The Silver Comet Trail runs for 18 miles across Paulding County, and a total of 61.5 miles through multiple counties. The trail runs near many busy streets in Dallas County, including Buchanan Hwy, and Highway 61. As a cyclist, you know there are many causes of bicycle accidents and injuries. You also know you must be aware of your surroundings and always use caution when cycling trails. However, even the most careful cyclists may get into a bicycle accident.
If you were injured in a bicycle accident on Silver Comet Trail, or any other trail in Georgia, there are essential steps you should be aware of. Failing to follow the steps could impact any future legal case you may have. Keep reading to learn more about what to do if you get into an accident.
Getting in a Bike Accident in Dallas, GA, Is More Common Than You Think
Every year, at least 1,000 cyclists die in bicycle accidents across the U.S. There are also 130,000+ people injured in bicycle accidents yearly. The cost of bicycle injuries is over $23B, including compensation for loss of life, medical treatment, and lost work.
About 27% of bicycle accidents occur on busy intersections. As a cyclist, you must take precautions to safeguard yourself when cycling. This includes wearing a helmet or protective gear, staying alert, and watching for potential causes of accidents.
Is Silver Comet Trail in Dallas, GA, Dangerous for Cyclists?
Silver Comet Trail does present some dangers for cyclists. It depends on a few factors. First, cyclists should always understand the terrain and environment before taking a trail. In the right conditions, any path could become hazardous for cyclists. We’ll highlight a few potential areas of the Silver Comet Trail that could cause injuries below:
Concord Road Trailhead
Around mile 2.6, there are two steep-sided, rocky banks. A cyclist could easily have an accident in this area if they hit a rock or other spot of uneven ground.
Florence Road Trailhead
Mile 11.4, near Florence Road Trailhead, also has a potentially dangerous environment for cyclists. This stretch of the trail has a steep-walled channel of rock. For a cyclist, falling rock could cause serious injuries.
Hiram Trailhead to Dallas Trailhead
From miles 14 to 20, the trail goes through a tall tree line and over a high bridge. This area is scenic, meaning many people will visit with a high flow of traffic. This automatically increases the opportunities for accidents.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Dallas, GA
Do not leave the scene if you get into an accident while cycling in Dallas, GA. Even if you don’t think you are injured, we strongly urge you to get a police report. This will help document who was involved, when and where it happened and other details that could help with your personal injury case.
If you have injuries that appear later, such as whiplash, strains, or concussions, you need the police report to take action. Without it, the other party’s insurance does not have to pay, and you likely won’t get the compensation you deserve. Read more about what to do following a bicycle accident below:
Get a Police Report
When the police arrive, be sure you give a statement of what happened from your perspective. The motorists are sometimes the only focus, which can be problematic in the future. So, be sure to provide a statement in case it is needed.
While waiting for the police, the motorist may try to negotiate with you or apologize, hoping you won’t pursue the issue. Do not engage with them if they try this. Injuries may not show up for days, and your bicycle may need replacing, so you want to ensure you only speak to the police during this time.
Get Medical Care
If you are injured, your first step after filing a police report is to seek medical care. Even if the injuries are minor, getting a medical evaluation and documentation is still a good idea. For several days following the accident, please document any symptoms or new injuries that appear.
Document Everything
To have a strong case, you must document everything. This means taking pictures of the accident and your injuries. You should also record every doctor visit and the related expenses for treatment. Finally, save the receipts and police report in a folder, so you have them for your legal consultation.
Take pictures of the bicycle and keep it in a safe location. During this period, when you are dealing with insurance companies and possibly lawyers, you should consider not getting the bicycle repaired.
If there were witnesses of the accident, try to get their names and contact information. It’s also a good idea to write down the driver’s information directly, including insurance policy numbers, the license plate, and contact details.
Consider Speaking to a Bicycle Accident Attorney
If you were hit by a car while on your bicycle, you’ll likely receive calls from the insurance companies wanting to settle the case. You may be entitled to more than they offer. Before negotiating with insurance companies or even discussing the matter, consider speaking to an attorney specializing in bicycle accidents.
A personal injury lawyer has the expertise you need to negotiate on your behalf. Bicycle accident attorneys strive to get the most for their clients. Sometimes, that means filing a lawsuit. Working with an attorney may be your strongest option. Many attorneys offer free consultations.
At Lonati Law Firm P.C., we offer free initial consultations to discuss your situation. Fill out this form or call us at 678-363-3500 to request your consultation.
Causes of Bicycle Injuries in Dallas, GA
There are numerous reasons someone could get into a bicycle accident. These reasons could be their fault or someone else’s. Several factors, such as the environment, conditions, and location, impact bike accidents. The most common injuries include the following:
- Distracted motorists
- Weather conditions
- Falling
- Hitting something in your path
- Swerving to avoid hitting someone or an animal
- Hitting a fixed object
- Low visibility
- Dangerous roads
- Failure to follow the laws and yield
If you were in a bicycle accident and aren’t sure what steps to take next, you may want to speak with a personal injury lawyer. Please contact us online or at 678-363-3500 to discuss a potential consultation with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer.
Does the Road’s Condition Impact the Severity of a Bicycle Injury?
In short, yes, it does. A road or trail needs to be kept up, or it may create a dangerous environment for cyclists. Common conditions we see with bicycle accidents include:
- Potholes
- Too much gravel
- Improper markings
- Poor road design
- Cracked pavement
- Snow, ice, or rain
- Hidden objects
- Overgrown foliage
- Inaccurate or lack of signage for cyclists
Any number of things could result in a bicycle accident. This is especially true at Silver Comet Trail, with an estimated 1.9 million visitors yearly.
Can a Bicycle Injury Cause Death?
Unfortunately, a bicycle injury may result in death for some cyclists. This could be due to a traumatic accident that caused internal bleeding, a brain injury, or internal organ damage. If your loved one or family member was in a bicycle accident that resulted in death, you may want to speak to a personal injury lawyer.
Most Common Bicycle Injuries in Dallas, GA
There are a wide variety of potential bicycle injuries. It depends on the accident, the location, and many other factors. The most common ones include the following:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic injuries
- Abrasions
- Lacerations
- Strains
- Fractures
- Contusions
Like a car accident, bicycle accidents may cause your body to ache a few days later. You may experience swelling, reduced range of motion, pain, bruising, and difficulty moving. Each bicycle accident is unique, and so are the related injuries. This is why it’s so essential you visit a medical professional to get checked out and document any symptoms in the days following the accident.
Some accidents cause paralysis or other lifelong injuries that severely impact the person’s quality of life. Other accidents are less severe and cause minor injuries that do not last long. Either way, you deserve adequate medical care and compensation for your injuries.
Consult Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Dallas, GA, Today
If you were injured in a bicycle accident on Silver Comet Trail, or any other trail in Georgia, you now know the steps to take. You should take swift action in obtaining legal counsel, even if it’s just completing a free consultation. You want to know your options and get the compensation you deserve after a bicycle accident.
You're in the right place if you’re searching for bicycle accident lawyers in Dallas, GA. At Lonati Law Firm P.C., we have 25+ years of experience helping clients get justice for many personal injuries, including bicycle accidents. We want to help you with your bicycle accident case. Please contact us online or at 678-363-3500 to request a free consultation with one of our experienced and compassionate lawyers.
