Motorcycle accidents cause some of the most severe injuries on Stonecrest roads. Compared with other motor vehicles, motorcycles don’t provide the same protection during a crash and as a result, bikers are more likely to suffer life-threatening or fatal injuries. If you or a loved one were injured, contact a Stonecrest motorcycle accident lawyer.
At John Foy & Associates, we have been helping accident victims for over 20 years. And as one of Georgia’s largest law firms, we are not afraid to fight for your rights. Call us or contact us online for a free consultation.
Why Should I Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Stonecrest for My Case?
There are several reasons why you should hire one of our motorcycle lawyers in Stonecrest to assist you with your claim.
Calculating Your Damages
Economic damages are more straightforward to calculate than others. You can show medical costs through bills and records, for example, but non-economic damages are more complicated in that they are about how the accident has affected your life. The courts often use a multiplier to put a dollar value on these damages.
We use various formulas and have a holistic approach in calculating all of your damages. We won’t leave a single penny out of your settlement. Our goal is to get you the maximum amount of compensation possible from the insurance company.
Building a Strong Case
When you file your claim, you need to have a strong case to back it up. To build a strong case, our lawyers will:
- Gather important documents and records
- Collect evidence crucial to your motorcycle accident
- Research local, state, and federal laws that support your claim
- Talking to experts in various fields for supporting testimony
Insurance companies love to fight back against motorcycle accident victims by playing on the stigma that motorcyclists are irresponsible. Our Stonecrest motorcycle accident attorneys won’t let them do this. We will fight hard and present a solid case that supports full compensation.
Handling All of Your Legal Affairs
You need to focus on your health and recovery. While you heal from your injuries, allow us to shoulder all of the legal burdens.
We will take care of all your communications with other parties, deal with the insurance company, draft letters, submit paperwork, and represent your best interests in court. Don’t concern yourself about anything other than getting better.
Get the strong arm
Determining Fault in a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle riders are often misconceived as reckless or aggressive on the roads. However, most bike accidents actually happen because of other drivers. Car and truck drivers tend to ignore or not notice smaller vehicles on the road.
Although there are exceptions, another driver is often at fault for a motorcycle accident. The accident might happen because of:
- Speeding
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failure to yield
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
Sometimes, more than one party is at fault. For example, you might have multiple injury claims against whoever caused the accident. If you were partially at fault, you might still have rights. According to OCGA §51-12-33, you can recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault, however, your damages would get reduced based on your percentage of fault.
Other drivers or their insurance companies might look for ways to blame you, but unfortunately, it’s often easier to portray bikers as irresponsible or at fault. The other side knows that blaming you might reduce their own liability. But a motorcycle accident attorney in Stonecrest will learn how to protect your rights.
Recoverable Damages from a Motorcycle Crash
Personal injury damages are any losses you have because of your injuries. They might include:
- Doctor and hospital bills
- Medication costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
This is only a shortlist of damages that you can recover compensation for. Rest assured, as long as your damages resulted from your motorcycle accident. Our lawyers will help you account for all of them in your settlement total.
Wrongful Death Damages
Tragically, many motorcycle accidents become fatal because bikers have very little protection between themselves and the open road. As a result, motorcycle accident injuries can easily be deadly. If a loved one died in a motorcycle accident, you might have a wrongful death claim.
Specific family members can bring wrongful death claims on behalf of a killed loved one. Wrongful death damages might include:
- Medical bills from the loved one’s last injuries
- Lost income that the loved one would have earned
- Pain and suffering the loved one experienced before they died
- Funeral and burial expenses
Contact our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers in Stonecrest today if your loved one lost their life. Of course, nothing can undo what happened. However, financial compensation can help you recover any of your costs and find closure.
Motorcycle Accident Settlements vs. Lawsuits
Auto insurance covers most accidents. All motorists in Georgia should carry auto insurance in case of an accident. If a driver is at fault, their insurance should cover the accident costs.
You can first seek compensation through an insurance claim. This is the best way to pursue recovery without a court case. Insurance companies are also more likely to settle without the hassle of a lawsuit. Some common tactics insurance companies will use to pay as little as possible include:
- Offering you a lowball settlement
- Downplaying your injuries
- Questioning your accident damages
- Blaming you for the crash
- Asking you to give a recorded statement
Do not accept a settlement or sign anything without speaking to a lawyer. The first offer will be a lowball that doesn’t even come close to covering your damages, but if you accept money, you probably won’t be able to fight for more. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you negotiate with the insurance company.
Most of the time you can get a settlement this way without going to court, but sometimes the insurer won’t settle. If you cannot get a settlement, you might need to file a lawsuit. Before the trial, you can try to negotiate along the way. Your lawyer can determine the best court of action based on your accident details.
The Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accidents in Stonecrest
Motorcycle accidents in Stonecrest have a general statute of limitations of two years. Some cases may have even less time depending on the circumstances.
We encourage you to reach out to our law firm as soon as possible after receiving medical treatment. The longer you delay, the less chance you have of getting the best settlement possible.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries You Can Seek Compensation For
Motorcycle accident injuries tend to be among the worst you can suffer. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Road rash
- Leg injuries
- “Biker’s arm”
- Neck and shoulder injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence, you have rights. You deserve full compensation for your injury costs. It doesn’t matter what kind of injury you sustained. As long as the motorcycle accident caused them, the law allows you to fight for your settlement under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-1-6.
Be sure to document your injuries as fully as possible. Take pictures at the scene, and get to a doctor as quickly as you can. This will create a record of you getting help for your injuries.
Talk to a Stonecrest Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
Motorcycle accidents can be harrowing and costly. If you weren’t at fault for your accident, you shouldn’t have to bear the costs. John Foy & Associates can ensure you know your rights. We’ll also help you build a claim for the recovery you deserve. Reach out today to get a free, no-risk consultation.
We do not collect a fee unless we win your case. That way, you can get the help you need without upfront or out-of-pocket costs. Call our experienced and compassionate team or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form