Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents are a common cause of injury in Georgia and the rest of the country. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration published pedestrian accident statistics claiming over 4,000 people die in such accidents every year. Head injuries account for 62% of bicycle-related deaths, for 33% of bicycle-related emergency department visits, and for 67% of bicycle-related hospital admissions, according to the CDC. Additionally, 515,000 have other serious injuries requiring hospitalization each year.

Many times, these bicyclists are hurt through no fault of their own. Cellphones and other distractions easily divert the attention of car and truck drivers. This makes a cyclist or pedestrian even more vulnerable. The bicycle accident attorneys at the McArthur Law Firm in Macon and Atlanta, will investigate the exact cause of accidents. We can then pursue a lawsuit if the other side does not offer a full and fair accident settlement. We can assist pedestrians and cyclists hurt by another vehicle in Atlanta, Columbus and Augusta as well as in Albany, Atlanta and across Georgia.

Recently, we secured a $1.4 million settlement for a bicyclist’s family. The bicyclist ran into the side of a vehicle that turned left in front of him. He was then hit by a vehicle that came up immediately following the first wreck. His injuries resulted in his death. The vehicle that turned in front of him paid $100,000 in coverage. The vehicle that struck him after he and the bicycle were down in the road had $1.3 million in coverage, which was also paid.

What are the Common Causes of Car and Bicycle Accidents?

Drivers of cars and trucks do not typically expect to see a cyclist, who is much smaller than the vehicle. This makes cyclists especially vulnerable on the road when drivers are not paying full attention. Common causes of a car/bicycle accident include:

  • Car right-turns into a bicycle on a green light. A cyclist approaches a red light with stopped cars. The light turns green, and the car turns right, hitting the cyclist who is crossing on the green.
  • Car right-turns into a bicycle on a red light. If a bicycle is at the corner of an intersection, right-turning cars on the red are looking left for oncoming traffic, not right. They may turn without checking and run right into the cyclist waiting for the light.
  • Car left turns and hits a cyclist riding the other way. This is a common mistake for car drivers, because they are watching traffic for other cars, not bikes. Driver then might not see the bike until too late.
  • Parked car driver opens door, and a cyclist slams right into the door: This happens when a car driver does not check traffic before opening the door.
  • Car backing out of driveway or parking spot hits cyclist when driver fails to check the rear view.

Are Criminal Charges Filed Against Accidents Involving Bikes?

Car or truck drivers might face traffic citations or criminal charges after hitting a person on the street or a bicyclist. However, criminal court does not provide money for victims’ damages, such as hospital bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Because of this, it is essential to speak to a personal injury attorney after a car or truck hits a person.

Victims of car wrecks also need to understand that you can pursue a civil lawsuit whether or not criminal charges are filed or the driver is found guilty of a crime. For example, a car driver hits a pedestrian and the driver is charged with vehicular manslaughter. The driver is found “not guilty”. The victim’s family can still pursue a wrongful death case against the driver in civil court, despite the not guilty verdict in criminal court. Victims and families should not wait until the conclusion of any criminal cases before contacting a civil car wreck attorney.

Reach Out to Our Bicycle Accident Attorney in Central Georgia

If you or someone you love was hurt in a pedestrian or bicycle accident, we can help you. At the McArthur Law Firm, we believe that if an individual fails to follow traffic safety laws, then he or she should be held accountable. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer at our firm offers aggressive representation when a car or truck driver harms a cyclist.

We do not give up, even against tough competitors. Insurance companies will attempt to blame the accident on the victim; we will fight back. For a free consultation, call 404-565-1621 or fill out our online bike accident contact form. Someone from our office will be with you shortly. If you currently live in another state outside of Georgia, call for nationwide legal bike accident help.

More Motor Vehicle Wreck Resources

If you’d like to learn more about how McArthur Law Firm handles motor vehicle wreck cases, read our informative articles on the subject below. We explain all the different types of motor vehicle wreck cases we accept.