Bicycle Accidents

Dedicated Georgia Car Accident Lawyers Committed to Securing Maximum Damages Award on Behalf of Savannah Residents

Bicycling in Savannah is a great way to enjoy the city’s charm and beauty, but unfortunately, it can also be dangerous. Bicycle accidents, often caused by negligent or distracted drivers, can lead to severe injuries and life-altering consequences. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident, the team at Suthers & Harper is here to help. Our experienced Savannah bicycle accident attorneys are dedicated to helping injured cyclists seek the compensation they deserve and holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions.

The Most Dangerous Areas for Bicyclists in Savannah

Savannah is known for its scenic streets, but not all of them are safe for bicyclists. Some areas pose a higher risk for bike accidents due to heavy traffic, poor road design, or frequent driver negligence. The following are some of the most dangerous areas for bicyclists in Savannah:

Downtown Savannah: While the historic district is popular with cyclists, the narrow streets, pedestrian traffic, and frequent delivery trucks create dangerous conditions for bicyclists. Many drivers are unfamiliar with the area and may fail to see cyclists, especially at intersections.

Victory Drive: One of the busiest streets in Savannah, Victory Drive is a major thoroughfare that connects the city to nearby suburbs. With high traffic volume and limited bike lanes, it can be particularly hazardous for cyclists.

Bay Street and River Street: These popular tourist areas are known for heavy foot traffic, but cars often speed or fail to pay attention to cyclists in these congested zones. The combination of busy intersections and tourists unfamiliar with the area makes this a risky place for bike riders.

Abercorn Street: Another high-traffic road, Abercorn Street lacks sufficient infrastructure for bicyclists, making it a common location for accidents.

Regardless of where your accident occurred, a Savannah bike accident lawyer from Suthers & Harper can help you understand your legal rights and pursue compensation.

Common Causes of Bike Accidents

Bicycle accidents can happen in many different ways, but most are caused by negligent drivers. Some of the most common causes of bike accidents include:

Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted may fail to notice a bicyclist, especially in intersections or bike lanes.

Failure to Yield: Drivers are required to yield to bicyclists at crosswalks and intersections, but many fail to do so, causing collisions. This is especially common when drivers make left or right turns and fail to see cyclists in their path.

Speeding: Speeding drivers have less time to react to cyclists on the road. The higher the speed, the more severe the impact if a collision occurs.

Dooring: “Dooring” happens when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist. This can cause the cyclist to crash into the door, leading to serious injuries.

Unsafe Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, and lack of dedicated bike lanes can contribute to accidents, especially in high-traffic areas where drivers may not be paying attention to the road.

If you’ve been involved in an accident, a Savannah bicycle accident attorney can investigate the circumstances of your case, determine who was at fault, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. 

What if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet When I Was Hit on My Bike?

Georgia law requires cyclists under the age of 16 to wear a helmet, but adults are not legally required to do so. If you weren’t wearing a helmet at the time of your accident, you can still pursue compensation for your injuries. However, the insurance company may try to argue that your injuries were worsened because you were not wearing a helmet, particularly if you sustained head or neck injuries.

In Georgia, the state’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for your injuries, as long as you are less than 50% responsible. If the driver who hit you was primarily at fault, you may still recover damages, though your compensation could be reduced if the insurance company successfully argues that helmet use would have reduced your injuries.

Working with an experienced Savannah bike accident lawyer is critical in these cases. For example, our attorneys are adept at countering the insurance company’s arguments to ensure you receive fair compensation for all your injuries, regardless of helmet use.

After a Bike Accident, You Shouldn’t Take on the Insurance Companies on Your Own

After a bicycle accident, you may be contacted by the at-fault driver’s insurance company, offering a quick settlement. It’s important to remember that insurance companies are primarily focused on protecting their bottom line, not on providing you with fair compensation. They may offer you a settlement that is far less than what you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Without the guidance of an experienced attorney, it can be difficult to determine the full value of your claim or to negotiate with the insurance company effectively. 

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Dedicated Savannah Bike Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. At Suthers & Harper, our Savannah bicycle accident lawyers are here to handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on healing. We will gather evidence, work with accident reconstruction experts, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at 800-320-2384 for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about how we can help. You can also reach us through our secure online contact form.