Bicycle Laws in Georgia
Georgia law recognizes bicycles as vehicles, which means cyclists have the same rights—and responsibilities—as motorists. Understanding these laws is crucial when determining fault in a bicycle accident.
Key bicycle laws in Georgia include:
- Cyclists must ride as close to the right side of the roadway as practicable, except when turning left or avoiding hazards.
- Riders under 16 must wear helmets that meet safety standards.
- Bicycles must be equipped with a white front light and a red rear reflector or light when riding at night.
- Motorists are required to maintain a safe distance of at least three feet when passing a cyclist.
- Cyclists may ride in designated bike lanes or on the roadway when appropriate.
Despite these protections, negligent drivers often ignore or fail to observe cyclists, leading to serious and sometimes catastrophic accidents.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Most bicycle accidents in Alpharetta result from driver negligence or failure to yield. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving: Using a cellphone, eating, or adjusting the radio can take a driver’s eyes off the road long enough to hit a cyclist.
- Failure to yield at intersections: Many drivers misjudge a cyclist’s speed or ignore their right-of-way at stop signs and traffic signals.
- Unsafe lane changes or turns: Drivers may fail to check blind spots or signal before turning or merging, directly into the path of a cyclist.
- Speeding: Higher speeds reduce a driver’s reaction time and increase the severity of impact.
- Drunk or impaired driving: Alcohol and drugs reduce motor skills and decision-making abilities, leading to dangerous errors around cyclists.
- Dooring accidents: A driver or passenger opens a vehicle door into the path of an oncoming cyclist.
If your accident involved any of these factors, you may have a strong claim against the driver or their insurance company. Our Alpharetta bicycle accident lawyer at Van Sant Law can help investigate the incident and protect your legal rights.
Common Types of Injuries
Cyclists have very little protection in the event of a crash, which often results in severe injuries. Some of the most common injuries we see in bicycle accident claims include:
- Head and brain injuries: Even with a helmet, cyclists can suffer concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
- Spinal cord injuries: These may result in partial or complete paralysis.
- Broken bones and fractures: Often affecting the arms, wrists, legs, and collarbone.
- Internal injuries: Damage to organs or internal bleeding may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening.
- Road rash and lacerations: Caused by sliding across asphalt, leading to painful wounds, infections, and scarring.
- Facial injuries: Fractures, dental injuries, or disfigurement due to impact.
Our firm works closely with medical experts to evaluate the full extent of your injuries and ensure your claim reflects all current and future needs.
Compensation from a Bike Accident Claim
Van Sant Law will help you pursue full and fair compensation for:
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescriptions, and future medical care.
- Lost income: Including time missed from work and loss of future earning potential.
- Pain and suffering: For physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Property damage: For repair or replacement of your bicycle and damaged gear.
- Wrongful death damages: If a loved one was killed in a bicycle accident, eligible family members may recover funeral expenses and compensation for their loss.
Insurance companies may try to undervalue your claim or deny liability. Our experienced legal team knows how to build a strong case with evidence, expert testimony, and strategic negotiation—or take the case to trial if necessary.
Bicycle Accident FAQs
What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident?
First, seek medical attention—even if injuries seem minor. Then, call the police to file an accident report, take photos of the scene and injuries, gather witness contact information, and avoid speaking to the other party’s insurance company before consulting a lawyer.
How long do I have to file a claim in Georgia?
Under Georgia law, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline could forfeit your right to recover compensation.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you are less than 50% at fault, you can recover compensation—but your award may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Will my case go to trial?
Not necessarily. Many bicycle accident claims settle out of court. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to represent you in litigation.
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
At Van Sant Law, we handle bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless we win compensation for you.
Call Our Alpharetta Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
You shouldn't have to face the aftermath of a bicycle accident alone. Let the team at Van Sant Law help you secure the compensation you need to recover and move forward. We’re proud to serve injured cyclists in Alpharetta, GA, and surrounding communities with compassion, dedication, and results-driven advocacy.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a trusted Alpharetta bicycle accident attorney.
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