Bicycle Accidents Attorneys in Dalton, GA, Assisting Injured Bicyclists

A great many individuals enjoy riding their bicycles for recreation or exercise. Additionally, many people utilize a bicycle as a mode of transportation to get them to and from their destinations. Whatever their reasons may be for riding a bicycle, cyclists are at far greater risk due to the obvious lack of protection than people who are in motor vehicles. The risk of severe injury is substantially greater even for those who wear protective safety gear such as a helmet or knee pads.

If you have been injured by the carelessness or negligence of another individual, you may be entitled to file a claim for compensation for your injuries and other damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages. Due to the often-serious nature of bicycle accidents, your recovery period could take a significant amount of time and prohibit you from being able to work. You may quickly find yourself in financial hardship and unable to support yourself and your family.

The Cowan Law Firm, LLC, of Dalton, GA, is passionately committed to seeking justice for individuals who have been injured in bicycle accidents. After your injury, you need time to rest and recover. Contact our law firm and ask to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

Do Bicyclists in Georgia Have the Right of Way?

Georgia law considers bicycles to be vehicles when on the roadways. Therefore, the same traffic laws that apply to motor vehicles also apply to cyclists sharing the roads. Some of the laws that bicyclists are responsible to know and obey are:

• Many individuals are under the mistaken impression that it is permissible for bicyclists to ride on the sidewalk instead of the street. However, this belief is incorrect as cyclists over the age of 13 are required to operate their bikes on the roadway.
• Bicyclists must ride on the right side of the road and in the same direction as the flow of traffic.
• Bicyclists must follow the same traffic rules as other vehicles, such as stopping for red lights and stop signs.
• Bicycle riders are to be granted the same right of way as other vehicles when merging into traffic or attempting to turn left or right.

If you have suffered injuries because an operator of a motor vehicle failed to obey general traffic laws, you may be eligible to file a claim for financial compensation. You need to consult with a personal injury lawyer who can explain how traffic laws apply to cyclists and answer any questions that you may have. The Dalton Law Firm, LLC is committed to helping bicycle injury victims obtain the fair compensation they deserve.

What is the Most Common Bicycle Accident Injury?

Unfortunately, bicyclists can experience a wide variety of injuries due to the sheer force and weight of a collision with a motor vehicle. However, head injuries, even if wearing a helmet, are by far the most common injury that bicyclists suffer when involved in an accident. Georgia law stipulates that any individual 16 or under must wear a bicycle helmet that has been approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). However, bicycle riders over the age of 16 are not legally required to wear a helmet.

A head injury can be anything from a bump on the head to a traumatic brain injury (TBI). If you suffer any type of injury to your head as a result of a bicycle accident, you need to be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Some common head injuries include:

• Concussions
• Contusions
• Cranial hemorrhage
• Skull fracture

Some other common injuries that cyclists also suffer include:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Neck injuries
• Road rash
• Cuts and abrasions
• Broken bones
• Sprains

What Should I Do if I Have Been Injured in a Bicycle Accident?

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, one of the most important steps that you can take to protect your health and well-being is to seek medical attention. Even if you do not think that you are injured, you still need to be evaluated to make certain that you do not have internal injuries.

In bicycle accidents, there is always a risk that the cyclist has sustained injuries to their stomach from potentially hitting the handlebars. A bicycle rider is also susceptible to suffering injuries to their ribs or spleen from the impact of the crash. Internal bleeding is also a potential injury that may not fully manifest itself until a later time.

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you also need to do the following if possible:

• Call 911 to report the accident and ask for medical responders.
• Gather the driver’s information, such as their license plate and driver’s license number, as well as the name of their insurance company
• Collect the names and contact information of any bystanders who may have witnessed the accident.
• Ask for a copy of both the police report and medical records. This can help save valuable time should you need to file a claim.
• Contact a bicycle accident attorney to discuss your case as soon as possible.

How Can Your Law Firm Help Me After I Have Been Injured in a Bicycle Accident?

After you have suffered injuries in a bicycle accident, you may be in a great deal of physical pain and experiencing mental trauma as you relieve the accident. You need adequate time to recover from your injuries. However, getting the claim process started as soon as possible is essential in all personal injury cases. The medical bills and other out-of-pocket expenses will quickly begin to pile up even if you have health insurance.

Our law firm is dedicated to recovering the maximum amount of compensation allowable for your particular case. We can fill out the necessary insurance information properly and file it immediately on your behalf. Often insurance companies will try to deny claims if the paperwork is incomplete or not done correctly. We will ask to seek to recover damages such as”

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering, mental anguish

Contact The Cowan Law Firm, LLC, of Dalton, GA, by calling (706) 278-2099 and ask to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.