Douglasville Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Riding a bicycle to work or for pleasure and exercise can be dangerous, especially if motorists are not paying attention or if an unexpected situation results in an accident. If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident while riding your bicycle, contact a Douglasville bicycle accident lawyer for the information and support you need to file a personal injury claim.
It may surprise you to know that could file a claim with your own insurance policy if the driver of a car that hit you cannot be located or failed to have adequate insurance. If you would like to learn more, an experienced personal injury attorney could explain your options and assist you in recovering compensation for your injuries and financial losses.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bike wrecks happen for many reasons, including but not limited to:
- Unexpected road hazards and defective roadways
- Parked or stopped vehicles whose drivers or passengers unexpectedly open their car door
- Being hit or cut off by an aggressive or intoxicated driver
- Vehicles that pull into traffic without looking, fail to yield at intersections or do not adhere properly to stop signs or red lights
- Motorists who are not paying attention and end up hitting a cyclist
Local Laws Governing Cyclists
In the state of Georgia, a bicycle is considered a vehicle by law, so general traffic laws apply to cyclists when on the road. Cyclists have the right of way when riding in a bicycle lane, and vehicle drivers must leave a safe distance between their vehicle and a cyclist when passing a bicyclist riding in the same direction. Furthermore, they are required to maintain this distance until they have safely passed the cyclist. A Douglasville bicycle accident lawyer could answer other questions a cyclist may have.
Where Cyclists Can Ride
A cyclist in Douglasville can ride on a permanent or authorized driveway, but no one over 12 years of age can ride on a sidewalk. In the same vein, a cyclist can ride on a paved shoulder or a road and can use arm motions to signal right and left turns. Cyclists are allowed to ride two abreast on bicycle paths, bike lanes, or roadways designated for cyclists.
Appropriate Riding Equipment
Bikes must be equipped with an attached, permanent seat. When riding with a child under one year of age, the child must sit in a bicycle trailer or an infant sling.
All bikes are required to be equipped with a white front light that is visible from 500 feet and a red backlight that is visible from 50 to 300 feet. If a bicycle is equipped with a red rear reflector approved by the Dept. of Public Safety, it does not have to have a rear light.
All bicycles must be equipped with adequate brakes, and they cannot be ridden with raised handlebars that require the rider to raise their hands above their shoulders to hold the steering grip. Finally, all bike riders or passengers over the age of 16 must wear approved headgear or a helmet.
How a Douglasville Bicycle Accident Attorney Could Help
No one plans on being injured in a bike accident, but when an accident happens, the injuries incurred can be very serious. These types of personal injury lawsuits can be complicated because witnesses must be located, reports obtained, and the details of the accident closely reviewed in order to prove liability. If injuries were the result of negligence with regard to unsafe road or sidewalk conditions, your claim may even involve a city or local business.
A knowledgeable Douglasville bicycle accident lawyer could work to hold the person or parties responsible for your accident accountable for their actions or negligence. They could also ensure all required filing deadlines are met and the legal process is handled properly, which could give you the best chance of recovering maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. Call today to schedule a consultation.
