http://www.ajc.com/news/news/man-headed-to-prison-for-killing-bicyclist-aspirin/ng29X/

Cyclist Injuries. Atlanta seems to have more cyclist-vehicle crashes than most places in the United States. As noted in today’s AJC, the man convicted of a hit-and-run crash that killed a bicyclist who was pedaling to work has been sentenced to fifteen (15) years in prison.

Georgia passed an important law in 2011 mandating that drivers attempting to overtake a cyclist must leave at least three (3) feet in between the vehicle and the cyclist.  Many people do not follow this important law and seem to forget that in a car versus cyclist collision, the car is going to win.

What makes these collisions even more common are distracted drivers.  Georgia’s “no texting” law is designed to prevent distracted driving.  If you are a passenger in a vehicle sometime soon, take a look around at other drivers on the road.  The law is not being followed and more and more injuries are the result.

Even though in a car vs. cyclist collision the car is going to win, an injured cyclist may have a valid personal injury claim against the striking automobile’s driver and insurance company.  Glass & Robson have handled numerous cycling injury cases.

One way pedestrians and cyclists can protect themselves from distracted drivers is to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.  For example, in a 2012 injury case, Glass & Robson represented a woman that was struck by a motorcycle while riding her bike in north Georgia.  The motorcyclist carried the state-minimum insurance limits of $25,000.  Luckily, the cyclist carried underinsured motorist coverage so the end result was much better for the client.  Be sure and check your insurance policy to make sure you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.  It is very important for the protection of you and your family.