Cycling is a popular and eco-friendly way to get around in Albany, GA, but it can come with serious risks. Whether commuting or enjoying a casual ride, cyclists are vulnerable to accidents that can cause severe injuries.

If you suffered an injury in a bike accident, working with an experienced Albany, GA, bicycle accident lawyer can make a significant difference when seeking the compensation you deserve. Since 2016, Parker Trial Law has been representing victims of serious injuries, including those suffered in bicycle accidents. We focus on taking cases to trial and aggressively advocating for clients in Georgia, Alabama, and beyond.

Contact our law office today to learn more about how our Albany, GA, bicycle accident attorneys can use their years of high-stakes injury case experience to help you.

Benefits of Hiring an Albany, GA, Bicycle Accident Attorney

Hiring a bicycle accident lawyer in Albany, GA, has numerous advantages, not the least of which is their experience working with Georgia’s complex legal system. At Parker Trial Law, we understand how devastating bike accident injuries can be and will do everything we can to help you seek the compensation you need.

Benefits of working with our firm include the following:

  • Bicycle Law Knowledge – Bicycle accident cases involve unique challenges, from determining liability to understanding local bicycle laws and regulations. An experienced bicycle accident injury attorney knows how to handle every aspect of your bicycle accident case, including gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies.
  • Personalized Client Care – The attorneys at Parker Trial Law treat every client like family. Our firm builds lasting relationships with clients, staying in touch long after the resolution of your case. This approach means that each case receives the attention it deserves, regardless of whether it’s a minor accident or involves life-changing injuries.
  • Trial Experience – Our attorneys are dedicated to representing clients in court. If an insurance company offers a settlement that doesn’t reflect the severity and impact of your injuries, we’re ready to take the case to trial. This willingness to go to trial can lead to more favorable outcomes for clients, as we won’t settle for less than your case is worth.

What to Do After a Bike Accident

If you were in a bike accident, it’s crucial to take specific steps to protect your legal right to compensation and begin building a strong bicycle accident lawsuit. The steps you should take include:

  • Seek Medical Care – Even if you feel fine after the accident, you should seek medical attention. Some injuries, such as head trauma or internal bleeding, might not be immediately apparent. A medical professional can diagnose your injuries and begin treating them, which benefits your health and your injury claim.
  • Report the Accident – It’s important to report your accident to the police just as you would with a car accident. A police report will be necessary for your insurance claim and will set the stage for a personal injury claim if you choose to pursue one.
  • Document the Scene – Take pictures of the accident scene, your bicycle, and any visible injuries. If your injuries prevent you from documenting the scene, have someone you trust do it for you. Your attorney will use this evidence to help establish liability.
  • Collect Contact Information – Get the names and contact information of anyone involved in the accident and any witnesses. If a car strikes you, get the driver’s contact information, and if your injury is due to a hazardous condition on private property, get the property owner’s contact information.
  • Contact a Bicycle Attorney – Before speaking with an insurance adjuster, it’s essential to consult a bicycle injury attorney. Insurance companies will try to use your words against you to deny your claim or reduce your payout. Having legal representation early on is crucial for protecting your rights.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Bicycle Accident?

Victims of bike accidents can recover various types of bicycle accident compensation, including the following:

  • Medical Expenses – You can seek compensation for your surgeries, hospital stays, medical treatments, prescription medications, medical devices, and physical therapy.
  • Lost Wages – If your injuries impact your ability to work in the short or long term, you can seek compensation for your lost wages or loss of earning capacity.
  • Disability Accommodations – If the accident left you disabled, you may be able to seek compensation for home or vehicle modifications, such as ramps or lifts, to accommodate your disability.
  • Pain and Suffering – You can seek compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering you experience due to your injuries.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life – If your injuries permanently prevent you from engaging in activities you once enjoyed, such as cycling, you may be able to seek compensation for loss of enjoyment of life.
  • Property Damage – You can seek compensation to repair or replace your damaged property, including your bike.

What if I Am Partially at Fault for a Bicycle Accident?

Georgia has a modified comparative negligence law that reduces the compensation you receive based on your percentage of fault. This means that if you were 30 percent at fault for the accident, you can only recover 70 percent of your compensable losses. In addition, if you are 50 percent or more at fault, you can’t recover any compensation. An experienced bicycle accident attorney from Parker Trial Law can fight for your rights and gather evidence to push back against claims that you were mostly responsible for the collision.

How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Georgia?

According to Georgia Code Section 9-3-33, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including for bicycle accidents, allows an injured person two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. You must file your bicycle accident claim within this period, or the courts will bar you from seeking compensation for your injuries.

However, the statutory period may be shorter if a government entity contributed to your injuries, such as if you crashed due to a poorly maintained road. It’s always a good idea to speak with a bicycle accident attorney from Parker Trial Law as soon as possible so they can help you file your claim within the appropriate time limit.

What Are the Georgia Bicycle Laws?

As a bicyclist, it’s essential that you understand Georgia’s bicycle laws. If you’re in a bike crash, the insurance company’s attorney may try to use these laws against you to argue that you were partially or mostly at fault for the accident.

Some of the bicycle laws to be aware of in Georgia are:

  • Helmet Requirements – All riders under 16 must wear a helmet. While helmets aren’t mandatory for adult cyclists, they help prevent serious head injuries.
  • Road Rules – Cyclists must follow the rules of the road, including stopping at traffic signs and lights and yielding the right of way.
  • One Rider Per Seat – Each rider on a bike must have their own seat; riders cannot sit on the handlebars or stand on the back of the bike.
  • Lights for Night Use – Bicycles must have a white light on the front and a red light on the rear if you ride at night. These lights make it easier for vehicles to spot and avoid you.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents in Georgia include:

  • Distracted Driving – Motorists who are on their phones or eating may not see cyclists on the road.
  • Failure to Yield – Motorists may fail to yield the right of way to cyclists, such as when making left turns at intersections.
  • Speeding Vehicles – Motorists who don’t follow the posted speed limits are more likely to strike cyclists due to reduced reaction time and increased stopping distance.
  • Car Doors – Drivers and passengers who don’t check before opening their vehicle doors can strike passing cyclists.
  • Road Hazards – Poorly maintained roads, such as those with significant potholes, can contribute to bicycle accidents.

Common Types of Injuries from Bicycle Accidents

Cyclists can suffer a wide range of injuries in accidents, from minor scrapes and bruises to permanent disability. Some of the most common injuries suffered in bike accidents include:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries – Even when wearing a helmet, cyclists can suffer head injuries resulting in TBIs. TBIs result from blunt force trauma to the head, such as when a vehicle strikes a cyclist or when a cyclist hits the ground. These injuries can have lifelong effects.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries – These injuries can cause paralysis and other lifelong disabilities.
  • Broken Bones – These are among the most common injuries suffered by cyclists, with arm and wrist breaks and fractures being the most prevalent.
  • Lacerations and Road Rash – Cyclists can suffer road rash and lacerations from sliding on the road after an accident.
  • Internal Injuries – These are some of the most serious injuries because they may not display symptoms immediately, and the conditions can worsen before the injured cyclist notices.