Bicycle Accidents in Savannah, Georgia: Laws, Statistics, and Notable Cases

Bicycle accidents are a big public safety issue in cities like Savannah, Georgia where traffic, cycling and urban growth are all increasing. As cycling becomes more popular for recreation and commuting, the risk of accidents is high especially in a city where historic streets and mixed use areas create unpredictable traffic patterns. This article will go over the laws surrounding bicycle accidents in Savannah, 2023 statistics and a notable case that has changed the face of personal injury law in the city.

Savannah, Georgia Bicycle Accident Personal Injury Laws

Understanding the laws surrounding bicycle accidents in Savannah, Georgia requires knowledge of both local traffic laws and state wide personal injury laws. These laws determine the rights and responsibilities of cyclists, motorists and property owners and how liability and damages are determined in an accident. Below we will break down these laws and how they apply to bicycle accident cases.

Laws

Georgia treats bicycles as vehicles and gives cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle operators on public roads. However, there are specific laws to ensure the safety of both cyclists and drivers:

1. Traffic Laws and Bicycle Rights:

• C.G.A. § 40-6-294: Bicyclists are allowed to ride on public roads unless prohibited. Cyclists must obey all traffic signals and signs, including stop lights and speed limits and ride with the flow of traffic not against it.
• C.G.A. § 40-6-56: Georgia’s “Three-Foot Law” requires motor vehicle drivers to maintain a safe distance of at least three feet when overtaking or passing a bicycle. This law is to protect cyclists from being clipped by passing cars which is a common cause of severe accidents.

1. Helmet Requirements:

• C.G.A. § 40-6-296: Adults are not required to wear helmets but Georgia law requires all cyclists under 16 to wear an approved bicycle helmet. This law recognizes the higher risk of injury to younger riders who may be less experienced or less aware of traffic dangers.

1. Bicycle Lane Usage:

• Cyclists in Savannah are encouraged to use bike lanes when available. If no bike lane exists they may ride on the road. Motorists are expected to share the road with cyclists and be aware of their presence at intersections especially during turns.

Liability in Bicycle Accidents

Determining liability in bicycle accidents means figuring out who was at fault. Georgia is a comparative negligence state which can affect how much a cyclist can recover:

1. Fault:

• Comparative Negligence (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33): Under Georgia’s comparative negligence rule if a cyclist is found to be partially at fault in the accident their total recovery can be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example if a cyclist is found to be 20% at fault for not wearing reflective gear at night any damages awarded would be reduced by that 20%. But if the cyclist is more than 50% at fault they may not be entitled to recover.

1. Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents:

• Driver Negligence: The most common cause of bicycle accidents is driver negligence including distracted driving, failure to yield, speeding or running red lights. Drivers who are not paying attention to their surroundings may not see a cyclist in time to avoid an accident.
• Cyclist Negligence: In some cases cyclists may also contribute to accidents by not obeying traffic signals, riding the wrong way or not using proper lighting at night.

1. Insurance:

• Injured cyclists can recover from the at-fault driver’s auto insurance. If the driver is uninsured or underinsured the cyclist may be able to use their own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to recover. Note that personal health insurance and homeowners’ insurance may also be a source of recovery in some cases.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim

If a bicycle accident occurs it is important for the injured party to take immediate and proper action to ensure they can file a successful personal injury claim:

1. Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident:

• Get Medical Help: Even if injuries seem minor get checked out by a doctor. Many injuries including concussions or internal injuries may not be immediately apparent.
• Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident site, the bicycle, any vehicles involved, road conditions and visible injuries. Get witness statements and contact information if possible.
• Police Report: Always call the police after an accident. A police report will be an official record of the accident and is key to determining liability.

1. Statute of Limitations:

• According to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim including bicycle accidents is two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this time frame may result in losing the right to recover.

1. Types of Damages:

• Economic Damages: These are tangible losses such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages and damage to the bicycle or other property. For cyclists who use their bicycle for commuting property damage can greatly disrupt their daily life.
• Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for emotional distress, pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. These are more subjective but just as important especially in cases of long term or permanent injury.

Bicycle Accidents in Savannah, GA (2023)

Knowing the frequency and type of bicycle accidents in Savannah is important to identify risks and promote road safety. 2023 statistics give us a glimpse into the trends and common causes of these accidents.

