Within seconds, a typical day of biking can become tragic. When another driver is negligent, they put everyone on the road at risk — especially bicyclists. If another party caused your accident, you might wonder if it’s worth hiring a bicycle accident lawyer for help.
The priorities after your accident include:
- Healing from your injuries
- Getting compensation for your accident damages
It’s hard to heal when you’re stressed about how to get the financial recovery you deserve. Plus, you might not know where to start with a personal injury case. This is where a bicycle accident lawyer comes into the picture.
Below, we’ll look at some of the best reasons to consider hiring a lawyer. Having a professional lawyer on your side can be an enormous relief. Our bicycle accident lawyers at John Foy & Associates focus on reducing your stress and maximizing your compensation.
Contact us today for a FREE, no-risk consultation. We do not charge a fee unless we win you money. Call us or contact us online to get started for FREE.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
Most cyclists have never had to deal with the legal process. After an accident, you might not know where to start. Plus, you’ll have to deal with the other party’s insurance company, which is rarely easy.
A bicycle accident lawyer will know how to:
- Build a strong personal injury claim
- Show how the other party’s carelessness caused your accident
- Communicate with the insurance company for you
- Calculate the damages from your accident
- Fight for full compensation for your costs
To seek compensation, you will need to file a personal injury claim. After you submit your claim, the insurance company must respond. Most insurers will offer a lowball settlement.
You will need to be prepared to fight back. If you accept the first settlement offer, it won’t cover all of your costs. Instead, your bicycle accident lawyer will negotiate to seek a settlement that covers your expenses.
Here are some of the crucial ways a bicycle accident lawyer can help your case.
Bringing Experience and Skill to Your Bicycle Accident Case
Bicycle accident law can be complicated. According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, a bicycle legally counts as a vehicle. Bicyclists must follow the rules of the road — and other drivers should treat them with equal respect.
When a bicycle accident happens, it’s crucial to understand local laws. You will need to know how the other party violated your rights. You’ll also need to show the other party’s fault in your accident.
A bicycle accident lawyer has many years of experience working on legal cases. They will know how to apply the law to your situation. More specifically, they can fight for the compensation you deserve.
Gathering Evidence of Your Accident
After your crash, you will need to gather evidence. A bicycle accident lawyer can immediately start investigating your accident. They will compile information like:
- Copies of the police report
- Pictures from the accident scene
- Footage from traffic cameras
- Witness statements
- Your medical records
Substantial evidence will help you build a solid case. It also helps to get started as soon as possible.
Some evidence does not last for long, and personal accounts can fade. As soon as you hire a lawyer, they can begin gathering vital evidence.
Calculating Your Bicycle Accident Damages
Before filing your claim, you’ll need to know your damages. There are two types of damages (Georgia Code Section 51-12-1):
- Special damages
- General damages
Your special damages are monetary losses like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. General damages are about emotional losses like your pain and suffering. General costs do not have a set dollar amount, so they are more difficult to calculate.
Your bicycle accident lawyer will calculate all of your accident damages. You won’t have to worry about determining how much you deserve. Plus, your lawyer will know how to calculate intangible losses like pain and suffering.
Examples of bicycle accident damages include:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Bike repairs or replacement
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
If a loved one has died in a bicycle accident, a lawyer can help you with a wrongful death case. You might be entitled to compensation for certain damages.
Negotiating for a Fair Settlement
You will probably have to negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement. A bicycle accident lawyer will know how to do this skillfully.
Most accident cases settle at this stage. However, if the insurer will not agree to a settlement, your lawyer can help you go to trial.
Get the strong arm
Can You Win Your Bicycle Accident Case Without a Lawyer?
You do not have to hire a bicycle accident lawyer. However, we highly recommend it. If you have severe damages from your crash, it’s best to work with a professional. Otherwise, you could end up with much less than you deserve.
At the very least, schedule a consultation to learn more about your case. An experienced lawyer can let you know your options. Plus, our attorneys do not charge a fee unless they win you compensation. You can discuss your claim at no financial risk.
To get a FREE consultation with John Foy & Associates, call or contact us online.
Talk to a Bicycle Accident Lawyer for Free Today
John Foy & Associates has been helping injured cyclists for over 20 years. We have become one of the largest and most respected law firms throughout Georgia. Our attorneys will approach your case with experience, skill, and compassion.
Contact us today for a FREE, no-obligation consultation. We’ll answer your questions and talk about how we can help. If you choose to work with us, there is no charge unless we win your case.
Contact us online for your FREE consultation today.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
