Bicycle Accident Attorney in Lawrenceville

injured-cyclist

The average passenger vehicle weighs somewhere between 3,000-4,000 pounds. When struck by one of these vehicles, not to mention larger ones, bicyclists are at a huge disadvantage. The sheer size differential means that even a slow-moving vehicle can inflict enormous damage.

    Butler Kahn is a Lawrenceville personal injury law firm representing cyclists who have been seriously injured in bicycle accidents caused by negligent drivers throughout Gwinnett County, Georgia.

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    One of the Best Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Lawrenceville

    If you were injured in a bicycle accident you did not cause, do not wait to speak to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you do, the better your chances of securing full and fair compensation from the at-fault party. The bicycle accident lawyers at Butler Kahn are ready to evaluate your accident and build the strongest possible claim on your behalf. We take fewer cases on purpose so we can do deeper work on each one, and we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

    How Common Are Bicycle Accidents?

    Bicycle accidents occur far too often throughout the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 130,000 cyclists suffer nonfatal injuries and over 1,000 are killed in auto accidents every year nationwide. The cost of these injuries and deaths exceeds $23 billion per year. Further, according to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, 24 bicyclists died on average each year in traffic accidents within Georgia between 2015-2019. Of the accidents resulting in serious injuries and fatalities, 38 percent occurred in the following counties: Fulton, Chatham, DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett.

    Hospitalization and emergency room visits associated with bicycle accidents within the state cost over $17 million in 2019 alone. To learn more about bicycle accidents in a video presentation by Butler Kahn, follow this link. Contact our Lawrenceville bicycle accident attorney today.

    What Are the Most Common Injuries Sustained in Bicycle Accidents?

    Because bicyclists are completely exposed to the full impact of an oncoming vehicle, they are at high risk of suffering severe injury or death in the event of a crash. Cyclists who collide with motor vehicles on roads like State Route 316 or Sugarloaf Parkway often sustain catastrophic injuries requiring extensive medical treatment. Common injuries bicyclists suffer in auto accidents include:

    How Do You Prove Liability in a Bicycle Accident?

    To secure compensation from the at-fault driver in a bicycle accident, you will need to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that their actions caused your injuries. Georgia uses a modified comparative fault system, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as your fault does not exceed 49 percent. In some cases, culpability may be clear-cut. In others, it may be somewhat more difficult to prove. Either way, our bicycle accident attorneys will thoroughly investigate all available evidence in your case to build a strong claim on your behalf. Important evidence may include things like:

    • Police accident reports
    • Photos and videos of the scene and aftermath
    • Video footage from nearby surveillance and traffic cameras
    • Testimony from reliable witnesses
    • Testimony from doctors, traffic engineers, accident reconstruction specialists, and other experts
    • Drug and blood-alcohol test results
    • GPS and cell phone records
    • Medical treatment and billing records

    What Compensation Can I Recover Through a Bicycle Accident Claim?

    If a motorist injured you in a bicycle accident, you might be entitled to compensation for both your economic and non-economic losses. Though the specific amount of money you receive will vary depending on the extent and severity of your injuries and other losses, you may be compensated for things like:

    • Hospital bills and other medical costs
    • Out-of-pocket travel costs to medical appointments
    • Lost wages from time missed at work during recovery
    • Lowered earning potential if your injuries leave you disabled
    • Physical pain and suffering
    • Lowered quality of life
    • Emotional trauma

    To explore the results we have achieved on behalf of our bicycle accident injury clients, follow this link.

    Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Bicycle Accident Injury Claim in Georgia?

    Yes. Under Georgia law, you normally have just two years from the date of a bicycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. If you try to sue after the two-year deadline, the court will likely throw out your case, and you will lose your right to pursue legal compensation. Even if you do not ultimately take the at-fault party to court, complying with the two-year deadline is still essential.

    If you file an insurance claim seeking compensation after an accident, the insurer will gauge your likelihood of securing a higher judgment in court as they calculate their settlement offer. However, if they find out you can no longer sue because you missed the filing deadline, they will have little incentive to negotiate with you fairly. This is why speaking with a Georgia personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident is critical to protecting your rights.

    What Should I Do After a Lawrenceville Bicycle Accident?

    If you are hurt in a bicycle accident, there are various steps you can take early on to protect yourself and your right to compensation.

    Where possible, consider taking the following steps after being hurt in a bicycle accident:

    • Report the Accident – Call the police and report the accident. The officer dispatched to the scene will prepare an official accident report that will become an authoritative piece of evidence in your case. This is also an opportunity to summon emergency help if needed.
    • Seek Medical Attention – Your well-being is the top priority, and you should seek medical care as soon as possible. Northside Hospital Gwinnett and other area emergency rooms can document your injuries from the start. This will also give your doctors an opportunity to start documenting your injuries and treatment early on. The records they create will become crucial evidence in your case. Also, be sure to follow your doctor’s care plan and keep a daily “pain journal” documenting the impact of your injuries on your day-to-day life. This will also serve as important evidence.
    • Exchange Information – Talk to all drivers involved and collect their names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, insurer names, and insurance policy numbers. Also, identify any witnesses to the accident and gather their contact information as well.
    • Document the Scene – If possible, document the scene of the crash. Use your phone to take photographs and videos of damage to any vehicles involved, your injuries, road/weather conditions, signs of intoxication, nearby traffic and surveillance cameras, and anything else that may help shed light on the accident.
    • Avoid Sharing About the Accident – Anything you say can be used against you in your claim. Therefore, avoid publicizing your accident by posting on social media. Insurers will scour whatever you post or say looking for anything they can to later deny your claim.
    • Beware of Insurers – Be careful what you say to insurers when they call inquiring about your accident. If the other driver’s insurer calls, you do not have to speak to them at all. Specifically, be sure you do not admit fault, provide a recorded statement, sign a medical record release, or accept a settlement offer without securing legal representation.
    • Consult With a Bicycle Accident Attorney – The best way to make sure you know your rights and that your case gets started on a strong footing is to speak with an experienced bike accident injury attorney early on. The sooner you do, the sooner they can get you started on the road toward compensation.

    Laws in Georgia That Apply to Bicycle Accidents

    Georgia law provides specific rules governing bicycle accidents that can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Understanding these laws helps cyclists protect their rights after a collision.

    • Who is at fault in a bicycle accident? In Georgia, the law of comparative fault applies to bicycle accidents. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33, the amount of damages that a cyclist can recover is reduced by their percentage of fault for the accident. For example, if a cyclist is 25% at fault for an accident, they can only recover 75% of their damages. If your fault exceeds 49%, you cannot recover any compensation.
    • What damages are recoverable? Cyclists who are injured in accidents can recover damages for a variety of losses, including:
      • Medical expenses
      • Lost wages
      • Pain and suffering
      • Property damage
    • How to file a claim? If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you to file a claim with the insurance company of the driver who was at fault. The lawyer can also help you to negotiate a settlement or represent you in court if necessary.

    Butler Kahn has a team of experienced bicycle accident injury lawyers who are dedicated to helping people who have been injured in bicycle accidents. The Lawrenceville bicycle accident lawyers at Butler Kahn have a proven track record of success in these cases. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, contact Butler Kahn today for a free consultation.

    Here are some additional tips for cyclists who want to avoid being injured in accidents:

    • Obey all traffic laws.
    • Wear a helmet.
    • Be visible to drivers.
    • Ride defensively.
    • Be aware of your surroundings.

    By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of being injured in a bicycle accident.

    Dangerous Roads for Cyclists in Gwinnett County

    Certain roads in Gwinnett County present heightened risks for cyclists due to heavy traffic, high speeds, and inadequate bicycle infrastructure. Cyclists in Lawrenceville and surrounding areas should exercise particular caution on:

    • State Route 316 – This busy highway sees high-speed traffic traveling between Athens and Atlanta, with limited shoulder space for cyclists.
    • Sugarloaf Parkway – A major arterial road with multiple lanes and commercial traffic, where bicycle accidents frequently occur at intersections near Sugarloaf Mills.
    • Scenic Highway – Despite its name, this road carries significant traffic between Lawrenceville and Snellville with few cycling accommodations.
    • Lawrenceville Highway – Heavy commuter traffic and numerous driveways create hazards for cyclists traveling through commercial areas.
    • State Route 20 (Loganville Highway) – High-speed rural sections combined with limited visibility pose dangers for cyclists.

    If you were injured while cycling on any of these roads or elsewhere in Gwinnett County, our Lawrenceville car accident lawyers can investigate the circumstances of your crash and identify all potentially liable parties.

    Service Areas in Gwinnett County

    Butler Kahn represents injured cyclists throughout Gwinnett County from our Lawrenceville office located at 245 W. Crogan Street, near the Gwinnett County Courthouse. We handle bicycle accident cases for victims in:

    • Lawrenceville – Including Downtown Lawrenceville, Lawrenceville Square, and surrounding neighborhoods
    • Snellville – Cyclists injured on South Road, US-78, and local streets
    • Duluth – Including accidents near Infinite Energy Center and Pleasant Hill Road
    • Suwanee – Cyclists injured on Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road and McGinnis Ferry Road
    • Buford – Including Mall of Georgia area and Buford Highway
    • Lilburn – Accidents on US-29, Lawrenceville Highway, and Indian Trail Road
    • Norcross – Cyclists injured on Jimmy Carter Boulevard and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard
    • Dacula – Including accidents on SR-316 and Dacula Road
    • Grayson – Cyclists injured on Grayson Highway and surrounding areas
    • Loganville – Including US-78 and Highway 20
    • Sugar Hill – Accidents near Buford Highway and Sugar Hill areas
    • Berkeley Lake – Cyclists injured on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard

    We also serve injured cyclists in nearby Atlanta, Jonesboro, and Roswell. No matter where in the metro Atlanta area your bicycle accident occurred, Butler Kahn can help.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accidents in Lawrenceville

    Do I have a case if I don’t feel hurt right away after a bicycle accident?

