There is nothing more empowering than a ride on your motorcycle. This is even truer if you live in a place like Atlanta, with its open and excellent road networks. However, if you happen to get into an accident, it can get chaotic really quickly. Injury, damaged possessions, and insurance claims, are issues that will follow. That is why you need to seek a motorcycle accident lawyer in Atlanta to get you through this.
Your Rights After a Crash
Motorcyclists are motorists, like everybody else. You have a right to ride free. If somebody else causes an accident, you have a right to recompense.
You’re entitled to:
- Medical treatment for injuries sustained in the crash.
- Compensation for lost wages if you can’t work due to your injuries.
- Repair or replacement of your damaged motorcycle.
- Legal representation to ensure you aren’t taken advantage of by insurance companies.
Unfortunately, guarding those rights can be complicated. Insurance companies may throw up legal roadblocks of their own. Other motorists might try to blame you for their own lapse of attention. This is why it’s so important to get help from a legal professional.
Making the Most of Your Rights After an Accident
The crash just happened, and you are still reeling from the jolts of shock shooting through your body. These few moments can be overwhelming, but the reality is that what happens after the crash is going to affect everything. It is essential to keep yourself composed.
Here’s what you should do:
- Move to safety: If possible, get out of oncoming traffic, so you aren’t at risk of being hit by another vehicle.
- Obtain medical care: Many injuries have delayed symptoms.
- Document the crash: Take pictures of the injuries, bike, and scene.
- Exchange information: Make sure you get the other driver’s contact information and any witnesses.
- Do not accept blame: Simply stick to the facts when speaking with police and your insurance.
- Call an attorney: If you know you did not cause the crash or insurance is not being fair, call a lawyer and protect your rights.
When Should You Get a Lawyer?
Granted, not every motorcycle accident case will need legal intervention. However, there are circumstances where you will have to hire that counsel. Here are a few instances.
- You suffered serious injuries that require ongoing medical care.
- The insurance company pays you less than the amount that is needed to settle your bills.
- You were blamed for the accident when you were not at fault.
- You lost a loved one in the accident and you want to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
A lawyer will gather evidence, build a strong case and debate with the insurers to get a fair sum for your case.
Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer – What to Look for
- Experience: The legal professional needs to know how insurance companies in the state react to claims, the laws on the road, in the court, and even in the state.
- A strong track record: Check client reviews and case results to see the track record of the lawyer you plan to hire.
- Communicate well: Your support needs to be able to listen to your needs, let you know where you stand with them, and the progress of the case as much as possible.
- Realistic claims: An accident claim is won when everyone’s happy. Be prepared to lose your case and try with your insurance company.
Common Motorcycle Accident Causes in Atlanta
- Distraction: One thing that has added to the general annoyance of the roads is distracted drivers typing on their phones or trying tire-screeching stunts.
- Left-turn accidents: This leading factor of a motorcycle accident is when a car driver just randomly turns left without a signal, and an on-coming motorcyclist just rams into them.
- Speeding: Another reason for motorcycle accidents is reckless driving. If you crash into another car while driving too fast, there are going to be some consequences.
- Poor road conditions: It is safe to say that poor and damaged roads are very unfavorable to motorcyclists.
Motorcycle Laws to Know in Atlanta
- Helmet law: The state of Georgia has a universal helmet law. This means all motorcyclists must put on this piece of gear for protection.
- Lane Splitting: Riding between lanes of traffic is illegal in Georgia.
- Passenger Rules: Motorcycles must be equipped with footrests for passengers.
Insurance companies may argue that:
- You were partially or fully at fault for the accident.
- Your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim.
- Your motorcycle had pre-existing damage before the crash.
Riding Smart
No one wants to be in a motorcycle accident, but if you are, don’t count on the other guy to pay your tab at the end. Be prepared and know your rights, the local laws, and what to do if someone’s cheating you out of your money.
Whether you are the rider or a family member who is looking out for said rider, you need an accident attorney in Atlanta who knows how insurance companies behave in motorcycle accident cases. Stay safe, ride smart, and fight back, and get a champion of the lawyer kind to have your back!
