Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Columbus, GA

FAQs

• 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

• 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.