Savannah Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle accidents often involve serious and life-threatening injury. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 818 bicyclists died in accidents with motor vehicles in 2015 alone. Though these are rarer than other types of accidents involving cars, they present a serious emotional and financial burden on the victim’s family. If you or someone you love sustained injuries in a Savannah bicycle accident, contact the lawyers at Butler Prather LLP today and schedule a free case evaluation. With more than 30 years of experience, we’re well-equipped to handle your case.

• We have a track record to back up our claims, including several settlements in excess of $100 million. We also are responsible for the largest judgment collected in the United States.
• We are selective about the types of cases we handle, which allows us to dedicate our full attention to every client. In fact, about half our cases come from other attorney referrals, since they are aware of our successful approach.
• We take cases on a contingency-fee basis, which allows anyone who needs help to take advantage of our legal services.

Bicycle Laws in Georgia

The bicycle laws in Georgia are similar to those of many other states. Of particular importance is the notion that bicyclists have an obligation to “share the road.” This means that both motorists and cyclists are responsible to obey the same laws with regard to the right-of-way, traffic signals, and more. Under Georgia law, bicycles are a “vehicle,” so liability surrounding bike accidents functions similarly to a traditional car accident.

Injuries in Bicycle Accidents

When a bicycle collides with a car, it often results in catastrophic or otherwise debilitating injury. Some serious afflictions that may occur include:

• Spinal cord injuries. When trauma disrupts the delicate bundle of nerves housed within the spinal column, permanent disability can result. The degree of the injury will depend on the area of the spine affected, but victims may experience paraplegia or quadriplegia, motor and sensory difficulties, and even a reduced ability to breathe on one’s own.
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI). Even when a bicyclist is wearing a helmet, the sheer force of hitting a motor vehicle can lead to TBI. The effects of these injuries are varied and may be lifelong.
• Road rash. Like motorcyclists, bicyclists who experience forceful contact with a motor vehicle may sustain this painful type of injury, which may require surgical intervention like skin grafting.
• Fractures. Broken bones in bicycle accidents are common, and complex presentations like compound or spiral fractures may require surgery.

Liability in Bike Accidents and Why You Need an Attorney

Since Georgia law treats bicycles as vehicles, the system of liability functions much like an accident between two cars. The tort system in the state of Georgia allows a victim of negligence to collect compensation for his or her material and intangible losses. Damages available in a bike accident include:

• Compensation for economic losses, including medical bills, lost wages, the costs of future medical care and therapy. It might also include the costs of accommodations to a home for care and mobility, if applicable.
• Reimbursement for non-economic losses, such as physical pain and suffering, loss in life quality, or loss of consortium.

In a bicycle accident case, all drivers owe a duty of care to others who share the road. When they violate this duty, they may be guilty of negligence and liable for any damages that result. Unfortunately, a driver’s insurance company may use a variety of tactics to avoid paying fair claims to victims. A Savannah injury attorney can help defend your right to fair compensation under the law and demand maximum reimbursement for your losses. Contact the attorneys at Butler Prather LLP today to schedule a free initial consultation.