BICYCLE ACCIDENT

Atlanta Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Bicycling around town can be more convenient and environmentally friendly, but it can also be significantly more dangerous than driving your vehicle. A motor vehicle encloses its occupants completely, offering protection from potential injuries in an accident. Bicyclists lack external protection other than possible pads and a helmet, which often leads to more lacerations, bone fractures, and other injuries when an accident occurs.

A bicyclist hit by a negligent or reckless driver should contact our Atlanta bicycle accident lawyers to discuss their legal options. An experienced personal injury lawyer at Family Matters Law Group could increase your chances of an agreeable case outcome by proving legal negligence.

CONTACT US

Georgia Bicycle Laws

Bicycles are classified as vehicles in Georgia and are required to follow all general traffic laws, just like vehicle drivers. Drivers don’t always respect the fact that they share the privileges of the road with bicyclists. Reckless and negligent driving, along with other bad decisions from drivers, can result in accidents with bicyclists.

Common Georgia laws that bicycle accident lawyers encounter during their cases can include the following:



  • The driver requires a space of three feet when passing a bicycle.
  • Bicyclists can ride on the paved shoulder of any road.
  • Drivers are required to yield to bicyclists in the bike lane.
  • Bicyclists must follow the same general traffic laws as motor vehicle drivers.
  • Bicyclists must ride on the right side of the road.
  • Sidewalks are reserved for pedestrians, therefore, are forbidden for bicyclists.
  • Bike riders must use safety equipment when riding.
  • The bike may only carry the number of riders it is designed to have by law. Some exceptions to this rule are considered for young children.


Contact Us

Bicycle Accident Facts and Statistics

According to the National Safety Council, 1,260 bicyclists died from injuries sustained in a bicycle accident in 2020, with 325,173 nonfatal injuries suffered in the same time frame. Bicycle accidents are higher in the warmer months, from May through October, with the fewest deaths in February (53) and most in August (157) for 2020. Of the 1,260 bicyclist deaths, 806 were found to be directly involved with motor vehicles.



The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the deaths of bicyclists account for 2% of all motor-vehicle-related traffic fatalities. In 2020, 425,910 injuries associated with bicycle accidents were treated at emergency departments, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Injuries from bicycle-related accidents have a significant expense stemming from medical expenses and lost productivity. The National Law Review reports that these injuries cost more than $23 billion annually in the United States.


Males, in general, and children ages nine to 15 are the most at risk of injuries incurred in a bicycle accident. Most of these injuries result from failure to wear a helmet, biking in unsafe areas, and accidents with motor vehicles. Substance abuse and alcohol also result in a higher risk for injuries on bicycles.

Areas in Atlanta With Higher Bicycle Accident Risk

The high density of drivers in urban and metropolitan areas naturally increases the risk of a bicycle accident. Atlanta is home to almost 500,000 residents and three million vehicles, attributed to increased bicycle accidents over recent years. Statista estimates that 51.4% of Americans ride bikes, allowing for almost 250,000 riders on the streets of Atlanta. Ride Safe Georgia reports that in 2019, 17% of all motor vehicle accidents involved pedestrians or bicyclists. Over the past 10 years, pedestrian and bicycle accidents have increased by 53% in Atlanta, according to Atlanta Magazine.

Bicycle Accident Lawsuits

Minor bicycle accidents can happen when a bicyclist hits another bicyclist or a pedestrian. If a motor vehicle is involved, the potential for the accident to result in a fatality of the bicyclist increases. Some bicycle accidents result from poor road conditions, and the city government could be held liable for damages. If a motor vehicle hits a bicyclist, it’s usually the driver’s fault, and their insurance company pays for the damages.

An injured bicyclist can sue the responsible party to cover damages, including medical expenses and lost productivity. These cases may end up in court to prove negligence and award a settlement. Reckless driving, unrepaired roads, and failure to follow the rules of the road can be considered negligence by a court of law.

Proving Negligence in Bicycle Accident Cases

The fact that bicyclists have an increased risk of injury than motor vehicle drivers doesn’t mean that all drivers who hit bicyclists are automatically labeled as negligent. In order to find the driver negligent and financially responsible for the bicyclist’s injuries, a knowledgeable Atlanta bicycle accident lawyer must be able to establish the following:



  • The defendant had an explicit or implicit duty of care owed to the plaintiff.
  • That duty of care was breached by the defendant doing something against the law, careless, or reckless.
  • The defendant directly caused the accident by breaching that duty of care.
  • The plaintiff’s compensable damages were a direct result of the accident.

Bicycle Accident Claims

There are multiple ways to file a bicycle accident claim due to the many ways that a bicycle accident can happen. The two most common types of bicycle accident claims are personal injury and property damage. An experienced Atlanta bicycle accident attorney can help you file either of these types of claims.

Personal injury claims are associated with a bodily injury incurred in a bicycle accident. These claims cover medical expenses, future medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Your attorney could file a claim with the at-fault driver’s automobile insurance company if you were hit by a motor vehicle.

