Athens Bicycle Accident Attorney

Bicycling is an enjoyable way to get around Athens, Georgia. With routes like the North Oconee River Greenway and the Firefly Trail, many residents and visitors take their bikes for commuting or recreation. However, cycling comes with risks, especially when sharing the road with larger vehicles.

If you’ve been in a bicycle accident, it is essential to understand your legal options. That’s where our team at Kaufman Injury Law comes in. As a trusted bicycle accident lawyer serving Athens, GA, we are ready to help you better understand your options and fight for justice. Call us today!

What Types of Bicycle Accidents Happen in Our Area?

Across the United States, car-involved bicycle accidents can take several forms. We commonly hear about bicyclists who are injured by parked car operators who suddenly open their doors. When drivers or their passengers open the car’s doors directly into the bicycle lane, it can cause the bicyclist to strike the door and risk ejection.

In other instances, bicycle accidents occur when motor vehicle drivers turn from their lanes at intersections. These accidents often involve drivers turning either left across the roadway or right at the corner. In some cases, drivers may turn around corners without looking for bicyclists. As a result, they either strike the oncoming bicycle, causing the bicycle to crash into the car, or the bicyclist will swerve to avoid hitting the car and crash into another vehicle or object.

Although not as common, bicyclists can also become victims of rear-end accidents. When drivers are distracted behind the wheel, they often miss seeing the bicyclists ahead. This causes the motor vehicle to crash into the back of the bicyclist, which can result in them being thrown to the ground. Depending on the size of the vehicle, the point of impact can occur at the bicycle tire, or the vehicle can crash directly into the bicyclist.

If you are hurt in a bicycle accident, it is crucial to seek medical care immediately. A full medical exam can help identify any injuries and treat them before they worsen. Injured victims need to get adequate and timely medical attention before they concern themselves with the legal process. Once all health concerns are addressed, it is crucial to call a personal injury attorney to get started on the case.

Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents

In some cases, injuries from a bicycle crash can be life-altering and require extensive medical care. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Head and Brain Injuries – Even if a bicyclist is wearing a helmet, they still risk suffering serious concussions or traumatic brain injuries.
• Broken Bones – The impact of bicycle accidents can lead to severe bone fractures. These injuries often require casting, surgery, and rehabilitation in severe cases.
• Spinal Cord Injuries – Any type of injury to the spine can lead to mobility issues, which can require long-term treatment.
• Road Rash – Severe scrapes caused by sliding on the pavement can result in painful infections and scarring.
• Internal Injuries – Bicyclists can suffer injuries to their spleen, lungs, liver, and other internal organs, which can be life-threatening.

Dealing with these and other painful injuries can be quite challenging. After an accident, victims can take legal action against the responsible party. Being able to identify the cause of the accident and the responsible party is critical.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Athens

Bicycle accidents can happen for many reasons. Quite often, they involve some form of negligence. Some of the most common causes are:

Distracted Driving

Motorists who fail to pay attention to the road ahead may not see bicyclists until it’s too late.

Failure to Yield

At intersections, some drivers fail to give cyclists the right-of-way. As a result, they may strike riders and cause serious injuries.

Unsafe Road Conditions

Dangerous obstacles in bicycle lanes, like debris, potholes, or broken surfaces, can be dangerous for bicyclists.

Speeding

Drivers going too fast have less time to react to bicyclists. As a result, they are more likely to strike riders and cause severe injuries.

Driving Under the Influence

Impaired drivers may not be able to stop in time to avoid striking riders. This is because drugs, alcohol, and other intoxicants can impair a driver’s reaction time and judgment.

If your accident occurred because of one of these factors, you may have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses.

Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be able to recover compensation for some of the losses and expenses you face. These can include:

• Lost Wages – To provide you with financial stability while you recover and are unable to work
• Medical Expenses – To cover any necessary treatments, surgeries, or therapies to regain your physical health
• Future Medical Costs – To account for anticipated medical care or treatments you may need due to long-term or permanent injuries
• Property Damage – To repair or replace your damaged bicycle and other personal belongings that sustained damage in the crash
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life – To make up for the inability to participate in activities or hobbies that you once enjoyed

Each bicycle accident claim is unique. As a result, the amount of compensation you recover will depend on the specifics of your situation. Our goal is to help you secure the financial recovery you deserve.

Why Choose Kaufman Injury Law?

When you need a bicycle accident lawyer serving Athens, GA, our team at Kaufman Injury Law stands out for our dedication and experience. We understand the life-changing challenges that come with a bicycle accident. For this reason, our team works hard to provide personalized attention and dedicated legal guidance. Whether your accident happened near Bishop Park or on Prince Avenue, we’re here to provide local insight and fight for justice.

Get Started With a Free Consultation Today

A bicycle accident can change your life in an instant. While the road to recovery may feel overwhelming, you don’t have to face it alone. At Kaufman Injury Law, we are here to help you take that next step with confidence.

If you are dealing with the aftermath of a bicycle accident in Athens, Georgia, contact Kaufman Injury Law today. A bicycle accident lawyer serving Athens, GA, is ready to listen to your story and help you pursue justice. Call us now to get started with a free consultation to determine the best options for you moving forward.