crashes are the same, many of these crashes do share very similar qualities. In a majority of cases, a bicyclist is hurt because of a motorist’s negligence.

In certain cases, a municipality may be liable if certain dangerous and unsafe roadway conditions such as potholes caused a bicyclist’s injuries. Some of the most common types of other bicycle crashes include:

  • Motorist fails to yield at intersection or runs stop sign or traffic signal;
  • Motorist loses control of vehicle;
  • Motorist or passenger opens vehicle door without looking for oncoming bicyclist;
  • Motorist passes bicyclist without sufficient distance;
  • Motorist rear-ends bicyclist;
  • Motorist strikes bicyclist in non-roadway location, such as a parking lot;
  • Motorist strikes bicyclist while backing out; or
  • Motorist strikes bicyclist while turning left, leaving oncoming bicyclist powerless to avoid collision.

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Bicycle Accident Injuries in Fulton, GA

Bicyclists are fortunate if they can walk away from these types of crashes with just a few scrapes and bruises. In some of these cases, the injuries are far more serious.

Bicycle collisions with motor vehicles frequently result in injuries that may include, but are not limited to:

  • Amputation;
  • Broken Bones;
  • Disfigurement;
  • Herniated Discs;
  • Internal Organ Injuries;
  • Musculoskeletal Trauma;
  • Neck Injuries;
  • Paralysis;
  • Road Rash;
  • Spinal Cord Injuries;
  • Severe Fractures;
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs); or
  • Death.

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Compensation for Bicycle Accidents in Atlanta

Victims of bicycle crashes can have their lives irrevocably altered because of the injuries they suffer in these types of collisions. Many people are unable to physically or mentally function as well as they did before the accidents.

When a bicyclist is killed, the results are felt by entire families. In addition to possibly losing key financial support, children are left without parents and spouses lose their life partners.

If you were injured or lost your loved one in a bicycle crash in Georgia, you may be eligible to receive compensation for:

  • Lost Wages — This amount can include the amount of time that the victim was out of work, but it can also include future lost income if the victim is unable to return to his or her previous employment role.
  • Medical Expenses — Victims are not only entitled to have the costs of their initial emergency treatment covered, but also any costs of future rehabilitation.
  • Loss of Consortium — If a victim is killed or suffers particularly catastrophic injuries such as paraplegia, then his or her spouse may be able to collect these damages the reflect the loss of ordinary marital relations.
  • Pain and Suffering — Unlike economic damages such as lost wages or medical expenses that are easier to calculate and prove, pain and suffering is a kind of noneconomic damage that is much more subjective.
  • Punitive Damages — Although punitive damages in bicycle crashes are fairly rare,  they can be awarded to punish egregious misconduct that causes injuries or deaths. In bicycle accidents, punitive damages may be awarded if a motorist was driving under the influence (DUI) or another type of criminal offense

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Georgia Resources for Bicycle Accidents

Georgia BIKE SENSE — This Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) manual is intended to serve as a guide to help motorists and cyclists safely share the road. The manual covers equipment and gear that should be worn by bicyclists, tips for riding in traffic, and what to do if a crash occurs. The website also includes a section specifically dedicated to Georgia Bicycle Laws.

Georgia Department of Transportation
600 West Peachtree NW
Atlanta, GA 30308
(404) 631-1990

Bicycle Safety Checklist — This website of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) has a checklist for all bicycles that cyclists can use to ensure their safety before hitting the road. The GOHS website includes safety aspects for wheels, tires, brakes, lights, and more. Additional information found elsewhere on the GHOS website includes how to properly wear a bike helmet, bicycle safety issue fact sheets, and links to local bicycle groups or campaigns.

Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety
7 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Suite 643
Atlanta, GA 30334
(404) 656-6996

Motorists and Cyclists: Sharing Georgia’s Roads — The GDOT manual for motorists and cyclists discusses the responsibilities of motorists and cyclists on Georgia roads. The manual includes helpful diagrams for common situations with the best ways to avoid accidents. The GDOT manual also contains a review of hand signals and basic on-road traffic safety strategies.


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Find a Lawyer for Bicycle Accidents in the Atlanta Area

Did you suffer severe injuries or was your loved one killed in a bicycle collision caused by another party’s negligence? You should immediately seek legal representation to determine whether you could be entitled to compensation.

ReShea Balams is an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney who handles these kinds of cases for clients throughout the city as well as many nearby communities, including Forest Park, Dunwoody, Norcross, College Park, Riverdale, Marietta, Sandy Springs, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Smyrna, Duluth, East Point, Roswell, and Decatur.

Whether your accident occurred inside or outside the perimeter, The Balams Firm can conduct a thorough investigation and help you pursue justice. Call (404) 445-2005 right now to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation that will let ReShea Balams review your case.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

  • 5 stars
    The Balams Firm did a wonderful job handling my personal injury case. I was able to get in touch with ReShea the day after my accident and she was very understanding and helped me find the care that I needed to address my specific needs.
    - Jazmyn F.
  • 5 stars
    Very professional attorney and team. Very responsive and kept me abreast of the process the entire time.
    - Anthony J.
  • 5 stars
    ReShea and I have litigated against each other for years and she very quickly earned my respect for her competency and professionalism. Since, I have referred many clients to her and they have all been exceptionally happy with her results and service.
    - LeRyan L.
  • 5 stars
    The Balams Law Firm hands down in the best in Atlanta. I had a injury at a hotel in Atlanta and I called 5 law firms, 3 of them being the big named ones you see on tv radio and they would not take me as a client. I found their number on google and talked to them and they took my case.
    - Brandon N.
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