Columbus Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Why You Need a Bicycle Accident Attorney to Fight for Your Rights

There are many reasons why you need an experienced team of Columbus bicycle accident lawyers in your corner in your fight for justice.

One of the biggest reasons is that these legal experts know how to deal with insurance companies on your behalf. Adjusters often use sly tactics to try and minimize payouts or shift blame onto the cyclist. But a skilled attorney can spot that kind of manipulation right away and turn them down, negotiating up to get you the compensation you actually deserve.

An experienced attorney can also handle every aspect of your claim, from calculating the full value of your damages to fighting for your rights in court litigation. They also ensure that all court deadlines are met promptly. In a nutshell, a lawyer ensures you go through the legal process the right way without any hitches.

Ultimately, having a trusted team of lawyers relieves you from legal stress you shouldn’t have to deal with while recovering from your injuries. When Thompson Law represents you, you can rest assured that someone is fighting for your best interests all the time. Ask us anything about your bicycle accident case when you book a FREE CONSULTATION with our team.

How Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Columbus Can Help

When you’re seriously hurt after a bicycle accident involving a reckless driver, having the right legal team can make all the difference. At Thompson Law, we bring experience, compassion and a deep understanding of Georgia’s traffic and liability laws to every case we handle. Here are just some of the things we do to assist our clients in their legal needs:

• Investigate the accident to uncover all contributing factors that led to your injuries and losses
• Gather police reports, medical records, witness statements, and other key pieces of evidence to pinpoint the at-fault party
• Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf and ensure they don’t minimize your payout
• Calculate the full extent of your damages, including expenses you’ve shouldered out of pocket and future care needs
• Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation for your case
• Prepare a winning legal strategy for trial if the negligent party and their insurance provider don’t propose a fair settlement amount

Our Columbus bicycle accident lawyers will handle the legal burden of your case so that you can focus on physical and mental healing. Contact Thompson Law today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Why Choose Thompson Law?

We believe that bicyclists deserve the same respect and protection as any other motorist on the road. Cyclists are often overlooked and end up in other drivers’ blind spots, but that doesn’t mean accidents are their fault. If anything, cyclists are the ones who suffer the most. We’re committed to standing up for riders who’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence and had their lives turned upside down. We’ll aggressively advocate for your rights until we successfully secure the compensation you deserve.

How Our Lawyers Determine Fault After a Bicycle Accident

After you give us a call, our lawyers will spring into action right away. We’ll carefully examine all the facts and available evidence from your case to determine who was truly at fault for your injuries.

We’ll review police reports, photos from the crash, witness statements and even dash cam footage if it’s available. We’ll also look at road conditions, traffic signals, and any violations of traffic laws to understand how the accident really happened and who is responsible for it.

We work to reduce any blame placed on you while holding accountable the negligent driver or any other party, like the City of Columbus for accidents involving poor road conditions within the city. Our goal is to build a strong case that supports your right to obtaining full and fair compensation that can cover for your injuries and losses.

Types of Compensation You Can Receive After a Bike Accident

If you were injured from a bicycle accident that wasn’t your fault, you could be eligible to recover various forms of financial compensation depending on the nature and severity of your injuries. Court-awarded damages can also help restore some of your resources that you poured into hospital bills and other urgent needs after the accident.

Here are some of the many compensatory damages you could be entitled to that can help support your long-term recovery:

• Medical expenses, including future treatment, medication, and rehabilitation
• Lost wages if you had to miss work because of your severe injuries
• Diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering, which accounts for both physical and emotional turmoil after the crash
• Damage to personal property, such as the bicycle and any gear or equipment that was destroyed in the collision
• Costs related to long-term care, disfigurement or disability
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium
• Wrongful death damages if you lose a family member in a bike crash

What Causes Most Bicycle Accidents in Columbus, GA?

Bicycle accidents in Columbus, GA are often the result of preventable errors, mostly by reckless drivers, but sometimes, by cyclists as well. Being aware of the most common causes is a must if you want to improve your safety on the road as you cycle. Here are the most common culprits of road crashes involving bikes in the city:

• Driver inattention or distraction, like when they are texting or adjusting controls instead of focusing on the road
• Failure to yield the right of way at intersections or while turning, especially when cyclists are in designated bike lanes
• Speeding, which reduces a driver’s ability to react quickly in the presence of a cyclist
• Unsafe lane changes or passing
• Poor road conditions due to issues like potholes and debris on the street
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Failure to obey traffic signals, like red lights or stop signs

Local Laws Surrounding Bicycles in Columbus, GA

According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, bicycles are legally classified as vehicles all over the state. That means cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as any other driver when using public roads. It also means that everyone on the road is required to treat cyclists with the same respect as other vehicles.

