If you are suffering from an injury sustained in a bicycle accident or you are a pedestrian who has been injured in accident contact us today. At The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch we cannot promise you an outcome or predict the future, but if an outcome is possible we will work with you to make it a reality.
You need an attorney who will focus on protecting your rights and maximizing the value of your case while you focus on healing. At The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch our job is to look out for your interests and fight to get you full monetary compensation for your injuries.
Particularly when they involve an automobile, bicycle accidents can result in serious and sometimes fatal injuries. Lawsuits for injuries sustained in bicycle/automobile collisions involve many of the same issues as any auto accident lawsuit. Liability often comes down to whether the automobile driver’s negligence caused the cyclist’s injuries, or whether any negligence by the cyclist caused or contributed to the accident.
Bicycle Accident Liability Basics
Bicyclists and drivers are obligated to obey the rules of the road. These rules include traffic laws, as well as the duty to exercise ordinary care in regards to one’s own safety and that of others on the roadways. Like other vehicle accident lawsuits, bicycle accident lawsuits are governed by state law, and often informed by state and local traffic laws.
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Negligence and Bicycle Accidents
When a cyclist sues to recover damages for injuries suffered in an accident with an automobile, the outcome often depends on two questions:
- Did negligence (or recklessness) on the part of the driver cause the accident and resulting injuries to the bicyclist?
- Did any negligence of the bicyclist cause or contribute to the accident?
Driver Negligence or Recklessness
Negligence by a driver can take many forms. For example; speeding, inattention to the road, running a stop sign, and drifting into a bike lane can all constitute driver negligence. Such actions can even be considered reckless if done with knowing disregard for the safety of others.
In a lawsuit alleging negligence by another person, plaintiffs must typically prove that the defendant acted in a way that violated a duty owed to the plaintiff. In auto accident cases, this means violating the basic duty of care owed to everyone else on or near the roadways.
Cyclist Negligence
Whether a cyclist sues a driver, or a cyclist is sued for causing someone else injury, cyclist negligence can determine the outcome of the lawsuit. Examples of cyclist negligence include riding the wrong way on a one-way street, running a stop sign, and turning abruptly into traffic.
Negligent cyclists may be unable to recover damages for injures they suffer in accidents involving cars. Such negligence is called contributory or comparative negligence – meaning that the cyclist’s negligence, at least in part, caused the accident to happen, and caused some of the cyclist’s injuries. If a cyclist rode negligently, and that negligence caused injury to someone else, the cyclist may be held liable for that person’s injuries.
In accident cases involving children on bicycles, courts hold drivers to a higher standard.
At The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch, we believe your case should be prepared to for trial. We have found that putting this hard work into your case puts us in position to get you the best outcome possible.
We cannot promise you an outcome or predict the future, but if an outcome is possible we will work with you to make it a reality.
Please contact The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch, located in downtown Decatur, inside the greater Atlanta Metropolitan area, today for a free consultation.
Compensation For Victims of Drunk Driving
A trusted Decatur, GA drunk driving injury attorney from The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch knows that victims of drunk driving accidents often experience physical, emotional, and financial hardships as a result of the irresponsible actions of intoxicated drivers. To help them recover and rebuild their lives, various types of compensation are available to address the damages incurred. These compensatory measures aim to provide a sense of justice and support for victims as they navigate the aftermath of such traumatic events.
- Medical Expenses: Victims of drunk driving accidents frequently face significant medical bills due to the injuries sustained. Compensation can cover hospitalization costs, surgeries, medications, doctor visits, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and any ongoing medical care required for a full recovery.
- Property Damage: If the victim’s vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident, compensation can cover repair or replacement costs. This also extends to personal belongings that were damaged during the collision.
- Lost Wages and Income: Injuries from a drunk driving accident can lead to missed work and a loss of income. Compensation can include reimbursement for the wages lost during recovery as well as any diminished future earning capacity if the injuries result in long-term or permanent disability.
- Pain and Suffering: Victims often endure physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma in the wake of a drunk driving accident. Compensation for pain and suffering aims to address the intangible and often long-lasting effects of the accident on the victim’s quality of life.
- Emotional Distress and Mental Health Treatment: The emotional impact of a drunk driving accident can lead to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues, as your Decatur drunk driving injury attorney knows. Compensation can cover the costs of therapy, counseling, and other necessary mental health treatments.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the accident results in a reduced ability to enjoy life’s activities and experiences due to injuries, victims may be eligible for compensation to account for this diminished quality of life.
- Loss of Consortium: This type of compensation is awarded to a victim’s family members who have suffered the loss of companionship, affection, and emotional support as a result of the victim’s injuries or death.
- Wrongful Death Damages: In cases where the drunk driving accident leads to a victim’s death, surviving family members may be eligible for compensation to cover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, courts may award punitive damages to victims of drunk driving accidents. These damages are intended to punish the intoxicated driver for their reckless behavior and serve as a deterrent to others. They go beyond compensating for the victim’s losses and aim to prevent similar actions in the future.
Navigating the legal process to obtain compensation for drunk driving victims can be complex, requiring expertise in personal injury law. Ultimately, compensation can play a crucial role in providing victims with the necessary resources to heal, rebuild their lives, and move forward after the devastating effects of a drunk driving accident. Contact your trusted Decatur drunk driving injury attorney from The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch to see what can be done for your case today.
