Known as the home of Athens State University and the county seat of Limestone County, Athens remains a relatively small town. With the student population and others who prefer riding a bike to driving a car, we have a lot of bicyclists sharing the streets with motor vehicles.
While most drivers are conscientious, there are those who pay little attention to bicyclists and pedestrians. The results can be dangerous and even deadly. If you or a loved one has been in a bicycle accident and suffered serious injuries, an Athens personal injury attorney with experience in bicycle accidents can help. Call Morris Bart.
Why You Would Need a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Athens
While you are nursing your injuries, you are likely worried about finances. You are, are at a minimum, temporarily out of work, you have medical bills, and your bike is ruined. A knowledgeable attorney can help you get compensation from those responsible.
For a free legal consultation with a Bicycle Accident lawyer serving Athens, call 800-537-8185
How Much Will an Athens Bicycle Accident Attorney Cost?
You feel pressure from being in a financial bind. With a Morris Bart bicycle accident lawyer, you will have no upfront cost. In fact, your initial consultation is entirely free.
At that time, you will need to share:
- The date, time, and location of your accident
- Your recollection of what happened
- The name and contact information of the driver who hit you
- Copy of a police report from the incident
- Witness information you were able to collect
- Your medical records pertaining to your injuries from the accident
- An estimate for damages, or proof your bicycle is a total loss, and a replacement evaluation
- Any other information you feel important to your case
With this, your attorney will be able to evaluate the accident and share whether they feel you have a legal case. If so, you can move forward.
How and When does Your Attorney Get Paid?
When you hire a Morris Bart personal injury lawyer, no fees will be charged until after we win your case. Your bicycle accident lawyer in Athens will collect your compensation upon settlement or a court-determined win and give you the funds less the pre-agreed upon legal fees to you.
What Your Athens Bicycle Accident Lawyer Will Do for You
Ultimately, to win your legal battle, your lawyer will need to:
- Prove negligence by the other party
- Prove that your injuries were directly caused by the accident
- Provide proof of those injuries
To accomplish this, your legal team will conduct its own investigation collecting evidence in addition to that which you provide and obtaining necessary information from medical experts, law enforcement personnel, and cycling professionals.
Click to contact our Athens Personal Injury Attorney today
What If an Insurance Company Makes a Settlement Offer?
Let your attorney deal with the insurance company. If the insurance company calls, they know their client is responsible for the accident. That is a good thing. It can help prove fault.
But the company is going to try to settle for as little as possible. They are in business to make money, not spend it. If someone contacts you, direct them to your lawyer.
If you receive an offer, share it with your attorney. Your Morris Bart legal team will work to get you the best compensation possible and will not settle for less.
Types of Compensation You Can Hope to Win in an Athens Bicycle Accident Case
Every legal case is different. The compensation you can seek is for the damages you have experienced. These can include:
- Emergency medical care, including x-rays and other tests
- Hospitalization and surgery
- Physical therapy and rehab
- Medical support devices such as walkers, wheelchairs, crutches, boots, and slings
- Follow-up doctor visits
- Lost earnings
- Future loss of income
- Future medical bills
- Repair or replacement of your bicycle
Additionally, considering you may be experiencing physical pain and suffering, emotional anguish, traumatic psychiatric issues, a loss of enjoyment of life, and possibly permanent scarring or disfigurement, we can look to seek a financial settlement for these issues as well.
The Statute of Limitations for an Alabama Bicycle Accident Lawsuit
Each state has its own laws regarding the filing of civil lawsuits. In Alabama, you have two years following an accident to file the paperwork. That means if you don’t file within two years to the day of your accident, you will likely forfeit any chance of receiving compensation.
Don’t wait. Contact the offices of Morris Bart as soon as possible.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim for the Loss of a Loved One after an Athens Bicycle Accident
Bicycle accidents can cause severe injuries and even death. If you have lost a loved one through a bicycle accident in Athens it may be grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit.
However, unlike some other states in which a surviving spouse, children, or parents can file such a lawsuit, in Alabama, only the executor of the decedent’s estate can file the claim. If there was no executor named in a will, then the state’s probate court will appoint one.
Alabama’s laws can be tricky. You need a local personal injury attorney who is familiar with the Alabama legislature and the court system to fight for your rights.
Does the Compensation Differ in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Yes. In Alabama, unlike most states, an executor can only recover punitive damages in a wrongful death suit. This means that the behavior that caused the accident must be intentional or particularly egregious. An attorney can help you navigate these complex laws.
Suffering a wrongful death can devastate a family, financially and emotionally. You deserve compensation for your loss.
How Morris Bart Can Help You with Your Athens Bicycle Accident Claim
While bicycle accidents are not the most common reason for personal injury lawsuits, they can cause significant injury and life-changing consequences. To handle a bicycle accident case, you need not only an experienced bicycle injury lawyer but one with a firm and legal team to aid with the case from beginning to end.
The firm of Morris Bart has attorneys experienced with bicycle accidents and the laws regarding cyclists and motorists sharing the road. We are ready to help you. Do not hesitate. Contact Morris Bart for your free consultation today!
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
