Each year in Lawrenceville, bikers are involved in accidents, leaving them with injuries that are often severe—even fatal. Unfortunately, these types of accidents can be particularly extreme and painful for the motorcyclist, and it usually means you need someone experienced in law on your side. Other drivers and insurance companies don’t understand what it’s like being in an accident on a motorcycle. That’s why you need to talk with a Lawrenceville motorcycle accident lawyer today.

Our attorneys are some of the most experienced and respected in the state. We know what you have to go through following a motorcycle accident, and we know what it takes to win cases that help the victim. Let us give you a FREE consultation to discuss your unique situation and find out your best options. Call us at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the form to the right for your FREE consultation.

Who is at fault in a motorcycle accident?

Georgia is a fault state, meaning the driver who caused the accident in Lawrenceville is responsible for the costs of the other peoples’ injuries and vehicle damage (usually through their insurance company). This same rule applies in motorcycle accidents. The driver, or biker, who could have avoided the accident by following traffic laws or being more careful is determined to be “at fault.”

There are a few other points to consider when it comes to fault in the motorcycle accident:

In some cases, the jury or insurance company may find more than one person was at fault. For example, this could happen if you were injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, but you were not wearing a helmet. In this situation, the jury or insurer may assign a percentage of fault to you and the other driver. However, under the comparative fault rules of Georgia, if you were less than 50 percent at fault, you can still recover money from the other driver.
It’s also important to know that stereotypes about motorcycle drivers may unfortunately influence the blame placed on you. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, so they will try to reduce the amount they pay out for the accident. They’ll look for a way to deny your claim, or at least pay less than you deserve, whether the reasoning is accurate or not. They may try to portray you as having been aggressive or reckless in the accident to make you seem at fault.
It’s the same case with the other driver. Most automobile drivers just do not understand what it’s like riding a motorcycle on the road and how much room you need. They may misrepresent how the accident occurred and try to make it seem like your fault, even if it wasn’t.

This is why working with a trusted lawyer can help you avoid or fight these false accusations.

What should I do after a motorcycle accident?

If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, here’s what you’ll want to do:

Get any care you need as soon as possible. If you were injured, and especially if the injuries are severe or life-threatening, get medical attention right away. It’s common for victims of motorcycle accidents to delay treatment due to fear of paying for it, but we believe you have the right to the care you need. And insurance money to pay for treatment can sometimes take months to arrive. You may have injuries that get worse over time, so the best thing you can do is get help right away. Plus, in many cases, you can get treatment right away and delay the out-of-pocket costs until the insurance payment. A lawyer can help you with this.
Document everything you can. If you or a family member is well enough after the accident, try to get as much information as you can at the scene. Take pictures, note all injuries and damages to your bike, and note any witnesses who saw the accident. Get the driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance information of the other driver. These details can be crucial in your case following the wreck.
Don’t talk to the other driver’s insurance company after your accident. They can try to use your words against you. If you or your family receive calls from them after the accident, know the person calling is experienced in getting information from victims they can use to keep you from getting all the money you’re due from injuries or damages. The best response, if you answer, is to tell them to talk to your lawyer. Having legal protection is your safest bet here.
Never take an initial offer. Many times, insurance companies will try to offer you money right away following an accident. While this can seem tempting, especially if you really need the money, it’s not a good idea. Insurers will low-ball you with an upfront amount hoping you’ll take it without question. This might cover your immediate costs, but remember there can be long-term injuries or damages from a motorcycle accident. It’s rare to know right away how much the accident will cost you over the next year. Speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer before taking any settlement.

What damages can I recover in a motorcycle accident?

There are a number of damages involved in a motorcycle accident you may be able to recover money for, whether the other driver was completely at fault or you were partially at fault. Those include:

Property damages and motorcycle repairs. Although these usually aren’t as high as other vehicle expenses, the costs can still be high and strain your budget. If the repair costs ends up being more than the value of your motorcycle, you might be able to declare it a total loss for compensation of the cash value of a new bike.
Medical bills and medical expenses. In a personal injury case like a motorcycle accident, you may be able to recover damages for immediate medical costs as well as expenses expected for completing treatment.
Loss of wages or earning capacity. This includes loss of income from having to skip days, weeks, or even months of work time during your recover or loss of earning potential if you can no longer do your job at the same level due to your injuries.
Pain and suffering. A Lawrenceville motorcycle accident can help you navigate this area, which includes mental ang uish and other emotional trauma suffered from the accident.

Talk to an Lawrenceville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Free

A motorcycle accident can be a painful and traumatic event, so don’t worry alone. Talk with a lawyer experienced in working with motorcycle accident victims. Our attorneys know how these types of cases work so we can help you get the help you need. Give us a call today at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the form to your right for a FREE no-risk consultation to talk about your case.