Lonnie Law Firm Issues Atlanta Bicycle Safety Advisory Amidst High Crash Rates

ATLANTA, GA ‒ As cycling continues to explode in popularity across the metro area—fueled by the expansion of the BeltLine and a growing desire for eco-friendly commuting—a troubling trend has emerged on the city’s streets. Recent data indicates a staggering 91% casualty rate in local bicycle accidents, prompting Lonnie Law Firm, a premier personal injury practice in Atlanta, to issue a critical, comprehensive safety advisory and legal guide for the cycling community.

“The numbers are a clear call to action for our community,” stated Lonnie Duong, founder of Lonnie Law Firm. “When 72 out of 79 reported crashes are attributed to driver error, it highlights a severe gap in road safety awareness. Our goal is to ensure that when these preventable tragedies occur, cyclists are armed with the knowledge to protect their future. Too many injured riders sign away their rights because they don’t understand the complexities of Georgia law.”

The following advisory addresses the most pressing questions cyclists have after a crash, clarifying the complex intersection of personal safety, insurance policies, and legal recourse in the state of Georgia.

 

The Reality of Riding in Atlanta: By the Numbers

To understand the urgency of this advisory, one must look at the data. Cycling in an urban environment like Atlanta presents unique dangers that are statistically significant. According to the People Powered Movement’s overview of Atlanta bicycle safety, which cites official Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) data, the margin for error is non-existent.

The data reveals that out of 79 reported bicycle crashes in a recent study period, nearly every single one resulted in an injury or fatality. This 91% casualty rate is significantly higher than what is typically seen in car-on-car collisions, underscoring the extreme vulnerability of cyclists. Furthermore, the data dispels the common myth that cyclists are reckless rule-breakers. In reality, driver errors—specifically failure to yield, improper passing, and distracted driving—accounted for the vast majority of these incidents.

On a national scale, the situation is equally grim. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that cyclist fatalities have been on the rise, with over 1,000 cyclist deaths occurring annually in recent years. For Atlanta residents, these aren’t just statistics; they represent neighbors, friends, and family members whose lives are altered in an instant.

 

What Are the Immediate Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident?

The confusion following a collision can be overwhelming. Adrenaline, shock, and pain often cloud judgment. However, the actions taken in the minutes and hours following a bicycle accident can significantly impact a victim’s ability to recover damages for medical bills and lost wages. Lonnie Law Firm advises a strict, step-by-step protocol:

 

1. Prioritize Health and Safety Immediately

Your physical well-being is paramount. Even if you feel “fine” or just “shaken up,” do not assume you are uninjured. The adrenaline spike during a crash can mask severe injuries like internal bleeding, concussions, or hairline fractures.

• Move to safety: If you can move without causing further injury, get out of the roadway to avoid secondary collisions.

• Call 911: Always call the police and request an ambulance. In Atlanta, police reports are essential for insurance claims.

• Accept medical treatment: If paramedics suggest transport, take it. If not, see a doctor or visit an urgent care facility immediately upon leaving the scene. A gap in medical treatment is often used by insurance adjusters to argue that your injuries were not serious or were unrelated to the crash.

2. Secure the Scene and Evidence

If your physical condition permits, or if you have a companion who can help, start gathering evidence immediately.

• Photos and Video: Document everything. Take wide shots of the intersection, the position of the vehicle and your bike, skid marks, debris, and traffic signs. Take close-ups of the damage to your bike (a crumpled wheel, a bent frame) and the vehicle (dents, scratches, missing paint).

• Witness Information: Witnesses are crucial in bicycle accidents because it often becomes a “he-said, she-said” situation. Get names and phone numbers of anyone who stopped.

• Driver Information: Exchange information just as you would in a car crash. Get the driver’s license, insurance card, and license plate number.

3. Preserve Your Property

Do not attempt to fix your bicycle or wash your torn clothing. Your damaged helmet, your bloody jersey, and your bent bicycle are physical evidence of the severity of the impact. Keep them in a safe place until your attorney can inspect them.

