If someone else caused your bicycle accident, you might be entitled to compensation. Most injury victims will benefit from the help of a lawyer when filing an injury claim. However, you must hire a lawyer who deals with bicycle accidents regularly.
Personal injury lawyers take on cases involving bicycle accidents. When lawyers have experience in bike accidents, they might advertise themselves as bicycle accident lawyers. You’ll need to look for an attorney who identifies this way.
At John Foy & Associates, we have over 20 years of experience with bicycle accidents. We know how to build a strong claim and fight for your rights. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.
How Can a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Help You?
It’s normal to wonder if you really need a lawyer’s help. The truth is that a lawyer can significantly increase your chances of a fair settlement.
Most injured cyclists are not familiar with personal injury — or tort — law (Georgia Code Section 51-1-1). Your lawyer can handle the legal side of things while you focus on healing.
Here are some ways that a bicycle accident lawyer can help you.
Dealing with the Insurance Company
The at-fault party’s insurance company is often the largest source of stress in a bike accident. The insurance company is not on your side. Insurers will look for ways to reduce what they pay you for your damages.
Insurance companies frequently use tactics like:
- Offering you a lowball settlement
- Contacting you and using what you say against you
- Downplaying the severity of your injuries
- Pressuring you into accepting the first offer
- Taking a long time to respond to your claim
- Denying your claim altogether
The insurance adjuster’s job is to settle for as little as possible. Without professional help, an insurance company might take advantage of you. If you accept a too-low settlement, you won’t have a chance to pursue more compensation.
A bicycle accident lawyer can handle the insurer for you. They’ll deal with all of the required communication. Plus, insurers are more likely to take you seriously if you have an experienced lawyer.
Knowing the Full Value of Your Damages
Bicycle accident damages are often worth much more than the victim realizes. A bicycle accident lawyer can determine all of your costs. When you know your full damages, you’ll understand how a fair settlement actually looks.
There are two main types of personal injury damages (Georgia Code Section 51-12-2):
- Special damages
- General damages
Special damages include medical bills, lost wages, and bike damage. Your special losses have set dollar amounts. They’re also relatively easy to prove. General damages are not so straightforward.
General damages include pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional trauma. General losses cover how your injuries have affected you. You’ll need help from a lawyer to calculate and prove these damages.
A bicycle accident lawyer will account for all of your damages. They’ll determine what you deserve to receive. You can approach your case while knowing what type of settlement will cover your costs.
Negotiating for a Fair Settlement
Your compensation depends on who caused your accident. Most of the time, the at-fault party in a bike crash is a motorist. To recover your costs, you can file a personal injury claim with the driver’s insurance company.
After you file your claim, the insurance company must respond. They can respond in one of three ways:
- Accepting your injury claim
- Sending a counteroffer (which is often much lower)
- Denying your claim
Most of the time, an insurer will send a lowball counteroffer. They’ll make the offer seem appealing. The insurance company knows that you probably need money now, so they’re hoping you’ll accept any offer.
A bicycle accident lawyer helps you keep a clear head. They’ll know what you truly deserve. If the insurer tries to lowball you, your lawyer will be ready. They can work to negotiate for a higher settlement. If your lawyer is successful, you could win a much higher amount.
At John Foy & Associates, people know us as the “Strong Arm” for a reason. We are not afraid to stand firm against the insurance company. Our goal is full compensation for your costs. To schedule a FREE consultation today, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
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How Can You Find the Best Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
You’ll need to find a personal injury lawyer who regularly works on bicycle accident cases. Most injury lawyers offer a free initial consultation. Schedule a complimentary meeting, and come prepared with questions.
You can learn more about a bicycle accident lawyer with questions like:
- What percentage of your cases involve bicycle accidents?
- What are some cases similar to mine that you’ve worked?
- How long does it typically take to resolve a case like mine?
- How much time can you spend on my case?
- What is your fee structure for bicycle accident cases?
- Will you be prepared to take my case to trial, if necessary?
- Can I see some testimonials for cases like mine?
The above questions can help you see if it’s a good fit. You’ll want an attorney who has vast experience with bicycle accident claims. They should also have a good track record and success rate.
Also, make sure you feel comfortable with your lawyer. They should listen to your concerns and develop a professional relationship with you. You’ll need to feel content telling this person everything about your accident.
Talk to a Bicycle Accident Lawyer for Free Today
Bicycle accidents are often very severe. If you were not at fault, you shouldn’t have to pay for your injury costs. A lawyer who deals with bicycle accidents can help.
At John Foy & Associates, we’ve been helping injured cyclists for over 20 years. Plus, we do not charge a fee unless we win your case. To get a FREE, no-risk consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
