If you have been injured in an accident while riding your bicycle that was caused due to the negligence of another, you may have grounds to pursue damages against the negligent parties. These cases can become very complicated, and it is important that you seek the advice of a reliable Atlanta bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible.
The personal injury lawyers at the law firm of Hilley & Frieder, P.C., offer clients more than 38 years of experience fighting for the rights of injury victims. From our offices in Atlanta, Georgia, we provide skillful, compassionate, and results-oriented representation, working diligently to obtain the compensation you need to recover from your injuries and move on with your life.
If you have suffered an injury in a bicycle accident that you did not cause, contact one of our bike accident lawyers to discuss your rights and your legal options.
In Atlanta and in communities throughout the area, bicycle riders have certain rights on the road. Drivers who share the road with them are required to be familiar with those rights and to treat bicycle riders accordingly. When drivers fail to recognize the rights of bicycle riders and accidents happen, the resulting injuries can be extremely severe and sometimes fatal.
Our considerable background in these cases serves as a significant benefit to our clients. Our knowledge of the injuries common in these types of accidents along with our understanding of how they are treated allows us to seek the right financial compensation and medical care appropriate to your unique situation.
There are many negligent behaviors that drivers participate in that can lead to bicycle accidents, including:
The rate of bicycle accidents in Atlanta is increasing at a rapid rate. According to a report by the Atlanta Regional Commission, collisions between motor vehicles and cyclists, as well as pedestrians, are a serious issue that requires immediate action.
The Commission provides the following statistics regarding bicycle accidents in Atlanta:
While the Commission is currently taking measures to make Atlanta streets safer for those who do not use motor vehicles, the high rates of collisions are extremely alarming. These statistics point to careless city infrastructure and a high number of dangerous drivers within the Atlanta area that pose a serious risk to cyclists and pedestrians alike.
Bicycle accidents often lead to severe, debilitating injuries that require weeks, months, or even years of recovery time. These injuries may need intensive care, physical therapy, surgery, and disability accommodations — all of which may contribute to thousands of dollars in medical bills.
Common injuries sustained by cyclists include the following:
Many times after a bicycle accident, the drivers of the vehicle will claim that the bicyclist caused the accident or the bicyclist shouldn’t have been on the road in the first place. Not only are these accusations usually false, but you have the same rights on the road as drivers of cars and trucks do.
Do not let an insurance company talk you out of your right to compensation. It is not wise to accept a lowball offer from insurance. They are out to protect their bottom line, not your needs. Speak with an Atlanta bike accident lawyer regarding your options before signing or agreeing to anything.
After a bicycle accident, you may choose to file a personal injury lawsuit against the party responsible for your injuries. This may include a negligent driver, as well as government agencies, property owners, businesses, and other entities, depending on the cause of your accident.
Georgia law requires you to file your lawsuit within two years of your accident or the court will likely dismiss your claim. This is due to the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, which sets a deadline on your case to ensure your evidence and witnesses are reliable enough for court.
While there are some exceptions to the statute of limitations, they are not common in bicycle accident cases. Speak to a bike accident attorney at Hilley & Frieder, P.C. as soon as possible to ensure you retain your right to compensation.
To learn more about your options regarding your bicycle injuries, contact our lawyers at Hilley & Frieder, P.C. We will give you straightforward advice regarding your situation and answer any questions you may have. Call us at (404) 233-6200 to schedule your free initial consult today.