Property damage claims cover the cost of repairing or replacing your bicycle after an accident has caused damage. Property claims cover the specific damaged personal property, such as your helmet and bike, and not much more.

What Happens if a Driver Leaves the Scene of a Bicycle Accident?

Drivers don’t always follow the laws of the road, and if they are scared to get a ticket or uninsured, they may flee the scene of the bicycle accident. If you’re involved in a bicycle accident with a motor vehicle, try to get the license plate number of the vehicle that hit you. Police can use that information to track down the driver and assess any criminal penalties for the accident itself as well as fleeing the scene of the accident.

If the reason the driver fled the scene is a lack of insurance, uninsured motorist coverage may cover the injuries and property damage associated with the bicycle accident. Many motor vehicle policies include uninsured motorist coverage, with some applicable to bicyclists. An expert Atlanta bicycle accident lawyer can help you pursue the best course of action for your specific case.

Damages You Can Recover After a Bicycle Accident

Damages awarded after a bicycle accident usually fit one of two categories: economic and non-economic.

Economic damages after a bicycle crash include the following:

  • Medical expenses.
  • Transportation to a medical facility, including an ambulance after the accident or trips to appointments for continuing care.
  • Physical therapy.
  • Rehabilitation services.
  • Chiropractic care.
  • Future medical bills.
  • Loss of income.
  • Future loss of income.
  • Expenses related to repairing or replacing any personal property damaged in the accident.

Non-economic damages from a bike crash include emotional distress, mental anguish, loss of joy in activities, permanent disfigurement or disability, loss of consortium, and pain and suffering.

You must file your claim within the statute of limitations if you hope to recover any compensation for damages. Georgia law has a two-year limit on filing a claim after an injury from a bicycle accident.

Family Compensation After a Fatal Bicycle Accident

A wrongful death lawsuit or claim may result from a bicycle accident that kills your loved one. Family members who can file a wrongful death claim include:


  • Victim’s spouse or children.
  • Parents of an unmarried and childless victim.


While nothing can replace the loss of a loved one, a wrongful death lawsuit can help compensate for the value of the victim’s life and ease the financial burden and pain of your loss. The victim’s lifetime loss of income and financial benefits such as pensions or retirement plans are considered when filing a wrongful death lawsuit. It can also include any remaining medical bills, burial and funeral or cremation costs, and more.

NEXT STEPS

At Family Matters Law Group, our team works hard to get our clients the compensation they deserve. Our highly-skilled attorneys can answer any questions regarding your case and help you get started in the right direction. We will work tirelessly to deliver a favorable outcome for your bicycle accident.

FAQs About Atlanta Bicycle Accidents

  • What To Do if a Vehicle Hits You When Riding Your Bicycle

    If you’re struck by a motor vehicle when riding your bicycle, the first thing you should do is call 911 to request police assistance and medical treatment. Not all injuries can be seen or felt immediately following an accident, so it’s imperative to be checked over by a medical professional. A physical examination and imaging may uncover an injury sustained in the bicycle accident. If you seek compensation, the medical report of your injuries and examination may help your case.


    You also need to provide an accurate report of the bicycle accident to the police, including as many details as possible. Collect as much evidence as possible at the accident scene, including pictures of the damage, scene, and injuries. When the police arrive, you should file an accident report. If anyone witnessed the accident, get their contact information and statement. You can also check houses and businesses nearby to see if anyone has camera footage of the accident.


    After a bicycle accident, contact an experienced bicycle injury attorney as soon as possible. It would be best if you did not talk to your insurance company or provide an official statement without your lawyer present. Insurance companies are motivated to settle quickly, and for as little as possible, so you need a bicycle accident attorney to communicate with the insurance companies and negotiate on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve.

  • What To Do As a Driver After a Bicycle Accident

    The first thing to do after a bicycle accident is ensure that everyone is safe. Do not move any vehicles or anyone unless it is necessary to ensure safety. Call 911 to report the accident and request assistance from law enforcement and emergency medical services. Tend to the injured parties the best you can until help arrives.


    Under no circumstances should you ever leave the scene of an accident. Under Georgia law, you’re required to remain at the accident scene or be charged with fleeing the scene of an accident. All parties involved will share their contact and insurance information, and should offer reasonable assistance to anyone in need. Try to avoid obstructing traffic, if possible.


    An Atlanta bicycle accident attorney can help you recover the compensation you and your loved ones deserve. If the bicycle accident resulted in a fatality, contact an experienced lawyer immediately. In order to win your wrongful death lawsuit, you’ll want to have an attorney to gather all of the information needed.

Contact an Atlanta Bicycle Accident Attorney Today

Bicycle accidents with a motor vehicle usually result in financially and physically devastating injuries. An Atlanta bicycle accident attorney can help you hold the liable party financially responsible to help you recover financially, while the medical professionals help you recover physically.

Call (855) 387-2963 or complete our secure online form to schedule your consultation.


A team member is available Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closing at 1 p.m. on Friday.

Book an appointment
Share by: