Bicycle accidents can leave victims with extremely serious injuries that result in astronomical medical bills and keep them out of work for weeks or months. In addition, victims often experience tremendous physical and emotional pain and suffering as a result of their accident, often long after their initial injuries have healed.
If you have recently been involved in a bicycle accident, you may be wondering how much compensation you will be able to recover. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question, and every case is completely different. That said, there are some factors that will determine how much your case is worth. For more information, call us today to connect with an Atlanta bicycle accident lawyer.
Your Injuries
Medical expenses often make up a significant portion of bicycle accident settlements. As a result, the extent and severity of your injuries will have an impact on how much you are able to recover. In addition, the more severe your injuries, the higher your damages for pain and suffering will be. In cases where your injuries are likely to result in permanent disability, your settlement or award will reflect your estimated future losses as well as the losses you have already incurred. Cases involving permanent disabilities often involve settlements or judgments well into the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
Your Occupation
In many instances, bicycle accident victims miss work as a result of their injuries. Georgia law allows accident victims to recover compensation for their lost income, so what you do for a living could have a significant impact on how much you are able to recover.
Whether you Were Partially at Fault for Your Accident
Under Georgia’s comparative negligence laws, your recovery can be reduced by your own percentage of fault. For example, if you are deemed to be 30 percent at fault for your accident and your total damages are $100,000, you would only receive $70,000. In addition, if you are more than 49 percent at fault for your accident, you cannot recover compensation at all.
The Best Way to Obtain the Compensation You Deserve is to Retain an Attorney
As a bicycle accident victim, it’s vital to understand that the at-fault driver’s insurance company is not on your side. In fact, the insurance company will do everything it can to settle your case for as little as possible or even deny your claim completely. As a result, it is highly advisable for any accident victim to retain an experienced lawyer immediately after an accident. Doing so will prevent you from accepting a low settlement or saying or doing something that could hurt your case.
Call Us Today to Schedule a Consultation with a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Atlanta
If you have been hurt in a bicycle accident in the Atlanta area, you should call Slappey & Sadd today. Our experienced bicycle accident lawyers in Atlanta know how to get victims the compensation they deserve, and we’ll never collect legal fees unless we win your case. To schedule your free case evaluation, call our office today at 888.474.9616 or contact us online.