Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Athens, GA

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the Athens-Clarke County Police Department is 706-613-3345.

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

  For motorcycle accidents that have occurred on private property, you can acquire a copy of the police report by going to the East Precinct or contacting the Athens-Clarke County Police Department. Police reports can also be obtained via crashdocs.org and buycrash.lexisnexisrisk.com.

• When do you need to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer in Athens?

  You must contact an attorney if you or someone else has been injured or suffered property damage in a motorcycle accident in Athens. Additionally, if your insurance company is not treating you fairly and you have issues with the settlement offer you have received, you should also hire a motorcycle accident lawyer.

• When can motorcycle accident victims file a lawsuit in Athens?

  According to Georgia's statute of limitations, you can only file a lawsuit within two years of a motorcycle accident in Athens. In cases of fatal motorcycle crashes, you are given two years after the death of a victim to file a claim. If the incident was caused by the government's negligent actions, you have six months to pursue legal actions against the city of Athens and one year to sue a county or the state. You may lose your right to financial recovery if you do not file your case within the deadline.

• Which types of compensation can victims recover after a motorcycle accident in Athens?

  If you were involved in a motorcycle accident in Athens caused by another party, you have the right to seek full compensation for economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages are specific expenditures incurred from your motorcycle accident, such as medical expenses, personal property damage, lost income, and future earning capacity loss. Non-economic damages refer to how the incident altered your life in ways other than financial loss. These may include physical and mental distress, loss of enjoyment, and reduced quality of life.

• What are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Athens?

  The most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Athens include distracted or impaired driving, speeding, following a motorcyclist too closely, and failing to look before turning or changing lanes. Texting, talking on the phone, and eating or drinking while driving make it more difficult for a driver to see what is ahead and respond in time. Additionally, individuals who drive for long hours without stopping can have their reflexes and reaction time hampered, which can lead to an accident.

• How can motorcycle accident lawyers in Athens help you with your claim?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys in Athens can help you gather and preserve evidence, calculate the value of your claim, negotiate a settlement, and fight for your legal rights in the courtroom. They can also obtain accident reports, interview witnesses, and file your claim with the insurance company to help you recover maximum compensation after a motorcycle collision.

• 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.