A bicycle is a reliable and eco-friendly way of getting around town. Plus, it’s a fun way to exercise. But with the joys of pedaling come the risks of sharing the road with cars and other vehicles. Unfortunately, all it takes is a split-second for the wrong driver to turn a beautiful day into one of tragedy.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a cycling accident, you may have the right to full and fair compensation. Our skilled attorneys are committed to getting your life back on track. We’ve been standing up for the injured for more than four decades, and we’d be proud to do the same for you!
Call 404-882-6810 today to discuss your case for free. No charge until you win!
What To Do After An Accident
A bike accident can be very traumatic. If you are the victim of a collision, you might be severely injured, unable to call 911, or even move. If you cannot make the call, you should ask somebody to do it for you.
Wait for the police to arrive and get the names of any witnesses who may have seen the accident. Take pictures of the accident scene if you can, or ask someone to take them for you. It is always important to collect evidence after an accident.
When an ambulance arrives, you should go to the hospital even if you feel fine as some serious injuries might not be immediately apparent. Afterward, save a copy of all your medical bills and the receipts from any medications that you took, regardless of if they are prescription or non-prescription.
Lastly, always contact a personal injury attorney, even if you don’t initially believe that your injuries are severe. At Henningsen Injury Attorneys P.C., we can advise you of your rights and negotiate with the other party’s insurance company.
What Insurance Covers
When a negligent driver hits you, their insurance policy should cover your medical treatment, lost wages, and damage to your bicycle. You may also be able to receive compensation for pain and suffering.
If a driver’s actions were especially careless and resulted in serious injuries, or a crime was committed by the driver during the incident, you may be entitled to compensation for punitive damages.
Calling Your Insurance Company
When you call your insurance company, they will ask you a series of initial questions about your accident. They will also ask you to send them any documentation you have of the collision and the medical issues you have suffered because of it.
Shortly after the accident, an insurance adjuster from the at-fault driver’s insurance company will contact you about your case. They may ask you for a recorded statement and you are under no obligation to provide one. Please note, all phone calls with insurance adjusters are likely recorded.
Do not let them pressure you into saying anything self-incriminating about the accident. Insurance companies will often try to get you to state that you were responsible for the accident in one way or another. For this reason, it is advisable to get legal representation before speaking to any insurance company, if possible.
Once you have sent in the requested documentation, insurance adjusters will begin investigating your case. They will get back to you and either accept or deny your claim. If they accept your claim, they will make you a settlement offer. Talk to an attorney before accepting any offer to ensure that you understand what your case is worth and what you are entitled to.
An insurance company might try to lowball you on a settlement even if you suffered a serious injury. Our attorneys are well-versed in Georgia law and have many years of experience dealing with insurance adjusters. We know all the arguments to use in settlement negotiations to get you a fair offer.
Common Causes of Bike Accidents
Some of the most common causes of accidents involving a bike include:
Distracted Driving
Cell phones have created a tempting distraction for drivers. If someone is looking at their phone or texting when they are supposed to be keeping their eyes on the road, they may not notice a small vehicle like a bicycle when it crosses their path.
That is why bike accidents have been on the rise since the invention of the Smartphone. In recent years, lawmakers have taken note of the problems that cell phones can cause and have imposed new laws and penalties on people who use them while driving.
Failure to Yield
In some cases, a driver may simply not see a bicycle coming and proceed into an intersection. A bicycle does not make any noise, and a driver might not hear it coming if they are at an intersection that lacks a red light, yield sign, or stop sign.
Hazardous Road Conditions
If it is foggy or rainy, a driver’s visibility will be significantly reduced and accidents can happen. Fewer bicycles will be out on such a day, but for some people, this is their only mode of transportation. Drivers are still responsible for watching bicycle lanes and for looking out for vehicles and pedestrians in such weather.
Typical Injuries from Bicycle Accidents
Severe injuries can result from bicycle accidents, sometimes resulting in permanent disability or death. These are the most common;
Damage to the Teeth and Mouth
If a cyclist falls forward, it is not uncommon for them to suffer injuries to their mouth. They might damage their teeth or even permanently damage their jaw structure.
Damage to the Eyes and Nose
Your nose is the first thing that will hit the ground if you fall on your face from a bicycle. Because of this, broken noses are typical after an accident. Additionally, if you are wearing glasses, they can break when you fall. This can result in glass getting into your eyes, sometimes causing permanent damage to your vision.
Road Rash
Road rash is not uncommon after an accident and can involve tearing off several layers of skin, leaving you permanently scarred. In serious cases, bones and organs may even be exposed.
Broken Bones
It is only natural to brace yourself for a fall, putting your hands out in front of you, which can result in a broken wrist, hand bones, elbows, arms, or even a fractured shoulder. Cracked ribs are also typical after a collision with a car.
Back Injuries
Landing on your back can cause a multitude of problems, such as spinal injuries and severe trauma to the neck. When a person’s spinal cord is damaged, they can suffer from full or partial paralysis or even nerve damage.
Head Injury
A bike accident can cause traumatic brain injuries resulting in death or permanent cognitive disability. As a result, a person may not be able to return to their normal life as they may be limited in their physical activity and no longer be able to work.
