Car and truck drivers are usually at fault in Valdosta motorcycle accidents. However, motorcycle riders are sometimes negligent, too. If a motorcyclist was at fault for your accident, you can seek compensation for your costs.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help. Working with us is risk-free for our clients. We don’t get paid unless we win you money. Our fee is simply a percentage of what we win you—and you keep the rest. To get started with a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
How Our Lawyers Can Help Your Case
We can make sure you’re on solid legal footing from start to finish. Our team has over 20 years of experience helping accident victims and their victims. Just a few steps in our process involve:
- Collecting evidence from the scene
- Gathering proof of your damages
- Calculating your total costs
- Building a strong insurance claim
- Communicating and negotiating with the insurer
Most accident claims end with an insurance settlement. We will work to negotiate fair compensation if the insurer tries to lowball you. However, there are rare cases where you need to take your case to court.
We are not afraid of legal trials. If you need to sue the at-fault party, our team will prepare to fight for you. We’ll handle the legal details while you focus on healing.
Get the strong arm
Defining Fault in a Motorcycle Accident
Someone is at fault for an accident if their negligence leads to the crash. In Georgia, the law can find more than one person partially at fault. If someone is less than 50% at fault, they might still recover damages for their injuries.
The percentage of fault varies from case to case. Our lawyers will need to examine your accident details to determine fault. If a negligent rider caused your accident, they are probably responsible for the costs.
A motorcyclist might cause an accident by:
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Hitting a legally-parked vehicle
- Failing to yield or signal
- Lane-splitting (driving in between traffic lanes)
- Tailgating and rear-ending other vehicles
- Making an unsafe turn or lane change
- Speeding excessively
- Driving aggressively or recklessly
These are just a few examples. If a negligent rider caused your accident, you certainly have legal options. You will likely need to file a claim with the rider’s insurance company.
Keep in mind that insurance companies don’t have your best interests in mind. The insurer will look for ways to reduce what they have to pay you. You’ll need to prepare by protecting your rights from the beginning.
Your Rights When a Motorcycle Rider Is at Fault
Motorcyclists tend to suffer the most in an accident because they have less protection than car occupants. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were nearly 5,000 motorcycle riders killed in accidents in 2018.
However, that doesn’t mean a rider is never at fault.
Bikers can be careless, just like anyone else on the road. If a motorcyclist causes an accident, they are legally responsible.
All drivers must carry auto insurance to operate a vehicle. When someone causes an accident, their insurance should cover the costs. If you are the victim of an accident, you can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
The Average Payout for a Motorcycle Accident
Every motorcycle accident case is unique. Because of that, it’s impossible to give one average number. The settlement you can expect will depend on several factors, including:
- The cause of the accident
- Your total accident damages
- Your percentage of fault (if any)
- The at-fault party’s insurance coverage
A motorcycle accident settlement can range anywhere from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars or more. The only way to get an accurate estimate for your case is by speaking with a lawyer.
Our attorneys will evaluate your case to determine how a fair settlement should look. From there, you can understand what type of compensation you deserve.
Types of Accident Damages
Personal injury damages are any losses you have from your accident. If a negligent rider was at fault, they are liable for your total damages.
There are two main types of damages under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-12-2:
- Special damages that have set dollar amounts
- General damages that do not have monetary values
For special damages, you must prove your total costs. You’ll need to prove medical bills, receipts, and other documents to back up these losses. General damages do not require proof of a set dollar amount.
Special Damages
Special damages can include:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
We can help you gather proof of each loss. We’ll also ensure you know the full value of your damages.
General Damages
General damages are less straightforward. They’re about how the accident has affected your life.
Examples of general damages include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Of course, a dollar amount cannot make up for your emotional injuries. But the law only knows how to compensate you through money. Our lawyers know how to calculate the monetary value of your pain and suffering from the accident.
Punitive Damages
A third type of damage is sometimes available after an accident. Punitive damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and prevent future bad behavior. They’re more about punishment than compensating the victim.
You might deserve punitive damages if there was reckless or wanton behavior. This can be the case when a motorcycle rider is at fault.
At John Foy & Associates, we can determine all of your accident costs. Contact us today to learn what compensation you deserve. You should not have to pay for damages that you didn’t cause.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free, no-risk consultation. You pay nothing unless we win you compensation.
Call Our Valdosta Negligent Rider Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If a negligent motorcycle rider caused your accident, you might deserve full compensation. Contact our team at John Foy & Associates to discuss your options and get the help you need. We are available 24/7 to take your call. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation.
229-232-8678 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
