Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Brunswick, GA

Cyclists struck by vehicles have the same legal right to full compensation as any other accident victim — but they rarely receive it without a fight. Drivers, insurers, and even law enforcement sometimes treat bike riders as though they don’t belong on the road. The legal reality is different.

Boyd Law Firm represents cyclists injured in vehicle collisions throughout Brunswick and Southeast Georgia. We build the evidence-based case that gets you what your injuries are actually worth.

Georgia Law Protects Cyclists on the Road

Under Georgia law, bicycles are vehicles (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-290 et seq.). Cyclists have the right to use public roads and are entitled to the same protections as motorists. Drivers who fail to yield, follow too closely, or otherwise neglect their duty of care toward cyclists are liable for the injuries they cause.

Georgia also requires drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-56). Violations of this rule establish negligence directly.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Most bicycle-vehicle collisions are caused by driver inattention or failure to
respect a cyclist’s right of way:

Dooring — a driver or passenger opens a car door into a cyclist’s path
Right-hook collisions — a driver passes a cyclist then turns right, cutting across the bike lane.
Left-turn crashes — a driver turning left fails to yield to an oncoming
cyclist.
Rear-end collisions — a driver following a cyclist doesn’t slow in time
Failure to yield at intersections — driver runs a stop sign or red light
into a cyclist’s path.
Distracted driving — phone use reducing reaction time.
Unsafe passing — passing too closely, at speed, or on narrow roads.

We investigate the crash scene, obtain any available traffic or business camera footage, and gather witness statements to establish exactly what happened.

Injuries Cyclists Sustain in Accidents

Without the protection of a vehicle frame, cyclists absorb the full impact of a collision with a car. Common injuries include:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) — even with helmet use
Spinal cord injury
Broken bones — collarbone, arms, wrists, legs
Road rash — deep abrasions that can cause permanent scarring
Internal organ damage
Joint injuries — shoulder, knee, hip
Facial injuries and dental damage

We document immediate injuries and anticipate future costs — surgeries, physical therapy, long-term care, and any permanent impact on your ability to work or enjoy daily life.

What Compensation Can a Cyclist Recover?

Everything a car accident victim can recover, a cyclist can too:

Medical expenses — emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation
Future medical costs — ongoing and anticipated treatment
Lost wages — income missed during recovery
Loss of earning capacity — if injuries permanently affect your ability
to work
Pain and suffering — physical pain and emotional distress
Property damage — repair or replacement of your bicycle, helmet, and
gear

Georgia does not cap personal injury damages. You are entitled to pursue the full value of your losses.

What Happens If You Were Partly at Fault?

Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule applies to bicycle accidents the same as any other collision. If you were partly responsible — for example, if you ran a stop sign — your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. You can still recover as long as you were less than 50% at fault.

Insurers routinely overstate cyclist fault to reduce their payout. We challenge those assessments with evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accidents in Georgia

Do cyclists have the same rights as drivers on Georgia roads?

Yes. Under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-290, bicycles are legally considered vehicles in Georgia. Cyclists have the right to use public roads and drivers owe them the same duty of care they owe other motorists.

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Georgia?

Two years from the date of the accident for personal injury under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. If a government entity is involved — a city vehicle, poorly maintained road — notice deadlines can be shorter. Contact us promptly

I wasn’t wearing a helmet. Does that affect my case?

Georgia does not require adult cyclists to wear helmets. Failure to wear a helmet may be raised by the defense as a contributing factor to head injuries, but it does not bar your recovery. We address this in case preparation.

What if the driver who hit me drove away?

A hit-and-run by a vehicle that made contact with you may be covered under your own uninsured motorist policy, if you carry one. We investigate all available coverage sources.

Can I recover for my damaged bicycle and gear?

Yes. Property damage — your bicycle, helmet, and any gear destroyed in the crash — is a recoverable loss separate from your personal injury claim.

Serving Brunswick and Southeast Georgia

Boyd Law Firm represents injured cyclists across Southeast Georgia — Glynn County, Camden County, Brantley County, Liberty County, Wayne County, and McIntosh County.