Hit by a car on your bike? See if you have a claim.

In Arizona, a person riding a bicycle on a road or shoulder generally has the same rights and duties as a driver (A.R.S. § 28-812). Georgia generally applies the same traffic rules to bicycles as to other vehicles (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-291).

Georgia also says riders should stay as near the right side of the road as practicable, with exceptions like turning left or avoiding hazards (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-294).

Arizona drivers must leave at least 3 feet between their vehicle and a bicycle when passing, until they're safely past (A.R.S. § 28-735).

Georgia has the same 3 foot rule. If a driver can't safely change lanes, they must slow down and still keep at least 3 feet of space (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-56). A driver who clipped you while passing may have broken this rule.

• A driver passing too close or cutting back in too soon.
• A driver turning right across your path.
• A car door opening into you.
• A driver pulling out of a driveway without looking.
• A left turning driver who didn't see you coming.

Georgia requires a white front light and a red rear light or reflector when riding at night (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-296). If you were riding after dark, tell an attorney what lights you had.

If you share some fault, Arizona reduces your recovery by your share (A.R.S. § 12-2505), and Georgia allows recovery only if you were less than 50% at fault (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33).

• Your bike, helmet and gear, without repairing them.
• Photos of the bike lane, road edge and any debris.
• Bike computer, GPS or app data showing your route and speed.
• Helmet cam or dashcam video.
• Repair estimates and receipts for your bike.

Get checked by a doctor, even for injuries that seem minor at first. Hold off on agreeing to a quick offer until you know how you're healing.

It's free to check your claim, and you don't have to go ahead.