When Is a Motorcycle Considered Totaled in Georgia?

A motorcycle is considered totaled in Georgia when there is structural damage that can’t be repaired. If your bike has been irreparably damaged in a collision caused by another party, you have the right to hire an attorney and pursue compensation for property damage.

A Georgia motorcycle accident lawyer can assess your situation and determine how much your claim is worth. They’ll provide the advice you need to understand your case and fight for the compensation you’re owed. Let’s take a closer look at Georgia’s standards for determining if a motorcycle is totaled and how you can seek compensation for your damaged vehicle.

Determining if Your Motorcycle Is Totaled After an Accident in Georgia

It’s important to note that there isn’t a specific law that dictates when a motorcycle is considered totaled in Georgia. Therefore, it’s up to the insurance company to decide if your vehicle is totaled or not. The insurer may deem your vehicle totaled if one or more of the following statements are true:

• The frame of the motorcycle is damaged
• The motorcycle has irreparable structural damage
• The cost of repairs would exceed 50% to 75% of the motorcycle’s value

In addition, if you have an older motorcycle, the amount of damage required for the insurer to deem it totaled may be much less than a newer model. 

What to Do if You Believe Your Motorcycle Is Totaled

If you’ve been involved in an accident that caused serious damage to your bike, you’ll want to have the damage appraised by an expert. A trusted mechanic can assess the damage done to your motorcycle and determine if it’s extensive enough to be considered totaled.

Once a mechanic has taken a look at your vehicle, you’ll want to get in touch with the insurance company. It’s important that you file a claim ASAP, as many insurers have a filing deadline. In general, insurance companies want you to file your claim within 30 days of the accident.

A Motorcycle Accident Can Help You Deal With the Insurance Provider

Although the purpose of an auto insurance company is to compensate accident victims for vehicle damage, injuries, and other losses, many are more concerned with their own bottom line than helping honest claimants. Therefore, it’s best to have an experienced attorney by your side when filing a claim for a totaled motorcycle in Georgia.

A lawyer can build a strong, evidence-based claim on your behalf and fight for a settlement that meets your needs. Here’s what a skilled attorney can do to help you after a serious motorcycle collision:

• Investigate your motorcycle accident
• Explain when a motorcycle is considered totaled in Georgia
• Calculate the value of your claim
• File a claim and deal with the insurance company
• Review any settlement offers you receive
• Negotiate for a higher settlement
• Pursue maximum compensation for vehicle damage and other losses

It’s important to remember that the insurer may reach out to you soon after your accident with a settlement offer. While this may seem like a quick and easy way to get the money you’re owed, that may not be the case. 

It’s common for insurance companies to offer earl, lowball settlements to avoid paying the full value of your claim. A lawyer can determine if a settlement is large enough and negotiate for a payment that meets all your needs. 

Additional Damages You Can Receive From a Claim

An attorney can help you pursue compensation for much more than a totaled motorcycle. Vehicle accidents can result in a number of other economic and non-economic losses, which means a successful claim can yield compensation for much more than vehicle damage.

Depending on the details of your accident, injuries, and losses, a lawyer may seek any of the following motorcycle accident damages on your behalf:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Decreased earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

As you can see, a winning claim can give you access to a variety of different helpful damages. That said, getting the compensation you need to replace your vehicle, cover your medical expenses, and cope with other accident-related challenges can be difficult. You’ll want to hire an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to get the most out of your claim.

Get Started on Your Motorcycle Accident Claim Today

Now that you know when a motorcycle is considered totaled in Georgia, it’s time to reach out to a skilled lawyer and get started on your insurance claim. At John Foy & Associates we have over two decades of experience handling claims like yours and can work hard to get the results you deserve.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney and get started on your claim. We’ll meet with you to discuss your accident, determine if you have grounds for a claim, and answer any questions you have about your case.