Most people, when they think of a Marietta, GA road accident, think of cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Rarely will they think that a Marietta bicycle accident can get into an accident, but it happens. Unfortunately, due to the structure of the bicycle, many of these accidents are fatal or end in severe injuries. That is more so the case when the cyclists do not wear protective gear.
Bicycle accidents are not that common in Marietta, GA when compared to car and truck accidents. However, they happen from time to time. This is why it is important to know what to do if you are involved in one. Cyclists are required to follow the same traffic rules as everyone else on the road. The rules are only different in specific neighborhoods or designated cycling paths.
If you get into an accident while riding a bicycle and you are not badly injured, count yourself lucky. However, you are still entitled to compensation for your losses and injuries if the accident was not your fault. For this, it is best to get the help of an experienced Marietta bicycle accident attorney. They will ensure that you get a desirable outcome. Get in touch with your attorney soon after the accident for advice on what steps to take.
What Are the Different Causes of Bicycle Accidents and How Can a Marietta Bicycle Accident Attorney Help?
Bicycle accidents mostly happen due to either negligence or recklessness by a driver or rider. It is important that you follow Marietta, GA traffic laws so that if an accident happens, you are not liable. Some of the common types of bicycle accidents include:
Stop Sign Accidents
Collisions at a stop sign occur often, especially when there is an intersection. The cyclist may come upon a stop sign while the motorist doesn’t. When the cyclist moves off, they may be hit by an oncoming vehicle especially if the driver is not alert. However, a cyclist may still be at fault for not giving way to the car which has right of way. Many cyclists cite ignorance as one of the reasons why such an accident happened, but ignorance is no defense. It is for this reason that you need to know the traffic laws involving bicycles before getting on one. Another possibility is that a motorist may fail to see you at night. Because of this, they may crash into you. Such a case means that you share liability for not wearing reflective clothing while riding.
Left Cross Accidents
These occur when a motorist and cyclist arrive at an intersection from opposite directions. When they go through the intersection, the motorist goes left and hits the cyclist. The driver may not see the cyclist or he may misjudge where the bike is headed. Bicycles are supposed to use the left side. If a driver doesn’t see you when turning left on an intersection, an accident may occur. In this case, the driver is at fault. You were in the correct place and he should have been more observant. If you are injured in such a case, you can seek compensation through your Marietta bike accident lawyer.
Falling Accidents
Many bicycle accidents are caused when a vehicle and bicycle collide. However, some of them are caused by wet roads or bad road designs. If the road is wet, you need to ride carefully at lower speeds. If you fall on a wet road, you cannot seek compensation unless there is something wrong with the road. Poor road design can cause you to fall but it may be difficult to prove. However, if there has been a series of similar accidents happening and no action was taken, you can sue. If the road isn’t clearly marked or has obstacles that caused your fall, you can sue the state or town. Such a case requires you to have an excellent Marietta bike accident attorney who will work to prove your case. He should be able to show the relationship between road design and your fall.
Wrong Way Accident
In this type of accident, fault can lie with either the rider or motorist. Many cyclists like to take risks and ride against the traffic since they can squeeze into small spaces. If a crash occurred this way, the cyclist may be held liable. However, if the motorist is going the wrong way and crashes into you, you have the right to sue. Through your Marietta bicycle accident lawyers, you can gather enough proof to show that the motorist was going against traffic. In such a case, the motorist will have to pay you for your injuries and property damage.
Rear-end Collisions
There are a few ways in which rear-end collisions with bicycles occur. The cyclist may swerve into the lane to avoid debris or a pothole. If they do so suddenly, the driver behind may not notice them until it is too late. This is why it is important to check the rear before coming off the hard edge of the road. Rear-end collisions also occur if the cyclist is wearing headphones and can’t hear cars approaching. In addition, drivers may encroach on a bike path even though they aren’t supposed to. Many rear-end collisions also occur at night when drivers simply can’t see cyclists in front of them.
Types of Bicycle Injuries That You Can Suffer and How to Get Compensation through Marietta Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Many of the injuries sustained from a bicycle crash are severe and they require a lot of money to treat. The good news is that you can get enough compensation to cover all your medical expenses. There are also non-economic damages that you can collect but only through experienced Marietta bicycle accident lawyers. This is because your Marietta bike accident attorney has to convince the courts of the losses before they award damages. Here are some injuries that you may suffer after an accident. It is important to seek medical attention as they could be fatal.
Spinal Cord Injuries
If you are directly hit by a vehicle from the back, your spinal cord could suffer severe injuries. If any of the discs are affected, you could be in a lot of pain. However, your injuries can get worse if you do not get medical attention on time. Many times, spinal injuries lead to disability and even death. That is why you should not risk your life by being careless on the road. However, your Marietta bicycle accident lawyer will help you get the compensation you need to cover medical bills.
Traumatic Brain Injury
The reason why you are advised to wear a helmet when riding is to prevent brain injury. When you are hit by a vehicle and you sustain a bad fall, your head would be protected. Without it, you risk getting brain damage. You may end up permanently disabled or even die. By not wearing a helmet, you are partially responsible for your injury. This means that your compensation amount will be reduced by the percentage of your liability. Excellent Marietta bicycle accident lawyers will help ensure that this percentage is not too large. They can do this by providing proof that the driver was very reckless on the road. In the end, you should get enough to cover your bills and any other costs that you incurred.
Bone Fractures
These are some of the most common injuries that you will get. They can be caused by the direct impact with the vehicle or the resulting fall. Bone fractures are less serious than traumatic brain injury and spinal injuries. However, your Marietta bicycle accident attorney can still get you adequate compensation since you may be unable to work. You have a right to collect damages for lost wages and loss of enjoyment. Do not ignore any injury since this could complicate your case. The liable party may argue that the injury became more severe due to your own neglect.
Cuts and Bruises
Although these are quite minor, and you may not be confined to the hospital, you should still get compensation. Any amount that you spent on treatment can be claimed. Your Marietta accident attorney may also convince the court to increase the amount if you get additional tests. If the cut was quite large and altered your appearance, he can argue that it caused you trauma. This may get you more compensation.
Call Schneider Hammers Marietta Bike Accident Attorney for Help with Your Insurance Claim
A bicycle accident tends to be more traumatic than any other type of road crash. This is because many times you come into physical contact with the vehicle. As a result, you may need more than just economic compensation. This is why you should contact a Marietta bicycle accident lawyer at Schneider Hammers. We can help you get what you deserve. Our team is focused on ensuring the best for our clients. We do our best in each case. Call us today and let us help you get started.
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