The average bicycle accident lawsuit settlement amount in Georgia is between $10,000 and $1,000,000, but this number can vary greatly depending on the case’s specifics. Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes and bruises to severe traumatic brain injuries and even death.
These things affect a cyclist’s compensation, comparative negligence, the limits of their insurance policy, and medical bills.
What is the Average Payout When Hit by a Car on a Bike?
When a car hits a bike, the payout ranges from $50,000 to $300,000. It depends on how bad the injury is, who is at fault, and how much insurance coverage there is.
Suppose a bicycle accident in Georgia causes broken bones, head injuries, or damage to the spinal cord. In that case, the settlement amount will be higher than if the accident only caused minor injuries.
Common factors influencing the settlement amount include:
- Injury severity: Serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage lead to significantly higher payouts due to the long-term effects of these injuries.
- Liability: In Georgia, modified comparative negligence laws allow victims to recover compensation even if they are partially at fault, but their compensation will be reduced based on their level of fault.
- Insurance policy limits: The at-fault party’s insurance coverage may limit how much compensation you can recover, although additional insurance, such as underinsured motorist coverage, could help bridge the gap.
- Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages, such as the emotional and physical distress caused by the accident, can also increase the settlement offer.
Need Help with Your Bicycle Accident Claim Amount in Georgia?
Legal issues that come up after a bike accident can be very stressful. Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys focuses on personal injury law and has helped many cyclists in Georgia who careless drivers hit.
We will get you money for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and the pain and suffering you’ve been through.
Contact us immediately to set up a free meeting to discuss your case and how we can help you get the most money possible.
Secure the Settlement You Deserve
Injured in a bicycle accident? Don’t let insurers minimize your claim. Our experienced Savannah bicycle accident lawyers will fight for a fair settlement and ensure your compensation covers all your medical bills and lost wages.
Bicycle Accident Claim Payouts Vary
Settlements for bicycle accidents depend on the specifics of the case. In our experience, common injuries from bike accidents and how much settlements can be are:
- Head injury: $75,000 to $200,000. Head injuries often require long-term care, significantly increasing settlement amounts.
- Severe neck injury: $50,000 to $150,000. Neck injuries can result in chronic pain and the need for ongoing treatment.
- Traumatic brain injury: $100,000 to $500,000. Brain injuries frequently involve extensive rehabilitation and permanent cognitive impairments, which increase compensation.
- Broken wrist: $10,000 to $50,000. This injury might be considered minor, but the need for physical therapy and temporary loss of work can still lead to a decent payout.
- Fractured femur: $50,000 to $200,000. This injury typically requires surgery and long recovery times, adding to the overall settlement amount.
- Fractured pelvis: $75,000 to $250,000. Pelvic fractures often involve extensive medical treatments, contributing to higher compensation.
- Spinal cord damage: $250,000 to $1,000,000. Spinal injuries can lead to paralysis or other severe long-term conditions, resulting in some of the highest settlements in bicycle accident lawsuits.
The exact settlement amount will depend on many factors, including the skill of your attorney, the evidence you provide, and the strategies used to negotiate with the insurance companies.
A knowledgeable Georgia bicycle accident attorney can help ensure that all aspects of your case are thoroughly considered.
Maximizing Your Bicycle Accident Settlement in Georgia
If you want to maximize the settlement for your bicycle accident, take the right steps following the accident. Here’s what you need to do:
- Seek immediate medical attention: After any accident, seeking medical care is critical. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent but could worsen over time.
- Preserve evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, your bicycle, your injuries, and any other relevant details. This can help prove your case later.
- Get a police report: A police report is essential evidence supporting your case when negotiating with insurers or in court.
- Document everything: Keep records of all medical treatments, bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses. These records are vital for calculating the settlement amount.
- Consult an experienced attorney: Working with a bicycle accident lawyer from our firm in Georgia can make all the difference. Our skilled attorneys can guide you through the legal process, gather necessary evidence, and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Claim Your Bicycle Accident Compensation in Georgia
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to a personal injury settlement. Our Augusta bicycle accident law firm will help you understand your injury claim and get the settlement possible under Georgia law.
