Bikers have the same rights on Stockbridge roads as other motorists, but they are more vulnerable in an accident compared to other drivers. Motorcycles just do not provide the same degree of protection as cars or trucks, which can easily lead to serious injuries or even death. If you or a loved one was hurt in a motorcycle accident, it’s time to talk with Stockbridge motorcycle accident lawyer.
Most of the time, another driver is at fault for a motorcycle accident. However, it’s common for bikers to get unfairly blamed for crashes. Unjust opinions about those who ride motorcycles can leave you looking like a villain when you are in fact a victim of the collision. That’s why it’s important to stand up for your rights and contact a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Our lawyers have been representing injured bikers for over 20 years. We have seen firsthand the unique challenges you may face after an accident, and we’re here to help. We always start with a FREE consultation, and we don’t get paid unless we win you money. To get started today, call us at 404-800-7053 or contact us online for your FREE consultation.
Six Damages You Can Recover from a Stockbridge Motorcycle Accident
In Georgia, if another driver was at fault for your motorcycle accident, they are liable for the damages. In most cases, their insurance company will be responsible for paying for the costs. That means you have a legal right to file a personal injury claim and seek compensation in damages like the following.
1. Medical Costs
Medical expenses typically make up the largest part of a motorcycle accident insurance claim. Whether your injuries are minor or severe, if they directly result from the crash, you have a right to seek recovery for them.
Medical costs you may face include:
- Medical bills from doctor visits, tests, surgeries, and more
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Travel costs to and from doctor appointments
Some injuries will require long-term treatment and care. It’s not uncommon for motorcyclists to get left with disabilities from their injuries.
These costs can add up quickly, but you should not have to bear the financial burden of someone else’s mistake on the road. You have a right to include these costs in your claim.
2. Lost Wages
On top of medical costs, you will likely have to miss work because of the accident and your injuries. “Lost wages” can include:
- The time you have to take off for treatment and recovery
- And the cost of no longer being able to work at the level you could before the accident
3. Damage to Your Motorcycle
Your motorcycle probably sustained a fair amount of time in the accident. It might even be beyond repair. The costs of repairing or replacing your bike can be included in your claim.
4. Pain and Suffering
Besides the tangible expenses above, you may also be able to recover pain and suffering damages. These losses refer to physical and emotional damages resulting from your injuries, such as:
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Fear, humiliation, or anger
- Anxiety, depression, or shock
To seek recovery for pain and suffering damages, you must have a physical injury that directly led to the pain and suffering. If you can sufficiently demonstrate these damages, they can be worth a lot. A Stockbridge motorcycle accident lawyer can help you build a strong claim to show evidence of your pain and suffering damages.
5. Punitive Damages
In some motorcycle accidents, the at-fault driver was demonstrating outrageous conduct or malicious intent. Drunk driving accidents are a good example of this. Punitive damages go beyond simple compensation; they are meant to punish the at-fault person and prevent future bad behavior.
6. Wrongful Death
If a loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim for damages like:
- Medical bills and funeral costs from the loved one’s death
- Loss of a loved one’s expected earnings
- Loss of benefits or inheritance
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Pain and suffering the loved one experienced before they died
In Georgia, those allowed to bring a wrongful death case include (in order) the deceased’s spouse, children, and parents (Georgia Code section 51-4-2).
Motorcycle Riders Rights in Stockbridge
Motorcyclists have the same rights on the road as other drivers in Stockbridge. Many people do not realize that motorcycles have the right to full use of a lane and that other drivers must leave enough room for motorcycles to have their own lane (Georgia Code section 40-6-312).
Since other motorists do not understand local traffic laws for motorcycles, they are quick to blame the biker. Drivers assume the biker was in their way or doing something illegal, even if they were fully following the law. This is why it’s so crucial to speak with a lawyer in Stockbridge who has experience working motorcycle accident cases.
What to Do if You Can’t Work Because of Your Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Chances are, you will need time away from work to recover from your motorcycle accident injuries. It can be incredibly stressful worrying about mounting medical bills while also not being able to work.
One of the first things you should do is reach out to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. You will need to build a strong insurance claim that fully demonstrates the other driver’s fault, your injuries, and how your injuries prevent you from working for a certain period of time. If the insurance company tries to deny some or all of your claim (which is common), your lawyer will communicate with them on your behalf and negotiate for a fair settlement to cover your costs.
In the meantime, you may find yourself turning to other options as you wait for the insurance money. Those could include using:
- Sick leave
- Vacation time
- Short-term disability insurance (if available)
You should also see a doctor as soon as possible and careful track of all the costs of your injuries. If your doctor says you cannot work because of your injuries, get a note from them saying so.
Talk to a Stockbridge Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Free
Our motorcycle accident lawyers are here to listen with kind, compassionate, and experienced ears after your crash. During a FREE consultation, we’ll go over the details of your accident, your damages, and how we can begin helping immediately. To schedule your FREE consultation today, call us at 404-800-7053 or contact us online now to get started.
