A serious bicycle collision can happen in a moment but may change your life forever. The injuries that can result from these types of incidents can stay with you long after and could incur significant costs.
When you have been struck by a negligent motorist while cycling, you may have a legal claim for compensation and a Morrow bicycle accident lawyer can look into your potential case. When you are unsure of where to turn, a seasoned personal injury attorney can help you understand your best options and legal rights.
Negligent Causes of Bicycle Incidents in Morrow
Bicycle crashes can happen for a variety of reasons and sometimes multiple parties may be to blame. Among the most frequently-cited factors in bicycle crashes include reckless driving behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving, following too closely, failing to yield, or passing through an intersection even when the light has already turned red.
A driver may be parked on the street but does not perform an adequate check around the vehicle before opening the car door, and strikes a cyclist passing by. Likewise, a driver who makes an unsafe lane change or is using their smartphone while behind the wheel could easily fail to see a cyclist and end up hitting them.
While cyclists are afforded a certain level of protection when wearing a helmet, the reality is that the size of a motor vehicle in comparison to them can result in serious, life-altering injuries if a collision ensues. Cyclists who are struck by a driver can be left with fractured or broken bones, brain damage, spinal cord trauma, nerve damage, and even internal organ injuries. If another motorist’s actions caused or contributed to a bicycle collision, the injured cyclist will want to get in touch with a Morrow attorney who can investigate the matter further.
Filing a Bicycle Crash Injury Claim
There are multiple forms of financial compensation that an attorney can help an injured cyclist look to recoup after an incident. These recoverable losses can include both tangible and intangible costs.
A few examples of intangible losses that may be recoverable include the pain, suffering, anguish, and emotional distress the cyclist has experienced from the incident. On the other hand, tangible recoverable losses could include costs like ambulance fees, hospital bills, physical therapy bills, and the wages they lost out on due to their recovery.
Even if an injured cyclist is found to have contributed to the underlying incident in some way, Georgia law still allows them to recover compensation for their losses if they were less at fault than the party they are suing. Any amount of recoverable compensation can be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to the injured cyclist. An attorney can review all details concerning liability in a Morrow bicycle collision claim to identify whether the plaintiff could be partially at fault.
Speak With a Morrow Bicycle Accident Attorney for Guidance
Dealing with the aftermath of your injuries from a bicycle incident can be overwhelming. You should not attempt to negotiate with the insurance company or try to pursue compensation on your own. While the insurance company may seem to have your interests at heart, not only is it unlikely that your case will get the attention it deserves, but often, they will do everything possible to reduce the compensation they have to pay out.
In some cases, the insurance company may even try to pin some or all of the liability for the event on the injured party. You should speak with a Morrow bicycle accident lawyer if you think you might have a case. Call Childers, Schlueter & Smith to schedule your consultation with an experienced attorney.
