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Whether you’re taking a morning walk, riding your bicycle to work, or enjoying a local trail, you expect to be able to do so safely. Unfortunately, accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists happen far too often. When a motor vehicle strikes someone on foot or on a bicycle, the resulting injuries can be serious and may lead to significant medical bills, lost wages, and other challenges.
If you’ve been hit while biking or walking in Georgia, knowing what to do after the accident can help protect both your health and your legal rights.
1. Seek Medical Attention
Your health should always come first. Even if you feel okay immediately after an accident, it is important to be evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries, including concussions and internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent.
Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations and keep records of your medical treatment, prescriptions, and related expenses. These records may also become important if you pursue a personal injury claim.
2. Call the Police
If you have been struck by a vehicle, contact law enforcement and make sure an accident report is completed.
A police report can provide an important record of what happened, including information about the driver, the location of the accident, and statements from those involved. If possible, obtain the report number and the responding officer’s information.
If you are physically unable to make the call yourself, ask someone at the scene to do so on your behalf.
3. Gather Information and Document the Scene
If your injuries allow, take photographs and gather as much information as possible at the scene.
Consider documenting:
● Your injuries
● Damage to your bicycle, clothing, helmet, or other personal property
● The vehicle involved in the accident
● The surrounding roadway, crosswalk, sidewalk, or bicycle lane
● Traffic signs and signals
● Any conditions that may have contributed to the accident
You should also obtain the driver's name, contact information, insurance information, driver's license information, and license plate number.
If anyone witnessed the accident, ask for their contact information. Witnesses may provide valuable information about how the accident occurred.
4. Be Careful When Speaking With the Insurance Company
After an accident, you may be contacted by the driver's insurance company. An insurance adjuster may ask you questions about what happened or request a recorded statement.
It is important to remember that the insurance company's interests may not be the same as yours. Before providing a recorded statement, signing documents, or accepting a settlement, consider speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Once you accept a settlement, you may be unable to seek additional compensation later—even if your injuries or financial losses turn out to be more significant than initially expected.
5. Preserve Evidence
Evidence can become increasingly difficult to locate as time passes. Photographs, video footage, witness information, medical records, and other documentation can all be important when determining who was responsible for an accident.
If there may be nearby businesses, homes, traffic cameras, or other sources of video footage, it may be important to act quickly to preserve that evidence.
At The Van Dora Law Firm, we thoroughly investigate bicycle and pedestrian accidents by reviewing available evidence, including police reports, photographs and videos, eyewitness statements, and other information that may help establish what happened.
6. Understand Your Rights Under Georgia Law
Georgia law provides protections for pedestrians and bicyclists sharing the road with motor vehicles. For example, Georgia's three-foot law requires motorists to provide at least three feet of distance when passing a bicycle.
Determining who is legally responsible for an accident, however, depends on the specific facts and circumstances. The actions of the driver, bicyclist, or pedestrian may all be relevant when determining negligence and liability.
An injured bicyclist or pedestrian may be entitled to compensation for losses such as:
● Medical and treatment expenses
● Lost wages
● Loss of future earning ability
● Pain and suffering
● Scarring and disfigurement
● Losses affecting daily life and enjoyment
● Damage to a bicycle or other personal property
The types and amount of compensation available will depend on the circumstances of the accident and the losses suffered.
Don't Wait to Get Help
A bicycle or pedestrian accident can change your life in an instant. While you focus on recovering, dealing with medical bills, missed work, and insurance companies can add even more stress.
At The Van Dora Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys have decades of experience representing injured individuals throughout Northeast Georgia. We investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident, identify available sources of compensation, and work to protect your rights throughout the claims process.
Georgia law generally requires personal injury claims arising from these types of accidents to be filed within two years of the date of the accident. However, other deadlines and legal considerations may apply, so it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation
Our team offers a free initial consultation and handles personal injury cases on a contingent fee basis, meaning you do not pay legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
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