Your love of cycling, running & walking should not be put in jeopardy by careless drivers.
ATHENS, GEORGIA
BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN
ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS
CONTACT A BIKE ACCIDENT AND PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYER TO HELP YOU GET ON THE ROAD AGAIN.
Cyclists, runners, walkers and other pedestrians have rights on the roads too, and careless drivers who hurt them should be held accountable. Many cyclists, runners, and walkers do not know that if they get injured they might have an extra layer of auto insurance protection from their OWN CAR INSURANCE even though their car was not in the wreck! Significant car insurance could be available to compensate you and get your medical bills paid if the car drives off or does not have enough insurance to pay for the harm caused by hitting you.
Don’t delay – you need an aggressive accident attorney with experience in bike and pedestrian injuries. Norris Injury Law has represented numerous cyclists, runners, and walkers injured by negligent drivers. Call the office today!
As our Athens, GA bike and pedestrian accident lawyers have seen, there are many factors that can put a pedestrian at risk, especially when they are walking or riding a bike after dark, in urban areas, or when crossing the street at an intersection. Accidents involving bicyclists and pedestrians are more likely to happen when a driver of a car is impaired or distracted in some way. Thousands of pedestrians are killed each year because of a car driver. So what factors put pedestrians and cyclists most at risk? Our team at Norris Injury Law have listed them here for you.
Distraction
With the rise of smartphones and other technological devices, we are even less engaged with the immediate moment. Being mindful and present is more difficult, since our phones give us the opportunity to be constantly stimulated. But when we use these gadgets at the wrong moment, a serious accident can unfold that we never intended to happen. Pedestrians as well must always stay alert to their surroundings and not get so caught up in their phone that they don’t see where they are walking or when a motor vehicle is nearby.
Night Hours
Many pedestrian accidents occur at dusk or thereafter. As our Athens bike and pedestrian accident lawyers explain, when the sun is going down on the horizon, it casts a foggy reflection on a car driver’s view. It’s more difficult to see a bicyclist or pedestrian around sunset hours. Lack of light causes poor visibility, where even if the driver was doing their best to watch out for people, they may have not seen them anyway. Drivers are encouraged to drive slower at night, and double check their surroundings while at stop signs, street lights, and turns, before proceeding on their route.
Impairment
No one should ever drink and drive. Alcohol and other substances can make people think they are safe to drive a vehicle, when they are not. Impairment is a leading cause of pedestrian and bicycle related injuries and deaths. A driver who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol may be more inclined to speed, drive recklessly, use poor judgment, and use aggressive tactics to get where they are going. Pedestrians and bicyclists are advised to use caution and never assume that a driver sees them. And even if they know a driver has seen them by making eye contact, to stay wary of the sudden maneuvers they could make that put them in danger.
Age Range
The age of a pedestrian can play a part in accidents, where younger and older pedestrians seem to be at the greatest risk of harm. Based on statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for 2017, 55-59 year old pedestrians comprise the biggest number of traffic-related fatalities. Those who are aged 50-54 are the second largest age group of traffic deaths. But regardless of age, every person who voyages out on wheels or on foot must be aware of car drivers who don’t have their safety in mind.
If you or someone you care about was injured as a bike or pedestrian, now is the time to get help. Reach out to our Athens bike and pedestrian accident lawyers from Norris Injury Law as soon as you can for help.
Understanding Bicycle And Pedestrian Accident Liability: Who Could Be At Fault?
Bicycle accidents can result in devastating injuries, and determining liability is crucial when seeking compensation for your injuries and losses. In this article, we’ll explore four common scenarios where someone could be at fault in a bicycle accident. If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident and need legal guidance, our experienced bicycle accident lawyers are here to help. Do not hesitate to reach out to the Athens bike and pedestrian accident lawyers from Norris Injury Law, as we can be of great assistance during this difficult time.
Negligent Motorists
One of the most frequent causes of bicycle and pedestrian accidents is negligent motorists. This can include drivers who fail to yield the right of way to cyclists or pedestrians, run red lights or stop signs, or engage in distracted driving behaviors such as texting or talking on the phone. In such cases, the motorist’s negligence may make them liable for the accident and the resulting injuries to the person who is hit.
Poorly Maintained Roads And Infrastructure
In some cases, the blame may not lie solely with an individual but with government entities responsible for maintaining roadways and infrastructure. Potholes, inadequate signage, or poorly designed bike lanes can contribute to accidents. If a poorly maintained road or infrastructure played a significant role in your bicycle accident, you may have a claim against the responsible government agency.
Defective Bicycle Parts Or Manufacturing
Sometimes, the fault for a bicycle accident can be traced back to the bicycle itself. Defective parts, poor manufacturing, or inadequate maintenance can lead to sudden malfunctions, causing the cyclist to lose control and crash. In such cases, the manufacturer or distributor of the bicycle or its components may be held responsible for the accident and resultant injuries.
Dog Owners And Unrestrained Pets
While it may seem surprising, dog owners can sometimes be held liable for bicycle or pedestrian accidents. If a dog suddenly darts into the path of a cyclist or walker, causing them to swerve or fall, the dog owner may bear responsibility. In many jurisdictions, dog owners are required to keep their pets under control, especially in areas frequented by cyclists and pedestrians. Failing to do so could lead to a legal claim against the owner for negligence. Experienced Athens bike and pedestrian accident lawyers from Norris Injury Law can help determine if it was the pet owner’s fault.
Contact Us Today
Bicycle and pedestrian accidents can result in serious injuries, and determining fault is essential when seeking compensation for your losses. Whether it’s a negligent motorist, poorly maintained infrastructure, defective bicycle parts, or even a loose dog, identifying the responsible party is crucial. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident and believe someone else is at fault, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced bicycle accident lawyers.
At Norris Injury Law, our dedicated team of legal professionals specialize in bicycle and pedestrian accident cases. We understand the complexities of these cases and are committed to helping you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation, and let us fight for your rights as a cyclist on the road. Your well-being and justice are our top priorities.
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