• 25
  • October
    2011

Over a year ago, Dr. Matthew Burke of Fort Gordon was riding among a group of 15 cyclists when he was struck from behind by the driver of a Durango, who said he either couldn't or didn't see the riders. Just this month, the driver of the Durango pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter.

After emotional statements by both the driver and the victim's family, the driver was given a five year sentence. The sentence was suspended to 90 days, to be served on weekends. That was the 'justice' received by the family of the fatal bicycle accident victim.

What Options Do Family Members Have After a Deadly Georgia Bike Crash?

The family of Matthew Burke had an opportunity to confront the driver who took his life in court, presenting a victim impact statement for the court's consideration in sentencing. The family said the opportunity brought them closure, but the impact of the bike crash will affect them for the rest of their lives.

Georgia bicycle accident attorneys offer a voice for those injured in cycling accidents or for the family that is left behind. Insurance companies may try to deny that their insured driver was at fault, or that the cyclist was otherwise in the wrong, but when driver inattentiveness, distraction or other negligent act causes injury or death, there are options for the victim and his or her family.

Scrapes, cuts, bruises, broken bones and head injuries are all common injuries that a cyclist may receive when involved in a bike-car crash. Or the cyclist may be killed on impact or by the injuries sustained in a bike accident. The minimal protection that a cyclist may wear - a helmet, gloves and any other protective clothing - is no match for a speeding SUV, as in Dr. Burke's bicycle collision, or any other type of vehicle.

Whether a cyclist is left with bills from emergency medical care, rehabilitation or damaged property, or if a family is left to put the pieces back together after losing a loved on to a cycling accident, a personal injury lawsuit may allow for the award of money damages to cover related expenses.

Source: Man who hit, killed bicyclist receives 90 days in jail