Bicycle accidents are, unfortunately, a reality on Georgia roads. Whether caused by motor vehicles, road hazards, or other cyclists, the aftermath can be overwhelming.
Knowing what steps to take immediately after a bike accident is critical to protecting your rights and ensuring your recovery.
This guide goes over the 10 most important things to do after a bike accident in Georgia. Take these steps to protect your rights to health care and money.
1. Ensure Your Safety and Check for Injuries
The most important thing after a bike accident is to stay safe. Find a safe spot away from traffic and look to see if anyone is hurt.
Bicycle accidents can break bones, hit the head, and cause serious injuries inside the body that might not be obvious. So, even if you feel fine, you should still see a doctor.
Hidden Injuries: After a collision, adrenaline can mask pain, making it difficult to realize you’re hurt. Head injuries and spinal injuries are common in bike accidents but may not present symptoms right away. It’s essential to avoid movement if you suspect a serious injury like a neck or back injury.
Get Help After a Bicycle Accident
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in Georgia, our experienced Savannah bicycle accident attorneys are here to help you recover. We specialize in fighting for the compensation you deserve.
2. Call 911 and Report the Accident
In Georgia, reporting a bike accident to the authorities is not just a legal obligation; it is vital for protecting your claim.
Whether the incident involves a motorist or another cyclist, calling 911 immediately ensures that emergency personnel can respond to any injuries, and law enforcement can begin the process of filing an official police report.
- Police Report: A police report is critical for filing an insurance claim or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. Without it, proving the facts of the accident can become challenging.
- Motorist or Bicycle Accident Case: When reporting the accident, ensure you provide all relevant details, such as the road conditions, actions of involved parties, and the accident’s location. This information is vital for establishing the events leading to the collision.
3. Exchange Contact Information
After securing your safety and reporting the accident, exchange contact information with everyone involved.
This includes the driver (if a car is involved) and any witnesses who saw the accident unfold. At a minimum, collect:
- Driver’s License and vehicle registration (if applicable).
- Insurance Information for any motorist involved.
- Contact Details from witnesses who can corroborate your version of events.
Having detailed information will be critical for your injury claim against the responsible party.
4. Document the Scene of the Accident
Gathering evidence from the accident scene will strengthen your case in the event of an insurance claim or lawsuit. Take photographs of the following:
- Accident Scene: Capture the layout of the road, the condition of the bike, and any vehicles involved.
- Damaged Bicycle: Photograph your bike and any visible damage it sustained during the crash.
- Injuries: Document visible injuries to yourself and others, even minor ones.
This evidence will help determine the full extent of your damages and give a clearer picture of the accident’s cause. In accidents involving vehicles, this documentation is important in proving fault.
Protect Your Rights After a Bike Accident
Serious injuries from a bike accident can leave you with medical expenses and lost wages. Our Augusta bicycle accident law firm will fight to hold those at fault accountable.
5. Avoid Admitting Fault
In the immediate aftermath of an accident, it’s natural to feel guilty or apologetic, even if you were not at fault. However, avoid making any statements that could be construed as an admission of guilt.
- Georgia Law on Negligence: Georgia operates under comparative negligence laws, meaning fault is assigned based on the proportion of responsibility. Admitting fault, even partially, could reduce your compensation.
- Stick to the facts when discussing the accident with law enforcement or the other party, and avoid speculative statements like, “I didn’t see you” or “I should have been more careful.”
6. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel injured, seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident. Some injuries, such as head trauma or internal injuries, may not manifest until hours or even days later.
A full medical evaluation will document the extent of your injuries and is critical for any potential claim.
Keeping accurate medical records is essential to proving your injury case. These records will be used to demonstrate the impact of the accident on your health and well-being and can support claims for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
7. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
If the accident involved a vehicle, you must report it to your insurance company, even if you believe the other party was entirely at fault. Contact your insurance provider and provide them with the police report, your photos, and a detailed description of the accident.
Your insurance may cover medical expenses or repair costs, depending on your policy and the specifics of the accident.
Be mindful of what you say to both your insurance company and the other party’s insurer. Insurance companies may try to minimize your injuries or suggest that you were partially responsible for the accident.
8. Keep Detailed Records of Expenses
In the days and weeks following your accident, maintain meticulous records of all expenses related to your recovery. This includes:
- Medical Expenses: Keep receipts for hospital bills, doctor visits, medication, physical therapy, and any other medical treatments.
- Bike Repair Costs: Document any repair costs or replacement costs for your damaged bike.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, keep records of your lost income during your recovery.
These records will be used when calculating your claim’s worth and ensuring you receive maximum compensation.
9. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Bicycle accidents can be hard to prove in court when there are serious injuries. Our personal injury lawyers have experience with bike accidents and can help you get fair compensation and get through the legal process.
- Specialize in Personal Injury Law: As Georgia bicycle accident lawyers, we know how to deal with insurance companies and injuries from bike accidents.
- Full Extent of Your Damages: We will also make sure you get full payment for your injuries, which includes medical bills, pain and suffering, and long-term disability.
Maximize Your Bicycle Accident Claim
Take the right steps after a bicycle accident. Our law firm knows how to get the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
10. File a Claim Against the At-Fault Party
After talking to a personal injury lawyer from our law firm, we will file a claim against the person or entity that caused the injury. Your lawyer will talk to the insurance company and get the paperwork and proof.
Whether you’re suing the other person’s insurance company or making a claim, your lawyer will fight for you to get paid.
Filing a claim is a complicated process, but having a lawyer by your side will simplify it and give you the best chance of success.
Additional Reading : average settlement for bicycle accident
Involved in a Bike-on-Bike Accident?
