Bicycles are a cost-effective and convenient mode of transportation for people living in Union City, Georgia. A cyclist has a higher risk of being severely injured due to an auto accident than other motorists on the road. In fact, a moment’s negligence of another driver could result in a catastrophic or even deadly event for the bicyclist. If you or someone in your family has been injured in a bicycle accident in Union City, Georgia, you are entitled to claim maximum compensation from the negligent party. Our Union City bicycle accident lawyer can help.
Law Offices of Gilbert Sperling, III is your trusted partner in Union City, GA, for all types of personal injury lawsuits including bicycle accident cases. Attorney Gil and his team will work relentlessly on your behalf to win your case and obtain maximum compensation for your injuries. In fact, Attorney Gil has made his mark as one of the best personal injury attorneys in town.
We are prepared to help you recover as fully as possible from your injuries while our team takes care of legal matters for you. Let us help you take the appropriate steps to ease the situation and fight for your right to compensation for your injuries and financial losses. Call our car accident attorneys in Union City today at (404) 383-6975 to handle your bicycle accident case and obtain maximum compensation for your injuries.
What Are Georgia’s Bicycle Laws?
A bicyclist isn’t entitled to automatic compensation by filing a simple insurance claim when he or she is involved in an auto accident. The personal injury tort of Georgia is complicated and requires professional intervention by an experienced Union City bicycle accident lawyer in Union City, GA. The insurance company will hire the best personal injury lawyers in town to defend their side of the case.
The Union City bicycle accident lawyer you retain should be able to prove the negligence of the other driver in order to win your case and obtain maximum compensation for your injuries. He or she should be an excellent negotiator to negotiate with the insurance company and settle your case without taking it to trial. But they should also have the adequate trial experience to take your case to trial if the insurance company tries to pay out the minimum amount of compensation or completely deny your claim.
- A bicycle is legally classified as a vehicle in Georgia.
- A person riding a bicycle should not ride other than upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached to the bicycle.
- No person is allowed to ride on the handlebars of the bicycle.
- A bicycle cannot carry more than the number of persons for which it is designed and equipped at any given time.
- No person shall transport a child under the age of one year as a passenger on a bicycle.
- Every bicycle shall be equipped with a light on the front – when in use at nighttime.
- Vehicles should leave at least 3 feet of space when overtaking a bicycle.
How Is Fault Determined In Bicycle Accidents In Georgia?
In Georgia, a bicyclist should be less than 50% responsible for the accident in order to claim damages for his/her injuries and financial losses because Georgia is a modified comparative fault state. Most personal injury claims for cycle accidents are considered negligent claims. The following four criteria should be present in your case in order for you to be awarded damages:
- All motorists owe each other a duty to share the road responsibly. Your Union City bicycle lawyer should prove that the at-fault driver owed you a duty.
- The at-fault driver should have done anything that a reasonable driver wouldn’t have done and breached his/her duty of care. For example, he or she was texting or on the phone while driving.
- The breach of the at-fault driver’s duty caused your accident.
- Your injuries are a direct result of the at-fault driver’s actions and not due to any other reason.
What Should I Do After A Bicycle Accident?
Safety is important when riding a bicycle, No matter how safe you are, the odds are against you when riding a bicycle. Knowing exactly what to do in the immediate aftermath of a bicycle accident can make a difference in how well you protect your rights and treat your injuries. Here are some of the most important steps to take after a bicycle accident in Union City, GA:
Wait for the police to arrive
You and the at-fault driver are legally obligated to remain at the accident scene until the police arrive. Once the motorist leaves the scene, it can be almost impossible to track down the motorist. Report the accident to the police and get a copy of the police report when it’s available. Your Union City bicycle accident lawyer will need the police report to know what exactly happened at the accident scene.
Seek medical help
This is very important – whether you are severely injured or not. Most people don’t seek medical help when they are slightly injured due to an accident. The insurance company can argue that you weren’t injured as a result of the accident and deny your claim if you don’t produce the medical reports to them.
Obtain driver information
Exchange information with the at-fault driver including driver’s license, insurance, name, address, phone number, make of the car, and license plate number.
Obtain the contact information of any eyewitnesses
This is very important for your lawyer to prove the case. Your lawyer will interview eyewitnesses to know what exactly happened at the scene.
Document what happened
Write everything down – such as when, where, and how the accident happened. The road and weather conditions of the day are also important. Take photos and try to video the scene using your smartphone. This information is important when trying to prove your case.
Don’t accept fault or negotiate with insurance companies
The driver’s insurance provider may call you and try to settle the case before you have the necessary information to support your claim. All negotiations should be left to an experienced personal injury lawyer who knows what he or she is doing.
Call an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Union City
Never contact your insurance company without talking to an experienced bicycle accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Gilbert Sperling, III. Our lawyers will negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf. We have the necessary skills and expertise to take your case to trial and obtain maximum compensation for your injuries.
What Types Of Damages Can You Get In A Union City Bicycle Accident Claim?
Bicycle accident victims in Union City, GA, are entitled to two basic types of compensation including economic and non-economic damages. The damages are divided based on whether the cost was objective (out-of-the-pocket costs) or subjective:
Economic
Medical bills (both past and future), emergency room costs, rehabilitative care, prescription drug costs, lost future earning capacity, lost wages, child care expenses, transportation, and property damage.
Non-economic
Non-economic damages include costs for pain and suffering. Other costs such as loss of enjoyment in life, loss of consortium in a wrongful death case, and emotional distress come under non-economic.
Punitive compensation
Punitive damages are rare and are not designed to compensate the victim but to punish the at-fault driver for his/her reckless behavior. Punitive damages are awarded if the harm was intentional.
How Much Time Do I Have To File A Bicycle Accident Claim?
Georgia’s statute of limitations may come into effect after two years of the date of the accident. You should consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Union City for proper guidance in filing your claim in a timely manner.
How Much Will A Union City Bicycle Accident Lawyer Cost?
Our team will need to see how your compensation works out before you can afford a large legal bill. In fact, the lawyers at the Law Offices of Gilbert Sperling, III work on a contingency fee basis where you don’t have to pay anything unless they win your claim.
Why Do I Need A Union City Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
An experienced Union City bicycle accident lawyer can help you in many ways. Our lawyers will evaluate your claim and advise whether you have a valid claim against the at-fault driver. Here is how our lawyers can help you:
Prepare and file a strong case on your behalf: We will interview eyewitnesses and expert witnesses to build a strong case on your behalf.
Negotiating a settlement on your behalf: We will negotiate with the insurance provider to get you the maximum compensation that you rightly deserve.
Trial experience: If the insurance company tries to deny your rightful compensation, we will take your case to trial.
Contact Our Union City Bicycle Accident Lawyer, Attorney Gil
When you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Union City, GA, you should work with an experienced personal injury lawyer. The Law Offices of Gilbert Sperling, III is your trusted personal injury law firm to handle your case. Attorney Gil and his team will work relentlessly on your behalf to win your case. Call The Law Offices of Gilbert Sperling, III today at (404) 383-6975 to handle your bicycle accident case and obtain maximum compensation for your injuries.
