Most accidents in Savannah involving motorcyclists happen because a driver was careless. But bikers can be inattentive and reckless, too. If a rider’s actions caused your crash, you might have a legal right to recover your medical bills, lost income, and other costs.
Talk to a Savannah negligent rider accident lawyer today about your options. At John Foy & Associates, each case is personal. We’ll fight for what you deserve, and at no risk to you—there is no charge unless we win you money.
To get a free, no-obligation consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online now. We are available 24/7 to help you.
Do You Need a Lawyer If a Motorcycle Rider Caused Your Accident?
You might question if an attorney is even necessary after your accident. When a motorcycle accident happens, the biker is usually worse off than the motorist. If you were driving a car or truck, it’s normal to wonder if you can handle your case alone, especially with minor damage.
Here’s the truth:
Even when a crash is small, you should consult with an attorney. The lawyer can examine your case and make sure you know what’s a fair settlement. Otherwise, the insurance company will offer you meager compensation that won’t even cover minor costs.
Without help from a lawyer, there’s a good chance you’ll pay out of pocket for your accident costs.
Get the strong arm
What Percentage do Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Take?
Motorcycle accident lawyers specialize in personal injury law. Most personal injury lawyers’ fees start at around 33% of what they win you. If your case is more complicated or goes to court, the cost could be slightly higher.
Either way, you won’t pay anything upfront, and the price only applies if you win a settlement or court award. If your lawyer doesn’t win your case, you owe no fee. Plus, the payment comes straight from what you win—never out of your pocket—and you keep the rest.
How to Request Compensation After an Accident
After an accident, documentation is critical. You will need to provide proof of:
- The motorcyclist’s fault in the crash
- Your injuries
- Your accident costs
Any accident claim depends on the idea of negligence. According to OCGA §51-1-2, negligence means an absence of diligence. In other words, it means someone has not been reasonably careful.
When a motorcycle rider is careless on the road, such as choosing to speed, that’s an example of negligence. If the biker’s negligence led to your accident and injuries, the motorcyclist is responsible for covering your losses or “damages.”
You can seek money for your damages through an insurance claim or lawsuit. The first measure is usually to file a claim with the biker’s insurance company.
Receiving a Settlement vs. Filing a Lawsuit
Most accident cases end with a settlement outside of court. That means the injured person accepts money from the at-fault party, and the case is closed. But be careful: If you take a too-low settlement, you won’t have a chance to fight for more.
If you cannot get a fair settlement offer, you might move your case to court. During a trial, a judge or jury will decide what you deserve. You could potentially win much more money, but you also run the risk of losing.
Before you take any money, talk to a Savannah negligent rider accident lawyer. Our team at John Foy & Associates has been helping injured drivers for over 20 years, including cases with careless bikers.
We can determine the best course of action based on your accident. To discuss the details during a free, no-risk consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Crash
Above, we talked about the importance of proof in an accident claim. Before filing a claim, you’ll need to gather evidence of the accident and your damages.
Get a Copy of the Police Report
When the police respond to an accident, they should create a crash report with details about the collision. You can request a copy of the report through the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).
The police record is the first official account of your collision. The document will support your claim and act as evidence if you go to court.
Gather Information at the Scene
Some people are too injured after an accident to do anything. If you have life-threatening or otherwise severe injuries, call 9-1-1 for help. But if you are well enough to stay at the scene, you can:
- Take pictures of your injuries and vehicle damage.
- Photograph the entire accident scene.
- Note any nearby traffic cameras or surveillance cameras.
- Talk to anyone who might have witnessed your accident.
Ask witnesses for their names and contact information. Your lawyer can contact each person to get a supportive statement. Testimony from other people who were there can help your case a lot.
Save Evidence of Treatment
Always see a doctor as soon as possible after a collision. Even if you feel okay, get an exam from a medical professional. You could have injuries that aren’t obvious yet or get worse with time.
Also, save all of your medical records, bills, and medication receipts. These documents are proof of your treatment and expenses. You should also collect:
- Recent paystubs or invoices from your work
- Last year’s tax return
- Quotes for vehicle repairs
- Torn or bloody clothing from the crash
- Notes on your experiences and after during the accident
You can never save too much. When you consult with an attorney, they’ll review everything to understand what happened and how you’ve suffered. The attorney can help you sort through what’s most helpful to your claim.
Call an Experienced Lawyer
Reach out to an attorney as soon as you can. Building a successful case means understanding all of your rights from the beginning.
Talk to a lawyer who has experience with accidents caused by motorcyclists. Don’t be afraid to ask for examples of cases the attorney has worked on similar to yours. You should feel comfortable with the lawyer and confident that they have your best interests in mind.
At John Foy & Associates, we have 20-plus years of experience working on negligent rider cases. We fight tirelessly for our clients and the compensation they deserve. We also won’t charge you unless we win your case.
Talk to a Negligent Rider Accident Lawyer in Savannah for Free
Get started with a free, no-risk consultation today. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online 24/7.
912-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
