Any Dunwoody resident who’s ever ridden a motorcycle knows the excitement that comes with cruising down the open road. As exhilarating as motorcycle riding can be, it also carries risks—often made worse by the negligence of other drivers. It seems every motorcyclist knows a friend or family member who has been severely injured or lost their life in a motorcycle accident. They also understand how difficult the path to emotional, physical and financial recovery can be. From trying to get medical treatment for injuries to dealing with the insurance company, there is a lot to handle in the aftermath of an accident. Don’t go through this alone. Our Dunwoody motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help.
Our attorneys have over twenty years of experience helping accident victims just like you—and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Whether it’s negotiating with insurers, building a case to prove fault, or suing for wrongful death, our lawyers know the ins and outs of the legal process and can help you get the financial compensation you deserve.
Let us give you a FREE consultation. Fill out the form to the right or call us at (404) 341-6555 to get your free consultation today.
Who is “at fault” in a motorcycle accident in Dunwoody?
Georgia is a fault state. This means that if a driver was driving negligently in some way, they most likely will be at fault for the accident and be responsible for any damages. With motorcycle accidents, many people tend to blame the motorcyclist. However, many motorcycle accidents are NOT the biker’s fault. Below are a few reasons why motorcycle accidents happen:
- A driver cuts a motorcycle off because they don’t see it
- A motorcycle is hit by a drive changing lanes
- A driver runs into a motorcycle that is driving between lanes
- Road hazards such as uneven pavement and potholes
- When a driver, making a left hand turn, hits a motorcyclist who is going straight or passing the car
Determining who is at fault in a motorcycle accident can be tricky. Motorcyclists have wrongfully gained a reputation of being dangerous, lawbreaking “rebels,” and insurers will use this stereotype as a reason for assigning fault where possible. But lawyers deal with objective facts, not subjective stereotypes. A good lawyer will go over all the details of the case and build an argument based on solid evidence, setting you up for the financial compensation you deserve.
Is it possible to develop PTSD after a motorcycle accident?
Being involved in a motorcycle accident be a life-altering experience. The injuries, medical bills, and struggles with the insurance company can seem too much to bear. But for many victims of motorcycle accidents, the hardship doesn’t stop once all the legal matters are settled. Many victims suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. You or a loved one may be suffering from PTSD if you experience any of the following:
- Recurring dreaming about the accident
- Persistent flashbacks or memories of the accident
- Experiences anxiety or stress when reminded of the accident
- Avoids the scene of the accident
- Lost of interest in the motorcycle or anything associated with motorcycling
- Appears withdrawn from family and friends
- Insomnia, emotional outbursts, irritability, difficulty concentrating
This is by no means a comprehensive list. If you suspect that you or a loved one may be experiencing PTSD, it is important to see a medical professional to get an official diagnosis. Another important point is that whoever is at fault for the accident could be help financially responsible for your PTSD. Consult with a good lawyer to learn what your legal options are.
How to Get Full Payment for Motorcycle Repairs After an Accident
A motorcycle is an expensive investment. For many motorcyclists, there is significant sentimental value as well. It is, therefore, easier to understand that victims of motorcycle accidents want to make sure their bike can get fixed. Going about getting your motorcycle fixed isn’t as straightforward as taking it to a shop and having insurance cover it. Below are some things to do when getting your bike fixed:
- File a police report: The first thing you should do is get a police report that explains all the facts of the accident. Police reports will typically be sent to you after an investigation has been completed. Having a police report can strengthen your case as you seek financial compensation. A police report will have details regarding when and where the accident happened, what exactly happened and who was at fault. Having all this information officially documented is crucial to getting full compensation.
- Take pictures: Before you send your motorcycle into the shop, it is helpful to take pictures of your motorcycle. Be sure to get as many pictures as possible of both the motorcycle and (if you happen to be reading this while at the scene of the accident) the general area of the accident. The information these pictures provide may be more helpful than the objective facts detailed in a police report.
- Get estimates: Be sure to get estimates of how much it’ll cost to repair your motorcycle. Insurance companies will often send out their own representative to survey the damage and calculate estimates, but it is always a good idea to get more opinions. Sometimes insurance companies, in an effort to save money, might give an offer lower than what you deserve. Print out estimates from reputable repair shops and give them to your lawyer. Your lawyer can use this to make sure you aren’t short changed as you seek financial compensation for damages.
- File a claim: Lastly, it is important to file an official claim with the at fault driver’s insurance company as soon as possible. Having the aforementioned documentation will provide you with leverage during the negotiating process. A good lawyer will know how to use this evidence to secure the best financial reward.
This is just a brief list of what to do when trying to get your motorcycle fixed. Every situation is different, so it’s important to pair up with an experienced lawyer who can go over the particulars of your case and give you the best legal advice.
Note: every legal claim has deadlines. The sooner you speak to a lawyer, the better.
Talk to a Dunwoody Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Free
Motorcycle accidents are responsible for a lot of pain and suffering. Victims deserve a recovery process that is fair and straightforward. Contact one of our lawyers and get a FREE consultation. Let us use our twenty years of experience to do for you what we’ve done for so many others: get tangible results. Fill out the form to the right or call us at (404) 341-6555 for a free consultation.
