Atlanta Bicycle Accident Attorney

Stokes & Kopitsky, P.A. is a leading Atlanta bicycle accident firm committed to providing the highest quality representation to injured victims and bereaved family members whose lives were changed by a cycling accident. We have recovered significant settlements for victims injured in bike-related accidents in Atlanta and other areas of Georgia. Please see our case results page for examples of our work.

At Stokes & Kopitsky, P.A., we handle bicycle and motorcycle accidents.

The National Highway Safety Administration reports that 630 bicyclists in the United States were killed in a motor vehicle traffic crash in 2009. 51,000 cyclists were injured. Motor vehicle accidents in Georgia alone killed 21 bicyclists, making Georgia the 6th deadliest state in which to ride a bicycle. According to the University of Georgia’s Survey Research Center, 13% of adult Georgians ride a bicycle at least once per month. 88% of Georgians think bikes provide a reliable, efficient means of transportation while contributing to cleaner air, healthier citizens, and lower healthcare costs. 81% of people surveyed said they would ride a bicycle more frequently if their community had better bike lanes or multi-use paths. An overwhelming 92% of Georgians agreed that encouraging cycling would lead to a higher quality of life, but said they would “feel safer” knowing that the law required a 3-foot safe passing distance for cars.

Like most states, Georgia treats bicycles as “vehicles.” As such, general traffic laws governing motor vehicles also apply to the operation of bikes. The only exception is when a code or regulation uses the specific term “motor vehicle” rather than “vehicle.” That language indicates the section does not apply to bicycles. The Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) sets forth rules for cycling, requiring the rider to “wear a helmet if under 16 years of age.” OCGA §40-6-294 requires cyclists to ride “as far to the right side of the roadway as practicable” and “with the flow of traffic.” Cyclists should not “ride more than two bikes abreast” upon any roadway or “cycle while drunk.” Georgia laws also prohibit cyclists from carrying anything that would prevent them from keeping one hand on the handlebars at all times. Effective July 1, 2011, cyclists must signal while turning or stopping, “raising their right arm horizontally to indicate a right turn.” Further, motorists must stay 3 feet away from cyclists while passing pursuant to OCGA §§40-6-55 and 40-6-56.

Because cyclists are more exposed than and less visible to passing cars, they face very serious dangers in traffic. Distracted drivers often do not afford them the passing distance they should. Now that motorists are required by law to stay 3 feet away from cyclists, bikers will enjoy a slightly larger safety buffer while riding on the street. But even a 3-feet buffer cannot save a cyclist from a distracted driver. Laws requiring helmets and safety lights likewise do not make cyclists more visible or less exposed to larger vehicles in traffic. However, Georgia law protects cyclists who are injured as a result of another motorist’s negligence.

If you were involved in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Our experienced Atlanta cycling accident lawyers will help you determine any claims you might have against negligent drivers or motorists. For a free consultation, call Stokes & Kopitsky, P.A. at (800) 700-5050 or fill out an online Contact Us form.