Weaver Law Firm helps those in Rome who are injured in accidents. Not every accident is created equal, which means if you’re in something like a bicycle accident, you’ll probably be facing more serious injuries. But it doesn’t change your legal options, and our team can guide you through it. Set up a free consultation today to get started.
Should I Get a Lawyer?
You don’t have to get a lawyer if you’re in a bicycle accident, but let’s be honest, you’re likely dealing with a lot–not just injuries, but other damage you might not even be able to see yet. That makes everything harder, and that’s when you need to think about your legal options. With our Rome bicycle accident lawyers, we can take a lot of the stress and uncertainty off of you by:
- Explain your rights and options in a way that’s clear and specific to your situation.
- Look into the accident to see exactly who’s responsible—whether it was a driver, a property owner, or someone else.
- Deal directly with insurance companies so you don’t have to handle the stress of back-and-forth calls.
- Gather the evidence—like photos, witness statements, and reports—that can make your claim stronger.
If you’ve been in a bicycle accident here in Rome—maybe riding along Broad Street or on one of our neighborhood roads—you shouldn’t have to spend your days chasing down paperwork or arguing with insurance companies. Your focus should be on healing and getting back on your bike when you’re ready. Our team will handle the heavy lifting, from sorting through the details to building a strong claim, so the process feels as easy and stress-free as possible.
Who’s Liable for My Injuries When I’m in a Bicycle Accident?
The first step in any bicycle accident claim is figuring out who’s legally responsible for your injuries. In simple terms, that means showing negligence—someone didn’t follow the rules of safety and, as a result, caused your accident. Negligence usually comes down to proving that someone:
- Failed to follow traffic or safety rules
- Caused the accident and your injuries
Sometimes the fault is crystal clear—like when a driver speeds through a crosswalk and hits you near Broad Street. Other times, it takes a closer look, and can involve any number of people involved like:
- Drivers – If a driver is distracted, speeding, or breaking traffic laws, they can be held responsible.
- Local or state government – Poorly maintained streets, faded bike lane markings, or unsafe intersections could make the City of Rome or the Georgia Department of Transportation liable.
- Other people – Careless pedestrians or other riders can sometimes cause collisions.
- Bike or parts manufacturers – If your accident happened because of a defective bike frame, brake, or other part, the company that made it might be responsible.
Every situation is unique, so finding out exactly who’s at fault is one of the most important parts of building your claim. From there, it’s about the legal process and what you can get.
What is the Legal Process After a Bicycle Accident?
No matter how skilled or experienced you are on a bicycle, you’re ultimately at the mercy of others when there’s an accident. But when you get hurt, you have the right to take legal action to recover for the losses you’ve gone through. There are a couple of ways this usually happens:
- Insurance claim – Filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance is often faster and avoids going to court. Keep in mind, though, insurance companies may try to settle for less than the full value of your damages.
- Lawsuit – If the insurance offer isn’t enough, or there’s no coverage, a personal injury lawsuit can be filed. A judge or jury can then decide on the full value of your case, which can sometimes lead to a fairer outcome.
No matter what you choose to do, the goal is to recover for the losses caused by the accident, which can include:
- Medical bills and ongoing care or therapy
- Lost wages or reduced earning potential if injuries prevent you from working
- Repair or replacement of your bike and other damaged property
- Physical pain and emotional strain
- Reduced quality of life
- In fatal cases, wrongful death-related expenses
In Georgia, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to take legal action. Acting sooner makes it easier to collect the evidence and information you’ll need to build a strong case and protect your rights.
What Information Will I Need For a Strong Bicycle Accident Claim?
Even with the knowledge of who’s liable for your damages and the ability to file a claim, it’s still going to come down to how strongly you present the evidence and information that you have. The reason this is so important is simple: it’s what an insurance company (or a jury) is going to base their settlement offer or verdict on. So, the stronger information you have, the more you can potentially recover. With that, here’s what you’ll need:
- Insurance and contact information – Contact and insurance details for anyone involved, plus names and phone numbers for any witnesses who saw what happened.
- Visual evidence of the scene – Photos or videos that show your bike, the vehicle, your injuries, and the surrounding area—especially road conditions, traffic signs, or anything unusual that played a role.
- Accident reports – An official police report, whether from the Rome Police Department or Floyd County Police, which creates a neutral record of what happened and how. It can’t be used as direct evidence in a trial, but it’s going to be an important piece of information up until that point.
- Damaged items – Your damaged gear and clothing—helmets, shoes, or even a torn jacket can be physical proof of how the crash happened.
- Medical records – Medical records that link your injuries directly to the accident and show the treatment you’ve needed will go a long way in establishing how injured you are and how much it has cost you.
- Journals or notes – Notes about what you remember, including the time of day, weather, and how the accident unfolded. These small details can fade quickly but can be powerful later.
The stronger your evidence, the harder it is for an insurance company to question what happened. That won’t stop them from trying to pay you as little as possible, but our team will be there to stand up for you and what you need.
Where Do Most Bicycle Accidents Happen in Rome?
It’s unfortunately true that a bicycle accident can happen anytime you’re riding your bike in Rome. But that doesn’t mean that certain areas don’t see more bike accidents than others. In fact, many of them happen in the same spots over and over again because of factors like heavy traffic, poor infrastructure, and lower visibility. So most of the time, bicycle accidents in Rome happen at:
- Turner McCall Boulevard – With its busy lanes and fast-moving traffic, this stretch can be tricky for riders, especially near intersections where drivers make sudden lane changes or turns.
- Martha Berry Boulevard – A main route through Rome that mixes local and through traffic, making it common for drivers to overlook riders while trying to focus on the flow of traffic.
- Broad Street – Downtown’s popular dining and shopping area sees a lot of vehicle and foot traffic. Cars pulling in and out of parking spots or side streets can easily miss you riding on your bike.
- East Second Avenue – Narrower lanes and steady traffic create a tight squeeze for riders, leaving little margin for error if a driver drifts too close.
- Heritage Trail crossings – Even on this scenic path, danger can pop up where the trail meets city streets. Drivers often don’t anticipate riders coming off the trail and into the roadway.
Knowing where these hotspots are can help you ride more defensively, and it’s also a reminder for drivers to slow down, check twice, and share the road. But it can’t outright prevent an accident or what comes with it. When that happens, turning to our team for guidance and support can make all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do if the driver flees the scene of the accident?
It’s not uncommon for the driver to leave the scene of your bicycle accident. But whether they meant to or not, it’s still a crime. Hit-and-run bicycle accidents are frustrating, but you still have legal options we can help you with.
Can I be at fault for my accident?
It’s possible to share some of the blame, depending on what happened. For example, if you were riding against traffic or didn’t follow certain road rules, Georgia’s comparative negligence law could reduce what you can get in your claim. But it doesn’t necessarily stop you from filing a claim.
What counts as evidence in a bicycle accident?
Evidence can include your medical records, the official accident report from the Rome Police Department or Floyd County Police, photos or videos from the scene, damage to your bike or gear, and even security camera footage from nearby businesses or houses.
Count on Weaver Law Firm After a Rome Bicycle Accident
Rome is a beautiful place to ride, whether you’re on Broad Street or following the trails near the rivers. But when an accident happens, that ride can turn your life upside down.
Our team at Weaver Law Firm can step in to handle the legal side, explain your options, and make sure you’re not left dealing with the aftermath alone.
We offer free, no-pressure consultations to help you get started.