Marietta Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle Accident Attorney in Marietta, GA

With bike trails like Noonday Creek Trail and Mountain to River Trail, Marietta offers many reasons to cycle throughout our parks and city. When a negligent driver fails to yield to cyclists or pay attention to nearby riders, bicyclists can bear the brunt of those often-devastating collisions. With help from a Marietta bicycle accident lawyer, you can be fully compensated for the financial and emotional harm you suffered.

A Marietta personal injury lawyer brings years of experience handling bicycle accident cases and helping clients receive the justice and compensation they are owed under the law.

Barnes Law Group: Your Trusted Marietta Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Barnes Law Group was founded by former Governor and longtime public servant Roy E. Barnes. Our philosophy is as simple as it is profound: Making it right for those who have been wronged. For over two decades, our team of trial-ready injury lawyers has won cases big and small, so our clients have received the accountability and compensation that they were owed.

Whether we are fighting for refunds for cancelled flights in the wake of COVID (Angela Dusko v. Delta Air Lines, Inc.) or representing employees in pension disputes (Elaine Ann Gold, et al, v. DeKalb County School District and DeKalb County Board of Education), our lawyers have earned a reputation for working tirelessly on behalf of their clients to secure fair compensation and accountability following a wrongful or negligent act.

Understanding Bicycle Accidents in Marietta

In 2022, 400 bicyclists statewide were treated in ERs or hospitalized due to motor vehicle-related collisions, with total medical costs reaching $74.5 million. The Governor’s Highway Safety Office reports that 55% of bike crashes in Georgia happen at intersections, underscoring how vulnerable cyclists are where trails or roadways converge.

If you’re injured in a bicycle accident in Marietta, your case may be handled at the Cobb County State Court, located at 12 East Park Square, Marietta, GA 30090. Knowing how and where these injuries happen is the first step in seeking compensation and protecting your rights.

Common Causes of Bicycle Collisions in Marietta

A bicycle collision is often the fault of the driver. Cyclists often do not even see the car or truck coming before it is too late, when they are struck from behind. When negligence plays a role in a bicycle collision, it is often due to distracted driving, aggressive maneuvering, or an intoxicated driver.

Other common causes include drivers failing to yield at intersections, drifting into bike lanes, or making unsafe right-hand turns without checking for cyclists. Poor visibility, especially at night or during early morning hours, also increases the risk of collisions on busy streets like Roswell Street or Whitlock Avenue.

In some cases, cyclists are forced off the road entirely due to reckless passing or failure to maintain a safe distance. When drivers disregard traffic laws or simply fail to notice a cyclist, the results can be catastrophic. Identifying the exact cause of a collision is an important first step when pursuing fair compensation.

Compensation You May Be Owed

Bicycle collisions can lead to serious bodily injuries as well as financial losses. When a negligent party causes you harm, you have the right to pursue compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial hardships you suffered. One of the first areas injured parties seek compensation for is medical bills.

A bicycle collision can lead to missed time from work due to the time it takes to recover or any temporary or permanent disability the injured party develops. Lost wages can be accounted for through a settlement. The lump sum payment can also account for future lost wages.

If the case goes to court, you may be eligible for non-economic damages, such as loss of consortium and pain and suffering. Losing mobility and suffering emotional and physical trauma can create serious hardships for injured victims. In some cases, court action can lead to punitive damages aimed at punishing the at-fault party for their gross negligence or misconduct.

Establishing Fault Following a Collision

Before any injured bicyclist can pursue compensation, they need to establish who is at fault or which group of people shares liability. This is often done with the help of a personal injury lawyer who closely examines any evidence tied to the collision. This could include photos, videos, accident reports, and witness statements.

An attorney may look at vehicle damage or skid marks to look for signs that the driver violated traffic laws or acted with negligence leading up to the collision. It is not uncommon for the at-fault party or their insurance carrier to dispute liability, which is why gathering compelling evidence early on is critical.

Challenges Injured Parties Face When Pursuing Compensation

Pursuing compensation following a bicycle collision often poses numerous challenges. Insurance carriers may dispute liability as a means of avoiding paying a claimant what they are owed. This is why many injured bicyclists rely on legal representation to handle their injury claims. Even when a settlement is offered, it may not account for the full scope of the injured party’s damages.

Plaintiffs can experience challenges in court as well. If the at-fault party refuses to offer a fair settlement to resolve the case, the plaintiff’s attorney may have to work to uncover further evidence to clearly establish which party is at fault. While these and other setbacks can be frustrating, the justice system is designed to hold at-fault parties accountable, especially when the injured party has guidance and support from an experienced personal injury lawyer.

