Bicycles are common throughout the Marietta and Kennesaw communities, especially around the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. Attorney Chase Swanson and his wife, Whitney, are active bicyclists and ride on metro-Atlanta roads often, so auto accidents involving bicycles hit home at our firm. Those wrecks that involve bikes colliding with automobiles of any kind are usually more dangerous than vehicle-to-vehicle wrecks. This is due to the lack of protection around riders, as well as the large weight difference in the two modes of transportation. As careful as Atlanta drivers are, bicycle accidents are reported often throughout the area when automobiles strike them.
Just yesterday, an Atlanta man was riding his bicycle near his home on Abner Place around 9 P.M. when Atlanta police officers believe he was struck by a vehicle. Not only did he collide with the automobile, but the driver of the vehicle continued on their path, dragging the man along the roadway. At first, it was unclear what occurred to cause the 54 year old man the extensive injuries requiring his transportation to Grady Hospital. After closer inspection, paramedics and law enforcement officials were able to determine that his bicycle was hit by an automobile, which dragged him along, causing serious injuries. Unfortunately, the man was unable to withstand the serious injuries and died after arriving at the hospital. The hit-and-run incident remains under investigation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the cyclist and we urge anyone with information that may aid in the investigation to contact Atlanta law enforcement officials immediately.
Marietta Bike Wreck Attorneys
Many times Georgia bicycle accidents occur because drivers and riders do not fully comprehend Georgia state laws in regard to bicyclists. Each state has its own laws in regards to bikes. In Georgia, bicycles are considered vehicles, therefore general traffic laws apply to these riders. Cyclists should ride to the far right of the roadway so that other vehicles may pass easily when possible. Drivers of motor vehicles should respect cyclists as though they were driving a motorcycle, just like another motor vehicle. Do not ride too closely in case of braking or swerving by the cyclist. If you are going to pass the bicyclist, wait until oncoming traffic has cleared, then use your signal to pass to the left of the cyclist, leaving a wide area between your vehicle and theirs. Watch for turns, whether signaled or otherwise, from cyclists so that you have time to slow down. In general, it is best to simply be more aware than usual when near a bicyclist on busy roadways in Georgia.
In the event that you or someone you know is struck by an automobile while riding a bicycle and following the rules of the road, you have legal rights to compensation for your injuries. Your foremost concern should be seeking medical treatment for any injuries and making sure there are no injuries that you cannot obviously detect. Once your health has been addressed, contact our experienced bicycle accident lawyers at (770) 427-5498. Because we have attorneys and staff members that a cyclists themselves, we have a full comprehension of Georgia laws for bicycle accidents throughout Kennesaw, Marietta, Woodstock, Acworth, and surrounding cities.
Categories: Auto Accidents, Bicycle Accidents, Car Accident