-
I was involved in an accident that wasn't my fault, I really didn't have a clue what to do next. The day after I was released from the hospital I... read more
Luis Vargas
March 27, 2016Todd and Carmen are absolute rockstars. Not only do they genuinely care about their clients, but are a pleasure to work with. They are incredibly easy to talk to and... read more
Amy Stearns
March 27, 2018I was fortunate to be able to find the Henningsen Injury Attorneys. He and his legal team, especially LaShanda were very professional, very responsive to my needs. Although... read more
Inez Floyd
August 29, 2016 -
I had such a good experience with Henningsen Injury Attorneys. They were very quick on everything I needed. They answered all of my questions in a timely manner and handled... read more
Dallas Snyder
March 27, 2018I was introduced to Henngsen Injury Attorneys in 2019 by a friend. I have been represented by this great firm twice in the past 3 years, each time I had... read more
Wanda Singleton
August 27, 2022An attorney’s office SET APART! We were so happy and confident having Tammy work for us and grateful Mr. Henningsen chose to represent us. A bad experience led... read more
Six S (SixS)
March 1, 2023 -
I am very happy to have worked with Rebecca and this law firm. She is extremely professional and was very helpful throughout the process of my case.
Steven Strotman
March 29, 2023TODD IS THE BEST HE IS HELPFUL AND UNDERSTANDING AND GETS TO THE POINT ANY CASE I EVER HAVE I WILL GO TO TODD HENNINGSENS LAW FIRM BUT THE ONLY... read more
regina dent
October 27, 2022I am very pleased and impressed with the quality of service that was rendered by this attorney firm. They were very helpful from beginning to the end of my... read more
Annette Johnson
March 27, 2022 -
I highly recommend Henningsen Injury Attorneys, P.C. for anyone seeking representation for an auto accident or personal injury case. Attorney Henningsen, Rebecca and the team provided phenomenal service from the... read more
mj
March 27, 2022My experience with the Henningsen Firm was amazing! I'd been injured in two other car accidents in my life and the paralegals who worked the cases were hard to reach... read more
Nicole Golson
March 27, 2017I am so thankful for Tammy. She kept me in the know for everything that was happening with my case. I was always greeted with enthusiasm when I called and... read more
Needa Toyou
March 27, 2020 -
Kudos for your excellent works! I am more than satisfied for all the attention and impeccable services I received from Henningsen Injury Attorneys , P.C. Keep up the work!
Louis Chery
May 27, 2022I really appreciated and enjoyed the hassle-free experience of working with Henningsen Injury Attorneys. My consultation with Mr. Henningsen was seamless. He answered all my questions thoroughly and... read more
Ammee Smith
March 27, 2019I had my first car accident Aug 2017 and did not really know what to do or who to call. I had the BEST experience with Henningsen Injury Attorneys. They... read more
Chic Charie (Brittany's Beauty Box)
March 27, 2019 -
I retained their services and I am happy with my results. Rebecca my case manager was very helpful and informative she communicated with me every update on my case... read more
Quamie Walker
March 27, 2022An attorney’s office SET APART! We were so happy and confident having Tammy work for us and grateful Mr. Henningsen chose to represent us. A bad experience led... read more
A S
February 27, 2023Currently working with Todd, have been a client for the past 8 months. He and his firm are awesome about updating and keeping in contact. Very professional, great work and... read more
Faith Kohl
August 29, 2012 -
Henningsen Attorneys handled a auto accident on behalf of my husband. The accident resulted in a hospital stay and the total loss of his automobile. The firm handled everything for... read more
Virgil Lanice Sudduth
March 27, 2022Unfortunately, I have had to deal with PI cases on several occasions. Working with Henningsen Injury Attorneys was by far the best experience. I felt completely informed and advised... read more
Katalina Figueroa
March 27, 2018Mr. Henningsen has represented me in (3)three accidents. His staff is absolutely wonderful and attentive to their clients. From the time hired and through all of the medical treatments not... read more
Salema Dickerson
March 27, 2021 -
I would recommend to anyone! I’ve heard horror stories about various law firms and I was very skeptical in the beginning. However, I am so grateful for my experience with... read more
Queen Merlz
March 27, 2021I had nothing but an extremely positive experience with Henningsen Injury Attorneys. Todd and his entire staff are so caring and professional every step of the way. They really make... read more
Amanda Jordan
August 29, 2018I was in a car accident and originally had representation from another law firm ( one of those famous tv firms who shall not be named) I was sooo dissatisfied... read more
Abdul-Qayyum Muhammad
March 27, 2022 -
I was a wreck after my Car Accident. I called The Law Office of Todd Henningsen Injury Attorney. And the staff was very helpful and supportive with advice on how... read more
Gwendolyn Scretchen
March 27, 2020I had a car crash accident last September 2020! I called Henningsen law firm to take care of my case and their response was immediately the same day they emailed... read more
Delmy Padilla
March 27, 2022I was always informed of what was going on with my claim they worked well together as a team. Always keep my best regards as a priority especially at the... read more
Lisa Marie Williams
March 27, 2020
