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770-626-7895Bicycle riding is a healthy, cost-effective, and eco-friendly way to get from place to place in the Athens area on a daily basis. Furthermore, as a college town, it is not uncommon to see students riding around town and campus year-round and at any time of day or night.
Unfortunately, cyclists are at risk of serious injury every time they ride, particularly when they ride around cars and trucks.
In the event that you have suffered injuries in a cycling accident, you should contact an Athens bicycle accident lawyer as soon as you can. To schedule your free case evaluation, call our office today or send us a message online.
What Causes Bicycle Accidents?
Bicycle accidents in and around Athens occur for a number of reasons. When they occur because of someone else’s legal negligence, injured victims are typically entitled to compensation under state law. In Georgia, negligence occurs when a person fails to use the degree of care that a reasonable person will use in the same or similar circumstances.
Common examples of the kinds of negligence that can cause bicycle accidents include:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Failing to stop at stop signs
- Running red lights
- Not giving bicyclists adequate room
- Illegal turns
- Distracted driving
Importantly, it’s not just drivers that can cause serious bicycle accidents. In some cases, a bicycle accident may be the result of poorly designed or maintained roadways or parking lots, in which case a government agency or private party may be liable for the accident.
The best way to determine against whom you can file a claim is to have an Athens bicycle accident lawyer review your case as soon as you can.
Pursuing Compensation for Serious Bicycle Accident Injuries
Many bicycle accident victims suffer severe injuries, even if they are wearing a helmet or other protective gear. Some of the more common injuries that bicycle accident victims suffer include:
- Broken bones
- Severe soft tissue injuries
- Road rash
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Concussions
- Serious sprains and strains
- Crush injuries
- Traumatic amputations
In many cases, these injuries require extensive emergency medical treatment and ongoing care, perhaps for months. In the most severe cases, victims never fully recover and are forced to make significant changes to their lives as a result of their limitations.
Fortunately, a skilled lawyer can help bicycle accident victims obtain compensation for all of their losses, even those that may not have occurred yet.
Protecting Your Legal Rights after a Bicycle Accident with An Athens Bicycle Accident Lawyer
While you may be legally entitled to compensation after an accident caused by someone else, there are still steps you need to take to protect your rights. As a crash victim, it’s critical to keep in mind that the other party and their insurance company want to pay you as little as possible to get your claim to go away.
Some of the most important things to do after a bicycle accident include the following:
Calling 911
You should always call 911 after a bicycle accident, even if you do not think you need emergency medical attention. If a driver violated a traffic law and caused your accident, the police will almost certainly issue them a citation. If the driver is cited, it can make establishing liability much easier.
Seek medical attention
You should also be sure to seek medical attention after an accident, even if you think your injuries are minor and you can walk away. Not only is seeing a doctor vital for your physical well-being, but it is also likely critical to the success of your claim.
The other side is going to want to see documentation of your injuries and the fact that they were caused by the accident. When you see a healthcare professional, they will create a medical record you can use as evidence when it comes time to make your claim.
Do not talk to the other party or their insurance company
If you are approached by the other party or an insurance company after your accident, politely tell them you are in the process of retaining an attorney. Directly speaking to either party is much more likely to hurt your case than help it.
Do not wait to call a lawyer
While you are unrepresented, there is a chance that you can say or do something that can seriously damage your chances of recovering compensation. For this reason, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
Speak With a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Athens
If you have suffered injuries in a bicycle accident, it’s in your best interest to speak to a lawyer as soon as you can. Brady M. Larrison of The Larrison Law Firm Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorneys is a fierce advocate for the rights of the injuries and will review the facts of your case at no cost to you. Additionally, you will only pay legal fees if Mr. Larrison recovers compensation on your behalf.
To schedule a free case evaluation with our bike accident lawyer in Athens, call our office today at 770-626-7895 or contact us online.
Bicycle Accident Case FAQs
How much is a bicycle accident case worth?
The value of a bicycle accident claim can vary widely and depends on a number of factors. Some of these factors include the severity of your injuries, the value of your bike, your occupation, and whether you were partially at fault for your accident.
Do I need a bicycle accident attorney to recover compensation?
There is no rule that requires victims to retain an attorney after a bike accident. That said, it is very much in your interest to do so. In many cases, people who are represented by a lawyer recover much more compensation than they would have recovered on their own.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Georgia law gives accident victims two years to file a claim, but you should call a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. Waiting can result in the loss of evidence you need to win your case and can hurt your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
