Atlanta Bicycle Accident Lawyer

A bicycle is a reliable and eco-friendly way of getting around town. Plus, it’s a fun way to exercise. But with the joys of pedaling come the risks of sharing the road with cars and other vehicles. Unfortunately, all it takes is a split-second for the wrong driver to turn a beautiful day into one of tragedy.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a cycling accident, you may have the right to full and fair compensation. Our skilled  attorneys are committed to getting your life back on track. We’ve been standing up for the injured for more than four decades, and we’d be proud to do the same for you!

What To Do After An Accident

A bike accident can be very traumatic. If you are the victim of a collision, you might be severely injured, unable to call 911, or even move. If you cannot make the call, you should ask somebody to do it for you.

Wait for the police to arrive and get the names of any witnesses who may have seen the accident. Take pictures of the accident scene if you can, or ask someone to take them for you. It is always important to collect evidence after an accident.

When an ambulance arrives, you should go to the hospital even if you feel fine as some serious injuries might not be immediately apparent. Afterward, save a copy of all your medical bills and the receipts from any medications that you took, regardless of if they are prescription or non-prescription. 

Lastly, always contact a personal injury attorney, even if you don’t initially believe that your injuries are severe. At Henningsen Injury Attorneys P.C., we can advise you of your rights and negotiate with the other party’s insurance company.

What Insurance Covers

When a negligent driver hits you, their insurance policy should cover your medical treatment, lost wages, and damage to your bicycle. You may also be able to receive compensation for pain and suffering.
If a driver’s actions were especially careless and resulted in serious injuries, or a crime was committed by the driver during the incident, you may be entitled to compensation for punitive damages.

Calling Your Insurance Company

When you call your insurance company, they will ask you a series of initial questions about your accident. They will also ask you to send them any documentation you have of the collision and the medical issues you have suffered because of it.

Shortly after the accident, an insurance adjuster from the at-fault driver’s insurance company will contact you about your case. They may ask you for a recorded statement and you are under no obligation to provide one. Please note, all phone calls with insurance adjusters are likely recorded.

Do not let them pressure you into saying anything self-incriminating about the accident. Insurance companies will often try to get you to state that you were responsible for the accident in one way or another. For this reason, it is advisable to get legal representation before speaking to any insurance company, if possible.

Once you have sent in the requested documentation, insurance adjusters will begin investigating your case. They will get back to you and either accept or deny your claim. If they accept your claim, they will make you a settlement offer. Talk to an attorney before accepting any offer to ensure that you understand what your case is worth and what you are entitled to.

An insurance company might try to lowball you on a settlement even if you suffered a serious injury. Our attorneys are well-versed in Georgia law and have many years of experience dealing with insurance adjusters. We know all the arguments to use in settlement negotiations to get you a fair offer.

Common Causes of Bike Accidents

Some of the most common causes of accidents involving a bike include:

Distracted Driving

Cell phones have created a tempting distraction for drivers.  If someone is looking at their phone or texting when they are supposed to be keeping their eyes on the road, they may not notice a small vehicle like a bicycle when it crosses their path.

That is why bike accidents have been on the rise since the invention of the Smartphone. In recent years, lawmakers have taken note of the problems that cell phones can cause and have imposed new laws and penalties on people who use them while driving.

Failure to Yield

In some cases, a driver may simply not see a bicycle coming and proceed into an intersection. A bicycle does not make any noise, and a driver might not hear it coming if they are at an intersection that lacks a red light, yield sign, or stop sign.

Hazardous Road Conditions

If it is foggy or rainy, a driver’s visibility will be significantly reduced and accidents can happen. Fewer bicycles will be out on such a day, but for some people, this is their only mode of transportation. Drivers are still responsible for watching bicycle lanes and for looking out for vehicles and pedestrians in such weather.

Typical Injuries from Bicycle Accidents

Severe injuries can result from bicycle accidents, sometimes resulting in permanent disability or death. These are the most common;

Damage to the Teeth and Mouth

If a cyclist falls forward, it is not uncommon for them to suffer injuries to their mouth. They might damage their teeth or even permanently damage their jaw structure.

Damage to the Eyes and Nose

Your nose is the first thing that will hit the ground if you fall on your face from a bicycle. Because of this, broken noses are typical after an accident.  Additionally, if you are wearing glasses, they can break when you fall. This can result in glass getting into your eyes, sometimes causing permanent damage to your vision.

Road Rash

Road rash is not uncommon after an accident and can involve tearing off several layers of skin, leaving you permanently scarred. In serious cases, bones and organs may even be exposed.

Broken Bones

It is only natural to brace yourself for a fall, putting your hands out in front of you, which can result in a broken wrist, hand bones, elbows, arms, or even a fractured shoulder. Cracked ribs are also typical after a collision with a car.

Back Injuries

Landing on your back can cause a multitude of problems, such as spinal injuries and severe trauma to the neck. When a person’s spinal cord is damaged, they can suffer from full or partial paralysis or even nerve damage.

Head Injury

A bike accident can cause traumatic brain injuries resulting in death or permanent cognitive disability. As a result, a person may not be able to return to their normal life as they may be limited in their physical activity and no longer be able to work.