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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 nearly 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. Call us at 912-212-2100 or contact us online. At our firm, our initial consultations are always free, and you don’t have to pay us if we don’t get you money for you. That’s our No Fee Guarantee®.

Reviews From Our Clients
  • "I was pregnant and injured in an automobile accident. Mr. Owens, personally, came to the hospital. He told me he would handle everything, I just needed to get healthy for the baby and myself. Mr. Owens did everything he said he would. I highly recommend Owens and Mulherin. Everyone in their office is friendly and informative. You're not just another client with them, they genuinely care." - Lindsay Chadwick

  • "Highly recommend working with this group!! They are very friendly, understanding, caring people and very easy to talk to. They Gave us plenty of time to talk with them. Did not make us feel rushed and explained everything thoroughly. Made the experience the best possible and we had a positive outcome during a tragic time. Thank you to the attorneys and entire staff." - Cindy Shuman

  • "I found Mr. Owens to be very professional and extremely sympathetic towards my needs as a result of my injuries. His experience helped guide me through my case and we ultimately won in the end...settled out of court! Thanks for all your help!" - Diane Calahan

  • "Following an automobile accident I sought representation from Wil Owens. Throughout the process he and his staff were always very kind, informative, and diligent in protecting my rights and interests. I knew my case was minor comparatively speaking, however, they never minimized the importance of my situation or claim. I would highly recommend this local law firm!!Sincerely,Christi (Fry) Vinyard" - Christi Fry

  • "This was my first time having to get an attorney and my experience was great. They make sure you fully understand everything that's going on and make sure the case is settled in your favor. I highly recommend this attorney office if you need one." - Dee James

  • "Absolutely 100% the best law firm around. I was completely blown away by the staff with all their generosity and helpfulness every step of the way. Wilbur Owens is hands down the best attorney I have ever met. He was caring, professional, and helpful in all aspects of my case, from the very begining with all my treatments to the very end with my settlement. He was highly recommend to me and I have heard nothing but great things about him and his firm. They truly are the best around and if ths need were to arise again in the future I will gladly come to the law firm of Owens and Mulherin. Wonderful people and they gave me my life back as well as piece of mind, and for that I am and always will be truly thankful." - Courtney Graves

  • "I had a good experience with Mr. Owens and Ms. Teresa. They were very professional and was on point. It was a long process but it was worth the wait. I would recommend anyone to this lawfirm." - Ashley Robertson

  • "My thanks to Mr. Owens and his crew. After getting injured at work , and not knowing what to do I found them thru a local web search. Everyone in the office was great, Will walked me thru my case and explained how it would go. After everything I would highly recommend this law firm. I can't say enough of Mr. Owens and his staff . Thank you for your help!" - Mark Kalla

  • "I worked with Mr. Ownens and his team for my most recent accident involving 2 uninsured motorists, and I am extremely pleased with the way my case was worked, as well as the outcome. I cannot say anything negative about the law firm whatsoever, but I can tell you that being hit by uninsured vehicles is a nightmare." - Nic Schuman

  • "Loved working with me. Mulherin. Didn’t make me feel rushed or pinned against a wall. He gave me the beat and worse case scenario. Went to bat for me when the insurance company thought they could get away with being cheap. Brooke was amazing to work with to. Always answered calls or emails in a timely manner." - Natasha Campbell

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Wilbur D. Owens Attorney Photo
Wilbur D. Owens
Attorney

Mr. Owens devotes his practice exclusively to representing plaintiffs in personal injury and wrongful death claims. His primary focus is automobile/tractor-trailer accidents, dog bites, slip/trip and falls, medical malpractice, injuries from dangerous products, job injuries and nursing home abuse. Before joining forces with Mr. Mulherin to open Owens & Mulherin in 2001, Mr. Owens worked…

Joseph A. Mulherin Attorney Photo
Joseph A. Mulherin
Attorney

Mr. Mulherin represents individuals in personal injury cases. His primary practice areas are automobile accidents, tractor-trailer collisions, medical malpractice claims and workplace injuries. Before forming Owens & Mulherin with Mr. Owens in 2001, Mr. Mulherin practiced at Bouhan, Williams & Levy, LLP, from 1984 - 2000, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in personal injury cases.…

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