With warmer weather approaching, it’s natural that more and more people are using bicycles as a mode of transportation. There are several health benefits to riding a bike. Riding a bike keeps you physically active, helps you get more fresh air, and is easier on the joints when compared to other outdoor activities such as running.
In addition to health benefits, riding a bike can save you time. In Atlanta, highways and main roads are often congested with traffic backed up for hours. Most Atlantans understand the benefits of riding a bicycle a few miles to avoid traffic. Riding a bike is also greener for the environment and is cost-effective.
Unfortunately, there are some downsides to riding a bicycle as well. For example, bikes are not as safe as cars. Even if you are wearing a helmet, there isn’t a seatbelt, bumper, or airbags to absorb impact if you were to get involved in a bicycle accident. Additionally, if many people are using this mode of transportation as opposed to utilizing traditional vehicles, there could be a higher chance of getting into an accident with a car on busy roads. Riders, therefore, tend to sustain more serious physical injuries because of the reasons stated previously.
Georgia Bicycle Laws You Should Know
Georgia bike laws are constantly evolving and becoming more and more complex. Most of the police officers and motorists are oblivious to the rules when it comes to bicycles. For example, Georgia has specific laws with regard to cyclists on the road. One law, O.C. G.A. 40-6-56, states that a motor vehicle driver should be at least three feet away when passing a bicycle. Also, motor vehicles should yield the right of way when it comes to bicycles in a bike lane. Failure to follow these specific rules for cyclists will render the other driver liable for any bicycle accident that may occur.
Also, in Georgia, bicyclists are not required to wear a helmet if they are sixteen-years-old and older. However, for your safety, we recommend that you wear a helmet while riding your bike on the roads and even sidewalks because this reduces the severity of the injury if you fall or get involved in a collision.
Causes of Atlanta Bike Accidents
When we talk about traffic accidents, we often think of them as cars, trucks, SUVs and motorized vehicles colliding with each other. Bike accidents are usually not the first thing that comes to mind. According to surveys conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA, here are some of the common reasons why bike accidents happen in the Atlanta area:
- Motorized vehicles driving in bicycle designated lanes
- Failure to yield when bikers are present
- Failure to spot bicycles when turning and backing up
- Opening vehicles door while bicycles pass
- Intoxicated Drivers
Hiring an Attorney After a Bike Accident
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a reckless and negligent driver, you may be eligible for financial recovery to help you get through the mental, physical and financial struggle the bicycle accident has brought upon you and your family. An experienced Atlanta bike accident attorney will help you through the process to ensure that your rights are preserved. You may be entitled to financial compensation for the medical bills you have accumulated since the incident, get compensation for the loss of wages from the time of the accident until you get better, property damage if necessary, and financial support for the pain and suffering you have encountered.
At Council & Associates, our attorneys can help you deal with what could be an uphill battle. We understand that seeking legal action may be the last thing on your mind after a disastrous collision. However, making the at-fault party pay for their wrongdoing may put your mind at ease and help you and your family recover from the stupendous financial struggle of the incident. We believe that recklessness and negligence should not be taken lightly. The at-fault party should take responsibility and pay for whatever support you may need.
You can obtain justice by retaining a skillful, dedicated and resourceful bicycle accident lawyer from Council & Associates that will use all their time and resources to investigate on your behalf, interpret all data that has been collected and determine what legal action best suits your case. We have a significant amount of experience in handling personal injury claims and would like to hear from you. If you have questions about a bicycle accident case, you can consult with an experienced bicycle accident attorney from Council & Associates. Our consultations are free. We can help you maximize your claim and recover fully from the tragic event! Call us immediately at (404)562-8857.
