Have you suffered injuries in an accident on your motorcycle in Atlanta? If so, contact Ted A. Greve & Associates PA today for a free initial case evaluation with an Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer. We want to help you get the money you need to rebuild your life, and we won’t charge you a fee unless we’re successful.
Why Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Atlanta?
Motorcycle attorneys provide crucial support to riders who have sustained severe injuries in a crash. Here’s why you need one to help with your claim.
Key Differences Between Motorcycle and Auto Accidents in Georgia
Motorcycle riders can face unique challenges in pursuing legal claims that injured drivers and passengers may not face in other auto accident claims in Georgia, such as:
- Riders tend to suffer more severe injuries
- At-fault drivers’ insurance policies may not offer sufficient coverage to compensate injured riders fully
- Drivers and insurers may rely on biases and stereotypes of motorcycle riders to blame them for the crash
The Role of a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Atlanta, GA
A motorcycle accident attorney in Atlanta can handle all the details of an injured rider’s case so that the client has the time and space to focus on their recovery. A lawyer can answer a rider’s questions, advise them as the rider makes decisions at each step of their case, and advocate for the rider’s rights and interests at the negotiating table or in court.
Common Causes and Consequences of Motorcycle Accidents in Atlanta
Let’s review some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents and the injuries they often result in.
Detailed Analysis of Frequent Causes: From Driver Negligence to Road Hazards
Some of the top causes of motorcycle accidents in Atlanta include:
- Speeding drivers
- Tailgating/following too closely
- Running red lights/stop signs
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Illegal or improper turns or lane changes
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Drowsy/fatigued driving
- Reckless driving
Comprehensive Overview of Injuries Commonly Sustained in Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcyclists lack the protection of a vehicle body and safety equipment like seat belts. As a consequence, they face the risk of suffering catastrophic injuries in a crash. Examples of potential injuries sustained in motorcycle crashes include:
- Road rash/lacerations/degloving injuries
- Broken bones
- Torn ligaments, tendons, or muscles
- Herniated spinal disc injuries
- Internal organ injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Traumatic amputation/limb loss
The Long-Term Impact on Victims and Their Families
Motorcycle accident injuries may result in permanent disabilities that prevent a victim from returning to work, causing them and their family to lose income and employment benefits. Severe disabilities may also require riders to receive lifelong care and support, such as home health services, wheelchairs/mobility equipment, and other disability accommodations.
Evaluating Your Claim: Understanding the Value and Types of Damages Recoverable
If someone else caused the motorcycle accident, you may have the right to recover compensation for the financial and personal losses you’ve suffered as a result.
Special vs. General Damages: What You Need to Know
A motorcycle accident claim can provide you with financial recovery for special and general damage. Special damages compensate you for specific financial losses you incur during your recovery, such as:
- Costs of repairs to your motorcycle or reimbursement for your bike’s fair value if the crash totaled it
- Costs of medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Costs of long-term care needed for prolonged/permanent disabilities
- Lost wages/income from missed work
- Lost future earning potential caused by significant disabilities
General damages compensate you for personal losses you suffer due to your injuries, including for:
- Physical pain and anguish
- Emotional trauma/distress
- Reduced quality/enjoyment of life due to disabilities or disfigurement/scarring
The Role of Punitive Damages and Wrongful Death Claims in Atlanta
In rare cases, a jury may award punitive damages to a motorcycle accident victim. Punitive damages, as their name suggests, punish an at-fault party for reckless or egregious conduct rather than compensating a motorcycle accident victim for financial or personal losses.
When a motorcycle accident causes a rider’s death, their family may have the right to recover compensation for:
- The decedent’s lost wages and benefits
- Loss of the decedent’s care, companionship, and counsel
- Medical expenses incurred to treat the decedent’s fatal injuries
- Funeral and burial expenses
How Motorcycle Accident Claims Are Calculated in Georgia
Calculating special damages requires bills, invoices, receipts, and pay stubs. Expert testimony can also help calculate future losses/expenses.
Determining general damages depends on various factors, such as:
- The nature and severity of the rider’s injuries
- The duration of the rider’s medical recovery
- Whether the rider’s injuries result in prolonged or permanent disabilities
- Whether the rider can return to their job or participate in activities they previously enjoyed
Legal Steps to Take Following a Motorcycle Accident in Atlanta
Prompt action after a Georgia motorcycle accident can put you in a favorable position to seek financial recovery.
The Immediate Actions Post-Accident That Can Make or Break Your Case
Here are some steps to take in the immediate aftermath of a motorcycle accident:
- Report the accident to law enforcement.
- Seek prompt medical attention.
- Begin treatment and follow your physician’s recovery plan/instructions.
- Report the crash to your motorcycle insurance company.
- Obtain a copy of the police accident report.
Detailed Guide to Filing a Successful Insurance Claim or Lawsuit
When filing an insurance claim, you will need compelling evidence to prove your right to compensation from a driver or another party at fault for the motorcycle accident. This evidence might include police accident reports, helmet cam or surveillance camera footage, eyewitness testimony, and accident scene photos. You will also need documentation to support your claim of injuries and losses, such as medical records, bills, invoices, receipts, and pay stubs/income statements.
Choosing the Right Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Your Case
A motorcycle accident case allows you to seek money for the financial and personal losses you incur due to another party’s negligence. Your choice of legal representation can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.
Criteria for Selecting an Attorney with a Proven Track Record
You can give yourself the best chance of obtaining a successful outcome for your motorcycle accident claim by working with an experienced motorcycle law firm with a proven record of success in accident claims. Here are some factors that indicate an attorney’s level of success:
- How long they’ve practiced personal injury law
- How many motorcycle accident cases they’ve resolved
- The percentage of their practice represented by personal injury and motorcycle accident claims
- Their success rate in settlement and trials
- How frequently they take cases to trial
- The awards and peer recognition they’ve received.
The Importance of Free Consultations: Questions You Must Ask
Most motorcycle crash lawyers offer free consultations to help prospective clients find the right attorney. Here are some questions to ask an attorney during this meeting:
- How long have you practiced law/personal injury law?
- How many motorcycle accident cases do you handle?
- Have you handled cases like mine?
- How often do you recover compensation in motorcycle accident cases?
- How often do you go to trial?
- How often can I expect to hear from you during my case?
- What, if anything, do you expect me to do during my case?
How an Experienced Lawyer Can Maximize Your Compensation
A knowledgeable attorney can help you seek maximum financial recovery by thoroughly investigating the accident, recovering all available evidence, identifying at-fault and liable parties, evaluating your legal options for financial recovery (such as applicable insurance coverage), and vigorously pursuing maximum compensation through a negotiated settlement or by taking your case to court and trial.
Ready to get this help from Ted A. Greve & Associates PA? Then contact us now for a free, no-obligation consultation with our motorcycle accident lawyers and learn how our firm will fight to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.
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