Riding a bike is a great way to get around while also burning calories. Depending on your destination, a bike may even be more convenient than jumping behind the wheel of a car. Our towns and cities have adapted to allow both cyclists and drivers to safely share the road. Unfortunately, sometimes drivers are distracted or are driving recklessly, resulting in an injured cyclist. Call Johnson & Alday, LLC today to work with our Cobb County, GA bicycle accident lawyer!
Cobb County, GA Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Most cyclists are responsible. However, all the experience, safety gear, and levelheadedness in the world can’t prevent every accident. Often all it takes is a moment of negligence for a driver to strike a cyclist. Not every accident is caused by a drunk or woefully negligent driver, though those situations happen too. Regardless of whether the accident was caused by a driver with a pattern of negligence or not, victims shouldn’t be held liable to pay for damages.
Gathering the necessary evidence to prove liability can be difficult. You may also find yourself going up against an unwilling insurance adjuster. Trying to prove liability and negotiate for a fair settlement can be very overwhelming, especially if you’re held up in the hospital.
Our Cobb County bicycle accident lawyer can handle this intense process for you! Our process will often begin by gathering evidence such as medical records, police reports, and photos and videos. This allows us to establish liability, and once we’ve started building a solid case, we can negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf. When an insurance company knows there’s an attorney on the other end of the line, they’re more willing to offer a fair settlement.
Experience Matters In Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents are life-changing, and even if you’re expected to make a full recovery, there’s likely a period where you’re unable to work or enjoy your life to the fullest extent. Obtaining a fair settlement for any temporary or permanent damages starts with a call to our experienced team.
- Our partner and attorney, Robert “Bobby” Johnson, has over 13 years of experience representing injured workers and plaintiffs against insurance companies. Bicycle accident cases are often tried outside the courtroom, but Bobby has no issue taking a case to court when necessary. To date, he’s helped injured clients receive millions in losses.
- Our other partner, John Alday, also has extensive personal injury experience. He has tried numerous cases throughout the state of Georgia. He also serves as a legal expert in many personal injury cases. He also has experience working with insurers, meaning he knows some of the common tactics used against personal injury victims.
- Combined, our professional team brings over 20 years of legal experience.
Bicycle accidents are an unfortunate reality of being a cyclist, but help is available. While nothing can reverse what happened, our Cobb County bicycle accident lawyer can help you recover losses, including medical bills and lost wages. Call Johnson & Alday, LLC today to learn more!
Types Of Bicycle Accident Cases We Handle
If you are in the unfortunate situation of needing a skilled and experienced Cobb County, GA bicycle accident lawyer, the dedicated team at Johnson & Alday, LLC is here to help. Our almost 40 years of experience helping personal injury victims recover the compensation they are entitled to demonstrates our long-term practice and depth of knowledge in this area. While we do everything to settle out of court, we will go to trial and fight fiercely for you if the insurance company’s offer is too low. We understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a bicycle accident can be, and we are committed to guiding you through your legal options and pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Bicycle Collisions With Motor Vehicles
These cases often involve a motorist failing to yield, driving distracted, or speeding, all of which can lead to devastating outcomes for the cyclist. We investigate traffic camera footage, police reports, and witness statements to build a strong claim on your behalf.
Dooring Incidents
Dooring happens when a parked vehicle’s door is suddenly opened into a cyclist’s path. This can cause serious injuries and often occurs in busy urban or residential areas. We look at driver negligence and any violations of local traffic laws to establish fault.
Unsafe Roadway Conditions
Poorly maintained roads, broken pavement, or lack of bike lane markings can cause crashes. In these cases, we examine whether a municipality or third-party contractor failed in their duty to maintain safe conditions for cyclists.
Hit-And-Run Bicycle Accidents
These are especially traumatic, as the driver flees the scene without offering help. We work to identify the driver through nearby surveillance footage, witness accounts, or vehicle debris left at the site of the crash.
Bike Lane Accidents
Even designated bike lanes are not always safe from careless drivers. When a vehicle veers into a bike lane or blocks it entirely, it puts cyclists at direct risk. These cases often involve clear violations of right-of-way rules.
