Macon Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Trusted and Skilled Macon Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle accidents in Macon can be serious and happen for many reasons. Busy streets and distracted drivers make riding a bike risky. When a cyclist gets hit by a car, the injuries can be really bad because bikes don’t protect like cars do. It’s not just cars; sometimes bad roads or things in the way can cause a crash. Bike riders need to be extra careful, but sometimes accidents happen even if they are careful.

The law in Macon looks at bicycle accidents carefully. If a driver hits you while you’re on your bike, the law checks if the driver was not paying attention, breaking traffic rules, or driving dangerously. If the driver is at fault, they might have to pay for your medical bills and other costs. But, it’s not always just the driver’s fault. Sometimes, the person on the bike might have made a mistake, too. The law looks at both sides to decide who should pay.

If you’re in a bike accident, you can ask for money to help with things like doctor bills, money lost if you can’t work, and for the pain and trouble the accident caused. To get this money, you need to show how the accident happened and how it was not your fault. This can be tricky, especially when dealing with insurance companies and legal stuff.

This is where Wetherington Law Firm can help. We know a lot about bicycle accidents in Macon and can help you understand your rights. If you’re hurt in a bike accident, our team will work hard to get you the compensation you need to get better. We’ll handle the tough legal stuff, so you can focus on healing. Trust us to be your voice and fight for what you deserve. If you’ve been in a bike accident, Wetherington Law Firm is here to help, call us today.

How Often Do Bike Accidents Occur?

Bike safety remains a serious problem both in Georgia and nationwide. According to data cited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1,000 cyclists are killed and 130,000 are injured in motor vehicle collisions each year. Unfortunately, Macon, Bibb County, and other communities in the region fail to make bicycle safety a priority. 

An Overview of the Rights and Responsibilities of Cyclists in Georgia

If you ride a bicycle on public roads in Georgia, it is imperative that you have an understanding of how state law does (and does not) protect you. Here are some of the key things that cyclists should know about their rights and responsibilities in Georgia: 

• Young Riders Must Wear a Helmet, All Riders Should Wear a Helmet: In Georgia, bicyclists who are 16 years of age and younger are legally required to wear a safety helmet. While bike helmets are not required for adults, everyone should wear one. Bike helmets prevent traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and even save lives.  
• Bicyclists Have a Right to the Road, But Should Generally Stay to the Right Side: Motorists in Georgia must respect the rights of cyclists to use the roads. Except when otherwise restricted—such as on interstate highways—cyclists can ride in the road. When doing so, they should stay on the right side of the right-most lane except when turning left or avoiding a safety hazard.   
• Cyclists Should Obey Traffic Safety Regulations: Cyclists in Macon should obey traffic safety regulations. For example, a bicyclist in Macon should stop at red lights and stop signs. A cyclist that fails to comply with traffic signals could potentially bear liability for their own accident. 

Understanding Liability for Bike Accidents

Georgia is a fault-based bike accident injury state. The party (or parties) deemed responsible for causing a bike accident can be held legally liable for an injured victim’s damages. Many serious bicycle accidents in Macon are caused by negligent motorists, including because of: 

• Speeding; 
• Running red lights; 
• Running stop signs; 
• Unsafe lane changes;
• Tailgating or “buzzing” a cyclist; 
• Distracted driving; and
• Impaired driving. 

Georgia uses a comparative negligence fault for bike accidents. Under (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33), each party to a bicycle accident will be held liable for their “share” of the blame. Every bike accident in Bibb County should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced Macon personal injury lawyer. 

The Statute of Limitations for a Bike Accident Injury Claim

A bike accident in Georgia must be initiated before the statute of limitations expires. Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A § 9-3-33), bike accident injury cases are subject to a two-year statute of limitations. Do not wait to get started with the claims process. Consult with a Macon, GA bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after a collision. 

Recovering Compensation for a Bicycle Accident in Georgia

Were you hurt in a bike accident? You need compensation to pay bills and support yourself and your family. In Georgia, injured victims have a right to seek financial relief for economic and non-economic losses. Unfortunately, the big insurance companies that handle most personal injury claims are focused on paying out less. Our Macon, GA bike accident lawyers help clients maximize their settlement or verdict. You may be entitled to recover compensation for the following damages: 

• Property damage (bike repairs/replacement); 
• Hospital bills, including emergency room care;
• Physical therapy and other rehabilitative support; 
• Lost wages and loss of earning power; 
• Pain and suffering & mental anguish; 
• Permanent disability or disfigurement; and
• Wrongful death of a family member. 

