Alpharetta Bike Accident Attorney

Learning to ride a bicycle is a rite of passage for most children, and many continue to enjoy this hobby well into adulthood. Riding a bicycle is increasingly a sensible method of transportation to get around town. Sadly, bicyclists are more vulnerable than others when they are involved in a collision on the road. A bike accident typically will result in sizable medical expenses.

At Ponton Law, we have stepped up and represented many bicycle accident victims over the years. We know how to make an insurance claim on behalf of injured cyclists, and we won’t back down until you receive a fair settlement for your injuries. Contact our Alpharetta bike accident attorney to schedule a free consultation to learn more about the services we provide.

What Causes Bicycle Accidents?

A bicyclist faces many hazards while out on the road. Any of the following can lead to a crash:

• Negligent motorists. Drivers can slam into a bicyclist or force them from the road because the driver is distracted, fatigued, aggressive, or in a hurry. Common examples of negligence include failure to yield, passing too closely, and tailgating.
• Road defects. Potholes and other hazards can upend a bicycle, sending a cyclist sprawling. Alpharetta does not prioritize bicyclist safety, and dangerous roads will continue to cause accidents.
• Bicycle defects. You might have rented a bicycle, that was not properly maintained, or the bicycle you purchased had a design flaw. These defects make bicycles impossible to control.

Please contact Ponton Law immediately if you were hurt in a bicycle accident. You should avoid getting a bicycle repaired because an attorney will want to inspect it for defects. It might also contain evidence of the crash.

Bicycle Accident Injuries

Anyone riding a bicycle can suffer a serious injury when they are hit or fall off the bicycle. Depending on the speed of the collision, some injuries might be life-threatening. Our clients have gone to the hospital suffering from:

• Neck injuries
• Facial injuries
• Road rash and other abrasions
• Rib fracture
• Broken arms or legs
• Pelvic fracture
• Nerve damage

Some injuries will heal within a few months. But others can require years of physical therapy and pain management.

You should immediately go to the hospital if you feel in pain. A doctor can order diagnostic tests, like X-rays and MRIs, to see what is wrong. Internal injuries are difficult to see, but bleeding can result in a stroke or heart attack if you do not receive prompt treatment.

Obtaining Compensation for a Bicycle Accident

Anyone hurt in an accident can suffer major economic hardship. Serious injuries cost thousands of dollars in medical care and might prevent a person from returning to work. Fortunately, most motorists carry liability insurance, which can cover any collision between a bicycle and a car if the driver is at fault.

If a road defect led to the crash, you can sue the government agency responsible for the road. They should fill in potholes that they know about and ensure all construction debris is cleared. This is a special type of claim, with tighter deadlines, so work closely with an attorney.

Our Alpharetta bicycle accident lawyer has fought for compensation for:

• Lost income or wages
• Future lost income when permanent injuries require a job change
• Medical care to treat your bicycle accident injuries
• Future medical care for long-lasting injuries
• Pain and suffering, along with emotional distress
• Damage to your bicycle and other property

The amount of compensation you can receive will depend on many factors related to your case. Someone with serious injuries will likely qualify for a larger settlement than someone whose injuries are temporary.

Georgia’s Bicycle Helmet Law

Under OCGA § 40-6-296, anyone under 16 years of age must wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. The helmet must meet either the standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Snell Memorial Foundation. Older riders have the option of wearing a helmet, though it is not required.

We strongly recommend that everyone who gets on a bicycle wear a helmet. The statistics show that helmets help reduce brain injuries for cyclists. For example, wearing a helmet will reduce traumatic brain injury by 53% and serious head injuries by 60%. Helmets will also reduce the number of deaths or serious injuries by 34%. There is probably no easier way to cut your risk of injury in half than to wear a helmet.

How Ponton Law Helps Accident Victims

If you were injured while riding a bicycle, please contact Ponton Law. Our firm can help you make an insurance claim for an accident:

• Find evidence of the crash to determine fault. The person who caused the accident is legally obligated to pay compensation for your losses. But after many wrecks, each side points the finger at the other.
• Interview witnesses. Witnesses can provide helpful information about what caused the accident and who ultimately is at fault.
• Complete insurance forms and answer insurance adjuster questions. You should not have to be bothered with these tasks when you are struggling with pain. We allow you to focus on your physical and emotional recovery.
• Assign a dollar value to your injuries. Many people ask for too little, especially for pain and suffering. Ponton Law has handled enough claims that we know how to calculate a fair settlement.
• Find additional sources of compensation. Your injuries might exceed the defendant’s insurance policy limit. Ponton Law can analyze whether you can add other defendants or if other insurance policies apply.
• Negotiate with the other side. Our firm can fight for the maximum compensation allowed under Georgia law for your injuries. Nobody should expect to receive a fair settlement without work.

We have had great success negotiating on behalf of clients, with many large settlements. Trial is rarely necessary to obtain compensation, but Ponton Law is prepared to file a lawsuit to protect your rights when necessary.

Bicycle Laws & Safety Tips

Georgia law requires certain safety equipment in addition to helmets:

1. If you ride a bicycle at night, you must have a light on the front. Unless you have a red reflector on the back, you need a light there as well.
2. All bicycles sold or operated should have working brakes that allow you to stop the bicycle.
3. Handlebars should not be so high that the rider needs to raise their hands over their shoulder.
4. You cannot ride a bicycle on a highway or the sidewalk.
5. Cyclists should ride in the direction of traffic and as close to the right-hand side of the road as possible.
6. There are also some common sense tips when it comes to choosing a bicycle to ride:
7. Choose one that fits your size. Smaller people, especially women, tend to choose bicycles which are too large and difficult to control.
8. Pick a reclining bicycle for comfort. These bicycles can help protect your back.
9. Cover up as much of your body as possible. Any exposed skin could suffer abrasions if you fall. Of course, you need to choose clothing appropriate to the weather, which can get hot in the summer.

By following the law, you can reduce the odds of an accident happening and minimize injuries in the event of a crash.

Call an Alpharetta Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

Bicycle accidents happen in a split second, but the pain can last a lifetime. You deserve a seasoned legal advocate in your corner. You have one chance to obtain a meaningful settlement, Demand an experienced bike accident lawyer. Instead, call Ponton Law today at (404) 418-8507, to schedule a free consultation.