Drivers in the Atlanta area are increasingly sharing the roads with bicyclists. Some are biking for exercise, fresh air and camaraderie (for example, in bike clubs). Others use a bicycle as a primary means of transportation.
Even drivers who take the necessary precautions around cyclists, keep a close eye out for them and allow plenty of space may find that some cyclists don’t reciprocate. Bicyclists – like drivers – can be negligent, reckless or distracted. Too many ignore Georgia laws for bicyclists and as well as local codes.
While vehicle vs. bike collisions typically end much worse for the cyclist than anyone in the vehicle, that’s not always the case. Motorists can be seriously injured or killed if they swerve into another lane to avoid a cyclist who unexpectedly cuts or turns in front of them.
Sometimes cyclists don’t do what’s necessary to make sure they’re visible in a vehicle’s mirrors and then startle drivers when they seemingly appear out of nowhere. While a single bicyclist can do these things, when bicyclists ride in a group, they often have a false sense of security that leads them to do unsafe things as well.
Getting compensation from an at-fault cyclist
Drivers have the ability to seek compensation if they’re injured due to an unsafe move by a cyclist. A bicyclist may have coverage through their auto insurance policy or an umbrella personal injury policy. If they don’t, it may be necessary to file a personal injury claim against the cyclist and/or others who may have been responsible for a collision.
Most bicyclists ride safely and don’t cause crashes. Therefore, it can sometimes be challenging to prove that a cyclist was responsible for a crash – especially one in which they weren’t injured. That’s where some of the cyclist’s own safety or other gear may come in handy – like video from a GoPro on their helmet or a bike camera. This can prove to be crucial evidence if it can be retrieved before it (and possibly the camera) “disappears.”
This is just one reason why having legal guidance can make all the difference in seeking justice and compensation after a collision in which a bicyclist bears at least some responsibility. The sooner this guidance is obtained, the greater the chances are of having a successful claim.