Motorcycles have the same right as other drivers to be on Tucker roads. Unfortunately, if a motorcyclist gets in an accident, the damages can be much worse for them than other vehicles. Motorcycles don’t provide a lot of protection from collisions; therefore, biker injuries can be extreme and even deadly. And many times, motorcycle accidents are the result of someone else’s negligence. If you’re a biker who was injured or you lost someone in a motorcycle accident, you need to talk to a Tucker motorcycle accident lawyer to start seeking the financial recovery you deserve.
Our motorcycle accident lawyers understand the rights of bikers on the road, and we’re always on their side as a victim. We’ve worked with countless personal injury victims entitled to insurance money to pay for their costly medical bills and repairs. We’d love to offer you a free consultation to get started. For a no-obligation consultation to find out if you have a valid claim, call us at 404-341-6555 or fill out the form to your right.
What damages can I recover in a motorcycle accident?
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident and someone else is at fault, they are liable for your damages. This means their insurance company is responsible for paying for the costs of what you suffered in the accident, such as your injuries. Damages you can recover related to the accident include:
Medical bills for doctor visits, treatments, prescription medications, and surgeries for your injuries.
Some motorcycle accident injuries can require extensive, long-term care that affects the rest of your life. These costs can add up very fast and place a huge financial burden on you and your family. You shouldn’t have to cover them.
Loss of income.
This can include the time you had to temporarily take off work to be treated and recover from your injuries. It can also mean the cost of no longer being able to work because of a permanent disability, leaving you without a steady income source.
Property damage.
If your motorcycle has damages that can be fixed, you might be entitled to financial recovery for the cost of repairs and a rental vehicle while you wait. If your motorcycle was damaged beyond any repair, you might be able to recover for the full cost.
Pain and suffering damages.
Pain and suffering refer to damages that go beyond medical expenses and loss of income. The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can leave both the victim and their family with a lot of physical and emotional turmoil. Pain and suffering damages are more complicated to calculate, but a good motorcycle accident lawyer can help determine whether they’re an option for you.
Punitive damages.
There are some cases where the actions of the person at-fault are malicious or severely negligent. Punitive damages are meant to punish or prevent future behavior, like if you were hit by a drunk driver who was convicted. You can ask your lawyer if punitive damages apply in your case.
Can the family of a biker bring a wrongful death claim?
Yes. Wrongful death allows spouses, children, and parents (in that order) of a deceased loved one in Georgia to file a lawsuit after a tragic incident like a motorcycle accident. Wrongful death cases are meant to financially compensate the victim’s family for what they lost when the family member died. When determining the value of a wrongful death claim, the local courts evaluate to main factors:
- Estimate the economic impact of the loss of life, including money the victim may have earned going forward
- The emotional impact from the deceased’s perspective, such as how they were deprived enjoyment of the rest of their life based on their age, life expectancy, health status, etc
It’s important to note spouses, children, and parents of the deceased are the only family members who can do this. Fiances, life partners (unmarried), friends, grandparents, and grandchildren cannot bring a wrongful death claim.
The deceased biker’s estate can also file a lawsuit to recover costs related to the motorcycle accident, including medical bills, pain and suffering of the victim, and funeral costs. If the deceased has no surviving spouse, child, or parent, their estate can also file a wrongful death suit.
What if I can’t work because of my motorcycle accident?
We wish our clients could always take the time they need to fully heal before returning to work. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Even if you recover damages from the other driver’s insurance company, it could take a significant amount of time to receive that money. To make up for lost wages in the short-term, options could include using your job’s sick leave and vacation time or short-term disability insurance, if you have it.
Thankfully, you can also include used sick time or vacation time in your damages, which is why it’s so important to keep track of (and document) all of the time you miss work because of your injuries.
If you cannot work at all because your injuries disabled you or limit your abilities, get a note from your doctor saying so. The insurance company will require proof to pay for associated damages. Your motorcycle accident lawyer can help you with this.
Speak to a Tucker Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Free
Don’t let the results of a motorcycle accident burden you beyond what you’re already suffering. Speak with one of our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers. With over 20 years of experience, we know how to win these types of cases. We understand the painful process of just trying to get by and recover from an unexpected and life-changing accident. It’s also risk-free to work with us: we don’t charge you unless we win you money. And we’ll provide a FREE consultation before getting started. Call us today at 404-341-6555 or fill out the form to the right for your free consultation.