Though bicyclists have a right to share the road with vehicles, they remain vulnerable against them. Helmets and pad gear do not compare to the weight of two tons (or more) of metal. In addition, drivers still largely have difficulty seeing or keeping track of bicyclists on the road, especially when distracted or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In accidents, bicyclists are more likely to suffer severe bodily trauma or even death than vehicle drivers.
Between 2015 and 2019, an average of 24 bicyclists passed away in bicycle-vehicle accidents per year in Georgia, per the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. If you were in a bicycle accident, a Douglasville personal injury lawyer from Kaine Law could represent you. They could help you fight for compensation from the liable party. Have questions about your case? Our team offers the first consultation for free.
Bicyclists Who Suffered Damages in an Accident Can Receive Compensation
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 130,000 bicyclists suffer injuries in bicycle-vehicle accidents per year in the United States. Injuries can be as minor as cuts and bruises to as serious as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and spinal cord injuries. However you were injured, you may qualify for compensation from the at-fault driver or liable party.
Some common types of damages you may recover in your bicycle accident case include:
- Medical expenses, including future costs for treatment if your injuries are long-term or permanent
- Income loss, including future lost wages if you are still going to treatment or your injuries prevent you from working
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability, including physical disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Property damage, including costs to replace your bicycle if it was completely damaged beyond repair
- Diminished quality of life, including losing enjoyment in former hobbies and activities (e.g., cycling)
You may qualify for other types of damages, depending on your specific injuries or general lifestyle before the bike accident. You will be able to discuss how the accident affected you personally during a consultation with our firm, who will then calculate an approximate value of your total damages. This value will serve as a goal for how much compensation you should pursue in your case.
Can Surviving Family Members Pursue Compensation on Behalf of a Loved One?
Yes. Unfortunately, over the past ten years, there has been an increasing trend of preventable deaths caused by bicycle accidents. The National Safety Council (NSC) reported a 16 percent increase in bicycle accident fatalities in 2020 and a 44 percent increase since 2010. The trauma behind losing a loved one in a preventable accident can be immense, which is why our team wants to step in.
Surviving family members, such as a spouse or parent, can file a wrongful death claim or lawsuit to pursue compensation on behalf of the decedent (the victim). A bicycle accident attorney can help you pursue financial recovery for damages, such as:
- Funeral expenses, such as the costs for the burial or cremation ceremony and related services
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Loss of parental guidance
- Medical debts inherited by the surviving family, such as to cover costs for emergency care or hospitalization
- Loss of financial support if the decedent contributed to the family net worth
- Other emotional losses, such as loss of love and affection
Our legal team understands this time may be difficult for you. We will keep you updated as your case progresses, which can allow you to take time for yourself without worrying about your case.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accident lawyer serving Douglasville, call 404-214-2001
Our Legal Services Cover the Full Spectrum of Building a Civil Claim for You
Many of our clients are unfamiliar with the legal process for filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit. In addition, many people receive settlement offers from insurance companies and wonder if it is worth going through the hassle of filing a lawsuit. However, depending on the severity of your injuries and damages, you could be doing yourself a disservice by accepting an early offer, especially as you experience future damages over time.
Our bike accident lawyer will manage your case for you. This relieves you of the burden of building your case and instead focuses your attention on recovery. In the meantime, our legal team will help you by:
- Keeping you updated as new notices about your case comes up, such as court hearing dates, settlement offers, or general messages
- Reviewing all involved insurance policies as well as other evidence, such as the crash report and video footage that captured the accident, to build your case
- Handling any phone calls, emails, and other forms of communication from the defendant, their insurer, or their legal representative
- Collecting additional evidence for your case, such as testimonies from eyewitnesses or financial documents that prove the value of your damages
- Meet with the defendant and related personnel to discuss a potential settlement deal
- Prepare your case for trial if necessary.
At any point in your case, you can call our firm to receive legal counsel on decisions, such as whether you should accept a settlement offer or pursue a lawsuit. Keep in mind that your time is limited in building your case, as O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 limits plaintiffs to two years to file their cases. We will keep track of this legal deadline for you and inform you when it might affect critical decisions.
Douglasville Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 404-214-2001
Discuss Your Claim with a Douglasville Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you were riding your bicycle throughout Douglasville, Georgia, when you got into an accident with a vehicle, you may qualify to receive compensation for your injuries and damages. A Douglasville bicycle accident lawyer from Kaine Law can build your case argument for you to establish how the at-fault driver’s negligence led to your injuries, then advocate for your right to financial recovery.
Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you do not have to pay any attorney’s fees unless we receive a favorable outcome in your case. Contact our law firm to get started today.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
