Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Macon

FAQs

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

  (478) 751-7500 is the non-emergency contact number for the Macon Police Department.

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

  Copies of police reports for motorcycle accidents can be obtained in-person from the Macon Police Department's Central Records Unit, which is open from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Police reports can also be ordered online at www.buycrash.com.

• Can motorcycle riders in Macon be able to seek compensation even if they were more than 50% at fault for the crash?

  Motorcyclists in Macon who are more than 50% at fault for the collision cannot seek compensation. Georgia is a modified comparative fault state, which means that each driver involved can be assigned a percentage of the blame for the accident. Such negligence laws reduce the amount of damage victims can sue for. Insurers also use existing stereotypes to depict riders as reckless to avoid or reduce compensation.

• Why should injured motorcyclists in Macon not accept initial settlement offers from insurance companies?

  Insurers in Macon and across the country are biased against motorcyclists, and they treat motorcycle accidents differently than car accidents. Insurance companies blame victims for the accident or offer them less money than they would to a car driver in a similar situation. This is why people who have been injured in a motorcycle accident should never accept money from an insurance company or sign anything until they have spoken with a motorcycle accident lawyer.

• How long do motorcycle riders in Macon have to file personal injury claims against negligent drivers?

  OCGA 9-3-33, the statute of limitations code in Georgia, states that personal injury lawsuits should be brought within two years after the accident happened. Failure to file damage claims within the allowed timeframe can result in case dismissal, no matter who is at fault. Motorcycle accident attorneys help injured riders navigate such legal roadblocks.

• Are catastrophic motorcycle accidents handled differently in Macon?

  Yes, because a wrongful death claim can be added to the settlement of a deadly motorcycle accident in Macon. The deceased’s survivors are entitled to receive compensation that includes burial expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, loss of consortium, and loss of inheritance.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident in Macon?

  Seventy-five percent of personal injury cases, including motorcycle accidents, are settled for less than $30,000 in Macon. It is difficult to provide an average motorcycle accident settlement amount because such a claim ranges from the tens of thousands to the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

• 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.