Bicycle Accidents Attorney in Macon & Savannah, Georgia 

Riding a bicycle can be an exciting experience in Georgia. Some great places to ride a bike include the Silver Comet Trail, Atlanta BeltLine, Panola Mountain State Park, and Blankets Creek trails. Whether you are exploring the environment or going to work with your bicycle, the negligence of other motorists and road users can expose you to accidents or injuries. Thankfully, Georgia personal injury laws allow victims of bicycle accidents to seek fair financial compensation for their injuries by filing a claim or lawsuit.  

If you or a loved one were injured in a bicycle accident caused by another person's carelessness or negligence, you may be eligible to seek damages. At The Law Offices of Peter Meyer, P.C., we are eager to provide comprehensive legal counsel and compassionate representation to clients in their bicycle accident cases. Our strategic Georgia personal injury attorney has the resources to fight for your legal rights and help you recover fair financial compensation for your injuries, damages, or losses.  

The Law Offices of Peter Meyer, P.C. proudly represent bicycle accident victims across Macon & Savannah, Georgia, and the surrounding areas of Bibb, Twiggs, Laurens, Houston, Chatham, Telfair, Peach, Bulloch, Jones, Candler, Dodge, Bleckley, and Wheeler. 

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident  

According to the 2019 Georgia Traffic Safety Facts, there were 793 total bicycle crashes statewide. When involved in a bicycle accident in Georgia, you should take the following steps, where possible: 

• Remain calm and exit your bicycle carefully. 

• Call 911 to get immediate medical treatment for your injuries. 

• Report the incident to law enforcement. 

• Get relevant information from the other driver, including the name, address, phone number, insurance information, and license information. 

• Collect and document police reports, accident scene photos, and witness statements and testimonies. 

• Document all of your medical treatments, hospital bills, doctor's appointments, personal account of the incident, and its effect on your day-to-day life and work. 

• Notify your insurance carrier about the bicycle accident. 

• Hire a knowledgeable attorney to help file a personal injury claim and negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance provider. 

A talented Georgia bicycle accident attorney can inform you about some state laws affecting bicycle riders and guide you through the claims process. 

Georgia Laws Affecting Bicycle Riders  

Here are some Georgia laws and rules affecting the operation of bicyclists throughout the state: 

Operation 

• Cyclists must ride as close to the right of the roadway as practicable and safe. 

• Bicyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic flow. 

• Bicyclists must keep at least one hand on the handlebars when riding the bicycle. 

• Bicyclists are prohibited from clinging to motor vehicles when riding. 

• A bicycle may only carry the number of people it was designed for. 

• Cyclists on roadways may only overtake motor vehicles on the right if conditions allow. 

• Cyclists must signal when turning or stopping. 

Equipment 

All bicycles must have a functioning brake that allows the cyclist to make braked wheels skid on dry, level pavement. Also, when riding at night, the bicycle must be equipped with: 

• A front white headlight that is visible from over 300 feet away, and 

• A rear red light or red reflector that is visible from more than 300 feet away. 

Helmets 

No person below 16 years shall operate or be a passenger on a bicycle on a bicycle path, highway, sidewalk, or bicycle lane without wearing a properly fastened bicycle helmet. 

A trusted personal injury lawyer can notify you about how these bicycle laws and rules affect your case and determine and help your file insurance claims.   

Filing a Claim  

Georgia is an "at-fault" auto insurance state. Under the state's at-fault laws, the person who caused the bicycle accident (the at-fault party) will be held liable for medical bills, property damages, and other accident-related losses suffered by the injured victims. 

In other to pursue damages following a bicycle accident, you can proceed by: 

• Filing a first-party claim with your insurance provider. 

• Filing a third-party claim against the insurance company of the at-fault party 

• Filing a personal injury lawsuit in civil court against the at-fault party 

The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Georgia, including bicycle accidents, is two (2) years from the date the accident or injury occurred. 

A competent attorney can battle for your legal rights and help you recover the maximum possible compensation for your injuries. 

Modified Comparative Fault in Georgia 

Additionally, Georgia follows the "modified comparative fault" system, with a 50% bar. According to the rule, a bicycle accident victim will only be allowed to recover damages if the other party was found to be mostly (more than 50%) responsible for the injury or accident. However, the amount of compensation that may be recovered will be reduced by the plaintiff's degree of fault. 

According to Georgia's modified comparative fault system, you will be barred completely from seeking damages if you were more than 50% liable for your injuries. 

Look to a Compassionate Attorney 

A bicycle accident can have a significant impact on your financial, physical, and emotional health. However, you don't have to suffer the challenges and financial liability all alone. Therefore, if you were hurt in a negligent bicycle accident, you need to retain an accomplished personal injury attorney for clear advice and to advocate for your best interests.  

At The Law Offices of Peter Meyer, P.C., we have the intelligence, empathy, and resources to guide, support, and represent bicycle accident victims in their injury claims. In addition, we can analyze all of the surrounding facts of your individual situation and explore your possible options to recover damages.