BICYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER IN BLAKELY, GEORGIA
Have you been injured in a bicycle accident in Blakely, Georgia? Blakely’s rural roads and beautiful scenery create an ideal location to take a leisurely bicycle ride. While cycling is a great form of exercise and an enjoyable way to get around, it can be a dangerous activity. Cyclists are in a vulnerable position on the road and can suffer severe injuries or death when involved in an accident with an automobile. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 846 cyclists were killed in 2019.
If you or a loved one were injured in a Blakely bicycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact the lawyers at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter today at 833-LEGALGA (534-2542). Our experienced bicycle accident lawyers have handled these types of cases in Early County and across the state of Georgia. We have the necessary knowledge of Georgia law as it pertains to motorists and cyclists to make your case a success and to maximize your financial recovery.
If you are not quite ready to contact a qualified Blakely bicycle accident lawyer, read on to learn more about common bicycle accident injuries, common scenarios surrounding bicycle accidents, and laws governing cyclists and motorists
COMMON BLAKELY BICYCLE ACCIDENT INJURIES
Some of the most severe injuries sustained during a Blakely bicycle accident include injuries to the spinal cord, traumatic brain injuries, and bone fractures. If a cyclist is hit by a motorist from behind, he/she can suffer severe spinal cord injuries resulting in permanent disabilities or death. Cyclists can also sustain traumatic brain injuries from skull fractures causing bleeding on the brain to concussions. Bone fractures are some of the most common injuries sustained in bicycle accidents. These fractures occur when the cyclist is hit by a motorist or during the fall that ensues.
Because the cyclist’s body is coming into direct contact with an automobile, the injuries are usually more devastating or fatal. There are no seatbelts or airbags to protect the cyclist’s body. If you were injured by a motorist while on your bicycle, it is critical to hire an expert Blakely bicycle accident lawyer that can get you the justice you deserve. You deserve to be compensated for your injuries, lost wages, and inability to resume normal activities.
COMMON CAUSES OF BICYCLE ACCIDENTS IN BLAKELY
Common causes of Blakely bicycle accidents include falling accidents, wrong way accidents, and rear-end collisions. Falling accidents usually occur when a cyclist is directly hit by a motorist or when they encounter a roadway hazard. If a town does not have clearly marked signs or has obstacles in the road that caused your fall, the town may be liable. Wrong way accidents can occur when cyclists travel against traffic flow or try to squeeze into small spaces around traffic. In this scenario, the cyclist could be held liable. Wrong way accidents can also occur when a negligent motorist collides with a cyclist while disobeying the rules of the road. Rear-end collisions are very common and can occur when motorists do not give cyclists enough space on the shoulder of the road. Cyclists can also swerve suddenly into a lane of traffic to avoid poor road conditions or other hazards and get rear-ended.
Whatever the cause of your Blakely bicycle accident, let the bicycle accident lawyers at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter determine the merits of your case during a free consultation. We will be able to answer many of your questions during this time as well as discuss liability in your case. Our expert lawyers are not afraid to go up against the big insurance companies to get you the compensation you deserve.
LAWS FOR CYCLISTS IN BLAKELY AND ACROSS GEORGIA
Both motorists and cyclists in Blakely and across Georgia are required to follow the rules of the road. Many people do not realize that bicycles are considered vehicles under Georgia law. When a motorist violates a traffic law and an accident ensues, he/she can be held liable. In some cases, both the motorist and cyclist can be found at fault and a jury will assign percentages of fault to each party.
Cyclists, like motorists, are supposed to obey traffic lights and stop signs, give the right-of-way to pedestrians, and ride in the same direction as traffic on their side of the road. Some additional examples of laws that apply to Georgia cyclists are listed below:
- Only one cyclist can ride a single-person bicycle at a time. Exceptions include a child riding in a child passenger seat, or in a bicycle trailer designed for children, or in an infant sling (C.G.A. 40-6-292);
- Cyclists are prohibited from attaching their bicycles to an automobile as they ride (C.G.A. 40-6-293);
- Cyclists are required to ride as close to the right side of the road as possible. Exceptions to this law include when a cyclist needs to turn left, or to give pedestrians the right-of-way, or to avoid hazards in the road (C.G.A. 40-6-294);
- It is illegal for cyclists to carry anything in their hands that prevents them from keeping at least one hand on the handlebars while riding the bike (C.G.A. 40-6-295);
- Cyclists are required to have properly working components on their bicycles. For example, the brakes and reflectors on the bicycle should be in good working order. Children under 16 are required to wear helmets while riding a bicycle. (C.G.A. 40-6-296).
CONTACT A BLAKEY BICYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER TODAY
Bicycle accident injuries are often catastrophic. You deserve a Blakely bicycle accident lawyer that will put his/her experience to work for you. If you were injured in a Blakely bicycle accident, contact the Williams Elleby Howard & Easter law firm today at 833-LEGALGA (534-2542). We provide free consultations in-person or via Zoom. We look forward to assisting you.