Contact Our Macon Bicycle Accident Attorneys Today

At Wetherington Law Firm, our Macon bicycle accident lawyers have the professional skills and legal experience that you can rely on. If you or someone close to you was hurt in a bike accident, our legal team is here to help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review. We represent injured victims in Macon, Bibb County, and throughout the entire surrounding region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident?

If you’re in a bicycle accident, here’s what you should do right away:

• Check for Injuries: First, make sure you and anyone else involved are okay. If anyone is hurt, call 911 for medical help.
• Move to Safety: If you can, move to a safe spot. It’s important to avoid blocking traffic or putting yourself at more risk.
• Call the Police: It’s a good idea to report the accident. The police will document the scene and make an official report, which can be helpful later.
• Gather Information: Exchange names, contact details, and insurance information with the driver. If there are witnesses, get their information too.
• Take Photos: If possible, take pictures of the accident scene, your bicycle, the car involved, and any injuries. This can be important evidence.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, see a doctor. Some injuries, like concussions, aren’t always obvious right away.
• Do Not Admit Fault: Be careful about what you say. Even saying “I’m sorry” can be mistaken for admitting fault.
• Notify Your Insurance: Let your insurance company know about the accident, but be cautious about discussing details.
• Keep Records: Save all documents related to the accident, including medical reports and expenses.
• Consult a Lawyer: Consider talking to a bicycle accident lawyer, especially if you’re hurt or there’s a dispute about who’s at fault.

Can I claim compensation if I was partially at fault in the bicycle accident?

Yes, even if you were partly at fault in a bicycle accident, you might still be able to ask for money to help you. Here’s how it works:

• Comparative Negligence: In Macon, the law uses something called “comparative negligence.” This means they look at how much each person was at fault.
• Reduced Compensation: If you were partly at fault, you can still get money, but it might be less. For example, if they decide you were 30% at fault, you might get 30% less money.
• Claim Process: You still go through the same steps to make a claim. This includes showing how the accident happened and what your injuries are.
• Legal Help is Important: Because these cases can be complicated, it’s really helpful to talk to a lawyer. They can help you understand how much fault is yours and how much money you can ask for.

How do I prove the driver was at fault in my bicycle accident?

To show that a driver was at fault in a bicycle accident, you need to gather evidence. Here are some steps to help:

• Police Report: If the police came to the accident, get a copy of their report. It might have important details about what happened.
• Photos and Videos: Take pictures or videos of the accident scene, your bicycle, the car, and any injuries. If nearby cameras caught the accident, like traffic or store cameras, try to get that footage.
• Witnesses: If people saw the accident, get their names and contact details. They can tell what they saw, which can help show who was at fault.
• Traffic Laws: Understand the traffic laws related to your accident. For example, if the driver ran a red light, that’s a clear sign they were at fault.
• Your Story: Write down everything you remember about the accident. Do this as soon as you can so it’s fresh in your mind.
• Injury Reports: Keep records of your injuries and medical treatment. This shows how the accident affected you.
• Hire a Lawyer: Our bicycle accident attorney can really help in proving the driver was at fault. We know how to gather evidence and talk to the right people.

Should I speak to the driver’s insurance company directly?

After a bicycle accident, it’s important to be cautious when talking to the driver’s insurance company. If they contact you, it’s best to stick to basic information like your name and the date of the accident, but avoid discussing details or who was at fault. Be wary of early settlement offers, as they might be less than what you’re entitled to. It’s also crucial not to sign any statements or agree to a recorded conversation without consulting a lawyer, as these can be used against you in your claim.

This is where Wetherington Law Firm can assist. Our experienced team can handle communications with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring you don’t say anything that could jeopardize your case. We understand the tactics insurance companies use and are skilled in negotiating to secure a fair settlement for you. Let us guide you through this process, providing the legal support you need to protect your rights and interests after a bicycle accident.

How can a lawyer help with my bicycle accident claim?

A lawyer can be a big help with your bicycle accident claim in many ways. First, they understand the law and know how to prove who was at fault in the accident. This is important for getting the money you need. They can gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and handle all the paperwork.

Lawyers also deal with insurance companies. They know how to talk to them and can stop them from trying to pay you less than you deserve. If needed, a lawyer can take your case to court. They’ll fight for you and make sure your side of the story is heard.

At Wetherington Law Firm, we have experience with bicycle accident claims. We’ll work hard to get you the best outcome, whether that’s by settling with the insurance company or going to court. We take care of the hard parts, so you can focus on getting better. Our team is here to help you every step of the way. Get in touch with our team today!