Trial Attorney Blog
The Georgia injury lawyers at Finch McCranie, LLP represent clients who have suffered personal injuries from bicycle accidents or who are survivors of cyclists killed in accidents caused by the careless or negligent conduct of others. Surprisingly, many of these bicycle accidents do not involve other drivers but were caused by the negligence of road contractors, construction companies, and even public utility companies. Injuries suffered as a result of these types of accidents can be severe and life altering. Most common are nerve damage, broken or dislocated bones, and injuries to the neck, back, brain, or spinal cord. Sadly, some of these bicycle accidents result in the wrongful death of the cyclist.
Recently, we represented the family of an Atlanta cyclist who was killed when his bicycle struck a copper ground wire which had been pulled loose from a utility pole and was hanging out across a public sidewalk.
The photograph above was taken by Atlanta Police when they arrived at the scene of this tragedy. Given that the utility pole was literally located within 5 inches of Peachtree Street, the grounding wire was likely pulled loose by a passing bus or large truck because it was not secured properly to the pole. Although they are not visible in the photograph, our investigation showed that there were other wires which had been cut and left hanging from the pole and nearby tree.
During our investigation of the case we became aware that in metropolitan Atlanta, there are literally thousands of utility poles with loose wires hanging off of them in close proximity to public sidewalks and roadways. Many of these wires and cables serve no purpose and are there because someone was too lazy to either remove them or secure them in such a way so as not to endanger the public. Now that we are aware of this danger, hardly a day goes by that we do not see example after example of this hazard. The photograph below, taken on June 21, 2010 directly in front of the Dunwoody Library, illustrates the point. This potential hazard has been present for months.
Other recent bicycle cases involved road/bridge construction defects. Two cases involved bridge expansion joints which were left open and created a serious danger to cyclists.
Our firm understands that your immediate concerns include getting your medical bills paid, limiting potential lost wages, and insuring insurance coverage for future treatment of your injury. Our experienced attorneys will assess your situation and discuss all the options available to you, as well as work with insurance companies and other involved parties to insure your needs are addressed quickly and appropriately. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident or you are a survivor of a cyclist who has been fatally injured while riding a bicycle, call the Georgia injury lawyers at Finch McCranie, LLP (1-800-228-9159) to discuss your rights.