Serious injuries are unfortunately common in bike accidents. But, you don’t have to face the financial trauma of a bicycle accident on your own. The Columbus, GA, bicycle accident attorneys at John Foy & Associates are ready to help.
Our team knows how to get the people responsible for your injuries to pay. So, let us give you a free consultation to explain how we work and answer your most important questions. There’s no obligation. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or fill out our online contact form to learn more.
Why You Need a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Columbus, GA
There are several reasons why you should hire one of our bicycle accident lawyers in Columbus, GA, to help you. We can:
- Help you gather evidence and information related to your bicycle accident
- Consult with experts in various fields to provide supporting testimony for your claim
- Talk to witnesses and get their statements to strengthen your case
- Handle all your communications with third parties
- Represent you and your best interests during trial or negotiations
While you rest and recover from your bicycle accident, we will handle all the legal grunt work to get you a fair settlement. There are no upfront fees and no hidden costs. If we can’t win you compensation, you pay us absolutely nothing.
Understanding Bicycling and Comparative Negligence
In Columbus, GA, bicycles are considered vehicles. This means that, as a vehicle on the road, bicyclists need to follow traffic laws just like drivers do. Not following traffic laws can put you partially responsible for your accident. Under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) § 51-12-33, Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule.
If you are more than 50% responsible for your accident, you won’t be able to file a claim. However, any percentage below 50% will get deducted from your final settlement total. Thus, it is crucial to follow the rules as a bicyclist. Rules applying specifically to cyclists in Georgia include:
- Cyclists should travel in the same direction as other traffic.
- Cyclists should travel as far to the right of the roadway as practicable (or safe). If the lane is not wide enough to be safely shared by a bicycle and another vehicle, or there is debris along the edge of the road, it may be safer to ride closer to the center of the lane.
- Cyclists should not ride more than two abreast unless they are on a bike path or at a special biking event.
- Riding on the sidewalk is illegal if you are older than 12.
- Front and rear lights are required when riding at night.
- Riders under age 16 must wear helmets.
Unfortunately, bicycle accidents are all too common, even among experienced cyclists who follow the rules and pay attention to Georgia biking laws. Tragically, many accidents involve children. However, if you were following the rules when you got into an accident on your bike, you can file a claim against the person responsible.
Columbus Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 706-400-4000
Why Are Bicycle Accidents Serious?
Bicycle accidents happen for many reasons, and the attitude of other drivers is a major one. Even though bicycles have the same rights as other vehicles, many motorists don’t see it that way.
They think bikes shouldn’t be on the road at all, and they grow impatient when they have to slow down for a bicycle. Unfortunately, this can lead drivers to make risky moves that vastly increase the chance of a severe bicycle accident. Common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- A driver was sideswiping a bike while passing: Passing drivers are supposed to allow three feet of space between themselves and a bicycle. When a driver tries to squeeze past a bicyclist in the same traffic lane, the cyclist can easily get knocked to the ground.
- Poor visibility: A bicycle’s slim shape makes it harder to see than other vehicles. This is why it’s a good idea to wear bright, reflective clothing and use lights and reflectors at night.
- Distracted driving: A driver who isn’t keeping an eye on the road can come quickly upon a bicyclist traveling at a slower speed.
- Making a right turn and hitting a cyclist who is going straight.
- Hazards along the roadway: Bicycles can easily be put off balance by potholes, uneven pavement, and debris along the side of the road.
- An aggressive driver who “rides the bumper” of a bicycle doesn’t have time to react if the cyclist must slow down or stop quickly.
As you can see, the causes behind why bicycle accidents occur illustrate how severe and deadly they are. It is effortless for a driver to cause an accident with a cyclist. Also, consider how heavy and powerful a car is compared to a bicycle. As a result, you are extremely unprotected and likely to get very hurt.
How Much Is the Average Bicycle Accident Settlement in Columbus, GA?
In Columbus, GA, the average bicycle accident will typically pay a settlement of anywhere between $20,000 to $80,000 in compensation. Depending on the context and unique circumstances of your accident, this amount can dramatically increase or decrease.
Remember, this is just a rough average. Since every case is different, it’s best to speak with one of our bicycle accident lawyers in Columbus to get an accurate approximation. We will ensure that all your damages get calculated accurately, and nothing gets left out of the final total.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accidents lawyer serving Columbus, call 706-400-4000
Types of Damages You Can Recover in a Bicycle Accident
There are three types of damages you can compensate for after a bicycle accident. Our attorneys will ensure you get the maximum amount of compensation possible for each of them.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are damages that have a fixed monetary value. In other words, the amount they’re worth doesn’t change on a whim. Economic damages include:
- Lost wages and reduced earning capability
- Medical expenses such as emergency room visits, prescriptions, hospital visits, psychological services, physical therapy, and medical equipment
- Various damages to personal property
- Bicycle repairs or replacement
Always keep any receipts and invoices for your economic damages. This makes them easier for our lawyers to calculate.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are the opposite of economic damages in that they don’t have a fixed monetary value. Instead, the amount they’re worth fluctuates depending on the facts of your case and how much these damages have impacted your life. Non-economic damages usually consist of:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional trauma
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability and disfigurement
- Wrongful death
These damages often get downplayed by the insurance company. Never let them convince you that these damages aren’t worth getting compensation for. We use various formulas to ensure that they get factored into your claim.
Punitive Damages
OCGA § 51-12-5.1 states that punitive damages exist to punish the at-fault party in an accident for their actions. This punishment comes in the form of a penalty that gets rewarded to you. Keep in mind, not every bicycle accident case will qualify for punitive damages. To qualify, your case must show that:
- The at-fault party was extremely negligent in their actions.
- The at-fault party was committing a crime when the accident happened.
- The at-fault party intended to harm you.
Our Columbus, GA, bicycle accident lawyers will help you recover an award for punitive damages if your case can qualify.
Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accidents in Columbus, GA
Your time is limited. You may have as much as two years after the date of the accident to get your claim filed. But in some situations, the clock is ticking much faster, and you only have a few months.
Once the deadline has passed, you will no longer be able to get money in an insurance claim or file a lawsuit in the local courts. So, to make sure you don’t miss this critical deadline, you should get a lawyer for your bicycle accident as soon as possible.
Talk to a Columbus Bicycle Accident Lawyer
At John Foy & Associates, our bicycle accident lawyers in Columbus, GA, know how to get you or your loved one the money you need after a bike wreck. Let us give you a free consultation – we’ll never charge you for our services unless we win money for you. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.
Call or text 706-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form