Motorcycle accidents happen more often than you’d think in Newnan. While cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles provide their drivers with protection for outer elements, bikers are mostly exposed if they collide with anything on the road. For this reason, motorcycle accidents can lead to serious, even deadly, injuries and other damages for victims. If you or a loved one was hurt in a motorcycle accident you/they didn’t cause, it’s time to speak with a Newnan motorcycle accident lawyer.
Every day, our personal injury lawyers see firsthand how hard the aftermath of a collision can be on accident victims. We know that bikers sometimes face untrue stigmas or are more easily blamed for accidents than other drivers. That’s why we’re here to help you pursue the fullest financial recovery possible after your accident.
You need a legal professional who understands personal injury law and how to get the money you need to pay for medical bills and other costs you now face. For a FREE consultation with one of our lawyers today, call us at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the Free Case Evaluation form on this page to get started.
Three Things You Need to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
There are actually several actions you can take after a motorcycle accident to legally protect yourself and increase your chances of full compensation. Here are the top three things you should do.
1. Get Medical Attention
This is your number one priority; don’t delay getting treated for your injuries right away if they are serious or life-threatening. Call 911 for assistance and tell the operator what happened and that you need help. If anyone else is seriously injured in the accident, make sure they get treatment too.
If your injuries aren’t serious or you feel fine, it’s still vital that you see a doctor as soon as you can after leaving the accident scene. Some injuries, such as whiplash, take time to manifest and you might not realize they’re bad until hours or days later. Mention any and all concerns to your doctor, and if an injury shows up later, go back to your doctor to get it checked out.
We find some accident victims put off seeing the doctor because they’re worried about paying for medical costs. This is completely understandable, but not getting checked out can actually cost you more down the road. Seeing a physician for your injuries will show the insurance company that you sought and received treatment, which demonstrates your injuries are serious enough to be considered damages. If you don’t claim an injury and it worsens later on, you might miss out on recovery needed to pay for that treatment.
2. Take Pictures and Gather Information
If you are well enough to stay at the scene, first report the accident by calling the police and telling them what happened. An officer might come to the scene. If they do, remind them that motorcycles have the same right to be on Newnan roads as other vehicles. Be detailed about exactly what happened, including any suspicious action you witnessed from the other motorist.
While you’re waiting for police to arrive, use your phone to take pictures of:
- Your injuries (and the injuries of anyone who was traveling on your bike with you)
- Damage to your motorcycle
- The accident scene
- Anything else you think might be relevant to your case
Your attorney will be able to sort out which pictures are most important to your claim, so don’t worry about taking too many. If the other driver is acting aggressive, drunk, or suspicious in any way, you might also try getting a video of their behavior.
If there were witnesses to the accident, talk to them and ask for their information. Your lawyer can reach out to them later for a statement about what they saw. This can be very powerful in case the other motorist or their insurance company tries to blame you for the accident.
3. Call a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Bikers are entitled to full use of a lane just like other drivers on Newnan roads, but not everyone knows or acknowledges that fact. This can lead some drivers to assume you’re breaking the law or being irresponsible when you were simply sharing the road as you’re allowed to do.
Even if you know the truth, biases and incorrect knowledge can lead to unfair discrimination and blame for some bikers. That’s why it’s in your best interest to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer very soon after your accident happens. They can investigate what actually happened and speak to the insurance company on your behalf.
Never accept any blame for the accident, and never take any money or give a statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company until you’ve consulted with a motorcycle accident lawyer. Insurance companies are sneaky about trying to find ways to blame you or offer you less money than you actually deserve. A good attorney will make sure that doesn’t happen.
Plus, most personal injury lawyers, like those at our law firm, don’t get paid until your case is settled and they’ve (ideally) won you money. This is known as a “contingency basis,” which means it’s financially risk-free to contact a personal injury lawyer and find out your best options.
What Damages Can I Recover from a Motorcycle Accident in Newnan?
Under Georgia law, accident victims are entitled to recover for any damages they face as a result of the accident. That means you can usually seek compensation for the following expenses.
Medical Costs
These typically make up the bulk of a motorcycle accident claim and include costs like:
- Hospital bills
- Doctor visits
- X-rays and other tests
- Ambulance costs
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy and other ongoing treatment
- Any future medical costs
Property Damages
Most of the time, motorcycles don’t come out of an accident looking too great. You are entitled to seek damages for repairs or replacement of your motorcycle. Property damages may also include other things that were damaged like your helmet, bags, or clothing.
Lost Wages
If you had to miss work because of your accident and/or resulting from medical treatments, you’re also entitled to seek damages for lost wages. This may include future lost wages, as well, if your injuries will prevent you from working after the accident.
Speak with a Newnan Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Free
Don’t let a motorcycle accident leave you with unpaid medical bills and other costs. You deserve full financial recovery so you can pay for your expenses and move on as fully as possible from this accident. Let us help—starting with a FREE consultation. For your free consultation with one of our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers today, contact us online or by phone. Call (404) 341-6555, or fill out the Free Case Evaluation form on this page to get started.
