An experienced bike accident lawyer Atlanta GA bicyclists turn to for legal assistance can tell you that bicycle accidents occur every day. Unfortunately, this type of accident can result in very serious injuries. Because bicyclists don’t have vehicles to protect them, they are in danger of suffering life-threatening or fatal injuries in the event of a collision with a car or truck. When it’s not their fault, a bike accident lawyer in Atlanta GA may be able to get them compensation from the at-fault driver. At Butler Kahn, we can provide you with an Atlanta bike accident lawyer who can help you if you were injured in this way.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common bicycle accident injuries:
Fractured Collarbone
Bicyclists are in danger of fracturing their collarbone if they fall off their bicycles or slam into a vehicle’s door. Many cyclists put their hands out in front of them before they are about to fall, which can damage the collarbone. Collarbone injuries can cause a lot of pain, the inability to lift an arm as well as bruising and swelling in the collarbone area.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries are one of the most common bicycle accident injuries and can cause severe damage. Symptoms of these injuries include confusion, blurry vision, dizziness and vomiting. Those who suffer traumatic brain injuries often have to spend long periods of time in the hospital and require ongoing treatments. One of the best ways cyclists can reduce the severity of head injuries is to always wear helmets when riding. Treatment costs for this type of injury can be astronomical. Talk to a bike accident lawyer Atlanta GA victims trust from Butler Kahn to find out if you are eligible for compensation.
Fractured Hip
If an accident causes a bicyclist to fall to one side, it can lead to a fractured hip. This injury can result in pain in the hip area, bruising, the inability to put weight on the hip, and inflammation. Bicyclists who suffer this injury may have to undergo surgery and physical therapy to fully heal.
Spinal Cord Injuries
If bicyclists land on their backs or neck in full force during an accident, they can suffer spinal cord injuries. These injuries can result in pain and numbness, muscle spasms, difficulty breathing and inability to move. In severe cases, spinal cord injuries can lead to permanent paralysis.
Broken Legs
Bicyclists are also in danger of breaking their legs during accident. While this injury may not seem as severe as others, it can be extremely painful and cause nerve damage and infection. If a bone is broken in more than one place, surgery may be necessary. In some cases, a broken bone severs an artery and causes a fatal injury. Talk to a bike accident lawyer Atlanta GA community members recommend if you lost a family member in this way.
Dental Injuries
Bicyclists who are thrown forward during an accident and land on their face are in danger of fracturing or losing their teeth. Dental injuries don’t just affect a person’s self-esteem; they can also make it difficult to chew food and speak.
Bicyclists can minimize their chances of suffering these injuries by wearing helmets and other protective gear, always being aware of their surroundings and following all traffic laws.
Bike Accident Lawsuits
The majority of personal injury lawsuits, including those that involve a bike accident, never make it to trial. They usually are settled by negotiations between the victim’s bike accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA and the at-fault party’s insurance company. However, it is still critical to take the legal steps to initiate a lawsuit in the event that the parties cannot reach a fair and just settlement amount for the victim. This is because each state – including Georgia – has a statute of limitations for how long a victim has to pursue legal actions against the at-fault party. These time limits vary state to state. A bike accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA, such as one from Butler Kahn, can determine what the statute of limitations is for your case.
The majority of states have set personal injury lawsuit filing deadlines at two to three years from the date they were injured. There are some variables as to when the clock begins ticking that your attorney will be aware of. If the victim misses this deadline, then they miss their opportunity to sue.
Once your Atlanta, GA bike accident lawyer has determined that the statute of limitations has not expired, they will file a complaint and summons against the at-fault party in the appropriate jurisdiction. This is typically the jurisdiction where the victim was injured, however, there may be some exceptions depending on the circumstances of the case. Both the summons and complaint must be served on the at-fault party, notifying them that they must appear in court to respond to the lawsuit complaint.
At this point, it is likely that negotiations will begin to see if a settlement amount can be reached. Even though these talks may be taking place, your bike accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA will still be preparing and building a case in the event litigation is inevitable.
Preparing an injury lawsuit means that the attorney must show the four elements of negligence are present in order for the at-fault party to be held liable for the victim’s injuries and losses. These elements are:
- The at-fault party owed a duty of care to the victim
- The at-fault party breached that duty of care
- That breach caused an incident or accident
- The victim suffered injuries and losses as a result of the incident
If the case does go to trial, both sides will present their evidence to a jury, who will then decide if the alleged at-fault party was negligent, if that negligent caused the victim sustain injuries, and that those injuries cause the victim some kind of loss or losses.
Let an Atlanta Bike Accident Lawyer Help
If you were involved in a bicycle accident that was caused by a driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. This compensation may help cover your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering. and other damages you suffered. A skilled bike accident lawyer Atlanta GA residents rely on can help you pursue a claim against the driver who hit you and protect your legal rights.
Contact Butler Kahn to find out what legal recourse you may have. A personal injury lawyer in Atlanta, GA clients trust can help you obtain the financial compensation that you deserve for medical expenses, loss of wages, pain and suffering, and any other losses you have suffered.
You deserve justice for what you have been through. Call a trusted bike accident lawyer Atlanta GA offers today from Butler Kahn to discuss your case in further detail.
Our firm is a proud sponsor of the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition.
