Douglasville Bicycle Accident Lawyers

People in Douglasville ride bikes for many different reasons. Some enjoy getting in some exercise as they commute to work. Others cycle to save on gas money or to reduce their carbon footprint. Either way, cyclists in Georgia have a right to use public roads. However, many motorists either neglect to notice people on bicycles or fail to yield the right of way. When such acts occur, they can lead to catastrophic or even fatal accidents. In addition to physical pain and emotional trauma, survivors may face immense financial challenges due to medical bills and missed work.

The team at Kaufman Injury Law understands how disruptive a bicycle accident can be to every area of your life, and we are here to help you put things back together. Our skilled personal injury attorneys will work to hold the at-fault party accountable and seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. Call us today at (404) 355-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation with an experienced bicycle accident attorney serving Douglasville, Georgia.

Why You Need an Experienced Georgia Bicycle Accident Attorney

Georgia law recognizes a cyclist’s right to recover compensation if another party has injured them in an accident. However, the process of filing a claim is not always as straightforward as it should be. Proving that the other party is to blame, calculating how much your losses are truly worth, and successfully negotiating with the at-fault party’s insurer can all present numerous pitfalls. Taking the necessary steps can feel particularly challenging when you are still recovering from your injuries.

When you hire a skilled bicycle accident attorney, they can handle these challenges while providing the moral support you need during this difficult time. Moreover, if the insurance company refuses to offer you a fair settlement for your losses, your attorney will know precisely what steps to take to file a bicycle accident lawsuit. The bottom line is that an effective lawyer can protect and advocate for you at every stage of your case so you can focus on your healing journey.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Douglasville

Many bicycle accidents in Douglasville occur due to motorists’ failure to properly share the road with cyclists. Here are the most frequent causes we see in our practice:

Distracted driving – Motorists who text, eat, or engage with their phones often fail to notice cyclists sharing the road.
Failure to yield right of way – Many drivers disregard cyclists’ legal right to use the road, particularly at intersections and when making turns.
Unsafe passing – Some drivers pass cyclists too closely or attempt to overtake them in dangerous conditions.
Dooring incidents – Drivers or passengers opening car doors without checking for approaching cyclists can cause severe injuries.
Poor road conditions – Potholes, debris, and inadequate bike lanes can force cyclists into dangerous situations with vehicular traffic. Municipal or state governments may sometimes be held liable in such cases.

Georgia Bicycle Laws

Georgia law classifies bicycles as vehicles, which means cyclists must follow general traffic laws while also receiving specific protections. Here are key regulations all cyclists should know:

Equipment requirements – Bicycles must have working brakes and proper lighting when used at night, including a white front light visible from 300 feet and either a red rear light or an approved reflector.
Road position – Cyclists must ride as close to the right side of the road as safely possible, though exceptions exist for hazards, narrow lanes, and left turns.
Group riding – No more than two cyclists may ride side-by-side except on designated bicycle paths or during permitted special events.
Helmet requirements – All riders under age 16 must wear properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmets that meet safety standards.
Passenger restrictions – Cyclists must use permanently attached seats and cannot carry more passengers than the bicycle’s design allows.

These regulations aim to protect both cyclists and motorists while promoting safe sharing of Georgia’s roads.

Compensation Available After a Bicycle Accident in Douglasville

Because cyclists lack the protection of passenger vehicles, accidents often subject them to severe and even life-altering injuries. Depending on the nature of the collision and your injuries, you may be eligible for significant compensation for losses such as:

Medical expenses, including emergency room treatment, diagnostic scans and tests, doctor’s appointments, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing care
Lost income due to missed time at work
Reduced earning capacity if an accident-related disability prevents you from returning to your previous line of work
Physical and emotional pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life

A knowledgeable Georgia personal injury attorney can offer an informed estimate of how much your case may be worth.

Deadline for Filing a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Georgia

Georgia’s statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits requires a victim to initiate legal action within two years of the accident date. If you fail to meet this deadline, the court may bar you from recovering the compensation you deserve.

While two years might sound like a long time, investigating an accident and negotiating with insurers can be surprisingly protracted processes. Furthermore, the timeline for claims against government entities may be much shorter. As such, you should consult with a skilled Georgia bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure you take the necessary steps before time runs out.

Injured in a Bicycle Accident? Contact Kaufman Injury Law Today

The consequences of being involved in a bicycle accident can be more dire than most people can even imagine. If you have suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a bicycle accident in Douglasville, the experienced legal team at Kaufman Injury Law is here to help. Our firm has been fighting for injured Georgians for nearly 45 years, and we know what it takes to secure the compensation you deserve. Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation with an experienced bicycle accident attorney serving Douglasville, Georgia.

Driving Directions to Our Atlanta Offices

Kaufman Injury Law is conveniently located at 12 Beck St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318. If you would pay us a visit, here is how you can reach us by car:

From the North:

Take I-75 South towards Atlanta
Take exit 252A for Northside Dr
Turn left onto Northside Dr NW
Turn left onto Collier Rd
Turn left onto Howell Mill Rd
Turn left onto Beck St NW
Destination will be on your left

From the South:

Take I-75/I-85 North (Downtown Connector)
Take exit 252A for Northside Dr
Turn right onto Northside Dr NW
Turn left onto Collier Rd
Turn left onto Howell Mill Rd
Turn left onto Beck St NW
Destination will be on your left

From the East:

Take I-20 West towards Atlanta
Exit onto I-75/I-85 North (Downtown Connector)
Take exit 252A for Northside Dr
Turn right onto Northside Dr NW
Turn left onto Collier Rd
Turn left onto Howell Mill Rd
Turn left onto Beck St NW
Destination will be on your left

From the West: