When Pedestrians Are Hit by Cyclists or Cyclists Are Hurt by Pedestrians in Georgia
Why These Accidents Are More Common Than You Think
Imagine a sunny afternoon in Atlanta, joggers weaving along the BeltLine, people out walking their dogs, and cyclists zipping by on the shared path. It seems like a peaceful day until suddenly, a cyclist swerves to avoid an obstacle and crashes into a pedestrian. Both are thrown to the ground. The pedestrian suffers a broken wrist, and the cyclist ends up with a concussion.
Most people expect collisions to involve cars and trucks, not bicycles and people on foot. But in busy urban areas like Atlanta, pedestrian and cyclist crashes happen far more often than you might realize. Unfortunately, these incidents can leave both parties dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, lost income, and complicated questions about who’s at fault.
As Georgia personal injury lawyers, we frequently see how these accidents impact people’s lives. Whether you were a pedestrian hit by a cyclist or a cyclist injured because a pedestrian was careless, you have rights under Georgia law. Knowing what to do next and how liability works is key to getting the compensation you need to recover.
What Happens When a Pedestrian Is Hit by a Cyclist?
Most pedestrian accidents involve motor vehicles, but collisions between people on foot and cyclists are also a growing concern. In places like Midtown Atlanta, the Eastside Trail, or neighborhoods with bike lanes intersecting heavy foot traffic, it is not uncommon for cyclists to collide with walkers or runners.
The consequences can be severe. Even at moderate speeds, a cyclist striking a pedestrian can cause:
- Traumatic brain injuries (especially if the pedestrian falls and hits their head on pavement)
- Broken wrists, arms, or hips from bracing during a fall
- Facial injuries or dental trauma
- Deep cuts, bruises, and abrasions
Pedestrians often expect the biggest risk to come from cars, so they might not watch for approaching bicycles. At the same time, cyclists sometimes ride too fast or weave unpredictably, failing to yield or give audible warnings when passing.
Georgia law generally treats bicycles as vehicles. That means cyclists must follow the same traffic rules as drivers, including yielding the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks. When a cyclist breaks these rules and causes an accident, they may be held liable just like a motorist would be.
If you were hit by a cyclist while walking, you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim against the cyclist’s homeowners or renters insurance policy, or pursue other compensation depending on the circumstances. An Atlanta personal injury lawyer can investigate the accident, gather witness statements, review police or incident reports, and build a case to demand full compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, and pain.
When Cyclists Get Hurt Because of Pedestrian Actions
While pedestrians are often the more vulnerable party, accidents caused by pedestrians do happen and can leave cyclists with serious injuries. A person might suddenly step off a curb into a bike lane without looking, or a distracted pedestrian could dart into a crosswalk against the signal, forcing a cyclist to swerve or crash.
In these cases, the cyclist may suffer:
- Concussions or traumatic brain injuries
- Broken collarbones or ribs
- Severe road rash and muscle tears
- Damage to teeth or facial bones
Cyclists can also file injury claims under Georgia law when someone else’s negligence causes their crash. Just like motorists, pedestrians have a legal duty to obey signals and avoid acting in ways that put others at risk. For instance, if a person crosses against the light or steps directly into the path of an oncoming bike without checking traffic, that pedestrian might be found negligent.
If you were riding your bike and got hurt because a pedestrian acted recklessly, you could pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost earnings, rehabilitation, and any long-term impact on your life. A skilled Atlanta personal injury attorney will work to prove how the pedestrian’s actions directly caused your injuries.
Proving Negligence in These Unusual Cases
Whether a pedestrian was hit by a cyclist or a cyclist was injured by a pedestrian, these cases often come down to proving negligence. Under Georgia law, negligence means someone failed to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances, and that failure caused harm to another person.
In pedestrian-bicyclist crashes, negligence might look like:
- A cyclist ignoring a stop sign and plowing into someone legally crossing the street
- A pedestrian stepping off the curb into a marked bike lane without looking
- A cyclist riding too fast through a crowded shared path without warning others
- A pedestrian letting a dog roam on a long leash, creating a tripping hazard for riders
Proving who was at fault usually requires careful investigation. Police reports from these incidents are often brief or may not be filed at all, especially if no car was involved. That is why your attorney will look for other critical evidence, including witness statements, nearby surveillance footage, scene photos, and medical records linking your injuries directly to the accident.
In some cases, each party may share some responsibility. Georgia uses a modified comparative negligence rule. This means if you are found to be less than 50 percent at fault, you can still recover damages, though your compensation will be reduced proportionately by your percentage of fault. If you are found 50 percent or more responsible, you typically cannot recover compensation. Having an experienced Georgia personal injury attorney on your side is crucial to argue down unfair blame and protect the value of your claim.
What You Should Do After a Pedestrian-Cyclist Accident
Whether you were walking or riding, taking the right steps after the accident can strengthen your case:
- Call 911 if there are injuries. Even if injuries seem minor, it is best to get checked by EMS. Many head injuries or internal injuries show delayed symptoms.
- Get the names and contact information for everyone involved, including witnesses. This can be critical later.
- Take photos of the scene. Document the exact location, nearby traffic signals or signage, any debris or skid marks, your injuries, and the bicycle.
- Seek immediate medical care. This protects your health and creates a record tying your injuries to the crash. Follow all doctor recommendations closely.
- Do not discuss fault at the scene. Stick to the facts when talking to police or others. Insurance companies may use your words against you later.
- Talk to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner your attorney can start investigating, the better your chance of building a strong claim.
What Can a Georgia Personal Injury Lawyer Do in These Cases?
Whether you are a pedestrian or a cyclist, trying to handle a personal injury claim on your own can be overwhelming. Insurance adjusters may downplay your injuries or try to shift blame onto you. Having an experienced attorney levels the playing field.
At the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates, P.C., we thoroughly investigate these cases by:
- Preserving scene evidence and securing any available video footage
- Interviewing witnesses while memories are still fresh
- Consulting accident reconstruction experts if needed
- Reviewing medical records to show how the accident caused your injuries
- Calculating the full value of your claim, including future costs
Our team has recovered over $1 billion for injured Georgians just like you. We know how to push back against lowball settlement offers and build a compelling case for maximum compensation, whether through negotiation or at trial.
Getting Help After a Pedestrian or Cyclist Accident in Georgia
If you were hurt as a pedestrian hit by a cyclist, or if you were riding your bike and injured due to a pedestrian’s negligence, you need to have a clear understanding of your legal rights and options. Medical bills, lost paychecks, and the uncertainty about what comes next can all feel overwhelming.
Talk to a team that understands Georgia injury law and knows how to hold negligent parties accountable. Gary Martin Hays and his dedicated legal team are here to listen to your story, answer your questions, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation. We have offices throughout Metro Atlanta and across Georgia, and we will even come to you if needed. Let us help you find your way forward after a serious accident.
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