Bicycle accidents in and around Atlanta occur in many different ways and under many different circumstances.
Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents around Atlanta include the following:
- Violation of traffic signs, signals, and rules of the road
- Dooring accidents
- Negligently merging into the path of a bicyclist who is present on the road
- Negligent sideswiping
- A motor vehicle driver under the illegal influence of alcohol or drugs while operating his or her motor vehicle
- Distracted motor vehicle operation (such as making a phone call or texting while driving)
- A motor vehicle driver “tailgating” a bicyclist
- Failure to make a safe lane change and merging into the path of an oncoming bicyclist
Keep in mind, however, that not all bicycle accidents happen because of a motor vehicle operator’s negligence. Sometimes these accidents occur when a bicycle part—or the bicycle itself—malfunctions in some way, resulting in an accident and the bicyclist’s subsequent injuries. If the bicycle’s handlebars or steering mechanism malfunctions, or if the brakes do not work properly, the bicyclist may collide with an object near or on the road, or with a motor vehicle, and suffer serious injuries as a result.
In cases where the bicycle accident can be attributed to a product defect, the bicyclist may bring a bicycle accident claim or file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the bicycle or bicycle part that was defective. Finally, some bicycle accidents occur because roads are not kept in a safe condition and reasonably free from defects. This is especially true in areas that are near active work zones and construction sites.
A bicycle accident lawyer in Atlanta can investigate the cause of your accident and determine whom to file the bicycle accident claim against. A lawyer will then work to help you obtain the damages that you deserve for your bicycle accident injuries.