    Yes, you may still have a valid case. Many bicycle accident injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding, do not show symptoms immediately. Adrenaline can mask pain for hours or even days. Always seek medical attention after a bicycle accident, even if you feel fine, and consult with a lawyer about your legal options.

    Should I talk to the insurance adjuster after my Lawrenceville bicycle accident?

    No. You are not required to speak with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and may use your words against you. It is best to direct all communication through your bicycle accident attorney, who can protect your interests during negotiations.

    How much does it cost to hire Butler Kahn for a bicycle accident case?

    Butler Kahn handles bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and no fee unless we win your case. We advance all costs of litigation and only collect a fee if we secure compensation for you through settlement or verdict.

    What if I was not wearing a helmet during my bicycle accident?

    Georgia law does not require adult cyclists to wear helmets, so not wearing one does not automatically bar you from recovering compensation. However, the defense may argue that your head injuries would have been less severe with a helmet. An experienced attorney can counter these arguments and fight for full compensation.

    Can I sue if a bicycle accident killed my family member in Gwinnett County?

    Yes. If you lost a loved one in a fatal bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim under Georgia law. Surviving spouses, children, or parents of the deceased may recover damages for funeral expenses, lost income, loss of companionship, and more.

    How long does a bicycle accident lawsuit take in Georgia?

    The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your case, the severity of your injuries, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some cases resolve in a few months through negotiation, while others may take a year or more if litigation is required. Butler Kahn keeps you informed throughout the process.

    What if a hit-and-run driver injured me while cycling?

    If a driver struck you and fled the scene, you may still have options for compensation. Your own uninsured motorist coverage may apply, and law enforcement may be able to identify the driver through witness statements or surveillance footage. Contact an attorney immediately to preserve evidence.

    Can I recover compensation if a road defect caused my bicycle accident?

    Yes. If a pothole, debris, inadequate signage, or other road defect contributed to your accident, you may have a claim against the government entity responsible for road maintenance. These claims have special rules and shorter deadlines, so prompt legal consultation is essential.

    What evidence should I preserve after a bicycle accident?

    Keep your damaged bicycle and helmet in their post-accident condition. Save all medical records, bills, and receipts related to your treatment. Document your injuries with photographs over time. Preserve any communications with the at-fault driver or their insurance company. Your attorney can help identify and preserve additional evidence.

    How is pain and suffering calculated in a bicycle accident case?

    Pain and suffering damages compensate you for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries. Georgia does not use a formula, but factors include the severity and permanence of injuries, impact on daily activities, emotional trauma, and overall effect on quality of life. An experienced attorney can maximize this portion of your claim.

    Can I file a claim if a commercial vehicle hit me while cycling?

    Yes. If a commercial vehicle, delivery truck, or rideshare driver struck you, multiple parties may be liable, including the driver and their employer. Commercial vehicles often carry higher insurance limits, potentially increasing your available compensation. Our Lawrenceville truck accident lawyers have experience holding commercial carriers accountable.

    What if I was cycling on the sidewalk when the accident happened?

    While some Georgia municipalities restrict sidewalk cycling, whether you were lawfully on the sidewalk depends on local ordinances and circumstances. Even if you violated a local rule, you may still recover compensation if the driver was primarily at fault. An attorney can evaluate how this affects your case.

    Our Lawrenceville Office

    Butler Kahn – Lawrenceville Personal Injury Lawyers
    245 W. Crogan Street
    Lawrenceville, GA 30046
    Phone: (678) 400-6166

    Our Lawrenceville office is conveniently located near the Gwinnett County Courthouse in downtown Lawrenceville. Free parking is available nearby, and we are easily accessible from State Route 316 and Lawrenceville Highway. We serve bicycle accident victims throughout Gwinnett County and the surrounding metro Atlanta area.

    Contact a Lawrenceville Bicycle Accident Lawyer

    If you are reading this page because you or a loved one has been hurt in a bicycle accident, we hope you are receiving the medical care that you need and are making a strong recovery. We hope the information on this page has been helpful. If you would like to talk with us about your situation, call us at (678) 400-6166 or contact our bicycle accident lawyers online. There is no charge to talk with us about your case.

    Butler Kahn helps people and families after serious injuries and wrongful deaths. We handle bicycle accident cases throughout Lawrenceville, Gwinnett County, and across Georgia. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

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    Lawrenceville Office
    245 W. Crogan Street
    Lawrenceville, GA 30046
    Roswell Office
    1255 Canton St UNIT E
    Roswell, GA 30075
    Jonesboro Office
    21 Lee Street, Suite 250
    Jonesboro, GA 30236