Bicycle Accident Attorney in Lawrenceville

Georgia Bicycle Laws

Understanding how Georgia bicycle laws apply is essential to building a strong claim. In Georgia:

• Bicycles are considered vehicles and must follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicles. Cyclists must obey traffic signals, stop signs, and lane markings.
• Drivers are required to provide at least three feet of clearance when overtaking a cyclist on the road (O.C.G.A. § 40‑6‑56).
• Cyclists are permitted to ride on the right-hand side of the portion of the roadway, and they may take the full lane when needed for safety.
• Sidewalk riding is governed by local city ordinances in Lawrenceville. Knowing when riding on sidewalk is permitted or restricted can affect liability.

Under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule, if a cyclist is found to be more than 50% at fault, they cannot recover damages—but if they are 50% or less at fault, they may recover proportionate compensation.

Our attorneys are fully versed in Georgia’s bicycle laws and understand how to present your case to preserve your legal rights.

Common Causes of Bike Accidents in Lawrenceville

Negligent drivers can cause bicycle crashes in many ways. The most frequent causes include:

• Right-of-way violations – Drivers failing to yield at intersections or making unsafe left turns into the path of a cyclist.
• Dooring accidents – A parked car or Uber/Lyft passenger opens a door directly into the path of a cyclist.
• Distracted driving – Drivers texting, using GPS, or otherwise distracted and not noticing a bicyclist.
• Failure to maintain clearance – Encroaching too closely instead of giving the legally required three feet.
• Speeding or reckless driving – Traveling too fast in shared roadways, leaving little time to avoid cyclists.
• Negligent backing or parking – Drivers reversing out of driveways or parking spots without checking for approaching cyclists.
• Poor visibility or lighting conditions – Cyclists hit due to low visibility at dusk, dawn, or poor weather, especially if the bike lacked proper lights or reflectors.

At Van Sant Law, our Lawrenceville bicycle accident attorneys conduct thorough accident reconstructions and gather witness statements, traffic camera footage, and scene data to prove driver fault.

Common Types of Injuries in Bicycle Crashes

Bike accident injuries can be severe and life-altering. Typical injuries include:

• Head injuries and traumatic brain injury (TBI) — even with a helmet, direct impact can cause concussions, skull fractures, or brain trauma.
• Spinal cord and back injuries — fractures, disc herniations, spinal cord injuries that can lead to paralysis.
• Fractures and broken bones — wrists, arms, legs, collarbones, ribs, hands, and facial bones.
• Road rash / lacerations — deep abrasions and scars from sliding across pavement, sometimes requiring skin grafts.
• Soft tissue injuries — sprains, strains, torn ligaments, bruising, and chronic pain syndromes like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
• Internal injuries — organ trauma, internal bleeding, or concussions that may manifest later.

Our Lawrenceville bicycle accident attorneys work closely with medical experts and rehabilitation professionals to document the full extent of your injuries, needed future care, and related expenses.

Compensation from a Bicycle Accident Claim

If a negligent driver caused your injury, your claim may include several types of compensation:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses — current and future hospital bills, surgeries, therapy, medications, assistive devices.
• Lost income — wages lost while recovering, and loss of earning capacity if injuries are permanent.
• Property damage — cost to repair or replace your bicycle and any gear.

Non‑Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering — compensation for both physical pain and emotional trauma.
• Loss of enjoyment of life — if injuries affect your ability to enjoy hobbies, recreation, or family life.

Punitive Damages

When the driver’s conduct was particularly reckless—such as intoxication or gross negligence—you may be eligible for punitive damages meant to punish and deter similar behavior.

Insurance and Claim Process

You likely will file against the driver’s automobile insurance policy. Georgia requires liability coverage, typically 25/50/25 (minimum), which may be insufficient for serious injuries. We help negotiate with insurers, file claims, manage deadlines, and if needed, file suit in Gwinnett County State or Superior Court.

Our goal as your Lawrenceville bicycle accident lawyer is to maximize your compensation so you can focus on moving forward.