Riverdale Bicycle Accident Lawyer
While there are many advantages to traveling by bike, there are various drawbacks as well. Bicyclists are vulnerable to dangerous collisions with motor vehicles, especially when motorists are driving carelessly and irresponsibly. If you collided with a negligent driver while riding your bike, you should consult with a Riverdale bicycle accident lawyer. A local injury attorney could review the facts surrounding your case, and asses what legal rights and options for seeking financial compensation may be available to you.
Common Bike Accident Injuries
No matter how minor a collision, it is probable that a cyclist may be thrown from their bicycle after an accident with a vehicle. This opens the opportunity for severe bodily harm. Some of the most common bicycle accident injuries may include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Facial injuries
- Spinal fractures
- Ruptured discs
- Bone fractures
- Lacerations and contusions
Bicycle Laws in Riverdale
Several state laws directly apply to how a bicyclist should operate, where they can ride, and what safety measures they must take. A Riverdale attorney could determine if the cause of a bike accident was a violation of these regulations and how this may impact the case.
Traffic Signals
Under Official Code of Georgia Annotated §40-1-1, the law treats bicycles as vehicles which means that a bike must follow the same traffic laws that apply to motor vehicles. A bicyclist should be stopping at traffic signals, yielding when signaled, and follow all commands from police officers and other traffic navigators.
Where to Ride
Generally, under O.C.G.A. §40-6-56, a motorist must yield to a bicyclist who is riding in the bike lane. In turn, cyclists may not ride on sidewalks.
Lights and Helmets
When riding a night, cyclists are required to affix a white light on the front and a red light on the rear of their bike, and each must be visible at a distance of 300 feet under O.C.G.A. §40-6-296. Additionally, while a rider should wear a helmet, there are no requirements to wear a helmet unless the bike is a rental.
Comparative Fault in Bicycle Wrecks
Even if a bicyclist were violating some of these rules when the accident occurred, that does not necessarily mean they will not be able to recover damages. The state follows comparative fault rules under O.C.G.A. §51-12-33. This means that if the claimant is 49 percent or less to blame for their injuries, they may still receive compensation reduced by their percentage of fault.
For example, while not illegal, if a bicyclist was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision, the defendant may argue that the injured party was partially at fault for their injuries due to their lack of protection. A Riverdale bicycle accident lawyer could help a plaintiff navigate this complex legal process if this situation occurs.
Call a Riverdale Bicycle Accident Attorney
After a bicycle accident, you may have medical bills, lost time at work, need rehabilitation, and have ongoing psychological trauma. Depending on your case, you may be able to pursue these as well as other damages in court. With the help of a Riverdale bicycle accident lawyer, you could assess what your options are and decide how to proceed. Call a local attorney today and learn what may be possible for your case.