 

4. Be Careful What You Say

Be cooperative with the police, but do not apologize or admit fault. A simple “I’m sorry” at the scene can be twisted into an admission of liability later. Stick to the facts: “I was riding north in the bike lane when the car turned right into me.”

 

Understanding Georgia’s Bicycle Laws

One of the biggest hurdles injured cyclists face is the misconception—often held by drivers and sometimes even law enforcement—that bikes “don’t belong” on the road. This is false. Lonnie Law Firm emphasizes that under Georgia law, a bicycle is a vehicle, and cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles.

 

The Right to the Road

The Georgia Department of Driver Services clarifies that bicycles are legal vehicles. Cyclists are generally required to ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, but there are crucial exceptions that every driver must know:

• Turning Left: Cyclists may move to the center or left lane to execute a left turn.

• Avoiding Hazards: Cyclists can take the full lane to avoid debris, potholes, drain grates, or parked cars opening doors.

• Substandard Width: If a lane is too narrow to share safely with a car (which applies to many Atlanta streets), the cyclist is entitled to the full lane.

 

The 3-Foot Law

Georgia O.C.G.A. § 40-6-56 is known as the “3-Foot Law.” It mandates that the operator of a motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle must leave a safe distance of at least three feet between the vehicle and the bicycle.

“We often see cases where insurance adjusters try to pin blame on the cyclist for simply being on the road,” adds Duong. “They might argue the cyclist was ‘in the way.’ But knowing that you have a right to the full lane and that drivers have a statutory duty to pass safely changes the conversation completely. Violation of the 3-foot law is negligence per se.”

 

Sidewalk Riding

A common question Lonnie Law Firm receives is: “Can I just ride on the sidewalk?” In Georgia, it is generally illegal for anyone over the age of 12 to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk, unless a local ordinance specifically allows it. This is a critical point because if a cyclist is hit by a car pulling out of a driveway while the cyclist is riding on the sidewalk, the defense may argue the cyclist was negligent for being there.

 

Navigating Insurance: The Hidden Complexities

Perhaps the most confusing aspect of a bicycle accident is insurance coverage. Most cyclists do not carry specific “bicycle insurance,” leading them to worry about how bills will be paid. Lonnie Law Firm explains the layers of coverage that may be available.

 

The At-Fault Driver’s Liability Coverage

If the driver was at fault, their auto insurance liability policy should cover your medical bills, property damage (your bike), and pain and suffering. Georgia requires drivers to carry minimum limits of $25,000 per person for bodily injury. However, given the 91% casualty rate and the severity of injuries like traumatic brain injuries or spinal damage, $25,000 is often insufficient.

 

Your Own Auto Insurance (UM/UIM)

This is the most overlooked source of recovery. If you own a car and have auto insurance, your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage likely extends to you when you are riding your bicycle.

“Many of our clients are shocked to learn their car insurance covers them while they are biking,” says Duong. “If you are hit by a driver who has no insurance, or only the state minimum, your own policy steps in to fill the gap. This is why we always advise cyclists to carry high limits on their own auto policies—it protects you even when you aren’t in your car.”

 

Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)

If you have MedPay on your auto policy, this can also be used to pay for medical deductibles or copays after a bike crash, regardless of who was at fault.

 

Common Injuries and Long-Term Impact

The physical toll of a bicycle accident in Atlanta is often devastating. Unlike motorists protected by steel cages, airbags, and seatbelts, cyclists have little protection other than a helmet. Lonnie Law Firm has represented clients suffering from a wide spectrum of injuries:

• Road Rash: Often dismissed as minor, severe road rash (friction burns) can require skin grafts and leave permanent scarring.

• Fractures: Clavicle (collarbone) breaks are common as riders are thrown over handlebars. Wrist, arm, and leg fractures often require surgery and hardware (pins/plates).

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, the force of impact can cause concussions or severe brain bleeds. Symptoms may not appear for days and can lead to long-term cognitive issues.

