Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Columbus

Frequently Asked Questions

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

  You may reach the Columbus Police Department at 706-653-3100.

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

  You can purchase a copy of your accident report online for $11.00 by visiting the official website of the Columbus Police Department. You can also go to the address below to get a copy of the report in person. You will need to provide details of the accident for the report to be located.

  Columbus Police Department 510 10th Street Columbus, Georgia 31902-1340

  Vehicle accident reports typically become available 48 hours after the incident and are accessible only to those involved in the incident.

• What damages can you claim after a motorcycle accident in Columbus?

  Motorcycle accident victims can claim economic damages, including medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and lost income. Victims can also seek non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. Motorcycle accident lawyers in Columbus assist in collecting evidence for these damages and calculating their values.

• Can riding without a helmet affect your motorcycle accident claim in Columbus?

  Yes, it can affect the compensation you receive. Georgia law requires motorcycle operators and passengers to wear a helmet while riding. The insurance company may argue that your non-compliance with the helmet law contributed to your damages. As Columbus uses the modified comparative negligence system, being partly liable for damages means a reduction in your compensation. For example, if the court finds you 10% liable for your head injuries, your compensation will also be reduced by 10%.

• How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer in Columbus?

  Motorcycle accident personal injury lawyers in Columbus typically work on a contingency fee basis. This means the lawyer only collects payment after they are successful at getting compensation for the client’s damages. A percentage is taken from the settlement or award, generally 33.3%, as payment for the lawyer. In this arrangement, the client does not have to pay any upfront fees.

• How long do you have to file your motorcycle accident lawsuit in Columbus?

  According to Georgia Code Section 9-3-33, injured motorcyclists must file their suits within two years from the date of the incident. An exception is given to motorcycle accident victims who were still minors when the accident happened. For children above the age of five, their legal representative can file a lawsuit for them within five years from the accident date. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Columbus can assist in filing the necessary suit and motions within the statute of limitations.

• What commonly causes motorcycle accidents in Columbus?

  The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that more than 26 times as many people died in motorcycle crashes as in car crashes. The most common causes of Columbus motorcycle crashes are:

  • Left-turning cars
  • Drunk drivers
  • Lane-splitting motorcyclists
  • Lane changing cars
  • Distracted drivers
  • Road hazards and obstructions
  • Defective motorcycles