Atlanta Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Atlanta Bicycle Crash Stats & Local Trends

• Within Atlanta city limits, 91% of bicycle crashes involved injury—with 72 out of 79 cyclists hurt in recent data. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported in 2022.
• In metro-area reporting, Georgia had 610 reported bicycle-motor vehicle accidents in one recent year, with 400 resulting injuries and $74.5 million in medical costs.
• Between 2015 and 2019, Georgia averaged 24 bicycle-related deaths per year, with 38% of those in major urban counties like Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, and Chatham according to Georgia Traffic and Safety Facts.
• Statewide, Georgia’s bicycle-involved crash rate is 7.60 per 100,000 residents, and in the broader urban counties it jumps as high as 9.54 per 100,000 according to Georgia Traffic Safety Facts.
• In 2022, Atlanta drivers caused a significant rise in injuries, with 60% of bicycle and pedestrian-related crashes occurring on the city’s High-Injury Network and drivers failing to stop in over 30% of cases according to Georgia Traffic Safety Facts.

Why Bicycle Accidents Are Especially Serious

Cyclists have minimal protection when involved in collisions. Unlike cars equipped with airbags and crumple zones, bicycles rely solely on riders’ helmets and limited gear—offering little defense at any speed.

Common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Helmets help, but TBIs can still cause long-term cognitive and physical issues.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These can lead to paralysis or major mobility loss.
• Fractures: Broken arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones often require surgery and rehab.
• Internal Injuries: Damaged organs or internal bleeding require urgent care.
• Road Rash: Painful abrasions risk infection and scarring if not treated.
• Soft Tissue Damage: Many survivors suffer lasting sprains or strains.

Our Atlanta bicycle accident lawyers understand the full impact of these injuries—including future care costs, emotional trauma, and lost income—and fight for fair compensation.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

You may be entitled to several categories of compensation after a bicycle accident in Atlanta, including:

• Medical costs – emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and prescription therapy
• Lost income – past wages and reduced future earning ability if you can’t return to work
• Property damage – repair or replacement of your bicycle and riding gear
• Pain and suffering – compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and PTSD
• Permanent impact – damages for disability, scarring, or life-long changes to your quality of life

Insurance companies often undervalue these claims—but our experienced Atlanta bicycle accident attorneys know how to negotiate and litigate to secure what you’re owed.

To make sure you get the maximum compensation, contact our experienced Atlanta bicycle accident lawyers today. You don’t pay anything unless we win your case.

Causes Behind Bicycle Accidents in Atlanta

According to Georgia Department of Transportation findings:

Driver errors account for 72 of 79 bicycle crashes in the city:

• Improper lane changes
• Failure to yield
• Tailgating
• Misjudging clearance

Cyclists caused 7 of the 79 crashes, most often due to:

• Riding on the wrong side of the road
• Failing to wear visible or reflective gear

Georgia Laws That Matter in Your Case

Understanding local law helps ensure your rights are protected:

• Statute of Limitations: Personal injury claims generally must be filed within 2 years of the crash date; property damage-only claims have a 4-year limit.
• Modified Comparative Fault: If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages. Otherwise, your compensation is reduced by your fault percentage.
• Helmet Law: Cyclists under age 16 must wear helmets in Georgia. Adults are not required by law, though insurers may question lack of helmet use.
• Cyclist Rights: Bicycles are recognized as vehicles in Georgia. Cyclists are entitled to move with traffic and use the same roadways—with few exceptions.

Potential Liable Parties in Atlanta Bicycle Accidents

Liability depends on the crash dynamics. Those who may be held accountable include:

• Negligent drivers (distracted, speeding, impaired, or reckless)
• Commercial drivers (rideshare vehicles, delivery trucks)
• Government entities (unsafe road design, potholes, defective signals or signs)
• Product manufacturers (defective bike parts or safety gear)

Our attorneys investigate police reports, witness accounts, and expert reconstructions to build a compelling case.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Atlanta

1. Call 911 and request a police report.
2. Seek medical attention—even for seemingly minor injuries.
3. Take photos/videos of the scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and surroundings.
4. Get contact info from witnesses.
5. Do not give recorded statements to insurance adjusters—legal counsel first.
6. Contact our Atlanta bike accident lawyers for guidance and representation.

