Motorcycle accidents are some of the most severe and dangerous accidents we see. Many motorcycle accident victims suffer head injuries, neck injuries, and broken bones or need surgery. Although the law cannot undo the damage caused by a motorcycle accident, it does allow you to recover a substantial cash award for your injuries, pain and costs. It’s important for you to know what to expect before you begin your claim.
What makes motorcycle accidents different than other types of vehicle accidents?
The main difference is severity. Passengers in a regular car have seat belts, air bags and four walls around them. They also benefit from “crumple zones” that allow the vehicle to take some of the impact for them. This means that victims in car accidents are exposed to less risk than motorcyclists.
Motorcyslists, on the other hand, may take the full brunt of an accident. Any collision can potentially lead to:
- Being thrown from your bike
- A direct blow to your body from the other vehicle
- Hitting the pavement at high speed
These are all reasons are why an accident is a motorcyclist’s worst nightmare. When the unthinkable happens, we believe you should get legal advice from an attorney who routinely works with motorcycle accident victims and will understand the way your injury has affected your life—not just your health.
What costs can I recover in a motorcycle accident claim?
The law treats motorcycle claims the same way as car accident claims, truck accident claims and pedestrian accident claims. Georgia is a “fault” state, meaning that the person who caused the accident is responsible for paying everyone’s costs. Normally, their insurance will pay it for them.
If you are the victim, you have a right to recover all costs related to the accident:
- Medical costs and medication
- Physical therapy or occupational therapy
- Money for missed work time
- Financial awards to offset disabilities, physical pain or other serious losses
The goal of this money is to give you and your family a way to stay financially stable after your accident.
What should I expect?
We often see insurance companies blame the motorcyclist in an accident, even if you were not at fault. They may try to portray you as reckless or dangerous regardless of how safely you were driving. This is their way of paying on stereotypes about motorcycle owners to discredit you. Their ultimate goal is to pay you less—or even nothing at all.
For example, if you were not wearing a helmet, insurance companies will make this the centrepiece of their argument, even if a helmet is irrelevant to how the accident happened. You should know that you have a right to a financial recovery even if you were riding without full protective gear. Our best recommendation is to get the help of a legal professional who understand motorcycle accidents.
Have you been injured? John Foy & Associates offers a free consultation with some of the most experienced and respected personal injury lawyers in Georgia. Fill out the form to your right or call us at 404-400-4000 to get your FREE consultation today.