TESTIMONIALS
I called Matt after several people recommended him. He was very kind and did a very good job on my son’s case. We are very thankful for the work he did. Most importantly, he was never hard to reach and answered every question we had while going through the process. Matt is the only attorney I will ever call in the future.
- Emily
My husband is a cyclist that did not fair well against an SUV recently. Matt and his team took phenomenal care of us, allowing us not to stress out (too much) about the little things. Matt and his team handled everything with professionalism. We know we made the right call.
- Jane
So glad I hired this firm after my rearend car accident. Matt embodies the skill set and values I was looking for. He treats every case like a mini war, and was a zealous advocate on my behalf. And he did so in the most competent and skillful manner. He listened, was empathetic and understood my legal and nonlegal problems.
- Jared
It was important to me to get the maximum money I could for my broken neck and arm. After getting jerked around for months by State Farm, I interviewed several firms and chose Mr. Wetherington. I’m glad I did. He forced the insurance company to pay twenty times their last offer to me.
- Veronica
It is an honor to share my experience with Mr. Wetherington. He was able to get answers about what happened in my son’s wreck that other attorney’s were not able to do. I am so thankful for the work that he did and he was very thorough in his explanation of why the vehicle had a “defect.”
- Anonymous
My case did not settle. The person that hit me only had minimal policy limits. Fortunately, I had my own insurance, which should have provided more money. My insurance company, Allstate, treated me like garbage. We had to sue them and go all the way to trial, which we won.
- Jane Doe
Matt Wetherington is the attorney who is suing the booting companies. We need to do everything we can as a community to help him succeed. God bless you, Mr. Wetherington!
- Michael
At Wetherington Law Firm, P.C., our Macon bicycle accident attorneys are skilled, tireless advocates for victims and families. We know what to do to hold careless drivers and big insurance carriers accountable. If you or your loved one was hurt in a bicycle accident, we are here to protect your rights and interests. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a top Georgia bicycle accident lawyer, please do not hesitate to contact our Macon law office today.
How Often Do Bike Accidents Occur?
Bike safety remains a serious problem both in Georgia and nationwide. According to data cited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1,000 cyclists are killed and 130,000 are injured in motor vehicle collisions each year. Unfortunately, Macon, Bibb County, and other communities in the region fail to make bicycle safety a priority.
An Overview of the Rights and Responsibilities of Cyclists in Georgia
If you ride a bicycle on public roads in Georgia, it is imperative that you have an understanding of how state law does (and does not) protect you. Here are some of the key things that cyclists should know about their rights and responsibilities in Georgia:
- Young Riders Must Wear a Helmet, All Riders Should Wear a Helmet: In Georgia, bicyclists who are 16 years of age and younger are legally required to wear a safety helmet. While bike helmets are not required for adults, everyone should wear one. Bike helmets prevent traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and even save lives.
- Bicyclists Have a Right to the Road, But Should Generally Stay to the Right Side: Motorists in Georgia must respect the rights of cyclists to use the roads. Except when otherwise restricted—such as on interstate highways—cyclists can ride in the road. When doing so, they should stay on the right side of the right-most lane except when turning left or avoiding a safety hazard.
- Cyclists Should Obey Traffic Safety Regulations: Cyclists in Macon should obey traffic safety regulations. For example, a bicyclist in Macon should stop at red lights and stop signs. A cyclist that fails to comply with traffic signals could potentially bear liability for their own accident.
Understanding Liability for Bike Accidents
Georgia is a fault-based bike accident injury state. The party (or parties) deemed responsible for causing a bike accident can be held legally liable for an injured victim’s damages. Many serious bicycle accidents in Macon are caused by negligent motorists, including because of:
- Speeding;
- Running red lights;
- Running stop signs;
- Unsafe lane changes;
- Tailgating or “buzzing” a cyclist;
- Distracted driving; and
- Impaired driving.
Georgia uses a comparative negligence fault for bike accidents. Under (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33), each party to a bicycle accident will be held liable for their “share” of the blame. Every bike accident in Bibb County should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced Macon personal injury lawyer.
The Statute of Limitations for a Bike Accident Injury Claim
A bike accident in Georgia must be initiated before the statute of limitations expires. Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A § 9-3-33), bike accident injury cases are subject to a two-year statute of limitations. Do not wait to get started with the claims process. Consult with a Macon, GA bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after a collision.
Recovering Compensation for a Bicycle Accident in Georgia
Were you hurt in a bike accident? You need compensation to pay bills and support yourself and your family. In Georgia, injured victims have a right to seek financial relief for economic and non-economic losses. Unfortunately, the big insurance companies that handle most personal injury claims are focused on paying out less. Our Macon, GA bike accident lawyers help clients maximize their settlement or verdict. You may be entitled to recover compensation for the following damages:
- Property damage (bike repairs/replacement);
- Hospital bills, including emergency room care;
- Physical therapy and other rehabilitative support;
- Lost wages and loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering & mental anguish;
- Permanent disability or disfigurement; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Contact Our Macon Bicycle Accident Attorneys Today
At Wetherington Law Firm, P.C., our Macon bicycle accident lawyers have the professional skills and legal experience that you can rely on. If you or someone close to you was hurt in a bike accident, our legal team is here to help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review. We represent injured victims in Macon, Bibb County, and throughout the entire surrounding region.