The benefits of bicycling are almost too numerous to list. Aside from obvious health benefits, including a strong cardio workout, it is a way to experience the outdoors; to commute minus the noise, hassle and traffic of riding a car; and is an environmentally friendly way to get from point A to point B. On top of that, the economic boost is more than beneficial: As opposed to the thousands of dollars on purchase and upkeep of the average car, a good bicycle can be purchased for only a few hundred dollars. And, even for a vehicle with good gas mileage, a conservative estimate of $50 of gas every two weeks for a year still adds up to $1,300. As a result, according to Statista.com, the number of bicyclists has drastically increased nearly every year for the last decade, up from 47.16 million cyclists in 2008 to 66.21 million as of last spring. However, despite the benefits, bicycling does have some drawbacks. One of the largest is that with so many more bicycles on the roads and highways in Atlanta, the rate of dangerous accidents goes up exponentially.
Let The Stoddard Firm Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle or motorcycle accident in Atlanta, contact The Stoddard Firm as soon as possible. The Stoddard Firm puts your interests first and will make sure you know all your options before any action is taken. With an emphasis on a smaller caseload for bigger results, The Stoddard Firm has the knowledge, experience and resources to pursue your claim and achieve the best possible outcome. If you have questions or would like to set up an evaluation, contact The Stoddard Firm online, or call us at 470-467-2200. The evaluation is free, and you pay no out-of-pocket expenses until your claim is finished.
Georgia and National Statistics
The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety illustrates the dangers on the road. Statistics dating from 2007 show a marked increase in cycling fatalities, from a low of 14 in 2011 to 23 in 2015, the second-highest number in the decade. The increase is mirrored in national statistics. The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC) reports 818 bicycling fatalities in 2015, a 12.2 percent increase over 2014. A bright point in the statistics, though, shows that the number of injuries has actually gone down, with 45,000 in 2015, down from 50,000 in 2014.
Common Causes of Bicycle Injuries
While the causes of bicycle injuries can vary from situation to situation, some causes are more common than others. The PBIC has compiled a list of causes and the percentage of injuries as a result. By far, the list shows the most common cause of accidents is being hit by a car, accounting for 29 percent of injuries; falling down accounts for 17 percent of injuries; a road or walkway in bad repair accounted for 13 percent; not paying attention was responsible for 13 percent; a crash or collision for seven percent; and dogs were responsible for four percent of accidents leading to injuries.
Common Injuries in Bicycle Crashes
These crashes can result in some of the most devastating injuries a person can suffer, including:
The city also has a responsibility to keep roads and sidewalks in proper repair. For example, if a sewer drain is missing and a sidewalk hole causes an injury, the city can be held responsible. If a grate is not facing the right way and a bicycle tire gets caught, or a broken sidewalk slab causes a bicycle crash, the cyclist can take legal action against the city. When the city fails to provide for the safety of motorists, cyclists or pedestrians, it can be held accountable for the damages suffered in an accident.
Ride Safe in Atlanta
While some accidents are unavoidable, taking some basic safety precautions may help you avoid most of the others. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association has compiled several basic suggestions to stay safe:
Wear a helmet adjusted to fit properly.
Make sure your bicycle is the correct size for your frame.
Wear colors that increase visibility.
Make sure weight is distributed evenly and bicycle is under control.
Avoid road hazards.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Atlanta, Decatur, or surrounding areas, call Matt Stoddard at The Stoddard Firm today. The Stoddard Firm has the knowledge, experience and resources to successfully pursue your personal injury claim. If you have questions or wish to set up an evaluation, contact us online or call 470-467-2200.
Attorney Matt Stoddard
Matt Stoddard is a professional, hardworking, ethical advocate. He routinely faces some of the nation’s largest companies and some of the world’s largest insurers – opponents who have virtually unlimited resources. In these circumstances, Mr. Stoddard is comfortable. Mr. Stoddard provides his strongest efforts to his clients, and he devotes the firm’s significant financial resources to presenting the strongest case possible on their behalf. Matt understands that his clients must put their trust in him. That trust creates an obligation for Matt to work tirelessly on their behalf, and Matt Stoddard does not take that obligation lightly. [ Attorney Bio ]
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When you’re traveling without a personal car, road safety probably isn’t high on your list of concerns. Cities like Atlanta, with a high volume of tourism and business travelers, have services available to get you where you’re going, especially to and from hubs like Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
Other than figuring out budgeting and scheduling, most visitors don’t think twice abo...
Matt Stoddard is a professional, hardworking, ethical advocate. He routinely faces some of the nation’s largest companies and some of the world’s largest insurers – opponents who have virtually unlimited resources. In these circumstances, Mr. Stoddard is comfortable. Mr. Stoddard provides his strongest efforts to his clients, and he devotes the firm’s significant financial resources to presenting the strongest case possible on their behalf. Matt understands that his clients must put their trust in him. That trust creates an obligation for Matt to work tirelessly on their behalf, and Matt Stoddard does not take that obligation lightly. [ 
