Montlick and Associates Report: Bicycles Are Not As Safe As You May Think

Being involved in an accident is the last thing on your mind when engaging in a healthy activity such as bicycling. However, thousands of Georgia bicyclists are seriously and sometimes fatally injured each year in collisions involving other vehicles. This is not surprising since there is nothing substantial protecting you against an impact with several thousand pounds of steel. Unfortunately, injuries associated with these types of accidents can be devastating, even at extremely low speeds.

In general, the main causes of bicycle accidents in Georgia are due to:

• Distracted driving;
• Driving under the influence;
• Bicyclist error (such as failing to follow the rules of the road);
• Driver failure to yield; and
• Traffic law violations.

In light of the above, it is apparent that not all accidents can be avoided. However, having an understanding as to the scope of injuries arising out of bicycle accidents can help you to better manage the risks when planning to take your bike out for a spin. Moreover, if you were involved in a Georgia Bicycle Accident, you should know what damages you may be entitled to receive. Keep reading to learn more!

Common Georgia Bicycle Accidents

When bicycle accidents happen, the most common injuries include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Head trauma. These types of injuries can range from very minor to severe, and often depend upon whether the bicyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. According to a study by the United States Department of Transportation, over 95% of fatal bicycle accidents involved an individual who was not wearing a helmet.
• Spinal cord damage. Although bicyclists who wear helmets are more likely than others to survive a serious accident, they are still susceptible to neck and spinal cord injuries. Oftentimes, bicyclists who sustain these types of injuries require extensive surgery, rehabilitation, and additional forms of medical treatment. Under certain circumstances, spinal cord damage can be severe, resulting in paralysis and even death.
• Bone fractures. While broken bones are not as life altering as other types of injuries, they still may require surgery, hospital treatments, and physical therapy. Moreover, a broken bone also can result in missed work and difficulty performing routine tasks, such as bathing or walking the dog.
• Lacerations. Lacerations often require stitches and can be debilitating, depending upon where they are located on the body, or may lead to permanent disfigurement.

Damages to Which You May Be Entitled

In Georgia, the damages that you may be entitled to receive include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Current and future medical expenses;
• Lost income/wages;
• Loss of future earning capacity;
• Damage to property;
• Loss of enjoyment of life;
• Loss of intimacy;
• Loss of support; and
• Compensation for pain and suffering.
• In some cases you may also be entitled to recover punitive damages.

Put Our Law Firm's Over 39 Years of Legal Experience to Work For Your Case!

Bicycle accidents caused by someone else's negligence are serious and an experienced personal injury law firm. The Atlanta Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Montlick & Associates are dedicated to fighting vigorously for the rights of their clients. In fact, we have been successfully representing those who suffer serious injuries from all types of vehicular accidents throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast for over thirty years, including but not limited to all smaller cities and rural areas in the State of Georgia.

Wherever you are located, our dedicated team of attorneys is just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.