You probably do not expect to get into an accident when you ride your bike in Covington, TN. Regardless, a negligent motorist can crash their vehicle into you, and you can suffer an injury. At this point, connect with a personal injury lawyer to explore your legal options.
If you recently got hurt in a bike crash in Covington, the team at Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi can help. Our Covington bicycle accident lawyer can review your case. Contact us today.
Why Bike Accidents Happen in Covington
The bicyclist fatality rate in Tennessee is worse than the national average, according to research. There are many reasons why drivers crash their vehicles into cyclists in Covington. These reasons include:
- Distracted driving
- Intoxicated driving
- Speeding
- Failing to provide bicyclists with enough space
- Failing to yield to cyclists at intersections
If you are involved in a cycling crash, call 911. This will bring medical professionals and police officers to the scene. Medical personnel can treat your injury, and officers will collect information that they can include in your crash report.
When a driver slams their car into you, they are responsible for your accident. As such, you should not take any responsibility for your collision, even if the motorist involved in it or their insurance company pressures you to do so. Instead, hire a Covington bicycle accident attorney to serve as your legal representative.
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Other Liable Parties in Bike Accident Lawsuits
A driver may cause a bike collision, but this individual may not be solely responsible for the crash. There can be times when multiple parties are responsible for a crash. Examples of defendants other than a motorist involved in bike crash cases include:
- Pedestrians
- Bike manufacturer
- Bike parts manufacturers
- Government entities
A bicycle accident attorney in Covington examines all of the facts of your case. They can help you determine who is responsible for your collision and what to ask for in compensation. Your attorney may also discuss damages you can secure in a wrongful death claim.
Following a fatal bike accident, certain members of the family of the deceased person (decedent) can sue for damages. These individuals include a decedent’s spouse, child, or parents. A personal representative of the decedent’s estate may also be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
When to File a Bicycle Accident Claim
After your bike crash, you can file a claim with the at-fault motorist’s insurance company. It is a requirement for all drivers in Tennessee to have auto insurance. If an at-fault driver does not have car insurance or their policy does not cover all of the costs of your collision, file a personal injury lawsuit.
Per Tennessee Code §28-3-104, there is a one-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. This means you have up to one year from the date of your bike crash to sue anyone responsible for it. If you wait more than a year, you lose the right to pursue compensation from any at-fault parties.
It is in your best interests to meet up with a bicycle accident lawyer in Covington as soon as you can following your collision. An attorney from Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi can evaluate your case free of charge. For more information, get in touch with us.
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How an Insurance Company Will Treat Your Bike Accident Claim
Do not expect an at-fault party’s insurance company to give you the full amount of your claim right away. The business is likely to focus on protecting its own bottom line above everything else. It may do whatever it can to avoid paying your claim.
An insurer may contact you in the days or weeks after your bike crash and offer a settlement that is well short of your losses. The company may also request a statement and get you to say that you are partly or fully responsible for your crash. In either of these scenarios, you risk making a mistake that could compromise your lawsuit.
Rather than let an insurer company try to push you around, let a lawyer communicate with the business on your behalf. Your attorney can answer frequently asked questions and many others about bike crash claims. They will make sure that your legal rights are protected and help you get a fair settlement.
Damages You Can Recover After a Bike Accident
Determining how much a personal injury case is worth depends on your damages, i.e., your losses. In a bike crash lawsuit, you may ask for economic and non-economic damages. A judge or jury may also award punitive compensation.
Economic damages relate to quantifiable losses, and non-economic compensation involves subjective ones. The losses you incur may be significant. They can include:
- Medical bills
- Damage to your bike
- Lost wages due to the fact that your injury prevents you from doing so
- Pain and suffering
Punitive damages are awarded if a court wants to deter an at-fault party from future acts of negligence. These damages are given out if a plaintiff offers evidence that clearly shows a defendant acted recklessly, intentionally, fraudulently, or maliciously toward them. If punitive compensation is awarded, it is provided in conjunction with economic or non-economic damages.
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How to Get the Maximum Amount of Compensation in a Bike Crash Lawsuit
Partner with a lawyer who has achieved outstanding bike accident case results. Your attorney can walk you through each stage of the legal process. They understand what you want to achieve and can develop a custom legal strategy for you.
Collect and evaluate evidence with your attorney. If possible, gather witness statements. By having a preponderance of evidence, you can compel a judge or jury to rule in your favor.
Do not accept any responsibility for your accident. If you do, you risk having the damages you are awarded reduced by your percentage of fault. Worst of all, a judge or jury may choose not to award you any compensation.
Hire a Covington Bike Accident Lawyer
Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi makes it easy to file a bike crash claim. Our Covington bicycle accident lawyer can take a look at your case right away. To schedule a complimentary consultation, contact us today.
(901) 526-2126
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