Bicycle Accidents in Alpharetta: What You Are Entitled To
At Horst Shewmaker, we are committed to standing up for people who have been injured through no fault of their own. Our legal team handles each case personally from start to finish, giving clients direct access to experienced attorneys rather than passing them off to case managers. We focus on serious personal injury matters, including bicycle accidents, car accidents, and wrongful death claims across Alpharetta and throughout Georgia.
Bicycle accidents in Alpharetta can cause serious injuries and lasting consequences. Cyclists face risks from negligent drivers, poor roadway conditions, and violations of traffic laws. Georgia law gives injured cyclists the right to seek compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and other damages.
Knowing your legal options and working with an experienced Alpharetta bicycle accident lawyer can help protect your rights and improve your chances of recovering maximum compensation.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Alpharetta
Bicycle accidents in Alpharetta often happen because drivers and cyclists fail to follow safety rules. Understanding these causes can help reduce risks and strengthen a bicycle accident case if an injury occurs.
Negligent Driver Actions
Many drivers fail to exercise reasonable care around cyclists. Common issues include distracted driving, following too closely, failing to yield, and ignoring traffic laws. Drivers may also pass a bicyclist too closely on the right side or fail to signal before turning left. These mistakes can lead to serious injuries or devastating injuries for cyclists.
Failure to Follow Traffic Laws
Bicyclists in Georgia must follow the same rules and ride in the same direction as motor vehicles. Accidents can occur when cyclists or drivers ignore red light signals or ride at unsafe speeds. Both parties share the duty to avoid hazards and respect all traffic laws to prevent collisions.
Poor Roadway Conditions
Roadway hazards such as potholes, debris, and uneven surfaces increase accident risk. Many bicycle lanes in Alpharetta are narrow or obstructed, forcing cyclists closer to motor vehicles. Without a safe bicycle lane, the chance of a crash rises significantly.
Inadequate Lighting and Visibility
Georgia law requires a white light visible from the front and a red light visible from the rear when riding at night. Without proper lighting, drivers may not see a cyclist until it is too late. Lack of reflective gear and poor street lighting also contribute to collisions.
Unsafe Passing and Turning
Accidents often happen when a driver turns left across a cyclist’s path or fails to see a cyclist riding on the right side. Many drivers misjudge speed and distance, creating dangerous situations that lead to collisions and injuries.
Georgia Bicycle Laws Every Cyclist Should Know
Georgia law sets clear rules for how cyclists must operate on public roads. Knowing these laws helps prevent bicycle accidents and strengthens a bicycle accident claim if an injury occurs.
Same Rules as Motor Vehicles
Bicyclists are legally classified as vehicles in Georgia. This means cyclists must follow the same rules and ride in the same direction as motor vehicles. They must obey all traffic laws, including stopping at red light signals and yielding when required.
Right Side Riding
Cyclists must ride as close as practicable to the right side of the roadway, except when avoiding hazards, passing another vehicle, or preparing for a left turn. Staying to the right reduces the chance of conflict with faster-moving cars and helps maintain predictable traffic flow.
Lighting Requirements
When riding at night, cyclists must use a white light visible from at least 300 feet on the front of the bicycle and a red light visible from at least 300 feet on the rear. These lights improve visibility and reduce the risk of accidents.
Hand Position and Signaling
Georgia law requires cyclists to keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times. Proper hand signals must be used when turning or stopping to alert drivers and other cyclists. Clear communication helps avoid collisions.
Equipment for Carrying Children
When transporting children, cyclists must use an appropriate bicycle trailer or an approved infant sling. These safety measures protect young passengers and comply with state regulations.
Duty to Exercise Reasonable Care
Both drivers and cyclists must exercise reasonable care to avoid accidents. Failure to do so can result in contributory negligence, which may limit the ability to recover compensation after a crash.
Common Injuries from Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents in Alpharetta can cause a wide range of injuries. Some are minor, but many result in serious injuries or devastating injuries that require long-term medical attention.
Head and Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries are among the most severe outcomes of a bicycle accident. Even with a bicycle helmet, cyclists can suffer concussions or skull fractures if struck by a motor vehicle or thrown onto the roadway. Immediate medical attention is critical to prevent lasting damage.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
A collision can cause spinal cord injuries that lead to partial or full paralysis. Other back injuries, such as herniated discs, may result in chronic pain and limited mobility. These injuries often require ongoing treatment and rehabilitation.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Fractures to arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones are common when a cyclist is thrown from the bike. Broken bones can take weeks or months to heal, and severe cases may need surgery to restore full function.
Internal Injuries
Impact with a motor vehicle or the ground can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs. These injuries are not always visible immediately after the accident but can be life-threatening without prompt medical care.
Cuts, Bruises, and Road Rash
While less severe than other injuries, deep cuts and road rash can still be painful and may lead to infection. Protective clothing and gear can reduce the severity of these wounds.
Understanding Liability in a Bicycle Accident Case
Liability in a bicycle accident case determines who is responsible for damages. In Georgia, fault is based on evidence, traffic laws, and the duty to exercise reasonable care.
Proving Negligence
A bicycle accident claim often depends on showing that a negligent driver caused the crash. Negligence can include failing to yield, running a red light, speeding, or ignoring bicycle lanes. Evidence such as witness statements, photos, and police reports helps prove fault.
Contributory Negligence in Georgia
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If a bicyclist is found partly at fault, their compensation may be reduced. If they are 50 percent or more at fault, they cannot recover compensation. This makes it important to document the accident and follow all traffic laws.
Role of Traffic Laws
Traffic laws apply equally to bicyclists and motor vehicles. Violations by either party can influence the outcome of a bicycle accident case. Examples include riding in the wrong direction, failing to use a white light at night, or ignoring stop signs.
Multiple Parties Involved
Some bicycle accidents involve more than one responsible party. This can include other cyclists, pedestrians, or government entities responsible for roadway maintenance. Identifying all liable parties can help pursue compensation from every available source.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident in Alpharetta, GA
What you do after a bicycle accident can affect your health and your ability to seek compensation. Taking the right steps helps protect your legal rights and strengthens your bicycle accident claim.
Get to Safety and Call for Help
Move to a safe location if possible. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance. Even if you feel fine, some serious injuries are not immediately visible.
Seek Medical Attention
Always get a medical evaluation after a crash. Documentation from a healthcare provider creates a record of your injuries, which is important for any bicycle accident case.
Document the Accident Scene
Take clear photos of your bike, the motor vehicle, roadway conditions, and any visible injuries. Capture traffic signals, signs, and the position of vehicles. This evidence can help your legal team build a strong claim.
Collect Witness Information
If anyone saw the accident, ask for their names and contact information. Witness statements can confirm how the event happened and support your account of the crash.
File a Police Report
Provide accurate details to the responding officer. The police report will be part of the official record and may influence the outcome of an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney
Before speaking with an insurance company, consult a bicycle accident lawyer. An attorney can help you avoid mistakes, protect your rights, and work to recover maximum compensation.
Speak with Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Horst Shewmaker
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Alpharetta, our team at Horst Shewmaker is ready to help you take the next step. We know how quickly a ride can turn into a life-changing event and how important it is to act fast. Our bicycle accident attorneys understand Georgia’s traffic laws, insurance claim processes, and the strategies needed to recover maximum compensation.
Contact us at (404) 400-1175 for a free claim review today!
