Dunwoody Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Bicyclists in Dunwoody, GA, are often treated like second-class citizens on the road even though they have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. Sadly, this disregard for cyclist safety often puts bicycle riders in danger and can cause severe accidents. Since cyclists have less protection from a crash than people in cars, they’re more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries and crushing medical bills.

Were you hit while riding your bike in Dunwoody, GA? Cyclists deserve respect on the road—but when drivers fail to yield, the results can be catastrophic. Our Dunwoody bicycle accident lawyers have served the broader Atlanta area for over 45 years, and we’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients. Let our team handle the complex legal work while you rest and heal. Call now or complete our online contact form for a free consultation.

Why Choose Kaufman Injury Law for Your Dunwoody Bicycle Accident Claim?

• Over 45 years of combined personal injury experience
• Millions recovered for injured cyclists
• Compassionate, aggressive legal representation
• Local knowledge of Dunwoody and DeKalb County courts
• No fees unless we win your case

Why You Need a Dunwoody Bicycle Accident Attorney

The aftermath of a bicycle crash in Dunwoody is stressful and chaotic. You may be missing work, you likely have medical bills piling up, and the pain from your injuries may be overwhelming. To add insult to injury, insurance companies are likely breathing down your neck and pressuring you to accept a quick settlement.

You know it’s vital to protect your rights and seek fair compensation for your injuries, but why add to your worries by taking on a major legal battle yourself? A better option is to hire a bicycle accident attorney and let them manage your case. Personal injury lawyers know what evidence to look for in these cases and how to thoroughly document your losses, which increases your claim’s value. Your bicycle accident lawyer can also file the necessary paperwork and handle negotiations with the insurance company to help you get a better settlement.

Finally, you need a bicycle accident lawyer if your case goes to trial. While most personal injury claims don’t go to court, it’s crucial to be prepared and to hire an attorney with courtroom experience. That way, you know you have a capable guide to explain the legal process and advocate for your rights.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Dunwoody

Many Dunwoody bicycle accidents happen because a driver or another party didn’t take reasonable steps to prevent a crash. Common causes of these accidents include:

• Speeding – Most drivers speed at least some of the time without realizing how dangerous it is for themselves and others on the road. Speeding cars take longer to slow down and stop safely, making it harder for drivers to avoid colliding with a cyclist in their path. In extreme cases, a speeding driver might not see a cyclist until a crash happens. Speeding also increases the severity of injuries in a crash, as cars hit harder the faster they’re moving before impact.
• Distracted driving – Talking on the phones, texting, using a GPS device, adjusting the music, talking with passengers, and other distractions keep drivers from focusing on the road and what’s happening around them. It’s all too easy for distracted drivers to miss a nearby cyclist and cause a collision.
• Impaired driving – Alcohol, drugs, and certain prescription medications can dull a driver’s reflexes, impair their judgment, and cause them to misjudge how close they are to cars or others on the road, including cyclists. In extreme cases, an impaired driver might fall asleep at the wheel and lose control of their car completely, causing them to veer out of their lane and into a nearby cyclist.
• Failure to yield – Cyclists have the right to a full traffic lane when traveling in the street, yet many drivers cut them off, follow too closely, or turn in front of an oncoming cyclist. Drivers must also watch out for cyclists approaching crosswalks or intersections and yield to cyclists crossing the street.
• Vehicle defects – A driver may lose control of their car due to defective brakes or other crucial components. Aggressive driving behavior also puts more wear and tear on cars, making a catastrophic component failure more likely.
• Unsafe lane changes – Drivers who change lanes without looking for cyclists may cut a cyclist off or cause them to swerve into the path of other vehicles, which often leads to an accident.
• Dooring accidents – Drivers and passengers who open their doors without looking may cause an oncoming cyclist to crash into the door. Similarly, cyclists may crash when they swerve out of the way to avoid a dooring accident.

What Causes Bicycle Accidents in Dunwoody?

Cyclists are more likely to suffer catastrophic or permanent injuries in a collision because there’s nothing to keep them from absorbing the full force of a crash. Dunwoody’s busy intersections like Chamblee Dunwoody Road and Mount Vernon can be especially dangerous for cyclists. Common injuries from Dunwoody bicycle accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries, including partial or complete paralysis
• Severe abrasions, bruises, or other road rash injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding
• Internal organ injuries
• Soft-tissue injuries
• Severed, crushed, or amputated limbs
• Scarring and disfigurement
• PTSD and other mental health conditions

What to Do After a Bicycle Crash in Dunwoody

It’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention after a bicycle accident so a doctor can diagnose your injuries and treat any potentially life-threatening complications. Once you see a doctor, follow these steps to protect your legal rights:

• Follow your doctor’s instructions and attend all follow-up appointments – It’s crucial to show the insurance companies you’re taking your injuries seriously. Therefore, make sure you don’t deviate from your prescribed treatments and attend all follow-up appointments.
• Write down everything you remember – If possible, write down everything you remember about the crash while it’s still fresh in your mind. Try to recall what you were doing, what you saw the driver doing, when and where the crash occurred, and anything else you can remember. You can refer to these notes later when you’re negotiating a settlement.
• Save your medical records and receipts – You need thorough proof of your injuries and financial losses to recover maximum compensation after a bicycle accident. Your medical records show the nature and extent of your injuries, while your receipts demonstrate the crash’s financial toll. Store these records in a safe place for later use.
• Don’t discuss your case – Avoid talking about the accident, who caused it, or your injuries with anyone other than a lawyer. Insurance companies can use your statements to undermine your claim, so don’t give them anything to use. Be particularly careful about your social media activity, as insurance companies can find your posts and use them against you.
• Hire a lawyer – It’s best to hire a lawyer as soon as possible after a bicycle accident so they can start working on your claim right away. Your lawyer can also help you avoid mistakes that might jeopardize your compensation.

What Compensation Can You Claim After a Dunwoody Bike Accident?

With the right evidence and legal support, your compensation after a bicycle accident could include money for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income and reduced future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• The cost to repair or replace your bicycle or other damaged property

Deadline to File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit

Georgia law gives injured bicyclists two years from the date of a bicycle accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. We urge you to speak to a lawyer immediately so you don’t run up against this critical deadline.
 

Contact Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers Now

Don’t wait to get the legal help you deserve. Our Dunwoody bicycle accident attorneys are ready to fight for your recovery. We’ve helped injured clients in Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, and throughout DeKalb County. Call Kaufman Injury Law now or reach out online for a free consultation.