If you were injured in a bicycle accident that someone else caused, an experienced lawyer could help you get the compensation you deserve. You should not have to suffer the physical, financial, and emotional consequences of a bike accident while the person responsible pays nothing. The Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. bicycle accident lawyers in Atlanta are dedicated to helping victims recover compensation from the at-fault party. Bicyclists have the same rights as everyone else, and we will fight with determination and tenacity to defend your rights and interests.
Contact Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. at 770-282-8357 right now to set up a free consultation with one of our Atlanta bicycle accident attorneys.
Why You Need a Bicycle Accident Attorney
After a bike accident, you may be hospitalized, on bed rest, or simply less mobile for a long time. Your injuries may prevent you from working. Your bank account is dwindling, the bills are piling up, and it seems like there’s nothing you can do about it.
That’s not true, though. You can hire an Atlanta personal injury lawyer that specializes in bicycle accidents to help you recover financially while you focus on your physical recovery. With a dedicated, experienced attorney handling your legal claim, your emotional and mental stress will diminish, and you can begin to rebuild your life.
Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. has a legal team you can depend on in your time of need. Our bicycle crash attorneys have the knowledge, resources, and dedication to pursue maximum compensation from the at-fault party. But don’t take our word for it. Read our clients’ testimonials and real-life results, including a $275,000 judgment we secured for a client who suffered a hip fracture after a bicycle accident.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
The most common causes of bicycle accidents in Atlanta include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Failure to check blind spots
- Failure to provide space for bicyclists
- Disobeying traffic signs or lights
- Drunk driving
- Fatigued driving
- Opening a car door without checking
- Hazards or debris in the road
When, Where, and to Whom Do Most Atlanta Bike Accidents Happen?
Atlanta has become an active bicycling city as more residents try to avoid expensive, frustrating, and time-consuming commutes by biking to work. While the city continues to invest in bike infrastructure to improve safety for bicyclists, 40 crashes still occurred in one recent year. Of those, 72 percent resulted in injuries and 5 percent in fatalities.
Here are some additional statistics on Atlanta bike accidents from the city’s most recent Annual Bicycle Report:
- The Westside, Downtown, Midtown, and Decatur Street/DeKalb Avenue have the most crash events because of their high traffic volume and development density.
- In two recent years, the highest number of bike crashes occurred on Fridays.
- Bike riders under 25 were most at risk of bike crashes and injuries, according to one recent year of data. Bicyclists 50 years or older had the highest number of fatalities.
- Between 2012 and 2016, 72 percent of bike accident fatalities and 42 percent of injuries occurred on just six percent of city roads. That six percent of roads is referred to as the High Injury Network.
Common Injuries from Bicycle Accidents
In general, bicyclists are at greater risk of severe injury than occupants of passenger vehicles in bike-on-vehicle accidents. That’s because bicyclists lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle. Some of the most common injuries our attorneys see in bicycle crashes include:
- Lacerations or road rash
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Head and facial injuries
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Crushed or amputated limbs
- Nerve damage
- Internal organ damage
- Neck or back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Proving Negligence in a Bicycle Accident Case
You must prove that the at-fault driver was negligent to recover compensation after a bike accident. Proving negligence might seem straightforward, especially if the accident was obviously someone else’s fault. But legally, proving negligence can be challenging, and your chances of a successful outcome in your claim or case will be higher with a skilled attorney on your side.
To prove negligence, your attorney will gather evidence that demonstrates the at-fault driver breached their duty to drive with care and that breach resulted in the accident that directly caused your injuries. Essential evidence of negligence may include the following:
- Photos and videos of the accident scene, your bike, the other vehicle, and your injuries
- Police officer’s crash report
- Eyewitness accounts
- Accident expert’s testimony
- Medical records
Potential Compensation for Bike Accident Victims
With the assistance of an experienced bike accident attorney, you may be able to recover compensation for the following accident-related losses:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, physical therapy, surgery, and future medical needs
- Lost wages from time missed at work due to your injuries
- Loss of future earning capacity if your injuries result in a long-term disability
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of quality of life
- Bike repairs or replacement
What to Do After an Atlanta Bike Accident
If you were involved in a bicycle accident in Atlanta, Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. recommends you take the following steps to protect your rights:
- Call 911 – Bike accidents are serious, so do not hesitate to call 911 after an accident occurs. The dispatcher will send appropriate personnel, including a police officer and emergency medical services, if necessary. The responding officer will complete a crash report, which will serve as evidence in your bike accident claim.
- Gather evidence – If it is safe, you can aid your case by gathering evidence at the scene. Take pictures and videos of your bike, the other vehicle or vehicles involved, and the surrounding scene. Get contact information from everyone involved. Notice the details. These may matter when it comes to proving negligence. Do not post any pictures or comments on social media.
- Get medical attention – Bicycle accidents are serious, so you must seek medical attention for your injuries. Even if you feel fine, visiting a doctor or the emergency room is wise. The record of your medical visit will also become evidence in your claim.
- Consult an attorney – What happens next depends on the quality of your legal representation. A hard-charging attorney will go to work investigating the accident and building a compelling case of negligence. They will aggressively pursue maximum compensation at the negotiating table or in the courtroom.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Atlanta Today
If you were injured in an Atlanta bicycle accident caused by someone else, you deserve to have a dedicated attorney who can fight for your rights. Contact Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. today to learn how our bicycle accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
Call 770-282-8357 right now to set up a free and confidential consultation.
Related posts:
- What Not To Say To An Insurance Adjuster
- How To Read An Accident Report
- What You Should Never Say To A Doctor After An Accident
- How Are Personal Injury Settlements Paid?