Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Augusta

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Augusta, Georgia?

  Contact 706-821-1080 for a non-emergency dispatch from the Sheriff's Office.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Augusta, Georgia?

  Get police reports in person at the Sheriff's Office at 400 Walton Way during regular business hours for 10 cents per page. You may also order reports online at https://buycrash.lexisnexisrisk.com/ui/home for $11. Accident reports are typically available within 3–5 days following an accident but may take longer, depending on the complexity of the report.

• How can negligence in a motorcycle accident in Augusta be proven?

  To be able to prove negligence in a motorcycle accident in Augusta, you need to establish that motorists have to exercise a duty of care on the road and that the at-fault driver breached this duty of care, thereby causing the accident. Furthermore, you have to prove that the accident caused you damage such as financial, physical, and emotional harm.

• Can an injured motorcyclist in Augusta seek compensation against another driver?

  According to Georgia law, if the motorcyclist is less than 50% at fault, he or she may recover compensation for injuries and financial losses from the at-fault driver. If the same rider is at-fault 50% or more, then he or she cannot recover any compensation in Augusta despite the other driver's driving behavior.

• Is it possible to pursue compensation for a road rash injury sustained in a motorcycle accident in Augusta?

  You can seek compensation in Augusta for a road rash injury in a motorcycle accident that was not your fault. These types of injuries range from minor cuts and abrasions to severe ones that involve moderate to deep skin penetration. There's a possibility of complications from infection, nerve damage, and permanent scarring from these injuries. It is best to seek a doctor since this will also be favorable in securing insurance claims.

• What roads in Augusta are dangerous for motorcycle riders?

  The intersection at the corner of North Leg and Sibley road must be taken with extreme care or avoided. Motorcycle accidents occurring in the said area are mostly rear-ended collisions, which may be fatal to bikers. Another dangerous intersection is Old Savannah Road and Gordon Highway due to the high instances of vehicles speeding in this area.

• How is a car accident claim different from a motorcycle accident claim in Augusta?

  It is more tedious to present a motorcycle injury claim to insurance companies than a car injury claim because most people think motorcycles are dangerous and that the accident is usually the biker's fault. It takes a skilled lawyer to demonstrate to insurance companies that the rules of the road and who is at fault are equal for both motorcycles and cars.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.