Cyclists have no structural protection like that of a car or truck, and in the case of a collision or accident, injuries incurred can easily be catastrophic, including brain injury, spinal cord injury, paralysis, severely broken bones, and even death. If you are suffering injuries after an accident involving a bicycle wreck, contact the experienced bike accident lawyer at Cain Injury Law.
If you or a loved one is involved in a bicycle accident, we urge you to consult an experienced bike accident lawyer today. It is your legal right to pursue damages for any injuries you have suffered as a result of your accident.
Here at Cain Injury Law, we have been representing victims injured in bicycle accidents for many years, and are regularly contacted by victims who have common questions about their bike accident, and how to best go about recovering damages. Cain Injury Law is proud to be able to fight each and every day for our clients to help educate them and empower them to be able to recover the damages and awards that they deserve. Don’t deal with any insurance companies directly – consult a bicycle accident lawyer first.
If I was a Cyclist in an Accident, What are My Rights? Can a Bike Accident Lawyer Help?
Anyone who is injured by the negligence of another has the right to seek damages to cover the costs of their injuries, and this is very much also true for cyclists. In fact, it is often more imperative for bicycle accidents because of the often catastrophic nature of the injuries incurred. Since bicycle accidents are unique in nature, it is vital that you consult an experienced bike accident lawyer as soon as possible before moving forward. We will help you ensure that evidence is preserved, witnesses are interviewed while their memories are fresh, and that you exceed any time limits stating when a case may be pursued. As experienced bicycle accident lawyers, the team at Cain Injury Law is ready to go to work for you right away.
I Was Hit by a Car While Riding a Bike – Do I Have the Same Rights as Pedestrians?
A common misconception among those involved in bicycle accidents is that cyclists are treated like pedestrians regarding legality. While arguably cyclists are as exposed and vulnerable to serious injury as pedestrians, legally, bicycles are treated more like a vehicle. For instance, cyclists have the responsibility to obey the same traffic laws as other vehicles on the road, though there are some traffic laws that apply specifically to bicycles. For instance, if a bicycle runs a stop sign, then the cyclist could be found to be at fault for any accident that occurs as a result, just as a driver of a motor vehicle would be. Due to the unique legal situation of bicycles in traffic law, it is important to ensure you have the highest chance of recovering your claim by consulting a bike accident lawyer before moving forward on any assumptions.
Who Can I Recover Damages From in a Georgia Bicycle Accident?
If you were involved in a bike accident in Georgia, then you may be able to recover damages from any negligent party. This means that anyone who did not take reasonable care to not cause injuries to other people. You could recover damages from some of the following:
- A driver of a vehicle, including commuter and commercial vehicles.
- A city, county, or other public entity that failed to design or maintain a safe roadway.
- A bicycle manufacturer or retailer should the bike’s component parts fail and contribute to the accident.
- A private property owner, if the safety conditions of the property contributed to the accident.
- A repair shop failed to repair the bike properly.
As you can see, bicycle accident cases are often complex and can involve more than just those immediately involved in the accident. In order to ensure that you properly pursue any and all negligent parties, contact one of the knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyers at Cain Injury Law.
Could I Be Found at Fault for My Bicycle Accident?
Since Georgia state law treats bicycles essentially the same as it treats motor vehicles, the answer to this question is yes, and you could be found to be at fault, either in whole or in part, for any accident involving your bike. This includes violating traffic laws or other forms of negligence that would contribute to the bicycle accident.
The question of determining fault in the case of a bicycle accident, however, is often a complex one. For this reason, it is important for anyone involved in a bicycle accident to consult an experienced bike accident lawyer in Georgia who can investigate the accident and make their own independent determination of fault. Even if you, as the cyclist, are found to be partially at fault, you may yet be able to recover compensation for your injuries.
While being at fault may reduce the amount of your recovery, it does not necessarily preclude any recovery. To ensure you recover all you are entitled to, consult a bicycle accident lawyer at Cain Injury Law today. At Cain Injury Law, you will find the aggressive team you need to help fight for your case.
I Was Chased by a Dog on My Bike, and I Was Injured as a Result – Can I Seek Damages?
You may be surprised to learn this, but dog attacks are one of the most common causes of bicycle accident injuries. Even if the dog itself never touches you, if it simply chases you and causes you to fall from your bike, the dog’s owner may be found liable for your injuries – particularly if the owner knows that the dog tends to chase passersby. There is no need to feel silly or petty in this situation – you have been injured, and ultimately the dog’s owner should take responsibility for their role in your injuries.
How Much of a Difference Does a Helmet Make in Bicycle Accident Injuries?
While this may not be exactly a legal question, we believe it is an important one. Wearing a helmet could be the difference between surviving a bicycle accident and having a fatal one. Of all bicycle accidents each year, about 95% of those involve cyclists who were not wearing helmets. If you ride a bike, wear a helmet.