The popularity of cycling is on the rise, and it’s likely that you’re starting to see an increased number of cyclists out on the road commuting to work, riding for exercise, or simply just riding for pleasure. Cycling is a terrific way to get your heart rate up and it’s an eco-friendly way to travel—but as drivers are trying to reacquaint themselves with traffic laws regarding bicycles and adjusting to having more bikes on the road, accidents are unfortunately bound to happen. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 1,000 cyclists who died and 467,000 bicycle-related injuries in 2015.
When a driver and a cyclist are involved in a crash, how do you determine whose fault it is? Here’s everything you need to know about auto and bicycle crashes, and what you need to do if you’ve been severely injured from an accident.
WHAT LAWS DO CYCLISTS HAVE TO FOLLOW?
In Georgia, cyclists have the right to be on the road with cars, but there are still certain rules that you must follow, including:
- Riding in the same direction as traffic
- Staying in the designated bike lane, if there is one
- Riding as close to the right side of the road as possible if there is no bike lane (unless you are turning left or going around an obstacle like a parked vehicle)
- Having a light on the front or your bike and a reflector on the back that is visible from 300 feet away when riding at night
- Wearing protective headgear
If you are following all these cyclist rules, cars must yield to you when you have the right of way and keep a safe distance when they are driving past you.
WHO IS AT FAULT WHEN A CAR AND A BICYCLE COLLIDE?
In most cases, the driver is likely to cause the most damage when there’s an accident between an auto and a bicycle because an automobile is much bigger and more powerful than a bicycle. However, this does not necessarily mean that the driver is automatically at fault. An investigation will need to take place to determine who caused the crash—whether it was a distracted driver who hit a cyclist from behind or a cyclist who failed to signal correctly and ran into a car. Both drivers and cyclists need to be mindful of traffic laws and watch out for each other when they’re on the road.
If you are a cyclist who has been involved in an accident with a driver who was negligent in Georgia, contact a professional legal team who will help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Call the Fry | Goehring today at 404-969-1284 for more information on setting up a consultation for your potential personal injury case.