1. Incidents

• 120 reported in 2023 in the Savannah area. While this is a steady number from previous years it shows we still need more safety measures and public awareness.

2. Types of Accidents

• Vehicle Collisions: Most bicycle accidents in Savannah were vehicle vs vehicle. These occurred at intersections or during lane changes where visibility and driver attention are key.
• Rear-End Collisions: A large number were vehicles striking cyclists from behind. These occur when drivers are distracted or don’t give cyclists enough space when passing.
• Failure to Yield: Many accidents were drivers failing to yield to cyclists at crosswalks or while turning at intersections.

3. Injury Severity

• 40% of the 2023 incidents resulted in serious injuries including:
  • Fractures: Broken bones especially in the legs, arms and ribs were common injuries to cyclists.
  • Head Injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) were prevalent especially in cases where cyclists weren’t wearing helmets.
  • Road Rash: Cyclists suffered severe abrasions often requiring medical treatment and extended recovery time.
• Fatalities: Fatalities were rare but did occur, 2 bicycle related deaths in Savannah in 2023.

4. Demographics

• The statistics showed a wide range of cyclists involved in accidents. However a significant number of accidents involved commuters and recreational cyclists, the majority of serious accidents were to adults 25-45 years old. This age group uses bicycles as their primary mode of transportation especially in downtown and urban areas of Savannah.

Savannah Bicycle Accident Case

Case: Johnson v. City of Savannah

One of the most notable bicycle accident cases in Savannah’s recent history was Johnson v. City of Savannah. James Johnson, a 32 year old Savannah resident was injured when a city vehicle struck him at an intersection.

Case Summary

Johnson was riding his bicycle in a bike lane when a city vehicle operated by a city employee failed to yield at an intersection and struck him. Johnson was thrown off his bicycle and suffered multiple fractures and severe injuries including spinal damage and long term physical impairment. Johnson required extensive medical treatment including surgery and rehab.

Legal Proceedings and Outcome

Johnson filed a personal injury lawsuit against the City of Savannah claiming the city employee’s failure to follow traffic laws caused the accident. The city’s defense initially argued Johnson was partially at fault for not wearing reflective clothing at the time of the accident but the court found the city was primarily liable for the employee’s negligence.

The case settled for $3.5 million which covered Johnson’s medical expenses, lost wages, ongoing rehab and pain and suffering. The case also led to increased scrutiny of the city’s safety protocols for municipal vehicle operations and required city employees to undergo extensive training on road safety especially around cyclists and pedestrians.

Savannah

The case had a lasting impact on bicycle safety in Savannah. In addition to the monetary settlement the case required the city to:

• Driver training for municipal employees on how to share the road with cyclists.
• Better signage and protected bike lanes in high traffic areas.
• Public education campaigns to promote awareness of cyclist rights on Savannah streets.

Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Bicycle accidents are complex and emotionally and physically draining for victims. Having the right lawyer is key.

1. Investigation and Evidence

• Thorough Investigation: A personal injury lawyer will gather evidence including police reports, witness statements and any available video footage. They may also work with accident reconstruction experts to determine liability and build a strong case.
• Medical Evaluation: All injuries must be documented and evaluated by medical professionals. Detailed medical reports will be used to calculate current and future medical expenses.

2. Customized Legal Approach

• Personalized Legal Strategy: Each case is unique and a good lawyer will develop a customized legal strategy based on the facts of the case. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or filing a lawsuit the lawyer’s job is to get the most compensation for economic and non-economic damages.
• Get the Most Compensation: In addition to medical bills and lost wages an attorney will also get compensation for the cyclist’s pain and suffering. This may be emotional distress, long term physical impairment or loss of enjoyment of life.

Bottom Line

Bicycle accidents in Savannah, Georgia are a big deal for both cyclists and motorists. With the complexity of personal injury law and the rise of bicycle accidents understanding the law and your rights as a cyclist has never been more important. This article has given you a look into the local law, statistics and cases to help you protect yourself and get justice after an accident.

At Keller Swan we are here to help bicycle accident victims. Whether you’re dealing with an insurance claim, negotiating with the at-fault party or filing a lawsuit we will be with you every step of the way.