North Augusta Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Serving Victims of Bike Accidents in North Augusta

North Augusta is a beautiful city to bike through on a sunny afternoon. Unfortunately, the risk of getting hit by a negligent driver is always present, and when a bike accident happens, the injuries are often devastating. If you have been injured in a bike crash, you need to know what your legal options are and how to pursue your claim.

At Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys, our team has extensive experience helping injured cyclists in North Augusta and throughout South Carolina. We know the impact of these injuries, and we know how to pursue the full compensation you need and deserve. We are here to help you through the process while protecting your rights and best interests.

Contact us online or call (912) 809-5335 to discuss how our North Augusta bicycle accident attorneys can help you.

Georgia Bicycle Laws

In Georgia law, a bicycle is defined as a device propelled by human power upon which a person may ride, having two tandem wheels, either of which is more than 13 inches in diameter.

The state does not have a statewide helmet law for cyclists. However, some local ordinances may require helmet use, particularly for children.

Bicycles are generally subject to the same rules of the road as motor vehicles. This means cyclists must obey traffic signals and signs, yield the right-of-way when required, signal turns, and ride with the flow of traffic.

Bicycles operated at night must be equipped with a white light on the front visible from at least 300 feet away and a red reflector or a red light on the rear visible from at least 300 feet away. It's also recommended to have a rearview mirror and brakes in good working order.

Local authorities may regulate or prohibit the operation of bicycles on sidewalks. If riding on a sidewalk is allowed, cyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing pedestrians.

Lastly, motor vehicle drivers must provide a safe passing distance of at least three feet when passing a cyclist. Failure to provide a safe passing distance can result in fines and penalties.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

The majority of bike crashes are caused by motorist negligence. Drivers have a responsibility to safely share the road with cyclists, but far too many fail to live up to that responsibility. They may not see the cyclist or they may not realize how fast the cyclist is going. In some cases, drivers are just not paying attention to the road.

Common causes of bike crashes caused by drivers include:

• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Fatigued driving
• Speeding
• Reckless driving
• Running a red light
• Turning right in front of a cyclist

Some bike accidents are also caused by a defective bike or bike part. In these cases, the manufacturer of the bike or bike part may be held liable.

Recovering Compensation After a Bicycle Accident

In Georgia, if you've been involved in a bicycle accident, there are several legal options available to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. Here are some common avenues:

• Auto Insurance: If the accident involved a motor vehicle, you may be able to file a claim with the driver's auto insurance company. Georgia follows an "at-fault" system, so the driver found to be at fault for the accident (or their insurance company) would typically be responsible for compensating you for your damages.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): If the at-fault driver doesn't have insurance or doesn't have enough coverage to fully compensate you, you may be able to file a claim under your own auto insurance policy's UM/UIM coverage, if you have it. This coverage can help bridge the gap in compensation.
• Personal Injury Lawsuit: If negotiations with the insurance company fail to result in fair compensation or if the at-fault party doesn't have insurance, you may consider filing a personal injury lawsuit. To do this, you'd typically need to prove that the other party was negligent (i.e., they breached their duty of care) and that their negligence directly caused your injuries.
• Third-Party Liability Claims: In some cases, parties other than the driver may be liable for the accident and your injuries. For example, if the accident was caused by a defective bicycle part or poorly maintained road, you might have a claim against the manufacturer or government entity responsible for maintenance.

How Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys Can Help

At Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys, we know how to build strong cases for our clients. Our team knows how to negotiate with insurance companies and, when necessary, take them to court. No matter what it takes, we are here to help you pursue the compensation you need for your medical bills, lost wages, and more.

When you hire our firm, we will:

• Conduct a thorough investigation into your case
• Identify all potentially liable parties
• Calculate your total damages, including your future medical expenses and lost wages
• Negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement
• Prepare your case for trial if a fair settlement is not possible

If you have been injured in a bike accident, we are here to help. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation with our North Augusta bicycle accident lawyers.