Fighting to Protect the Rights of Injured Motorcyclists in Atlanta
Motorcyclists and their passengers face unique dangers on the roads and highways, even when taking all possible precautions and utilizing proper safety equipment. Even a seemingly minor collision with another motor vehicle can result in catastrophic injuries, including severe brain and spine injuries.
At Cunningham Bounds, we recognize the elevated risks that motorcyclists take on and are dedicated to helping them fight for justice when they are injured due to the actions of negligent drivers. Since 1958, we have successfully represented countless clients and recovered billions of dollars in collective damages, which has led to our reputation as one of the top personal injury firms in the United States.
Do not wait to get legal advice after suffering injuries in a motorcycle accident. Schedule a free initial consultation by contacting us online or calling (404) 609-1081 today.
Why Should I Consider Hiring a Lawyer after a Motorcycle Collision in Atlanta?
You may not necessarily need a lawyer if you are involved in a crash where there is no significant property damage and if your doctor gives you a clean bill of health. In most cases, though, a motorcycle accident will result in your missing work and needing comprehensive medical care. In these instances, you need an attorney who has the experience necessary to secure a just settlement.
The reality is that the insurance companies involved in these cases are not on your side. Their motive is profit, and they will likely offer less than your losses warrant. Our Atlanta motorcycle accident attorneys are familiar with the strategies insurers use and will fight to get you the compensation needed to fully cover your damages.
What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in Atlanta?
Drivers of all types of vehicles have a legal responsibility to follow traffic laws and be mindful of others on the road. Unfortunately, many drivers do not adequately watch out for motorcyclists, causing riders the need for extra vigilance. Even with total focus and defensive driving, motorcyclists frequently get into wrecks because of the actions of negligent drivers.
Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
Opening car doors without checking for approaching motorcyclists
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Because motorcyclists do not have the external protection afforded to drivers of enclosed motor vehicles, they are typically more susceptible to sustaining serious injuries in a wreck. Even a low-speed collision can throw a motorcyclist from their vehicle and result in life-altering injuries.
Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:
Steps to Take after a Motorcycle Accident in Atlanta
In an ideal world, getting the compensation you need to cover your injuries after a motorcycle accident would be straightforward. In reality, an at-fault party’s insurance company may attempt to avoid paying you what you deserve, so it is essential that you take certain steps to protect your rights after a collision.
In the immediate aftermath of a motorcycle accident, make every effort to:
Call 9-1-1. In Georgia, you are generally required to promptly report an accident to the police. Requesting law enforcement is also beneficial to building your case, as the responding officer will create an accident report. Note the name and badge number of the responding officer in case you need to reach out to them later on.
Collect contact information. Do not leave the scene without getting the other driver’s name, phone number, address, license information, and insurance details. You should also write down the make and model of the at-fault driver’s vehicle.
Document the scene. Take photos and videos of the accident scene. Be sure to capture the damage to your motorcycle, the area of the road where the collision occurred, and your injuries. Aim to document as many details as possible, including any weather or road conditions that may have contributed to the wreck. Try to record a voice memo or write down your thorough account of what happened as soon as you can after the crash.
Speak to witnesses. If anyone saw what happened, ask for their contact information. Their testimony could become important later.
Get medical care. Do not put off seeing your doctor. Explain you were in a motorcycle accident and request a complete evaluation, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Some injuries take time to become noticeable, and you need to link them to the crash.
Report the accident to your insurance company. Most insurers require you to report accidents right away, but do not speak to the at-fault driver’s insurance company if they attempt to contact you. Anything you say to them could be twisted and used against you.
Get in touch with Cunningham Bounds. Our Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to support you during this difficult time and will get to work on getting you the compensation you need and deserve.
Why Should I Avoid Talking to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?
There is a good chance that the at-fault driver’s insurer will reach out to you in the days or weeks after the collision. While they may seem polite and like they only want to help, they are not acting in your best interest. The only reason the at-fault driver’s insurer is contacting you is they are looking for a statement they can use to put some or all of the blame on you.
Under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rules, you have the right to compensation if you were no more than 49% responsible for a motorcycle accident, but the damages you can recover will be reduced by your percentage of fault. The insurer is looking for material they can use to claim you share fault and should therefore receive less (or even no) compensation. You do not have to talk to them, no matter what they say or how friendly they are, so avoid doing so whenever possible. Let us handle case communications on your behalf.
How Much Is My Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
The value of your motorcycle accident case will depend on your unique circumstances. You are typically entitled to both economic damages (which are objectively calculable) and non-economic damages (which are more subjective). Many factors will impact how much your motorcycle accident case is worth, including:
The scope and severity of your injuries. Catastrophic injuries that adversely affect your quality of life will almost always have a higher value than minor injuries that do not result in disability.
Your medical bills. A successful personal injury claim will cover all past, current, and anticipated future medical expenses, including hospital bills as well as the cost of medications, rehabilitative treatments, and therapies.
Your lost income and ability to work. If you were forced to miss work due to the injuries you sustained in an accident, your personal injury claim should cover those lost wages. If your injuries are so significant that you are unable to return to the same level of work, you can also be compensated for reduced earning capacity.
The extent of the property damage. A successful personal injury claim should cover the expenses involved with replacing or repairing your motorcycle, along with any other damaged property (such as a shattered helmet, watch, or phone).
The extent of your pain and suffering. “Pain and suffering,” emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are an example of non-economic damages, the values of which will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
Liability. You and your legal representation must be able to prove the at-fault driver’s negligence led to the collision to obtain compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. If you were partially responsible for the collision, you may still be able to get partial compensation for your losses so long as you were not more than 49% at fault.
Insurance coverage. Both your and the at-fault driver’s insurance policies can influence what levels of compensation are available.
We Can Help You Move Forward after a Motorcycle Accident
A motorcycle crash can send your life into chaos. In addition to dealing with the painful realities of your injuries, you may be wondering how you will cover rising medical expenses or lost income from missed work. You may only receive a frustratingly low offer from the insurance companies, but do not panic: You have options, and help is available. Our Alabama motorcycle accident attorneys are happy to assess your situation and walk you through your legal options for recovering compensation. We understand how to strategically approach these cases and will fight to deliver the best possible result.
Get the seasoned legal representation you deserve after a motorcycle accident. Call (404) 609-1081 or contact us online to speak to a member of our team today.
