Georgia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Avid motorcycle riders will tell you that the thrill of being on a bike is second to none. But, with that type of thrill also comes increased risks—often because of the carelessness of other motorists. Every biker in Georgia knows that motorcycles are “invisible” to too many drivers, and when a car or truck collides with a motorcycle, there is very little protecting the biker from the road or the other vehicle. These accidents can be severe and they may even affect you for the rest of your life. If you or your loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident, help is available. You need to talk to a Georgia motorcycle accident lawyer.
Our attorneys see motorcycle accidents on a regular basis, and most of those incidents are the fault of the other driver. For over 20 years, we have been representing injured bikers and their families—and getting results. Let us put our knowledge to work for you. Call us at 888-553-0419 or fill out the form to the right to get your free consultation today.
4 Things You Should Do After a Motorcycle Accident
If you were in a motorcycle accident, there is a very real chance that you were seriously injured. Even if you feel fine right away, the likelihood that you have an internal injury is high. And minor “sprains” can turn out to be much worse, especially if left untreated. Get medical attention immediately—call 911 if needed, or see a doctor for a thorough examination.
You can also take the following steps after your motorcycle accident to help with your potential legal claim.
1. Keep your gear stored safely.
In motorcycle accidents, your safety gear will often take a beating—it gets damaged, so you don’t! Scratched helmets, broken padding, and ripped jackets are very common after a motorcycle accident. While you likely would typically throw this damaged equipment away, keep it for your legal case. You can show the jury or judge your gear at trial. That will help them get a realistic idea of just how serious your accident really was.
2. Take photos/video of the damage and your injuries.
Pictures of your injuries or damage to the bike can also help tell the story of your accident. Take photos while your wounds heal. Taking several photos along the healing process can also help explain to a jury what you went through after the crash as you underwent medical treatment.
3. Get a copy of the police report.
In many situations, the police will include helpful diagrams and information about your accident. While your police report is beneficial to provide very basic information about the other driver, such as their name and insurance carrier, it is also helpful to show why the accident happened. The police see car accidents on nearly a daily basis, so they are very valuable in providing opinions as to what happened. Although their opinions may not always be right, if what they think happened is in line with what you remember, that can be extremely helpful for your case.
4. Call a Georgia car accident lawyer.
Having an attorney to help with your motorcycle accident can significantly increase your chances of getting a fair settlement that will adequately address your losses. Your lawyer can gather evidence, work with the insurance company on your behalf, and effectively present your case at trial.
Who is usually at fault in a motorcycle accident?
The number one reason that motorcycle accidents occur is because of driver fault. Sometimes that fault is the motorcyclist himself, but the other driver is far more often at fault. Drivers may be distracted, or they simply don’t see the smaller vehicle before the accident. But, other drivers have a responsibility to be on the lookout for motorcyclists. Not seeing a biker is no excuse to cause an accident.
Other common causes of motorcycle accidents occur in Georgia include:
- Speeding and unsafe lane changes
- Adverse weather conditions
- Poor road maintenance
- Motorcycle manufacturing or design defects
- Failure to maintain a proper distance
Even single-vehicle motorcycle accidents may still be the fault of another person. For example, if there is loose debris on the road because a nearby construction site has been poorly maintained, that can mean that the construction company is partially at fault if you lose control of your bike and skid out. It’s a good idea to talk to a motorcycle accident lawyer about your accident even if you think it was partially your fault.
What kind of damages are available in a motorcycle accident case?
Most of the same damages that would be involved in a car accident are also available after a motorcycle accident. The difference is that your personal injuries are often much more serious after a motorcycle crash.
Available damages often include:
- Medical expenses
- Damage to your bike and property
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Future lost wages or lost earning capacity
- Future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering that you will experience in the future
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If a loved one is killed after a motorcycle accident, you may also be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Damages in those types of cases include all of those listed above and the following:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of companionship as a parent, child, or spouse
- Loss of income for the family
- Loss of benefits (such as health insurance or retirement)
Every case is different. You should talk to a Georgia motorcycle lawyer to learn what types of damages might be available based on your situation.
Talk to a Georgia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Free
We know how serious motorcycle accidents can be because we have seen hundreds of them. Let our team help you and your family—and help you maximize the amount you recover. We offer a FREE consultation to get you started. Call us at 888-553-0419 or fill out the form to the right to get your free consultation today.
