Cyclists can get involved in bicycle accidents, just like drivers with car accidents. Cycling has steadily become a major form of transportation in the US. It provides riders with the opportunity to move from place to place while at the same time exercising. Unfortunately, bicyclists are not entirely safe from injuries. Bicycle accidents occur due to several factors, and the resulting injuries could range from minor to fatal.
This article will be enlightening you about bicycle accidents in a city like Covington, GA. You will learn about the laws guiding bicycles and cycling, the causes of bicycle accidents in Covington, and common bicycle accident injuries. Additionally, if you or anyone you know is involved in a bicycle accident, you should contact a Covington bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible.
Cycling Laws in Georgia
In Georgia, the law recognizes a bicycle as a vehicle, and as such, the traffic laws that apply to other vehicles apply to bicycles. There are, however, some bicycle laws that pertain to bicycles and bicyclists. A few of them are:
- All operators of bicycles must use a helmet
- No bicycle should carry more people than the bike allows
- Riders should operate their bicycle as near to the right of the roadway as possible
- Bicyclists should ride in the same direction as the flow of traffic
- Bicyclists must stop at a red light
Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Below are five of the most common causes of bicycle accidents in Covington, GA.
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Distracted Driving
Distractions are a major factor that leads to bicycle accidents in Covington. When the driver of a motor vehicle or truck is distracted by their cell phone or other forms of distraction, other road users like cyclists are in danger of being hit.
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Speeding
Nowadays, it seems people are always in a hurry to get to their destinations. When a driver is going at top speed, the reaction time gets shorter, making it nearly impossible to avoid crashes. Cyclists involved in speeding accidents usually have life-threatening injuries.
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Impaired Driving
An impaired driver refers to drivers who operate their vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Driving under the influence is illegal in Georgia. Drivers found with their senses impaired are more often than not at fault in the accident.
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Rear-End Collision
Two instances can lead to rear-end collisions. On the one hand, a motor vehicle could hit the bicycle from behind, and on the other, the rider could run into a car going ahead of them. Either way, rear-end collisions could lead to severe injuries to the bicyclist.
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Failure to Obey Traffic Laws
A failure to obey or comply with traffic laws usually results in a disaster, especially for bicyclists. For example, if a motorist fails to stop at a red light, they could collide with a bicyclist crossing the intersection.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
While riding a bicycle, because of the obvious lack of extra protection, a collision with other vehicles can lead to catastrophic injuries such as the following:
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Head and Brain Injuries
It is because of this type of injury that the Georgia government made wearing helmets compulsory for cyclists. Injuries like concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are common head and brain injuries during accidents.
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Fractures/Broken Bones
A cyclist’s bones are usually at risk of being broken after a bicycle accident. While the helmet may protect the cyclist’s head, arms and legs typically lack such protection. Therefore, injuries like fractures or broken bones and even sprains or strains are common.
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Internal Injuries
Injuries to the internal organs are also common during bicycle accidents. Organ puncture and internal bleeding are examples of such internal injuries. Unfortunately, these injuries are usually not easily detectable in the victim.
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Neck Injuries
Closely related to head injuries are neck injuries. A neck injury like whiplash occurs because of a sudden jerking back and forth of the neck during a collision. There could also be neck sprains and dislocated collar bones after a bicycle accident.
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Death
There are several instances when riders involved in bicycle accidents die at the accident scene or due to their injuries. So, if this is the case, the family of the deceased rider gets entitled to receive wrongful death benefits.
Why You Need a Bicycle Accident Lawyer From The Weinstein Firm
At The Weinstein Firm, we ensure we deliver justice to anyone that has a personal injury case. Bicycle accidents fall under the category of cases our experienced attorneys handle. Our firm comprises skilled bicycle accident attorneys who are ready to fight for you to the end. We ensure you get the best compensation and settlement you deserve. Contact us today, and you will get a free case review.