Understanding the State’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule

Some states are highly restrictive when it comes to allowing injured parties to pursue compensation if they are partly at fault for causing an accident. Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule allows injured parties to pursue compensation from an at-fault party as long as the claimant is not 50% or more responsible for causing the collision.

There are many reasons why an injured bicyclist may bear some responsibility for causing a collision. One could be that they did not wear adequate nighttime reflective gear to alert drivers of their presence.

In other cases, they may have ignored a traffic sign. Liability is typically established following a collision, so the cyclist understands whether they have legal grounds to pursue compensation. Having legal representation can play an important role in protecting you from being unfairly blamed for causing the collision. Insurance companies often try to falsely cast blame on the injured party as a means of reducing their financial liability.

When Should I Accept a Bicycle Accident Settlement?

The decision of whether to accept or not accept a settlement from the at-fault party is yours and yours alone, although there are several factors to consider. One key consideration is whether the settlement fully compensates you for your past and future losses. If you have upcoming medical treatments or cannot return to work immediately due to your injury, those losses should be accounted for in a settlement offer.

Your attorney can play an important role by accurately assessing your injury and calculating the value of your damages. This could include compensation for emotional distress and other types of non-economic damages. Once you understand that figure, you can weigh the pros and cons of accepting a particular settlement offer. Keep in mind that once you accept a settlement, you effectively waive your right to relegate the matter later on.

Why You Should Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Marietta, GA?

Following a serious injury in Marietta, the decision to hire a bicycle accident lawyer can be a critical first step in your recovery. With the help of an accident lawyer, you don’t have to be burdened with handling your injury claim on your own.

A Marietta bicycle accident attorney brings years of experience representing clients through the claims process. They can investigate the cause of the collision, so there is no debate over who is at fault.

They can then aggressively pursue compensation on your behalf. This could include direct negotiations with the insurance carrier or direct legal action in court. When the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured, action through the civil courts is often necessary.

Once a personal injury claim is filed, an attorney continues to play a crucial role in ensuring that further evidence is collected and preserved. Lawyers are also skilled negotiators who can act on your behalf to see that you receive compensation for the full range of damages that you are owed. With an attorney by your side, you can be confident that your injury will be taken seriously, and you will ultimately receive what you are owed.

FAQs About Bicycle Accidents in Marietta, GA

How Much Compensation Can I Get for a Cycling Accident?

The compensation you receive following a bicycle collision depends on the severity of your injuries, your recovery time, and how the crash impacted your income and daily life.

Each claim is evaluated individually based on how clearly fault is determined and how much harm the injured victim suffered due to the collision. The more clearly your case shows damages and liability, the stronger your claim will be. Solid evidence and legal guidance can help you achieve fair compensation.

How Much Do Accident Lawyers Charge in Marietta?

Most accident lawyers in Marietta work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you receive compensation. You won’t owe any attorney fees upfront, and payment comes from a portion of your final recovery. Many injury lawyers also offer free consultations to explain their services. These arrangements allow injured cyclists to pursue a claim without financial stress.

What Should I Do After a Bicycle Accident in Marietta?

After a bicycle accident, seek medical attention immediately and report the crash to the police. Document the scene, get witness information, and avoid speaking to insurance adjusters without legal advice. Do not repair your bike until it’s been photographed. Keeping records of treatment, expenses, and lost income helps strengthen your claim. By acting quickly, you can preserve key evidence that supports your claim to fair compensation.

Who Is Usually at Fault if a Bicycle Is Involved in an Accident?

Determining fault following a bicycle accident depends on how the collision occurred. Drivers are often responsible for the collision if they fail to yield, make unsafe turns, or violate traffic laws. However, cyclists must also follow the rules of the road. Determining fault requires reviewing witness statements, traffic laws, and any available footage with the help of a personal injury lawyer who brings years of experience representing clients in injury claims.

Is It Worth It to Hire an Accident Attorney?

Yes, hiring an accident attorney gives you an advantage when dealing with insurance companies, proving fault, and calculating fair compensation. Bicycle accidents often result in serious injuries, and navigating the claim process alone can be overwhelming.

A lawyer can help gather evidence, handle communications, and advocate for a favorable outcome. Legal representation also helps level the playing field if you are going up against a large insurance company.

Secure the Compensation and Justice You Deserve

Bicyclists have a right to share the road, but that doesn’t always protect them from careless drivers. A bicycle accident in Marietta can result in life-altering injuries and emotional trauma, especially when vehicles fail to yield or drive recklessly. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and more.

At Barnes Law Group, we represent injured cyclists with compassion and skill. Our legal team works on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay unless we win your case. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.