• Spinal Cord Injuries: These are catastrophic injuries that can result in partial or total paralysis, requiring lifetime care.

“The value of a case isn’t just the emergency room bill,” Duong explains. “It’s the future physical therapy, the lost career opportunities, the chronic pain, and the loss of enjoyment of life. A cyclist who can no longer ride due to fear or physical limitation has suffered a significant loss.”

 

Why You Need an Attorney Who Understands Cycling

Bicycle accident cases are fundamentally different from car accident cases. Biases against cyclists are real. Police officers who don’t ride often write reports biased toward the driver (e.g., “Sun was in driver’s eyes” vs. “Cyclist came out of nowhere”). Insurance adjusters rely on these biases to deny claims.

Lonnie Law Firm specializes in helping victims navigate these specific challenges. While known for their work with motorcycle accidents and car accidents, the firm has dedicated resources specifically to the unique vulnerabilities faced by cyclists.

Their approach involves:

• Accident Reconstruction: Using experts to analyze skid marks, bicycle damage, and speed to prove the driver was at fault.

• Medical Experts: working with doctors to articulate the full scope of future medical needs.

• Fighting Bias: Aggressively countering the narrative that the cyclist was “at fault” simply for being on the road.

 

Preventative Measures: Staying Safe on Atlanta Streets

While legal recourse is vital, prevention is always better than a cure. Lonnie Law Firm urges all Atlanta cyclists to adopt defensive riding habits:

Visibility is Key

Georgia law requires a white light on the front and a red light/reflector on the rear when riding at night. However, running lights during the day is also highly recommended. High-visibility clothing (neon yellow or orange) significantly reduces the “I didn’t see him” defense.

 

Ride Predictably

Signal your turns. Hold your line. Do not weave in and out of parked cars. The more predictable you are, the easier it is for drivers to share the road with you.

 

Helmet Discipline

While Georgia law only mandates helmets for riders under 16, riding without one is a gamble with your life. Furthermore, in a legal case, the defense will argue that your failure to wear a helmet contributed to your injuries, potentially reducing your compensation under Georgia’s comparative negligence rules.

 

Lonnie Law Firm’s Commitment to Individual Care

In a legal market saturated with “billboard lawyers” who process thousands of cases like a factory, Lonnie Law Firm takes a different approach. They limit their caseload to ensure that every client receives direct communication and personalized strategy.

“We don’t just handle files; we represent people,” says Duong. “When a cyclist is hit, their whole life is turned upside down. They need someone who will answer the phone, answer their questions, and fight for them personally.”

For more on the firm’s philosophy of personalized client care, see this recent firm update regarding their client-first approach.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Atlanta, time is of the essence. Evidence disappears, and witnesses forget. Contacting an experienced attorney immediately is the best way to preserve your rights.

 

About Lonnie Law Firm

Lonnie Law Firm, LLC is a premier personal injury law firm located in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded by Lonnie Duong, Esq., the firm is dedicated to providing aggressive representation and compassionate support to victims of negligence. Whether dealing with complex vehicle collisions, bicycle crashes, or personal injury claims, the team at Lonnie Law Firm fights to secure the maximum compensation for their clients.

The firm serves clients throughout the Atlanta metro area, including DeKalb, Gwinnett, Fulton, and Cobb counties. Their success is built on a foundation of legal expertise, meticulous preparation, and a genuine passion for justice.

 

For more information about their services or to schedule a free consultation, visit their Contact Page.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this information does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is unique; if you have been injured, you should consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation.

Media Contact:

Lonnie Duong, Esq.
Lonnie Law Firm, LLC
2987 Clairmont Rd NE Suite 140, Atlanta, GA 30329
(404) 424-3878
lonnie@lonnielawfirm.com
https://lonnielawfirm.com

Contact Information:

Lonnie Law Firm

2987 Clairmont Rd NE Suite 140
Atlanta, GA 30329
United States

Lonnie Duong
(404) 424-3878
https://lonnielawfirm.com