Bicycle Accident Lawyers Chattanooga

Bicycle Accidents Overview

The most tragic type of a bicycle crash is a bike-car collision. Cyclists are completely defenseless traveling on 30-pound bikes when they’re surrounded by 3,000-pound cars and trucks racing by them. Common types of bike-car collisions that often end in tragedy include:

• Motorist entering roadway – The motorist enters the roadway from a driveway or parking spot and fails to see the cyclist until it’s too late
• Motorist failure to yield – The motorist fails to yield to a cyclist by either running a stop light/sign, or by failing to look both ways before continuing.
• Motorist turning – Motorist turns left or right directly in front of the cyclist cutting them off.
• Motorist passing cyclist – Motorist often don’t see a cyclist when passing and strikes the cyclist. The cyclist may see this before it happens, and hit something else when swerving to avoid the motorist.

Pedestrians, defective bike parts, recalled bike helmets, and other ineffective bicycle safety equipment can also cause bicycle accidents. Bike accidents can result in wrongful death or serious injuries such as broken bones, amputation, traumatic brain injury, neck, back, and spinal cord injuries.

Do Not Rely On Insurance Companies

Do not accept any claim before you speak with a Chattanooga bicycle attorney. Many large insurance companies have adopted settlement policies that encourage their adjusters to offer quick payments to persons involved in an accident. Insurance adjusters will contact you or your family shortly after an accident to try to gain your confidence. In doing so, insurance adjusters often try to present themselves as the friend of the injured person or the family of the person who was killed in an accident. The goal of such contact is to settle the case on terms as favorable as possible for the insurance company.

You Are Our Top Priority

Dennis & Winningham Law are old fashion Chattanooga bicycle lawyers who limit the number of cases we take so we can give top-flight personal service. We are not a big “settlement mill” that will merely process your case. We maintain a state-wide reputation for the care we take with each of our clients. Experience the Dennis & Winningham Law difference. Give us a call today at (423) 892-5533 or fill out our contact form.

Experience, expertise, and exceptional dedication to the needs of every client are the cornerstone of our success. Negligence causes many accidents, so it is imperative that anyone involved in an accident contact an experienced Chattanooga bicycle injury attorney. Please remember that it is vital to act swiftly after you’ve been injured. The sooner you involve a Chattanooga personal injury attorney, the better we will be able to preserve evidence, gather essential witnesses and address any other important factors.

You Deserve

• Medical reimbursement
• Payment for past and future income loss
• Full compensation for pain and suffering
• Peace of mind in knowing your financial interests are being protected

We Are There For You

• Same day, evening and weekend appointments
• Home and hospital visits for the severely injured
• Never a fee until we receive a settlement for you
• We will go to trial if a fair settlement is not obtained
• Serving Georgia and Tennessee

Typical Bicycle Accident Case Settlements

Bicycle accidents can lead to severe injuries, high medical bills, and lasting impacts on quality of life. For victims of these accidents, pursuing compensation through a settlement can help cover the financial burden and provide support during recovery. Bicycle accident settlements vary widely depending on factors like the severity of the injury, the extent of medical treatment required, and the circumstances of the accident. At Dennis & Winningham Law, we work with Chattanooga residents who have been injured in bicycle accidents, helping them understand what they may be entitled to and assisting them in seeking fair compensation.

Factors That Influence Bicycle Accident Settlements

Several key factors affect the potential settlement amount in a bicycle accident case. One of the most important is the severity of the injuries. Bicyclists are vulnerable on the road, often resulting in significant injuries such as fractures, head trauma, or spinal injuries, especially when struck by a vehicle. The more severe the injury, the higher the potential settlement, as it accounts for immediate medical bills, long-term care, and rehabilitation costs.

Another key factor is the medical expenses incurred due to the accident. This includes emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment. The total cost of medical care directly influences settlement amounts, as victims need financial support to cover both past and future expenses.

Lost wages also play a role in determining settlement values. If the injuries prevent the victim from working, either temporarily or permanently, settlements often account for lost income and diminished future earning potential. For example, a victim with a physically demanding job who suffers a debilitating injury may have grounds for a higher settlement due to the impact on their ability to return to work. A Chattanooga bicycle accident lawyer can help calculate these losses and include them in the claim.

Pain And Suffering

Beyond financial losses, bicycle accident settlements often include compensation for pain and suffering. This refers to the physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the injury and can vary greatly depending on the impact of the injury on the individual’s daily life. For severe injuries that lead to lasting pain, disability, or reduced quality of life, the amount awarded for pain and suffering may be significant. This aspect of a settlement considers the overall impact on the victim’s mental health and well-being.

Average Settlement Ranges

While it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact figure for a “typical” bicycle accident settlement, cases with minor injuries might settle for a few thousand dollars to cover medical costs and minor inconveniences. In contrast, severe injury cases can lead to settlements in the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, especially if there is permanent damage or a long recovery period. Each case is unique, and settlement amounts reflect the specific details of the accident and the losses incurred.

For Chattanooga residents, consulting with a bicycle accident lawyer can be beneficial when determining potential settlement amounts. A knowledgeable attorney can assess the details of the accident, work with medical experts, and help calculate the appropriate compensation based on all relevant factors. This process can involve negotiations with insurance companies, which typically seek to minimize payouts. Having a Chattanooga bicycle accident lawyer on your side can help ensure you’re not left with inadequate compensation.

The Importance Of Legal Support

Insurance companies often play a significant role in bicycle accident settlements, as they typically cover the costs associated with the accident. However, adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and may offer settlements that don’t fully address the victim’s needs. Having a Chattanooga bicycle accident lawyer helps level the playing field by presenting a clear and well-documented case to support fair compensation.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, seeking legal advice can make a difference in your recovery. At Dennis & Winningham Law, we are dedicated to supporting our Chattanooga community and helping victims secure the compensation they deserve. Contact us today to speak with a Chattanooga bicycle accident lawyer and discuss your options for pursuing a fair settlement.