Factors That Affect Bike Accident Settlement Amounts in Georgia
Several factors can affect the settlement amount you can expect from a bicycle accident in Georgia:
1. Severity of Injuries
The more severe your injuries, the higher your settlement will likely be. Injuries that result in long-term disability, such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage, will often result in the highest payouts due to the extensive medical care and lifelong impact these injuries have.
2. Comparative Negligence
In Georgia, comparative negligence rules apply to personal injury cases, including bicycle accidents. This means that if you are found partially responsible for the accident, your settlement may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.
3. Insurance Policy Limits
Georgia mandates minimum auto insurance coverage, which affects any accident involving a bicycle:
- Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage Liability: $25,000 per accident
These limits reflect the maximum amount the at-fault driver’s insurance company is required to pay, but can influence a potential payout in the following ways:
- Max Payout Based on Policy Limit: If the at-fault driver only has the minimum required insurance, the injured cyclist may receive up to $25,000 for their injuries and $25,000 for property damage, regardless of the severity of the injuries or losses.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): If the cyclist has their own UM/UIM coverage, it can make up the difference between the at-fault driver’s policy limits and the actual damages.
- Suing the At-Fault Driver: The injured party may file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for the excess damages, but recovery depends on the driver’s personal assets.
- Impact of Higher Insurance Coverage: Drivers with higher insurance coverage provide a better chance of full compensation for the cyclist’s injuries and damages.
4. Medical Expenses
Medical bills play a large role in determining the settlement amount. The higher your medical expenses—whether for surgeries, hospital stays, or rehabilitation—the higher your settlement will likely be. Make sure you keep detailed records of all treatments.
Additional reading: negotiating medical bills after settlement
5. Lost Wages
If your injuries prevent you from working or result in a reduced earning capacity, you can claim compensation for your lost wages. The more significant your loss of income, the higher your settlement offer will be.
6. Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering are other factors that can significantly increase the settlement of your bicycle accident. These damages are meant to compensate you for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. Severe injuries that result in long-term discomfort or psychological trauma will often result in higher pain and suffering awards.
7. Long-Term Impact on Life
Injuries that result in permanent disability or require long-term care are likely to result in much higher settlements. This includes injuries that affect your ability to work, maintain your standard of living, or participate in activities you once enjoyed.
Fight for Full Bicycle Accident Compensation
As a bicyclist, you shouldn’t settle for less—let us handle your injury lawsuit and negotiate the potential settlement you deserve. We have the expertise to ensure future medical expenses and lost wages are fully covered.
Our Bicycle Accident Settlement Amounts
At Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys, we’ve helped numerous bicycle accident victims secure compensation that reflects the extent of their injuries.
In a particular case, a $2,400,000 settlement was secured for the family of a bicyclist who was tragically killed by a commercial vehicle, highlighting our dedication to obtaining justice in bicycle and car accident cases.
We’ll Get You the Maximum Cycle Accident Injury Compensation You Deserve
If you or someone you care about was hurt in a bicycle accident in Georgia, you should get paid. The lawyers at Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys know how hard it is to get the full settlement you deserve after an accident.
We fight for our client’s rights by negotiating with insurance companies and going to court. Get a free consultation right now to find out how we can help you get through the legal system and fight for the money you need to get better.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
Ready to file a personal injury lawsuit after your bicycle accident? Here’s how to connect with us:
- Call us at 912-214-3133 to speak with an attorney.
- Us online: Use our contact form to reach out.
Our team can help you negotiate for a fair settlement and handle your case from start to finish.
Key Takeaways on Compensation for a Cycling Accident
The average settlement for a bicycle accident case in Georgia can be anywhere from $10,000 to $1,000,000, or more. It depends on how bad the injuries were, how much the medical bills were, and how much one party was at fault.
People who have more serious injuries, like spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries, get more money in compensation. Those who have less serious injuries, like broken bones, get less money in compensation. Important steps include getting medical help, keeping track of costs, and talking to a lawyer.