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Motorcycle accidents cause some of the most severe injuries on Stonecrest roads. Compared with other motor vehicles, motorcycles don’t provide the same protection during a crash. Bikers are more likely to suffer life-threatening or fatal injuries.
If you or a loved one were injured, contact a Stonecrest motorcycle accident lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and other damages. At John Foy & Associates, we can help with each step of the process.
Our team has been helping accident victims for over 20 years. As one of Georgia’s largest law firms, we are not afraid to fight for your rights. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accident injuries tend to be some of the worst. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Road rash
- Leg injuries
- “Biker’s arm”
- Neck and shoulder injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence, you have rights. You might deserve full compensation for your injury costs.
Be sure to document your injuries as fully as possible. Take pictures at the scene, and get to a doctor as quickly as you can. This will create a record of you getting help for your injuries.
Determining Fault in a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle riders are often misconceived as “reckless” or “aggressive” on the roads. However, most bike accidents actually happen because of other drivers. Car and truck drivers tend to ignore or not notice smaller vehicles on the road.
Although there are exceptions, another driver is often at fault for a motorcycle accident. The accident might happen because of:
- Speeding
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failure to yield
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
Sometimes, more than one party is at fault. You might have multiple injury claims against whoever caused the accident. If you were partially at fault, you might still have rights.
According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-12-33, you can recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault. However, your damages would be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
Other drivers or their insurance companies might look for ways to blame you. Unfortunately, it’s often easier to portray bikers as irresponsible or at fault. The other side knows that blaming you might reduce their own liability. But a motorcycle accident lawyer will know how to protect your rights.
Recoverable Damages from a Motorcycle Crash
If someone else was at fault for your accident, they might be liable for your damages. Personal injury damages are any losses you have because of your injuries. They might include:
- Doctor and hospital bills
- Medication costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Some damages are more straightforward to calculate than others. You can show medical costs through bills and records, for example. But pain and suffering damages are more complicated.
Pain and suffering are non-economic damages. They are about how the accident has affected your life. The courts often use a multiplier to put a dollar value on these damages.
A Stonecrest motorcycle accident lawyer can help determine your total accident damages. At John Foy & Associates, we leave no stone unturned when looking at what you’ve lost. To learn more about how we can help, call (404) 400-4000 for a free consultation.
Wrongful Death Damages
Tragically, many motorcycle accidents become fatal. Bikers have very little protection between themselves and the open road. Accident injuries can easily be deadly.
If a loved one died in a motorcycle accident, you might have a wrongful death claim. Specific family members can bring wrongful death claims on behalf of a killed loved one.
Wrongful death damages might include:
- Medical bills from the loved one’s last injuries
- Lost income that the loved one would have earned
- Pain and suffering the loved one experienced before they died
- Funeral and burial expenses
Contact an experienced lawyer today if a loved one lost their life. Of course, nothing can undo what’s happened. But we find a claim can help the family recover costs and begin moving from the terrible incident.
Motorcycle Accident Settlements vs. Lawsuits
Auto insurance covers most accidents. All motorists in Georgia should carry auto insurance in case of an accident. If a driver is at fault, their insurance should cover the accident costs.
You can first seek compensation through an insurance claim. This is the best way to pursue recovery without a court case. Insurance companies are also more likely to settle without the hassle of a lawsuit.
Insurance companies will look for ways to pay as little as possible. Common tactics include:
- Offering you a lowball settlement
- Downplaying your injuries
- Questioning your accident damages
- Blaming you for the crash
- Asking you to give a recorded statement
Do not accept a settlement or sign anything without speaking to a lawyer. The first offer will be a lowball. It doesn’t come close to covering your damages. But if you accept money, you probably won’t be able to fight for more.
A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you negotiate with the insurance company. Most of the time, you can get a settlement this way without going to court. But sometimes, the insurer won’t settle.
If you cannot get a settlement, you might need to file a lawsuit. Before the trial, you can try to negotiate along the way. Your lawyer can determine the best court of action based on your accident details.
Talk to a Stonecrest Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
Motorcycle accidents can be harrowing and costly. If you were not at fault for your accident, you shouldn’t have to bear the costs.
John Foy & Associates can ensure you know your rights. We’ll also help you build a claim for the recovery you deserve. Reach out today to get a FREE, no-risk consultation.
We do not collect a fee unless we win your case. That way, you can get the help you need without upfront or out-of-pocket costs. Call our experienced and compassionate team at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for your free case review today.
