Every bicycle accident is different, so there is no standard amount of money damages that one can expect to receive. The amount of compensation for a bike accident injury claim will depend on the facts of your case.
Your potential compensation depends on the severity of your injuries, how they affected you immediately after the accident, and how they will continue to affect your life going forward.
Bicycle accidents lawyer
Bicycle accidents are quite common in the United States. Many cyclists choose to ride bikes for fun rather than for transportation purposes. Unfortunately, many bicycle riders ignore basic safety precautions. That means that bicyclists are vulnerable to being involved in serious accidents.
When a bicyclist is injured in a collision with another vehicle, it is essential that they seek immediate medical attention. Bicyclists who fail to do so may lose valuable time recovering from their injuries.
This makes it even more imperative that they file a claim against the responsible party within the statute of limitations period. Otherwise, they could face a lawsuit from the other party years after the accident occurred.
What Kind of Damages Can You Pursue in a Bicycle Accident Injury Claim?
Injuries and other losses can vary greatly in bicycle accidents, and as a result, the types of compensation you can go after will depend on your unique circumstances. Here are some examples of common kinds of compensable losses in personal injury claims:
Lost Income
You probably had to take some time off of work immediately after the bike collision. The amount of wages, salary, self-employment, or other forms of regular income you lost during that time can be a part of your claim.
Also, if you lost income when you first returned to work because your doctor temporarily limited the number of hours that you could be on the job, that financial loss can be compensable.
Reduced Earning Capacity
People who experience long-term impairment from their injuries might not be able to make as much money as they could before the accident. Whether they have to reduce their hours or take a lower-paying job, this economic hardship can be a part of the injury claim.
Medical Bills
People may recover the reasonable cost of the medical treatment they needed for their injuries from the at-fault party. According to the American Bar Association (ABA), compensable medical expenses can include things like the:
- Ambulatory care
- Emergency room visits
- Doctor appointments
- Hospital stays
- Surgery
- Crutches
- Wheelchairs
- Physical therapy
- Prescription drugs
We can evaluate other medical care and items to determine whether they can be a part of the injury claim. If your injuries require long-term care, we can also factor this into your damages to seek fair compensation.
Non-Economic Losses
These damages can be challenging to measure in dollars, but they have value and meaning, nonetheless. Here are some examples of non-economic losses one might have after a bicycle accident:
- Pain and suffering: This category applies to the physical discomfort a person experiences from an injury and the emotional distress that can accompany that pain.
- Disfigurement: When injuries cause long-term or permanent scars, especially in highly visible locations, like the face or hands, the resulting disfigurement can be compensable. The injured person can also seek compensation for medical treatments like skin grafts and scar revision surgery, but that would be in the “medical expenses” section of the claim.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Many people develop PTSD after a bike accident that involves severe injuries. PTSD can cause a person psychological suffering, as well as financial hardship. The person may struggle to maintain gainful employment due to the debilitating condition.
These are but a few examples of the types of money damages that could be part of a settlement for a bicycle accident. You might have additional losses that could get added to your injury claim.
What Pitfalls Could Reduce the Settlement Value of a Bike Accident Claim?
The liable party’s insurance company will likely look for ways to deny your claim or pay you as little as possible.
Here are some of the potential pitfalls that could cost you plenty when it comes time to settle your bicycle accident injury claim:
Not Getting Prompt Medical Help
The insurer could deny that your injuries were the result of the bike accident. This defense is why you need to get medical attention right after your accident. The medical records will provide the link between the accident and your injuries.
Failing to Meet the Statute of Limitations
The insurance company’s claims adjuster might drag out processing your claim, hoping that you will not know about the statute of limitations. OCGA §9-3-33 gives you only two years to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for a personal injury. If you miss the deadline, you lose the right to go after money damages for your losses.
For a free legal consultation, call 404-214-2001
Personal Injury Attorneys
If you would like to know how much money you might receive if you file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party responsible for your injuries, contact us today. We offer free consultations and our attorneys are ready to help you get started on your journey towards recovery.
Posting on Social Media
Insurers routinely look at the claimant’s social media accounts as part of their investigation. They can take photographs and comment postings out of context in an attempt to deny your claim or pay you less money than you deserve.
Call Kaine Law
You do not have to handle your bicycle accident injury claim on your own. At Kaine Law, we help people who get hurt due to the carelessness of others. We can take on the multi-billion-dollar insurance company so that you can use your energy to get better.
You can call us today for a free consultation. If we take your case, you will not have to pay upfront legal fees. We get paid if we win your case.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
