Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident someone else caused? If so, our personal injury lawyers in Augusta want to get you the money you need to rebuild your life. As both an experienced personal injury lawyer and a licensed chiropractic physician, Ted A. Greve & Associates understands how your injuries are affecting your life and how he can use the law to help you in your recovery. Contact our firm today for a free consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Augusta, GA, and let us get to work on your case at no upfront cost to you.
Motorcycle Accident Representation in Augusta, GA
At Ted A. Greve & Associates, P. A., we have a long track record providing motorcycle accident representation for injured riders and have a reputation as effective attorneys who will aggressively pursue responsible parties.
Why Experienced Legal Support Is Crucial for Riders
Motorcycles have different regulations than cars and trucks. What’s more, riders are at greater risk for serious injuries, which means insurance companies are more motivated to fight claims. That’s why you need an attorney who has experience working specifically with motorcycle accident claims.
The Role of a Dedicated Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Augusta
Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Augusta can investigate your accident and gather evidence to prove the extent of your injuries and the other party’s liability. We can handle every aspect of filing an insurance claim, from gathering medical documentation and negotiating with insurance companies to filing a formal lawsuit. While we do this, you can focus instead on resting and getting better.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Augusta
Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Augusta include:
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Changing lanes improperly
- Failing to yield
- Ignoring road signs and traffic signals
- Aggressive driving
- Dooring accidents
Augusta’s Most Dangerous Routes for Motorcycles
Augusta is the second-largest city in Georgia and has its share of dangerous roads and intersections where motorcycle riders are at risk. These roads include:
- Deans Bridge Road
- Bobby Jones Expressway
- Georgia Highway 28/I-20
- Peach Orchard Road/ US-25
- Gordon Highway
Augusta Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to data from the Georgia Department of Driver Services, Georgia’s motorcycle accident rate is 1.9 out of 100,000, with crashes being more common in urban areas. The most common cause of crashes is rear-end collisions, and nearly 18 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes involve speeding. Nearly nine out of ten motorcycle crash victims are men.
Understanding Georgia’s Motorcycle Laws and Safety Regulations
Below are some of the most pertinent motorcycle laws and regulations riders must follow.
- You must have a Class M endorsement on your license to operate a motorcycle on Georgia’s roads legally.
- All riders must wear a helmet, regardless of age or experience.
- Motorcycle riders cannot pass between lanes of stopped or slowed adjacent traffic.
- Riders cannot attach themselves and ride behind other vehicles.
- All bikes must have a working headlight and taillight
- Handlebars must be less than 25 inches above the seat.
Types of Motorcycle Injuries Suffered
Motorcycle riders do not have the protection of a cabin like passenger vehicle occupants do, which puts them at greater risk for injuries like the following:
- Broken Bones – Collisions with other vehicles or road obstructions have enough force to shatter bone, particularly in the legs and torso, where most of the crash force is directed.
- Brain Injuries – Severe crashes can cause brain injuries, concussions, and cranial trauma.
- Abrasions & Burns – Road rash is a common injury that occurs when riders fall from their bikes and slide across asphalt. Damaged bikes can also catch fire and cause severe burns.
- Spinal Injuries – The force of impact with another vehicle or the roadway can cause spinal cord injuries that may result in pain, loss of functionality, and even paralysis.
- Internal Injuries – The severe blunt-force trauma from a motorcycle accident can cause internal injuries and damage organs, such as the lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys.
Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident in Augusta
Motorcycle accident victims can incur substantial medical bills and other expenses. A personal injury claim can help you recover financial compensation for those losses.
The Claims Process for Victims
The insurance claims process starts with an investigation where you will submit evidence to the company to prove your injuries and the other party’s fault. When you report your accident, do not provide more than basic info about the crash. Instead, let an attorney negotiate a settlement and counter any attempts to deny or underpay your claim.
Economic and Non-Economic Damages
Compensation in your motorcycle accident case can include money for economic losses like:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Diminished work capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
You can also recover compensation for your subjective, intangible losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Loss of life enjoyment or consortium
An attorney can add up these losses, organize your expenses, and calculate an adequate figure for compensation.
Wrongful Death Claim
Losing a loved one in a motorcycle accident may rob you of financial support and companionship. You may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to recover your losses after a wrongful death.
Comparative Fault in Georgia Motorcycle Accident Claims
Georgia’s comparative fault laws allow accident victims to recover damages even if they share fault. However, their compensation will be reduced by the percentage of the fault they share. So, if you share 30 percent of the fault, your compensation will be 30 percent less. And, if you are 50 percent or more to blame, the court will bar you from financial recovery entirely. Don’t let this happen—talk to a lawyer right away.
Motorcycle Accident Claim Statute of Limitations
You have two years from the date of the motorcycle accident to file a claim to recover compensation. If you wait too long, you will lose your chance to recover compensation, so it’s in your best interest to start as soon as possible.
Contact Our Augusta Motorcycle Lawyer to Review Your Case
Hurt in a motorcycle accident in Augusta? Ted A. Greve & Associates, P. A. can provide the critical legal and emotional support you need in your difficult times. Contact us today for a free consultation with an Augusta motorcycle accident lawyer, and let our Augusta personal injury law firm pursue your claim while you focus on resting and recovering.
