Bicyclists have the same right to space on the road as any motorist. Unfortunately, some drivers act recklessly around bikers, leading to dangerous collisions. These accidents can cause life-altering injuries to cyclists who are unprotected from the impact of a much larger vehicle.
If you were recently involved in a crash caused by someone else, speak with a Macon bicycle accident lawyer about your legal options. At the Gunn Law Group, a qualified injury attorney with experience handling similar cases could work tirelessly on your behalf to pursue the financial restitution you deserve.
Injuries in a Biking Collision
Even if a bicyclist wears safety gear and obeys traffic laws, careless drivers could cause them severe and potentially life-altering harm. Injuries like deep lacerations and contusions, ligament tears, and bone fractures are common outcomes of incidents of this nature. Some wrecks—especially those that happen at high speeds—cause permanent and debilitating damage due to spinal cord trauma, brain damage, and/or injuries to internal organs.
Damages for Injured Bicyclists
Generally, the more severe a bike rider’s injuries are, the more compensation they could demand from the negligent driver. A comprehensive claim should account for short-term losses as well as long-term forms of economic and non-economic harm, including:
- Bicycle repair/replacement costs
- Emergency medical bills
- Costs of future medical care, including rehabilitative therapy
- Psychological suffering and associated out-of-pocket expenses
- Physical pain and suffering
- Lost working capacity and/or income
- Lost enjoyment of life
A skilled Macon attorney could discuss what losses might be compensable for an injured biker after an accident.
Are Drivers Always at Fault for Collisions with Bicyclists?
Although motor vehicle drivers have a much lower risk of being seriously injured in collisions with cyclists, that does not mean state law automatically holds drivers legally accountable for these types of wrecks. To successfully obtain compensation, an injured bicyclist must show through a preponderance of available evidence that they would not have suffered injuries and subsequent losses if not for the driver’s breach of a duty of care. For example, failing to heed traffic laws or pay attention while driving could constitute negligent behavior, making a driver liable for a biking crash.
In addition, bicyclists may need to prove they were not to blame for causing or worsening their injuries through their own negligence. If an injured biker is found partially responsible for their accident, the court may reduce the compensation available to them by their assigned percentage of the total fault. A biker could even be barred from recovering anything at all if they are found more at fault than all defendants combined. A knowledgeable local attorney could further explain these laws and how they may impact a biking accident case.
Talk to a Macon Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
A serious biking collision can take a significant physical, financial, and psychological toll. Pursuing compensation through a private settlement or lawsuit in civil court may be your only way to get the resources you need to move forward with your life. However, without guidance from a seasoned legal professional, you may have trouble obtaining fair compensation for your losses.
Help from a Macon bicycle accident lawyer could make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Call the Gunn Law Group today to schedule a meeting and get the guidance you need.