Bicycling in Atlanta has grown steadily in popularity, whether for commuting, fitness, or recreation. With more cyclists on busy city streets, the risk of serious accidents has also increased. Bicycle accident victims find themselves fighting an uphill battle to rebuild their lives, facing life-altering injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma.

At MPG Trial Law, our top-rated Atlanta bicycle accident team knows how to take on negligent drivers and large insurance companies in these cases. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle crash, our trial-ready legal team will fight aggressively to recover just compensation.

Photo of Bicycle Accident

Bicycle Safety Laws in Atlanta

Georgia bicycle laws provide legal protections for bicyclists while also placing clear responsibilities on them. Our team at MPG Trial Law will use the full force of these laws to hold the negligent driver responsible for causing injury and damages.

Rights and Duties of Bicyclists

  • Cyclists in Atlanta generally have the same rights and duties as drivers of motor vehicles.
  • Bicyclists must ride as close to the right side of the road as practicable, except when avoiding hazards, preparing to turn left, or when a lane is too narrow to share safely with a vehicle.
  • Cyclists must use proper lighting when riding at night, including a white front light visible from at least 300 feet and a red rear reflector or light visible from 300 feet.

Responsibilities of Motorists

Georgia’s “Three Feet Law” requires drivers to give at least three feet of clearance when overtaking a bicycle. Drivers must also:

  • Yield to cyclists when turning at intersections.
  • Avoid opening doors in the path of approaching cyclists, also known as “dooring.”
  • Exercise extra caution in areas with bike lanes or marked crossings.

When motorists ignore these responsibilities, devastating collisions can occur.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Atlanta

In our experience, some of the common contributing factors to Atlanta bicycle crashes include:

  • Distracted driving: Drivers using cell phones or other devices often fail to notice cyclists until it is too late.
  • Failure to yield at intersections: Many collisions occur when a driver turns left or right across a bicyclist’s path.
  • Speeding: Higher vehicle speeds reduce reaction time and dramatically increase the severity of injuries when crashes occur.
  • Unsafe lane changes: A driver who merges or changes lanes without checking blind spots can strike a cyclist traveling alongside them.
  • Door accidents: Parked motorists who open their doors without looking can knock cyclists off their bike or directly into traffic.
  • Hazardous road conditions: Potholes, debris, and poorly designed intersections pose a much greater risk to cyclists than motorists.

Each of these causes can form the basis of a negligence claim under Georgia Law. At MPG Trial Law, our strategic representation for bicycle accident victims begins with the collection of strong evidence from the accident scene, proper medical records, police reports, eyewitness testimonies, and surveillance footage, where available.

Types of Injuries in Atlanta Bicycle Accidents

Because bicycles provide little to no physical protection, the injuries suffered in a bike collision can be catastrophic. Common bicycle accident injuries our team has seen include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, cyclists can sustain life-threatening head injuries.
  • Spinal cord injuries: A collision may cause severe injuries to the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis or long-term mobility issues.
  • Orthopedic injuries: Fractured and broken arms, legs, pelvic bones, or collarbone are common and may require multiple surgeries.
  • Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma often leads to organ damage or internal bleeding.
  • Road rash and lacerations: Contact with pavement causes painful injuries that can leave permanent scarring or lead to infection.

These common bike accident injuries not only result in immediate medical expenses for bike wreck victims, but also long-term rehabilitation, lost earning capacity, and emotional suffering. Our experience handling bicycle accidents allows us to calculate the full scope of your damages to maximize your bicycle accident claim.

Steps You Should Take After a Bicycle Accident in Atlanta

When bicycle accidents occur, the steps bike riders take in the minutes and days after the crash can impact their legal rights. Mary Paige, our experienced bicycle accident attorney, recommends the following:

  1. Call 911 immediately: Request emergency medical services and ensure a police report is filed. This documentation is essential in proving liability.
  2. Seek medical attention: Even if injuries appear minor, internal trauma may not show symptoms immediately. Prompt treatment also strengthens your claim.
  3. Obtain evidence at the scene: Take photos of your bike, the vehicle, skid marks, traffic signals, and your injuries if you are physically able.
  4. Collect witness information. Neutral witnesses can provide powerful testimony to support your version of events.
  5. Do not discuss fault: Avoid admitting responsibility to police, the driver, or insurance companies. Statements can later be used against you.
  6. Contact MPG Trial Law: Insurance companies move quickly to minimize claims. Having our legal team involved early is vital.

These practical steps position you for a stronger legal outcome and allow our Atlanta bicycle accident attorneys to begin investigating while evidence is still fresh.

Reasons to Choose MPG Trial Law as Your Atlanta Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Exceptional Results

At MPG Trial Law, we are defined by our results and the compensation we have obtained for our clients, which amounts to over $16,000,000 secured by our team since 2019. These numbers reflect our relentless commitment to delivering justice for those we represent.

Friendly and Approachable

We understand that dealing with attorneys can feel intimidating during a time of personal crisis. Our firm breaks away from that stereotype. We provide a friendly, approachable environment where clients feel comfortable discussing their concerns openly. You will never feel like just another case file with us.

What We Do Is in Our Name

At our core, we are trial lawyers. Unlike firms that avoid the courtroom, we prepare every case as if it will go before a jury. This approach ensures that we are always one step ahead of insurance companies. It also gives us the leverage needed to negotiate favorable settlements while being fully prepared to take your case to trial.

Trial work is time-intensive and requires a high level of skill and preparation. But it is also where the strength of your case lies. Our adversaries know we are willing to go the distance, and that reputation works to your advantage. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 404-260-6330 or contact us online.

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