Georgia is an excellent place for motorcycles, especially up in the north mountains. Yet too many drivers fail to pay proper attention to riders and cause wrecks. Most of the time, it’s the rider who takes the most damage.
If you’re facing enormous bills after your motorcycle accident, you may not have to pay them yourself. John Foy & Associates has personal injury lawyers in Covington who can help you seek compensation for your injuries. We’ve helped people in Georgia communities for over 25 years.
The Rules About Liability in Motorcycle Accidents in Georgia
To prove that someone else is liable for your injuries, we have to prove they were negligent, caused your injuries, and calculate up the damages you received. If your motorcycle accident lawyer can do this, you can get paid for your injuries.
How much you can get paid depends on the evidence we uncover during our investigation, as well as the level of contributory negligence you had in your accident. Georgia reduces compensation if you were partially negligent. For instance, if you ride without a helmet and wreck, you’re almost certain to get less than you could have.
Insurance companies know that if they can prove you caused 50% or more of your accident, they won’t have to pay anything. They know the tactics, and you don’t. You need a lawyer who knows how to counter any arguments that your own actions caused your accident.
Get the strong arm
How to Improve Your Chances of Success
First, wear a helmet and safety gear every time you ride, and keep your bike in good condition. This will prove you’re a safe rider. Then, if you can, take photos of your injuries and the crash scene after your accident and contact the police.
If you are taken straight to the hospital, the police will contact you later for a statement. If you give one at the scene, see a doctor as soon as possible for an examination. Tell them you were in an accident. They can run tests to find hidden injuries and start treatment.
As soon as a doctor has diagnosed you and you’re well enough to hold a conversation, call our motorcycle accident attorneys in Covington about what happened. We can tell you how to maximize your chances of success, and we can prevent you from saying something against your own interests.
Should I Speak With the Insurer?
If at all possible, you should speak with a lawyer before you speak with an insurer. Always remember that the insurer is not on your side. Their job is to minimize the amount of money you get from the insurer by finding weaknesses in your story.
Many insurance adjusters are quite nice on the phone, and may even offer you what sounds like a sizable payment upfront. If you take that payment and you end up needing more money, you’re out of luck. Tell your lawyer about the offer and let them negotiate.
You don’t have to be rude to them, but tell them you’re going to work with representation and will contact them later. You can ask for their contact information and pass it on to your lawyer. However, do not agree to anything or sign any document, even if they say it’s required or part of the procedure.
How Long do I Have to File My Claim?
We know that motorcycle accidents can take a long time to heal, but you shouldn’t wait too long to start your claim. In Georgia, you have two years from the date of your accident to begin your claim before you lose the right to compensation. This is the statute of limitations.
The longer you take, the harder it is to remember what happened. Getting accurate evidence can be difficult after so long, so the law puts in a time limit for starting cases. This is part of everyone’s Sixth Amendment rights to due process and a speedy trial.
Our lawyers can estimate how much you’ll need based on our years of previous experience and our investigation into the case. Better to need to adjust the amount later than to run out of time to file and not get anything at all.
Speak With a Qualified Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Unfortunately, there is a lot of prejudice against motorcycle riders as risk-takers. Our Covington motorcycle accident lawyers will work to protect you from harmful accusations and get you the compensation you deserve after your accident.
To start the process, contact our offices for a free consultation. You do not have to pay anything to John Foy & Associates unless you win your case. We will review your situation, tell you if you have a case, and tell you our strategy. We look forward to making our case to you that we’re the law firm for you.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
