Motorcycle accidents in Cartersville can leave the victims with heavy burdens. Since motorcycles are less protected in collisions than cars or trucks, so the chances of severe injuries and damage are high. Motorcycle victims can find themselves with huge medical bills, a totaled bike, and so much more. If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle accident and it wasn’t your/their fault, you are entitled to financial recovery for your damages. You need to speak with a Cartersville motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.
At John Foy & Associates, we’ve been helping accident victims get the money they need for more than 20 years. We’re here to help with an empathetic ear and the vast experience needed to take on these types of cases. We’re known for strong-arming the insurance companies to pay out what you actually deserve for what you’ve suffered. For a FREE consultation today with one of our attorneys, contact us by calling 404-400-4000, or simply filling out the form to your right.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Motorcycle Accident?
The State of Georgia is a fault state, which means the person who caused the accident (and their insurance company) is responsible for damages from that accident. If the other driver was at fault for your accident, they are liable and their insurance company should cover all costs—or “damages”—you now face as a result of the accident.
Damages you may be able to recover from a motorcycle accident include:
Medical Expenses
This makes up the largest costs of most motorcycle accidents. These accidents are often very severe, even fatal, and can involve potentially lifelong injuries.
Thankfully, you are entitled to financial recovery for all of your medical bills, doctor’s visits, tests, prescription medications, and ongoing treatment like physical therapy, rehabilitation, or surgeries.
This also includes the cost of traveling between medical treatments and appointments.
Vehicle Repair Costs
Motorcycles are highly prone to damage in an accident. If your bike was damaged or totaled, the other driver’s insurance should cover the cost of repairs or replacement of your motorcycle.
Time Missed from Work
Most victims have to take precious time away from their jobs after an accident. This is stressful, as you’re probably watching the medical bills pile up and not able to work to earn money for them at the same time. But the wages you missed because of the accident are covered damages that your lawyer can help you account for.
Wrongful Death Damages
If you lost a loved one who is a close family member in a motorcycle, you may be able to make a claim on their behalf for the damages above, among others. This is known as a wrongful death claim.
A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you calculate all of your costs from the accident. It’s very important to contact one as soon as you can after the accident happens so you can make an accurate claim. Insurance companies like to lowball you with a small offer upfront in hopes you’ll accept it and end the process. But the amount they offer is never enough to cover your costs—now and in the future. An attorney can find out exactly what your claim is worth and fight to ensure you get a fair settlement.
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What If I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet? Do I Still Have a Case?
Yes, in most cases, you should still contact a lawyer and seek a claim even if you weren’t wearing a helmet. You can potentially still recover money. However, it could be less than you’d normally recover if the court believes your injuries were worsened by not wearing a helmet.
That being said, there are motorcycle accident injuries that can happen whether you were wearing a helmet or not. It’s always a good idea to consult a professional and not give up on the chance to financial recovery.
The Insurance Company Is Trying to Blame Me. What Can I Do?
Unfortunately, bikers can face a bias that other drivers don’t experience in the same way. Some people wrongly view those who ride motorcycles as “rebels” who are careless on the road. It’s an unfair view, but it can make it easier for the other driver or their insurance company to place blame on you.
Don’t let this intimidate you. And never accept fault or even apologize for the accident if the insurance company tries to contact you and ask about the crash. The facts matter, and it’s common for other motorists to not give bikers enough room or respect on the roads. They may not pay close enough attention and fail to see a motorcycle, or cut them off without looking for them, causing the accident. The driver might even think it’s your fault and not realize their error. But motorcycles have the same rights to be on the road as other drivers.
To protect yourself from a bias that could place unfounded blame on you, gather as much evidence as you can by:
Taking Pictures
Get pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and the damage to your bike. If the other driver is acting aggressively or you suspect drunk driving or other carelessness led to the accident, you might even try taking a video of the behavior.
Tell Police
You should always report an accident to the police. Call 911 to report the incident, and tell officers exactly what happened when they get to the scene.
See a Doctor
If your injuries are serious, this should be your first step: get medical attention right away. You might be worried about medical bills, but the cost of waiting will just be worse—and for your insurance claim, you need a record that you saw a doctor for your injuries.
Talk to Witnesses
If anyone saw the accident happen, ask for their full name, phone number, and address for your lawyer to contact them later. If they can stay at the scene until the police arrive, ask if they can give a statement to the responding officers.
Talk to a Cartersville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Free
The costs of a motorcycle accident are often very high. Don’t go it alone without professional legal help on your side. A good motorcycle accident lawyer will help protect you from an unfair judgment or getting taken advantage of by the insurance company. We’ve been helping personal injury victims for more than 20 years, and we know how to handle these types of cases. For a FREE consultation to go over your case and discuss your options, contact us today. Call 404-400-4000, or fill out the form to your right to get started.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
