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Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Experienced motorcycle riders know that safety matters. But even a careful rider who is following Georgia motorcycle laws could be seriously injured in an accident when other drivers do not exercise adequate caution. The result can be severe or even life-threatening injuries that leave a rider in pain, unable to work, and with a mounting pile of bills. If you have been injured by a careless driver, talk to an experienced Georgia motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.
As a matter of face, Georgia, motorcyclist fatalities have steadily increased in recent years. In 2017 there were 139 fatalities, 154 in 2018, 170 in 2019, and 179 in 2020. From 2017 to 2019, motorcyclist fatalities increased by 22%.
If you or a loved has been involved in a motorcycle accident, our experienced motorcycle accident trial attorneys can help!
5
steps to take after
a motorcycle accident
Our personal injury trial attorneys have decades of experience helping injured Georgians and strongly encourage you to take the following steps after a motorcycle accident, crash or collision:
Even if you are able to walk away from the crash, be certain that you meet with your doctor. Obviously, if your injuries are more serious, then you should request an ambulance to the hospital where you will receive emergency treatment. Whatever the case, make sure that you have your injuries looked at by a doctor. This is important for your recovery, and equally important to establish an awareness of the injury as soon as possible.
Documentation is key for a personal injury lawsuit, and therefore your accident report will be an important piece of reference documentation while you are seeking compensation for your injuries.
While you’re treating your injury, keep a copy of every record and piece of documentation you receive. Medical evidence is vital in motorcycle accident cases. You’ll need proof of your injury to show you’re entitled to financial compensation. You should maintain all documentation associated with your claim, such as:
- Physician’s notes, occupational therapy records, surgical reports, imaging test results, and other medical records indicating the type of treatment you need
- Written statements from your healthcare professionals
- Medical bills, invoices, receipts, and other documents showing the expenses you incurred from the crash
- Repair estimates for the damage to your motorcycle
- Out of pocket expenses you were forced to pay due to the injury, such as the cost to make your home wheelchair accessible
- Letters from the insurance company
It is important that you speak with your insurance representative as soon as possible so that they can explain their process of dealing with your injuries and medical bills. Every insurance policy is different, so it is essential that you understand what is, and is not, covered by your policy.
As soon as you are able, get in contact with a personal injury lawyer. The sooner you begin this process, the better – not only because of the statute of limitations (2 years from the accident), but to be sure you have legal support while dealing with the other driver’s insurance company.
Often, people think that they are unable to begin the process while they are still dealing with their injuries, but this is not the case. First, your attorney will be able to handle negotiations with the insurance company’s lawyers and attempt to reach a settlement agreement without requiring a lawsuit. Additionally, they will be able to project any future financial consequences to your injuries, and include them in the final lawsuit amount you are seeking.
Contact McDonald & Cody for a FREE case evaluation today. Let us fight for you while you focus on recovering from your accident.
FREE CASE EVALUATION
If you are suffering because of a motorcycle accident injury, contact McDonald & Cody to arrange a free consultation with one of our accident attorneys.
Why McDonald & Cody?
The philosophy at McDonald & Cody, LLC is to provide maximum results, one client at a time. We are dedicated to our cases and strive for quick, full and maximum compensation.
NO COST UNLESS WE WIN!
We Spare No Expense!
We Keep Small Caseloads!
Motorcycle Accident FAQ's
These are the most frequently asked questions we are asked by our motorcycle accident clients:
What Damages Can I Get in a Motorcycle Accident Case?
When making a claim for a motorcycle accident, you need to show how much you are owed by proving what damages you suffered because of the other party’s negligence. To do that, your auto accident lawyer will calculate the economic damages (financial expenses) and non-economic damages (losses to quality of life or well being) that occurred after your crash.
Possible damages to collect after your motorcycle accident include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Wrongful death
- Punitive damages
What if Both Drivers Are to Blame in a Motorcycle Crash?
The negligent party is responsible for an accident. Negligence means that a party knew, or should have known, that something they did could cause an accident and injuries. A driver doesn’t need to be issued a traffic ticket to be considered negligent. In most cases, the police won’t issue a ticket if they did not witness the accident themselves.
One of the most common negligent actions is speeding. When a driver travels over the posted speed limit he knows that an accident with serious injuries could occur. There are other actions that are also considered negligent. Whenever a driver disobeys the law or drives irresponsibly he is likely negligent.
In addition to proving negligence in a case, you must also be able to show that you suffered damages as a result. Damages include medical bills for your injuries as well as other things such as lost wages and money for pain and suffering. A personal injury lawyer can help with the pain and suffering calculation, as the award can fluctuate a lot based on the specifics of each case.
Can I Get Compensation for a Single-Vehicle Motorcycle Accident?
If you were the only person involved in your motorcycle accident, that doesn’t mean it was totally your fault. Unsafe roads, missing signs, or any other factor may have played a role in your crash.
A motorcycle accident lawyer in Atlanta can help you with your personal injury claim, even if the person responsible wasn’t another motorist. A trial attorney from our firm can tell you more about your options during your initial compensation.
Is There a Statute of Limitations for Georgia Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits?
Yes; according to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 9-3-33, you can file an accident lawsuit up to two years after your accident. However, if you’ve been in an accident, you should consider filing as soon as possible so that your attorney can more easily contact any witnesses as well as the other individuals involved. Plus, the sooner you get compensation for your injuries, the better.
Leading Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
While many assume that motorcycle accidents are most often the fault of the motorcyclist, the majority of serious motorcycle crashes actually happen due to the negligent and careless actions of others. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents are:
- Texting and driving
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Unsafe lane changes, which may force the motorcycle into a slide
- Tailgating
- Illegal passing
- Failure to yield (especially when making a left turn)
- Drunk driving
- Impaired driving
- Dooring (opening a car door into the path of an unsuspecting motorcyclist)
- Hazardous road conditions
- Inexperienced drivers
- Motorcycle defects
Maybe you suffered a concussion in a motorcycle wreck caused by a driver who failed to yield while making a left turn. It could be that you were rear-ended and ejected from your motorcycle by someone who was texting and driving. Or someone you love may have tragically died in a motorcycle crash caused by a drunk driver.
No matter what circumstances you’re dealing with, it’s critical that you understand your rights and know your legal options.
Contact McDonald & Cody today for a free and confidential case evaluation. Our experienced motorcycle accident trial attorneys have the knowledge and experience to handle every aspect of your claim and get you positive results.
How Do I Get Started?
CALL US or SUBMIT ONLINE
Statute of limitations may apply so don't delay having your accident or injury claim evaluated by our team.
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