Bike-on-bike accidents can occur in crowded bike lanes, trails, or even during group rides. Here’s what to do in such cases:
- Document the Scene: As with a car-related accident, take pictures of the crash and any injuries.
- Exchange Information: Gather contact information from the other cyclist and any witnesses.
- Seek Medical Attention: Ensure that you’re evaluated by a healthcare professional, even if your injuries seem minor.
What About a Car and Bike Accident?
Car and bike accidents tend to result in more serious injuries due to the size and speed disparity. After a car-bike accident, follow the same steps outlined above, but take extra care to:
- Document the Vehicle: Make sure to photograph the car involved, including the license plate, damage, and positioning.
- Report to Insurance: In car-bike accidents, the driver’s insurance will typically cover your damages, so be sure to file a claim promptly.
The Legal Process After Your Accident
The legal process following a bike accident can be broken down into several stages:
- Filing a Claim: Your attorney will file a claim with the responsible party’s insurance company.
- Negotiation: Most bike accident cases are resolved through settlements. Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company to secure fair compensation.
- Trial: If the settlement offer is insufficient, your case may go to trial, where your lawyer will present your case to a judge and jury.
Typical Bicycle Injuries We See as Experienced Georgia Lawyers
At Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys, we’ve handled countless bicycle injury cases in Georgia. The most common injuries we see are:
- Head Injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries are common in bike accidents, especially if the cyclist isn’t wearing a helmet.
- Fractures: Broken bones, particularly in the arms and legs, are frequently seen.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe accidents can result in spinal injuries, which may lead to long-term disability.
Injured in a Bicycle Accident? We Can Help!
Don’t face the insurance companies alone. Let our experienced attorneys handle your claim and fight for your recovery.
How We’ve Helped Victims After Accidents
Our firm has a track record of successfully securing compensation for bicycle accident victims. From negotiating with insurance companies to representing clients in court, we have helped victims recover damages for their medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
We secured a $2,400,000 settlement when a bicyclist was seriously injured and sadly lost their life when killed by a commercial vehicle
Georgia Bike Crash Data
Georgia tracks bicycle accidents through the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, and the data reveals important trends about bike crashes in the state. Here’s a breakdown of key insights regarding Georgia bike crash data:
- On average, Georgia experiences over 500 bicycle crashes annually. These crashes range from minor incidents to severe collisions.
- The total number of fatalities from bicycle accidents in Georgia fluctuates but generally falls between 10-20 deaths per year.
- Most bicycle accidents in Georgia occur in urban areas, especially in cities like Atlanta, Savannah, and Augusta. This is due to higher traffic volumes, more cyclists, and limited bike infrastructure.
- Intersections are particularly hazardous for bicyclists, with a significant portion of accidents occurring when vehicles fail to yield.
- Driver errors like failing to yield, distracted driving, and speeding are often listed as contributing factors in bicycle crashes.
- Cyclist behavior also plays a role, with some incidents linked to cyclists disregarding traffic signals or not using appropriate safety gear like helmets or reflective clothing.
- Bicycle accidents disproportionately affect younger riders (under 25) and male cyclists. Men are more likely to be involved in crashes than women, reflecting national trends.
- A large number of bike accidents occur during daylight hours, but the severity of accidents tends to increase at night, especially if cyclists are not using proper lighting.
- Clear weather is when most accidents happen, although rainy or slippery conditions can lead to more severe crashes.
- Common injuries sustained in bike crashes include head injuries, broken bones, and soft tissue injuries. Head injuries are of particular concern due to low helmet usage, especially among young riders.
- While Georgia doesn’t have a universal helmet law for cyclists, helmet usage is a significant factor in reducing the severity of injuries. Statistics indicate that cyclists who wear helmets are less likely to suffer fatal injuries in accidents.
- Georgia has implemented a “3 Feet Law”, which requires drivers to maintain at least three feet of space when passing bicyclists. This is part of ongoing efforts to enhance cyclist safety.
- Various cities within Georgia have invested in bicycle infrastructure, such as bike lanes and multi-use paths, aimed at reducing accidents.
- The bicycle fatality rate in Georgia has remained relatively stable but shows spikes in certain years. Ongoing safety campaigns and infrastructure improvements are aimed at lowering the rate of serious accidents.
Sources of Data:
Georgia State Bike Laws
These are the general Georgia laws regarding cyclists:
- Helmet Requirements: Cyclists under the age of 16 are required by law to wear a helmet while riding.
- Bike Lanes: In Georgia, cyclists must use designated bike lanes where available. When no lane exists, cyclists are required to ride as far to the right as possible, except when making a left turn or avoiding obstacles.
- Right-of-Way: Bicycles are treated as vehicles on Georgia roads, meaning cyclists must follow the same rules as cars regarding right-of-way and obey all traffic signals and signage.
How We Can Help You
At Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys, we’re committed to helping innocent victims of bicycle accidents get the compensation they deserve. From navigating insurance negotiations to litigating on your behalf, we ensure your rights are protected.
Our experienced legal team specializes in securing maximum compensation for serious injuries, lost wages, and medical expenses.
- Call Us for Help: If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in Georgia, don’t hesitate to fill out the contact form and call us for a free consultation. Our attorneys are ready to fight for your rights.
- Phone: (912) 214-3133
- Locations: Augusta, GA; Savannah, GA; North Augusta, SC; Aiken, SC
Key Takeaways
Safety and well-being should come first after a bicycle accident. Get proof, like photos and statements from witnesses, and then contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to get fair compensation. Find out about Georgia’s bike laws and how they might affect your case.
Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys will be there every step of the way, offering fearless advocacy and proven results to ensure you receive the justice you deserve.