If someone else’s actions caused your motorcycle accident in Athens, you might deserve financial compensation. But there is limited time to take action, so don’t wait to contact a lawyer. At John Foy & Associates, our motorcycle accident attorneys in Athens know what to do.
With over 20 years of experience, we’re known as the Strong Arm for a reason. Our team will fight tirelessly for the money you deserve so that you can cover your costs and get back to living. We can also help if you’ve lost a loved one in a crash.
Contact us today for a free consultation where we’ll discuss your options. We don’t charge a fee unless we win your case. We’re available 24/7, so call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online at any time.
Should You Get a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident?
Retaining a lawyer is always best after a motorcycle accident. Here are some reasons why:
- An attorney knows the ins and outs of personal injury law in Georgia.
- You won’t have to worry about the best steps to take next—your lawyer can handle them for you.
- You’ll know you’re seeking the maximum recovery for your collision costs.
If you were hurt and the accident wasn’t your fault, you’ll need to know your rights. An experienced attorney will guide you through the injury claim process. They’ll also know how to protect your rights and avoid actions that the other side could use against you.
Thankfully, motorcycle accident lawyers usually work on contingency, meaning you only pay the legal fee if you win money. Plus, the fee comes straight from the settlement or court award you win—and then you get the rest. You don’t have to worry about upfront or out-of-pocket costs.
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The Average Payout for a Motorcycle Crash Claim
There is limited up-to-date research on settlement averages, and each case can be so different. However, according to older statistics, accident costs can range anywhere from thousands of dollars to millions. The settlement value depends on how the crash happened and how severe your damages.
Motorcycle riders are also 28 times more likely to die in an accident than car drivers and passengers, according to ConsumerNotice.org. Furthermore, treatment costs are often twice as expenses for motorcyclists.
If you’re wondering what your accident is worth, contact a motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney can give you the best estimate based on your situation. They’ll also know how to fight for the maximum money you deserve.
How to Know If Your Settlement Offer Is Good
Most accident claims settle without going to court. But many injured folks wonder: how do you know when it’s okay to accept a settlement? Sometimes a settlement can feel like a compromise, but you shouldn’t have to take less than you deserve.
The ideal compensation should cover all of your accident damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Prescription or over-the-counter medication costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Bike repair or replacement costs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Economic and Non-Economic Damages
A settlement should account for both economic and non-economic losses. Monetary damages are medical costs, lost income, and other financial expenses. But non-economic damages are different; they don’t have a set dollar amount.
You cannot put a price on pain and suffering, but the law can only compensate for your distress through money. So, your lawyer will determine a fair monetary amount for what the accident has taken from you emotionally.
Calculating both your financial and non-financial losses will show what type of settlement you should receive. At John Foy & Associates, we can make sure you only accept compensation that covers your losses.
What Happens If You Reject a Settlement
If the insurance company sends you a settlement offer that isn’t enough, you have the right to reject it and make a counteroffer. Declining an offer will forfeit that amount but allow your lawyer to negotiate.
An experienced attorney can often get you another offer that meets your damages more fully. The ideal compensation reimburses you for all financial and emotional losses the accident has caused.
Settling Out of Court vs. Going to Trial for an Accident
When two or more people get into an accident, insurance companies become involved. In Georgia, the responsible driver’s insurance company pays for the crash. That means that if you were injured because of a motorcycle rider, the biker’s insurer could offer you a settlement once you file a claim.
You can either accept a settlement or take the motorcyclist to court. In most accident claims, the case ends with a settlement and never goes to trial. However, there are exceptions where a court case is best for the injured person.
The advantages of settling out of court include:
- Getting paid for your damages sooner
- Avoiding the time and money involved in a lawsuit
- Obtaining money without the risk of a trial
But a settlement can also leave a lot to be desired. For example, attorneys will request higher compensation initially so that there’s room to negotiate when the insurance company goes lower. A good lawyer can often achieve a fair settlement, but it doesn’t always cover every cost.
The benefits of going to court include:
- The potential to win much more money
- Justice for you as a victim of an accident
- Holding the responsible party accountable for their actions
Trials take a lot of time, and they do involve risk. A lawyer should only recommend going to court if they believe you have a high chance of winning.
Thankfully, most injured clients can get a reasonable settlement without stepping foot in a courtroom. You can win money to pay for your costs without the stress of a lawsuit.
How Long You Have to File a Lawsuit in Georgia
Every state has different rules for when you can file a personal injury case. In Georgia, you have two years from the date of your accident to bring a lawsuit, according to OCGA §9-3-33. If you wait longer than that, you’ll lose your chance to take action.
While two years might seem like plenty of time, it’s a short period in legal proceedings. You will need to gather evidence, build a claim, and deal with the insurance companies. You’ll also want to consult with at least one trusted motorcycle accident attorney.
Make sure you don’t miss any opportunities by starting on your claim today. Speak with a lawyer who can help you stay on track and build the most robust injury claim possible. The goal should be the maximum compensation to recover your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and all other losses.
Get a Free Consultation with an Athens Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Contact us today for a free consultation. You can reach us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Call (404) 400-4000 or reach out online to get started for free today.
706-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
