Bicycle accidents can go from frightening to deadly in just a few seconds. When a heavy vehicle hits a bicycle, the latter always bears the brunt of the collision. The weak bicycles can’t withstand the forces of larger trucks exert upon them, which leads to serious injuries for riders. Sometimes, car drivers and other vehicle drivers forget that bicycles have as much right to be on the road as other vehicles.
So, if you or your kid has been injured in a bike accident, you should know the laws around bicycles in Georgia and how they apply to your personal injury case. A skilled and talented bicycle accident lawyer in Atlanta can help you understand the laws and navigate the legal process easily and effectively.
Let’s understand the bicycle laws in Georgia.
Bicycle Laws in Georgia
In Georgia, bicycles are treated as vehicles which mean general traffic laws apply to them like other road vehicles. So, bikers have the same rights as everyone else.
Also, in Georgia, under Ga. Code § 40-6-291, there some particular rules that apply to cyclists including:
- Cyclists need to travel in the same direction as motorists.
- If there is a bicycle lane on a road, motor vehicles should yield to the bicycle rider in that designated lane.
- Cyclists should have front and rear lights whenever they are riding at night.
- Riders younger than 16 years must wear helmets.
- Riders above 12 years old are not allowed to ride on sidewalks.
- Bicyclists should travel close to the right side of the road as much as possible.
Georgia’s Bicycle Law for Accident Injury Case
Usually, cyclists stick to the bicycling laws like it is safer to ride on a sidewalk with good pavement than on a street with multiple potholes. But unfortunately, bike accidents can cause some serious injuries. However, if you follow traffic rules you can recover money for your losses. As trucks, cars, and other vehicles are bigger and heavier than bicycles, bicyclists canget injured majorly even if they are at low speeds.
Some injuries in bicycle accidents are:
- Dislocated joints
- Broken bones – hands, arms, wrists and elbows
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Scrapes, bruises, and lacerations
- Brain injuries
- And many other injuries
Some accidents can be more severe, especially when cyclists aren’t wearing helmets.
Who is Responsible for Bike Accidents?
Getting compensation for injuries in a bicycle accident case depends on who is responsible for the accident. So, below are some situations where the other party can be held liable:
- Driving too closely.
- Not giving the bicyclists enough space on the road.
- Crossing the cyclist’s path.
- Not paying attention to the cyclist.
- Driving under the influence and hitting the cyclists.
- Opening the door of cars without looking and hitting bicyclists.
Some drivers may try to blame the bicyclists or deny their fault. Also, insurance companies may try to blame the bicyclists to avoid paying out for their recovery. That’s where a trusted bicycle accident lawyer in Atlanta can help you.
Were you injured in a Bicycle Accident?
If you were injured in a bicycle accident because of another person’s fault, you can get compensation for your damages and just focus on your healing. At Karma Injury Law firm, we deeply understand Georgia bike laws and how they apply to injury cases.
Also, we only accept payments when you get the desired amount, so call us now to consult your case with our attorneys.
