A bicycle accident can be a traumatic experience. Cyclists know that because the bikes they ride offer little to no protection in the event of a crash, even a minor collision can result in a severe injury. If you were injured in a bicycle accident due to another party’s negligent or intentional actions, you could be entitled to pursue compensation.
At McCoy & Hiestand, our team of bicycle accident attorneys serving Georgetown is well aware of the challenges that victims often face after a wreck. We are dedicated to providing our clients with the legal assistance they need to recover fair compensation after an accident. Contact us today by phone or by completing our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.
Determining Liability After a Bicycle Accident
Establishing liability for your injuries is an essential first step when attempting to recover compensation after a bicycle accident. Even in cases where fault seems clear-cut, there is the potential for complications. Multiple parties may often hold a level of liability for your damages, and attempting to sort things out on your own can be incredibly difficult.
Fortunately, you can enlist the assistance of an experienced bicycle accident attorney to help you prove who is at fault after an accident. An experienced lawyer will know exactly where to look when attempting to establish liability.
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Recoverable Damages After a Bicycle Accident in Georgetown
Following a bicycle accident, you will likely be able to pursue several different kinds of damages. All compensatory damages are split between the categories of economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages encompass any losses you face that are financial in nature. The most often claimed economic damages after a bicycle accident include:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lessened earning power
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages include all other losses you experienced due to your accident. The most often claimed non-economic damages after a bicycle accident include:
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Scarring or other disfigurements
- Decreased quality of life
- Loss of consortium
In extreme cases involving an intentional act meant to cause harm or criminal negligence, a judge may also award punitive damages to punish the liable party for their actions.
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Don’t Trust the Insurance Company
Following a bicycle accident, it is essential to use caution when dealing with an insurance adjuster. Insurance companies will go to great lengths to protect their profit margins. Despite their attempts to portray themselves as helpful friends, insurers care far more about money than they do about the people they are supposed to protect.
Insurance adjusters will run through a long list of tricks as they attempt to deny or devalue your claim. You need to realize that your experience with these matters pales in comparison to theirs. Because of this, it is a good idea to remove yourself from the equation as much as possible. Refuse to speak with any insurers until you have spoken with an attorney.
By hiring an experienced Georgetown bicycle accident lawyer, you will be putting yourself in the best position to recover the compensation you deserve. Your attorney will take over all direct contact with the insurance provider, forcing them to face off against someone with the experience necessary to fight off any tricks the insurance adjuster may attempt to use.
Most Bicycle Accident Lawsuits End With Settlements
If you are attempting to recover compensation through a lawsuit, you need to understand that the majority of bicycle accident lawsuits never make it to trial. It is generally in the best interest of all parties involved to settle the case as quickly as possible.
Settling out of court enables a quicker resolution, allowing both plaintiff and defendant to move on with their lives. However, even though your case is likely to settle, it is critical that you are always prepared for the potential to go to trial. If the other side is unwilling to agree to a fair settlement deal, fighting for the money you need in court will be necessary.
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How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Kentucky has one of the country’s strictest personal injury statutes of limitations. In general personal injury victims are only permitted a single year to file a lawsuit against the liable party. Should you fail to submit the paperwork for your bicycle accident lawsuit within this period, you may find yourself out of options for recovering compensation from the liable party.
However, exceptions to the standard personal injury statute of limitations could allow you to file your lawsuit even if the one-year mark has already passed. On the other hand, some exceptions can further limit the amount of time you have to file.
The best way to find out the exact deadlines that apply to your case is by hiring an experienced bicycle accident attorney serving Georgetown. By hiring a lawyer, you can feel confident that you will meet all deadlines and protect your right to recover compensation.
Speak to an Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Georgetown Today
Hiring an experienced attorney will give you the best possible chances of recovering fair compensation after an accident. At McCoy & Hiestand, our team of Georgetown bicycle accident lawyers has a long track record of helping accident victims get the money they deserve.
Reach out to us by filling out the contact form on this website or giving us a call to schedule a free case evaluation today.
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