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Motorcycle accidents tend to be more serious on average than other types of auto accidents. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident you didn’t, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and more. You can typically file a personal injury claim to seek these damages—or, you have the option to sue someone personally after the accident.
Most accidents in Georgia are handled by insurance, so there is no reason to sue. However, there are situations where suing the other driver directly may be the best way to get the money you need and deserve.
Who You Can Sue After a Motorcycle Accident
The party you can sue after your motorcycle accident depends on who was at fault for the crash. In Georgia, the injured party in an accident can seek compensation for damages they face as a result of the negligent party’s actions (Georgia Code § 51-1-6). So, you will need to determine who was at fault for your accident.
The at-fault party in a motorcycle accident may include:
- Another driver
- Another motorcyclist
- A government entity or
- A manufacturing company
In most motorcycle accidents, the person you can sue is another driver. That could be the driver of a car, truck, bus, or another vehicle, or another motorcyclist.
Some motorcycle accidents happen because of road-related conditions, such as potholes, that ultimately result from negligence on the part of a company or government entity. If the accident resulted from a defective motorcycle part, the at-fault party might be a manufacturer or dealership.
If you’re not sure who was negligent in your accident, you’ll want to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer. They can help you determine who caused your accident and whether or not multiple parties were involved. You can usually seek compensation through a personal injury claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company, but you also have the option to sue the at-fault party directly.
When You Might Need to Sue Someone After a Motorcycle Accident
Suing is not always the best option after a motorcycle accident, but there are situations where it might be ideal. It’s a good idea to consult with a motorcycle accident lawyer after your accident so you can know what options are most advantageous to your case and your recovery.
Although every case is different, there are a few scenarios where it makes the most sense to bring a lawsuit against someone personally after the accident.
You Have a Lot of Damages from the Accident
Motorcycle accidents tend to be especially serious, especially if another vehicle was involved. If you suffered serious medical bills, lost wages, property damages, and other damages, you might want to sue.
If the at-fault party’s insurance company offers you a settlement after your accident, they will likely base that on what they’d expect a court to rule in a trial. If they know that you can get a larger reward by taking your case to court, they will try to get you to accept a settlement and end your case. Although there is a lot more risk involved in filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party, you can also end up with much higher compensation if you win in trial.
To win a court case against someone, you will need to make sure you have very strong evidence and a good chance of success. These are details to discuss with your lawyer so you can weigh the pros and cons of suing.
The Defendant Has Enough Assets to Collect
It’s one thing to win in court. It’s another to actually collect the judgment from the at-fault party. If the person you are suing personally does not have many assets to draw from, you might run into trouble actually collecting the money.
If the defendant does not or cannot pay you voluntarily, you might be able to collect through different means like:
- The defendant’s personal wages or assets
- Future income or assets
- Business income or assets
- A property lien
This is a factor you’ll want to consider before attempting to sue someone directly for your motorcycle accident damages. To speak with one of our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers about your options today for FREE, call John Foy & Associates at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
The Insurance Company Won’t Negotiate
After you file a motorcycle accident claim, the insurance company might respond with a lowball settlement. This is a settlement offer that doesn’t come close to covering all of your damages. The insurance company is hoping you’ll accept it out of desperation, thus closing your case.
Never take the first settlement offer. Instead, work with a motorcycle accident lawyer who can negotiate with the insurance adjuster to seek a higher settlement that is actually fair to you.
Oftentimes, if you work with an experienced lawyer, they can negotiate for a settlement amount that both parties agree on. However, if the insurance company will not budge close enough to a number that accounts for your damages, you might decide to sue for the compensation you deserve.
Evidence You Need to Prove Your Case
To have a successful lawsuit, you should also ensure that you have a strong enough case. You will need to be able to provide proof that the other party was negligent in your motorcycle accident and therefore responsible for your damages.
A strong case will need to include evidence like:
- The police report of the motorcycle accident and its details
- Pictures from the accident scene and other evidence that helps show the circumstances and cause of the accident
- Statements from witnesses who can support your claim of where, when, and how the injuries happened
- Medical records from all treatment you received for your injuries from the accident
- Testimony from a medical expert about your injuries
- Documentation showing your missed work time and other lost income
The evidence you will need to sue depends on the details of your case. While you can sue someone personally after a motorcycle accident if they caused the accident, you might not need to. The best thing you can do is consult with a lawyer about the details and your options.
Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Free Today
At John Foy & Associates, we have been helping motorcycle accident victims win the recovery they need for more than 20 years. It’s risk-free to work with us because we won’t charge a fee unless we win you money. Plus, the consultation is always FREE.
To schedule your FREE consultation today, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