Why Work with Our Atlanta Bicycle Accident Lawyers?

• Proven Track Record: Millions recovered across Georgia for accident victims.
• Local Insight: In-depth knowledge of city roads, courts, and insurance tactics.
• No Win, No Fee: You pay nothing unless we secure compensation.
• 24/7 Availability: We’re ready when you need us.
• Personalized Service: Dedicated attention with clear communication throughout your case.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, don’t wait. Contact our Atlanta bicycle accident attorneys today. You pay nothing unless we win your case.

Meet Your Atlanta Injury Attorney

At Thompson Law, every case is personal. Our Georgia office is led by Phillip Hairston, an experienced trial lawyer who has secured millions for injured clients across Georgia. Phillip brings a unique background—having defended corporations early in his career—so he knows exactly how insurers build their cases, and how to beat them. Whether your accident happened on the Downtown Connector, I-285, or a neighborhood road in Decatur, Phillip combines deep local knowledge with aggressive representation to maximize results for crash victims. Learn more about Phillip Hairston and his results »

Our Atlanta Bicycle Accident Lawyers Charge No Upfront Fees

Our bicycle accident attorneys do not ask for any upfront fees. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid from the settlement we secure for you. If we are unable to obtain a settlement or help with your case, you won’t owe us anything.

Our team is available 24/7 to discuss your bike accident. You can even speak with one of our attorneys over the phone before the insurance companies reach out and try to undermine your right to compensation. We have bilingual staff who are fluent in both Spanish and English.

Contact Thompson Law’s Atlanta bicycle accident lawyers today. We only charge a fee if we win your case.

Injured in a Bicycle Accident in Atlanta or the Surrounding Neighborhoods?

If you were hurt while riding in Buckhead, Midtown, Downtown Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Decatur, College Park, or East Point, our Atlanta bicycle accident lawyers are here to help. We know the roads where cyclists often face danger—from the BeltLine and Ponce de Leon Avenue to the Downtown Connector and I-285 corridors—and we use that insight to build the strongest case possible.

Whether your crash involved a negligent driver in Midtown traffic, a rideshare vehicle in Buckhead, unsafe road conditions in Decatur, or a hit-and-run on Peachtree Street, we’ll hold the at-fault parties and insurers accountable. Our team understands Georgia’s traffic laws, comparative negligence rules, and insurance tactics—and we’ll fight to protect your rights from day one.

Schedule your free consultation today with an Atlanta bicycle accident lawyer who knows your neighborhood.

Call Us: (678) 981-9022
Atlanta office: 1201 Peachtree St NE, Unit 2200, Atlanta, GA 30361
Free case review: We’ll listen, answer your questions, and map the next steps—TODAY.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accidents in Atlanta

What if the driver who hit me doesn’t have enough insurance?

If the at-fault driver’s coverage is insufficient, you may turn to your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This can help pay medical bills, lost wages, and other costs. If you lack UM/UIM, an Atlanta bicycle accident lawyer may pursue lawsuits or other liable parties to recover full compensation.

What if I’m partially at fault for my bicycle accident?

Georgia follows modified comparative negligence. You can still recover damages if you’re less than 50% at fault, but your award will be reduced by your fault percentage. A lawyer can minimize that percentage and protect your recovery.

Will insurance pay to repair or replace my damaged bicycle?

Yes, if the driver’s property damage liability coverage applies. Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may also help. Because insurers often undervalue bikes and gear, having an attorney ensures your property is fairly appraised.

Can I file a claim if there was no direct collision?

Yes. A reckless driver who forces you off the road or unsafe conditions (potholes, broken pavement, missing signs) may still make another party liable. These cases often require witness statements, video, or accident reconstruction experts.

What is Georgia’s “Dead Red” law for cyclists?

Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-20) allows cyclists to proceed through a red light if the signal fails to detect them—after a complete stop and only when it’s safe to do so.

Who is liable if poor road conditions caused my accident?

Government agencies may be liable for unsafe conditions like potholes or missing signage. But Georgia requires a strict ante litem notice (as short as 6 months), so fast legal action is crucial.

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Atlanta?

Most injury claims must be filed within 2 years of the crash (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). Property damage claims allow up to 4 years. Deadlines are even shorter if a government entity is involved.