Aside from that, the City of Columbus has strict road regulations that all bicyclists are required to follow. These rules are listed in the Columbus Code of Ordinances § 20-11.7—20-11.10. Some of the stipulations here include:

• Cyclists must follow all posted no-turn signs all over the city, including no right, left and U-turn signs. However, if they dismount and walk their bike, cyclists can make the turn as long as they follow pedestrian rules.
• When coming out of a driveway, alley or building, cyclists must yield to pedestrians on sidewalks and to any other vehicles that are already on the road.
• Bikes must be parked against the curb, in a bike rack, or neatly against a building. Bikes should also not be blocking foot traffic as an obstruction, so leaving them in the middle of sidewalks is not allowed.

Real Bicycle Accidents in Columbus, as Reported by Local News

Many of the bicycle accidents that occurred in the Columbus community in recent years have ended up with fatal outcomes, whether the victim was on a traditional bike or an e-bike.

In most of these cases, the victim is ultimately the bicyclist, which comes as no surprise as cyclists have little to no protection on the road. For example, in October 2024, a man was killed along Manchester Expressway when he collided with a vehicle. He suffered injuries to his head and torso, and was pronounced dead when he arrived at a local hospital.

However, it can also be the other way around, with a negligent cyclist killing an innocent pedestrian. This happened in August 2024, when a woman died of a traumatic brain injury when she was struck by a teenager on an electric bike on the Dillingham Street Bridge.

What to Do Right After Getting into a Bike Accident in Columbus

The first thing you want to do after getting involved in a bike accident is move to a safe spot if possible. Then, call 911 to report the accident and get medical help. If the other driver talks to you, admitting fault or discussing details of the crash with them, as this can be taken against you later on. However, be sure to exchange contact and insurance information.

Remember to collect as much evidence as you can at the scene of the accident. Take photos of the crash, including what the roads and even your injuries looked like. If there are any witnesses, get their contact details in case they’re willing to provide a statement later on.

After taking these initial steps, consult with a bicycle accident lawyer who understands Columbus’ local laws surrounding bicycles to ensure your case is handled properly from the start. Our lawyers can guide you through the claims process while protecting your interests the whole way through.

The Columbus Police Department’s Role in Bicycle Accident Investigations

The Columbus Division of Police plays a key role in responding to and investigating bicycle accidents throughout the city. When local law enforcement arrives at the scene after a 911 call, they secure the area, assess injuries, and document the incident by speaking with all parties involved. They also collect evidence and issue citations if any traffic laws were violated by either party. Make sure to ask for an official police report, too, as this often becomes a crucial piece of evidence in bicycle accident claims.

It’s important to stay in touch with the local police should you have any concerns or need assistance from them throughout the duration of your legal case. Here are the three precincts around the City of Columbus you can visit if the need arises:

• North Precinct (8395 Beaver Run Road)
• South Precinct (1441 Benning Drive)
• East Precinct (4507 Buena Vista Road)

Seek Fair Compensation for Your Pain and Suffering Today

If you’ve been hurt in a bicycle crash in Columbus, GA, you likely have way too much on your plate, from physical pain to emotional distress to the unexpected financial burdens you now carry. Allow us to take some of that weight off your shoulders and lead your legal pursuit of justice.

Our compassionate Columbus bicycle accident lawyers can guide you through the legal process and fight to maximize your compensation. We’ll make sure you understand your rights and get the legal and emotional support you need as we go after the responsible parties and hold them accountable for your pain and suffering.

Start your path to physical and financial recovery after a bike accident. Contact our lawyers today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

FAQs About Bicycle Accidents in Columbus, GA

When is the deadline for filing a bicycle accident claim in Columbus, GA?

In Georgia, including the City of Columbus, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims that stem from bicycle accidents is two years from the date of the incident. This means you need to file a lawsuit against the negligent party within two years to preserve your right to seek compensation for your losses. If you don’t, the Muscogee Country court will end up dismissing your case, even if fault and liability are clear.

How much compensation can I get after getting hurt in a bicycle accident?

The total compensation victims receive from bicycle accident sin Columbus, GA varies widely based on unique factors, like the severity of the injuries or how much pain and suffering the accident caused. A mild concussion, for example, might result in a lower settlement, while accidents that directly cause traumatic brain injuries or paralysis will likely lead to higher compensation. Settlements can range from tens of thousands of dollars to over $1,000,000.

Do bicycle accident cases in Columbus, GA always go to trial?

Not necessarily. Most of the bicycle accident cases in Georgia are resolved through a settlement outside of court and don’t end up going to trial. Typically, these are settled through negotiations between the victim and the negligent party’s insurance company. But if a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case may go to trial in court.