BICYCLE ACCIDENTS

SAVANNAH BICYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYERS FIGHT FOR INJURED CYCLISTS

Experienced representation focused on optimal results

Riding a bicycle is a great way to get exercise, get around town, and even get to work. But as a bicyclist, you’re at a serious risk of suffering severe injuries if you’re involved in an accident with a car. Too often, bicyclists like you are injured by drivers who fail to look before entering intersections, changing lanes, or even opening their car doors.

At Owens & Mulherin Injury Lawyers, we know that bicyclists who are struck by vehicles often face expensive medical bills and long recovery times — and they may not be able to go back to work for weeks, months, or even years. Our attorneys are avid cyclists.

They ride many times each week and understand the obligations of cyclists and drivers. If you or a loved one has been injured by a negligent driver while riding a bicycle, it’s important that you get an experienced legal team on your side. We’ve assisted victims like you for more than 20 years, and we know what it takes to win.

Bronze cycling city going for the gold

In 2013, the League of American Bicyclists designated Savannah as a bronze-level bike-friendly city. Though it would take a great amount of work to advance to the silver, gold, platinum or diamond levels, Savannah officials are determined and optimistic.

While cycling is on the rise, however, so are bike accidents that leave cyclists injured. These statistics help explain why:

Savannah has the highest rate of bicycle commuters in the state at 2.6 percent.
Only 1.6 percent of Savannah’s arterial roadways have designated bike lanes.
In 2014, Savannah recorded 81 collisions of bikes with motor vehicles, causing 49 injuries.
In 2015, such accidents increased to 98 with 60 injuries and four fatalities.
In 2016, the city recorded 99 collisions with 71 injuries and one death.

The city has begun construction on roadway modifications that would make Savannah a safer city for cyclists.

What causes vehicles to strike cyclists?

The best protection bicyclists can have against serious injury is a helmet that fits properly and is certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Cyclists can also protect themselves by being aware of some common causes of accidents involving other vehicles.

The injury lawyers at Owens & Mulherin have assisted many bicycle accident victims in Georgia, and we know what it takes to build strong claims for bicyclists by a variety of driver errors, such as:

Failing to give bicyclists room and respect on the road

When you bike on a road without dedicated bike lanes, you will be riding in traffic. Drivers are supposed to give bicyclists the same respect and attention that they give other vehicles, but they often fail to do so. That can result in drivers crowding you, following you too closely, speeding up to pass you without changing lanes, or even running you off the road.

Making left turns in front of bicyclists

As a bicyclist, you’re at your most vulnerable at intersections or near turn lanes where vehicles can make left turns directly in front of your path. Some drivers are accustomed to looking for other cars, trucks, and SUVs when making left turns — not bicycles and motorcycles. As a result, they may not see you approaching them as they turn into the intersection or street.

Opening car doors without looking

Whether you’re on a narrow city street or in a parking lot, you can be seriously injured if drivers or passengers open their doors as you approach their vehicles. This collision — known as “dooring”— is common in urban areas and is caused when drivers and passengers don’t check before opening vehicle doors. The risk is compounded when bike lanes are installed adjacent to designated street parking areas.

These are just a few examples of common accidents that involve passenger vehicles and bicycles. Regardless of how your bicycle accident occurred, our Savannah bicycle accident attorneys can investigate and work to get you the compensation you deserve.

What you can do to keep yourself safe while cycling in Savannah

Responsibility for your safety begins with you. Make sure that your bike is in good shape and that your skills are adequate for riding a bike in traffic. Wear a helmet at all times. Once you are out on the road:

BE VISIBLE

Wear brightly colored clothes and have reflectors and lights on your bike.

Be predictable

Drivers need to be able to anticipate your movements.

Never ride against traffic

It’s unsafe and illegal.

Signal to other road users

Learn and use hand signals and make eye contact with drivers.

Pull entirely off of the road

If you need to stop for any reason other than a traffic signal, get all the way out of the flow of traffic.

Use lights in low visibility conditions

Twilight and night riding is the most dangerous time to ride.

Consider using a rear-view mirror

Increasing your range of vision increases safety.

Plan to stop when approaching a yellow light

Accelerating to beat the red light can end disastrously.

Pass slower cyclists on the left

But quickly get back into a single-file formation.

Use extra caution at driveways and curb cuts

Be wary of car and truck drivers who might not see you approaching.

Use extra caution around large vehicles

The larger the vehicle, the longer the driver’s blind spot. The higher the driver is sitting, the greater the chance he will look over you.

When bike meets car, the car rarely gets the worst of the encounter. By strictly observing safety rules, you can avoid accidents or at least avoid allegations that you are at fault for a crash.

Contact our Savannah attorneys who know Georgia bicycle accident laws

After your bicycle accident, you may be suffering from chronic, debilitating pain — and you may even be unable to earn the paycheck you depend on. After you report your accident, you may receive an initial settlement offer from the insurance company. However, there’s a good chance that it will be a lowball settlement that won’t reflect the full value of your claim.

When you contact Owens & Mulherin Injury Lawyers, our Savannah bicycle accident attorneys will determine your current and future medical expenses and lost wages, and we’ll make sure the insurance company knows that you deserve a fair settlement.

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(912) 212-2100

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