As a suburb of Atlanta, Ellenwood is home to the Atlanta Federal Records Center of the National Archives. The community is part of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), which presents some hazards for bicyclists.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a bicycle accident, an Ellenwood personal injury lawyer can help your family recover compensation. Our bicycle accident team is prepared to fight for you.
Bike Accidents in Georgia Suburbs
Bike riding is great exercise and an excellent family activity. It can even be a way to commute to work. But at the same time, sharing the roadway with motor vehicles can be a hazardous endeavor.
When a vehicle hits a bicyclist, the damage can be catastrophic and sometimes fatal. On a bicycle, the rider has very little protection compared to the vehicle. If a vehicle hits a biker at 30 miles per hour, the biker will be hurtled through the air at that same speed. The outcome can be devastating for a cyclist.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accident lawyer serving Ellenwood, call 404-214-2001
Common Injuries from Bicycle Accidents
Most people think of simple broken bones when thinking about a bicycle accident. However, a vehicle-bicycle collision can have a more significant impact, causing:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Dismemberment (loss of a limb)
- Paralysis
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Internal bleeding
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety
It is crucial to seek proper medical treatment after a bicycle accident, even if you don’t feel any immediate pain. Many injuries may not be apparent immediately but appear later, and some may even be life-threatening. Being checked by medical personnel allows them to check for unseen accident results before they become life-threatening.
Ellenwood Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 404-214-2001
Making Georgia Safer for Bicyclists
In 2018, Georgia adopted a Bicycle Safety Action Plan (BSAP/2018). The plan resulted from ten years of research between 2005 and 2015 about bicycle-motor vehicle collisions within the state. A total of 5834 crashes occurred. There were 4482 reported injuries, and 63 of those were fatal.
The BSAP/2018 outlined the steps necessary to increase the overall safety of bicyclists within the entire state, especially in high-population zones such as Atlanta and its suburbs. The initial five-year goal of the BSAP is to reduce annual bicycle accident injuries and fatalities to less than 32 reported injuries and under 15 deaths.
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What Compensation Can You Get after a Bicycle Accident in Ellenwood?
You are more than just a statistic with our bicycle accident team in Ellenwood. You deserve compensation for your injuries. Based on your injuries, you may receive both economic and non-economic compensation.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate you for the expenses you have that are directly related to the accident, including:
- Medical costs, surgery, diagnostic testing, medications, hospital stays, ambulance, and transportation to and from medical appointments.
- Property damage to repair or replace your bicycle.
- Wages lost from not being able to work during your recovery.
- Loss of future earning capacity.
Non-economic Damages
Non-economic damages can include compensation for:
- Pain and suffering due to your injuries
- Mental anguish, PTSD, and difficulty maintaining relationships
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Loss of enjoyment of life
There is no predetermined formula for determining non-economic damages, but our bicycle accident team can calculate a figure based on the degree of your injuries. There is no upper limit cap on non-economic damages in Georgia.
Wrongful Death Compensation for Your Family
Suppose your family lost a loved one in a bicycle accident. In that case, the family may receive compensation to cover final expenses, including:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical costs and life-saving measures after the accident
- Lost wages, retirement benefits, and commissions
- Lost companionship
Per O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2, only certain family members can claim compensation on behalf of the family. Our bicycle accident team can explain how wrongful death compensation works.
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What If You Can’t Afford an Ellenwood Lawyer for Your Bike Accident?
Our Ellenwood bicycle accident lawyer works on a contingency fee basis. That means we cover all the costs of filing your claim with no initial costs to you. Beginning with our free case review, we won’t ask for any fees until your claim is resolved. If you don’t win, you owe us nothing.
Determining Fault for a Bicycle Accident in Ellenwood
If you hire our bicycle accident team, we will go to work immediately to build your case. Our first task will be investigating who was at fault for your accident.
Once we determine who was at fault and the other details about your accident, we will file all the appropriate documentation per the Georgia statute of limitations (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). We will hold any of the responsible parties accountable and will fight for your compensation.
Proving the Driver was Negligent
Proving that a driver was negligent in causing an accident requires meeting the four elements of negligence, which are:
- Duty of Care
- Breach of Duty
- Causation
- Damages
Drivers of every age have a duty of care or responsibility to obey traffic laws. We must prove that the driver (defendant) failed to act responsibly (breach of duty). Their actions resulted in an accident (causation) that caused the injury (damage) to the plaintiff (you).
Specific Bike Riding Laws in Ellenwood, GA
Bicycles have specific rules when operating on roadways, sidewalks, and bike paths. The state of Georgia classifies bicycles as vehicles. State law specifies that vehicle drivers must always yield to cyclists. Per O.C.G.A. § 40-6-56, enacted in 2014, drivers must allow a “safe distance” of at least three feet between their vehicle and the bicycle when traveling in the same direction and passing the cyclist.
Bicyclists must be able to always keep at least one hand on the handlebars. Every bicycle operating during times of darkness must have a light visible at a distance of 300 feet. Parents cannot transport children younger than one year on a bike.
What Next Steps Can You Take After Your Bicycle Accident in Ellenwood?
Contact Kaine Law to speak with a member of our Ellenwood bicycle accident team. We offer a free case evaluation and can help you determine your next steps. You deserve compensation for your injuries, and our team will fight for you.
Dealing with insurance companies on your own while trying to recover from serious injuries can seem overwhelming. However, with the team from Kaine Law on your side, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that we do all the legwork on your behalf.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
