Get Free Consult
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
A dedicated, ethical advocate who takes on major corporations and global insurers with virtually unlimited resources. Known for high-profile cases featured on Courtroom Viewing Network, this attorney is also a sought-after legal educator, teaching at seminars for top bar associations. Trusted by clients and media alike, they work tirelessly to secure justice and deliver results.
Member of the Atlanta Bar Association, the Georgia Bar Association, and the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
Licensed in Georgia since: 2008
Education: University of Georgia School of Law
Client Reviews
Matthew Stoddard and his staff are wonderful people. This law firm is a no complication type of place. They always answer the phone without the hassle of going through 30 different people and always return emails just as quick as they are received. Thank you gentlemen for everything y’all do.
View More Reviews on Google Maps and Yelp
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was revised and approved by Attorney Matthew B. Stoddard, who has more than 16 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. Fill out the form below, and one of our experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys will contact you shortly to discuss your case. Call us 678-RESULTS.
Your information will remain confidential and used solely to contact you about your case.