Bicycle Accident Victims
Many Georgians have discovered bicycling as a means to stay fit, for transportation, or simply to enjoy exploring the community and our cities alike. As the popularity grows across the U.S., so does the number of opportunities for injuries and fatalities.
The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety in Georgia reports that 30 of Georgia’s 1,504 traffic fatalities in 2018 were bicyclists, doubling those of 2017, when only bicyclists were 15 of the 1,540 fatalities.
MVA vs. Bicyclist
The average passenger car weighs around 3,000 pounds, while an average bicycle and its rider weigh only a fraction of that. Without the luxury of a protective steel cage to protect bicyclers, it’s clear that a crash between the two is an unfair match. When a car hits a bicyclist, their vulnerability can mean life-changing injuries like broken bones, trauma to the brain, spine, and for some, death.
Bicycle riders, like all other vehicle operators on our roads, have a responsibility to follow state laws as well as taking special precautions to ensure their safety. Driving on the correct side of the road, wearing bright clothing and safety gear, using hand signals and remaining focused on the road ahead.
Unfortunately, even when taking all precautions, we can’t control the actions of other drivers. According to Georgia code (O.C.G.A. 40-6-56) motor vehicle drivers are required to maintain a safe distance of at least 3 feet when overtaking and passing a bicycle that is proceeding in the same direction on the roadway. Perhaps some motor vehicle drivers are unaware of laws designed to protect bicycle riders, or they simply fail to obey them. Other negligent actions can also cause these collisions: distracted driving, driving while impaired, speeding, or aggressive driving.
If you’ve been hit by a motor vehicle driver, don’t call just any personal injury attorney, that’s where we come in. At C. Ron Smith Attorney at Law, we have the experience to hold motor vehicle drivers accountable for their negligence. We welcome your call today for a free case evaluation.
Sharing the Road for Safety
Many Georgians have discovered bicycling as a means to stay fit, for transportation, or simply to enjoy exploring the community and our cities alike. As the popularity grows across the U.S., so does the number of opportunities for injuries and fatalities.
The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety in Georgia reports that 30 of Georgia’s 1,504 traffic fatalities in 2018 were only bicyclists, doubling those of 2017.
MVA vs. Bicyclist
The average passenger car weighs around 3,000 pounds, while an average bicycle and its rider weigh only a fraction of that. Without the luxury of a protective steel cage to protect bicyclers, it’s clear that a crash between the two is an unfair match. When a car hits a bicyclist, their vulnerability can mean life-changing injuries like broken bones, trauma to the brain, spine, and for some, death.
Bicycle riders, like all other vehicle operators on our roads, have a responsibility to follow state laws as well as taking special precautions to ensure their safety. Driving on the correct side of the road, wearing bright clothing and safety gear, using hand signals and remaining focused on the road ahead.
Unfortunately, even when taking all precautions, we can’t control the actions of other drivers. According to Georgia code (O.C.G.A. 40-6-56) motor vehicle drivers are required to maintain a safe distance of at least 3 feet when overtaking and passing a bicycle that is proceeding in the same direction on the roadway. Perhaps some motor vehicle drivers are unaware of laws designed to protect bicycle riders, or they simply fail to obey them. Other negligent actions can also cause these collisions: distracted driving, driving while impaired, speeding, or aggressive driving.
If you’ve been hit by a motor vehicle driver, don’t call just any personal injury attorney. At C. Ron Smith Attorney at Law, we have the experience to hold motor vehicle drivers accountable for their negligence. We welcome your call today for a free case evaluation.