About Bicycle Accidents
- Cyclists injured in an accident can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and property damage. Punitive damages may be awarded in cases of extreme negligence.
- Injured cyclists have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia against the negligent party. If a cyclist shares partial fault in an accident, compensation may be reduced according to their percentage of fault under Georgia’s comparative negligence laws.
- An experienced bicycle accident attorney can help injured cyclists navigate the legal process, minimize fault, and maximize compensation.
Why Hire CSS for a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit
Bicycle accidents often result in serious injuries, and navigating the legal process can be overwhelming. The process is much easier if you retain an experienced Atlanta bicycle accident lawyer. There are numerous procedural steps to civil litigation and several possible roadblocks that could keep you from getting the compensation you deserve, but a skilled personal injury attorney can significantly even the odds in your case. Childers, Schlueter & Smith brings a wealth of experience in handling complex personal injury cases, including those involving bicycle accidents in Georgia. Our legal team understands the specific challenges cyclists face, from proving negligence to countering insurance companies’ tactics aimed at reducing compensation.
At CSS, we focus on maximizing recovery for our clients. We meticulously gather evidence, consult with medical and accident reconstruction experts, and build strong legal strategies that give you the best chance of securing the full compensation you deserve. Furthermore, our attorneys are well-versed in Georgia’s comparative negligence laws, and we work to minimize any fault attributed to you, helping ensure that your financial recovery is not unfairly diminished.
With our firm by your side, you can be confident that your case will be handled with the utmost care, dedication, and legal expertise. We are committed to fighting for your rights and helping you move forward after a bicycle accident.
What Type of Compensation is Available After a Bicycle Crash in Atlanta?
Riding a bicycle around Atlanta can be energy-efficient and enjoyable, but it can also be dangerous when motor vehicle drivers fail to check their blind spots or give you adequate space on the road. If you were injured in a bike wreck caused by an irresponsible driver, you may have grounds to demand compensation from the driver’s insurance company.
To recover compensation in a legal claim, injured cyclists must prove that another party directly caused the accident through their reckless or careless actions. Once fault is established, the injured cyclist may demand compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. The recoverable damages in an accident case may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Damage to personal property
- Physical pain and suffering
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Psychological and emotional trauma
Punitive damages may also be available in cases involving egregious negligence, intentional malice, or fundamental disrespect for human life by the defendant. However, the Official Code of Georgia §51-12-5.1 limits this type of compensation to $250,000 per case in most instances. A skilled lawyer can help injured parties determine what types of damages are available in your bike wreck case.
Legal Statutes Governing Bike Crash Claims
There are many state laws governing personal injury claims. These statutes dictate when injured parties may file a lawsuit and who is entitled to compensation.
Deadline for Filing a Bicycle Accident Claim
Like all other prospective civil plaintiffs, bicycle accident victims have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. Under O.C.G.A. §9-3-33, individuals generally have no more than two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit over an accident caused by the negligence of another. There are very limited exceptions to this rule, so it is critical to take legal action as soon as possible.
How Partial Fault Can Impact Compensation
Any amount of fault by the plaintiff could impact how much compensation they are entitled to. Plaintiffs who bear an equal amount or the majority of the fault for their accident compared to the defendant in their claim do not have the standing to pursue civil compensation.
If an injured party bears some fault for the accident, but the defendant is still primarily responsible, O.C.G.A. §51-12-33 allows the court to reduce the plaintiff’s compensation based on the percentage of total fault assigned to them. A knowledgeable bicycle wreck attorney can help you understand these laws, decrease the amount of fault a jury may apportion to you, and maximize your available restitution.
Get Help from an Atlanta Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
Seeking fair compensation following a severe bicycle crash can be a complicated endeavor in many respects, especially if you have little experience with personal injury law. Seeking help from a legal professional is often key to getting the most out of a claim.
Our Atlanta bicycle accident lawyers can discuss your options and explain your legal rights in detail during a private consultation. Call us today to schedule your meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Seek medical attention, document the scene (if possible), gather witness information, and contact a bicycle accident lawyer. It’s important to avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies before consulting legal counsel.
You may recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. In cases of extreme negligence, punitive damages may also be available for bicycle accident injuries.
Your claim should include detailed medical records, evidence of lost wages, repair or replacement costs for your bicycle, and documentation of pain and suffering. Gathering witness statements and police reports can also strengthen your claim. A bicycle accident attorney can assist in gathering the required evidence to build a strong case for compensation for your injuries.
Evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, police reports, and accident reconstruction expert opinions can help prove the driver’s fault. An experienced bicycle accident attorney can help gather and present this evidence effectively for your personal injury case.
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to recover compensation through your own insurance policy, if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Your attorney can help explore all available options for compensation for injuries.
After suffering injuries in a bicycle accident, it’s imperative to seek legal help as soon as possible. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a bicycle accident claim for injuries is two years from the date of the accident. After this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation.
Georgia’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover compensation for bicycle accident injuries as long as you are less than 50% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. The fee is typically a percentage of the compensation you receive. Be sure to discuss the fee structure with a bicycle accident attorney during your initial consultation.
Free Case Evaluation
Bicycle Accidents Attorneys
Recent Bicycle Accidents News
A truck hit a bicyclist near 1779 Tobacco Road this […]
Last Sunday night, July 31, Joey Harrington, former Falcons quarterback […]
A man died after being hit by a car when […]
On Monday morning, a father while cycling with his son, […]