Accidents Caused By Distracted Driving
Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or not paying attention can easily miss a cyclist, especially at intersections or during turns. Our Cobb County, GA bicycle accident lawyer works to uncover phone records or other evidence that shows the driver was not focused on the road.
Left And Right Turn Collisions
Many bike accidents occur when a vehicle makes an improper left or right turn into the path of a cyclist. We often see this type of case when drivers misjudge a cyclist’s speed or fail to check for bikes before turning.
Rideshare-Related Bicycle Accidents
Rideshare drivers, often rushing to pick up or drop off passengers, may not always check for cyclists. Whether a collision occurred during an active ride or a sudden stop in a bike lane, we hold rideshare companies accountable when appropriate.
Drunk Or Impaired Driver Incidents
When a driver under the influence causes a bicycle accident, the injuries are often severe. These cases can involve both criminal and civil claims, and we coordinate closely to protect your rights in both arenas.
Collisions Involving Children On Bicycles
Children are especially vulnerable while riding bikes, and drivers are expected to use extra caution. We handle these cases with care, working to recover damages and hold negligent drivers responsible for their actions.
At Johnson & Alday, LLC, we understand that a bicycle accident can change your life in an instant. We have 24/7 live answering so that you never have to feel like you are alone during these difficult times. If you or someone you love has been injured, reach out to our experienced Cobb County bicycle accident lawyer at Johnson & Alday, LLC any time of the day or night, any day of the year.
Common Causes Of Bicycle Accidents
Road bicycling comes with risks when drivers fail to share the road responsibly. While helmets and reflective gear can help protect you, many crashes happen because of driver negligence. If you’ve been injured while riding, our Cobb County bicycle accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. Below are seven of the most common causes of bicycle accidents our team sees on Georgia roads.
Distracted Driving
One of the leading causes of bicycle accidents is distracted driving. When a driver looks down at their phone, adjusts the radio, or eats while behind the wheel, they’re not watching for cyclists. Even a few seconds of inattention can cause a driver to drift into a bike lane or fail to notice a bicyclist at an intersection.
Failing To Yield
Many collisions occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way to cyclists. This often happens at stop signs, traffic lights, or when cars make turns without checking for bikes. Bicyclists have the same right to the road as motor vehicles, but too often, drivers treat them as obstacles instead of fellow road users.
Poor Road Maintenance
Defects such as potholes, loose gravel, or uneven pavement create hazards that can easily cause a cyclist to lose control. While drivers might barely notice these issues, they can be catastrophic for someone on a bike. In some situations, a city, county, or contractor may be held liable for failing to maintain safe roadway conditions.
Unsafe Passing And Lane Changes
Drivers who pass too closely or change lanes without signaling put bicyclists in danger. Georgia law requires drivers to maintain a safe distance when overtaking a cyclist, but not everyone follows this rule. A moment of impatience can cause a serious sideswipe collision or force the cyclist off the road.
Impaired Driving
Alcohol or drug impairment slows reaction times and clouds judgment, leading to devastating outcomes for cyclists. Impaired drivers often veer into bike lanes, fail to stop in time, or make unsafe turns. These cases can involve both civil and criminal aspects, and having one of our Cobb County bike accident attorneys in your corner is crucial for protecting your interests.
Weather And Visibility Issues
Rain, fog, and low-light conditions all make it harder for drivers to see cyclists. Even with reflective gear and lights, riders can go unnoticed by careless motorists who don’t adjust their speed or increase following distance. Reduced visibility often contributes to early morning and evening accidents.
Reckless Or Aggressive Driving
Some drivers simply don’t respect cyclists’ right to share the road. Tailgating, speeding, or intentionally cutting off a bike are all forms of aggressive driving that can end in tragedy. Our Georgia bicycle accident lawyers have seen many cases where a moment of impatience led to serious injuries that could have been prevented with basic caution.
Your Recovery Matters To Us
Bicycle accidents can lead to life-changing injuries, lost wages, and long recoveries. Holding negligent drivers accountable can help you move forward with financial stability and peace of mind. At Johnson & Alday, LLC, we’re a results-driven law firm dedicated to helping accidents victims pursue fair compensation for their medical bills, lost income, and other damages. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash, contact us today to set up a time to discuss your options with one of our dedicated attorneys.