Douglasville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: Your Trusted Advocate After a Crash
Motorcycle accidents are often devastating, resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities. The risks for motorcycle riders are heightened due to the lack of protection compared to motor vehicles. Many motorcycle crashes are caused by negligent drivers, leaving injured motorcyclists struggling with medical bills, lost wages, and long-term physical therapy. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Douglasville, you need the guidance of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to ensure fair compensation for your pain and suffering.
At Hartley, Rowe, and Fowler, our dedicated team of motorcycle accident attorneys in Douglasville, GA, understands the unique challenges faced by accident victims. We specialize in motorcycle accident claims, helping clients recover compensation for spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and other physical injuries sustained in accidents caused by an at-fault driver.
Why You Need a Douglasville Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Insurance companies often prioritize profits over people, minimizing payouts to motorcycle accident victims. Without proper representation, injured individuals risk being undervalued or denied rightful compensation. A skilled Douglasville motorcycle accident lawyer will gather evidence, analyze medical records, and negotiate with insurance companies to secure the maximum compensation for your motorcycle accident case.
Our team has extensive experience handling motorcycle collision cases, including those involving wrongful death claims and catastrophic injuries. Whether you’re dealing with neck injuries, head injuries, or long-term medical treatment costs, we’re here to ensure justice is served.
Comprehensive Legal Support for Motorcycle Accident Victims
Free Consultation: We offer a free legal consultation to evaluate your personal injury case and determine the best course of action.
Fair Settlement: Our attorneys fight tirelessly to ensure you receive a fair settlement for your injuries, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Local Expertise: As trusted personal injury attorneys in Douglasville, we have an in-depth understanding of Georgia’s laws related to motorcycle accidents.
Call a Douglasville Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
Don’t let insurance companies undervalue your claim. At Hartley, Rowe, and Fowler, we view every client as a vital member of the community who deserves respect and justice. Our compassionate and knowledgeable motorcycle accident injury lawyers are committed to helping you rebuild your life after a motorcycle wreck.
Schedule a free consultation today by calling 678-825-6004. Let us fight for your right to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Trust the leading Douglasville motorcycle accident attorneys to guide you every step of the way.
How Do Many Motorcycle Accidents Happen?
Riding a motorbike has a greater share of risks and hazards than driving a car since riders aren’t protected by the vehicle they’re operating. And while that’s the case, there are a couple of scenarios that are considered to be the top causes of motorcycle accidents in the country. They include:
- Distracted driving
- Road hazards
- Drunk driving
- Faulty lighting, brakes, or mirrors
- Left-turn intersections
- Car doors opening
- Failure to pay attention to other motorcycles
- Unexpected pedestrians in the road
- Rear-end collisions
- Improper or unsafe lane change
Georgia Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to Georgia’s Highway Safety statistics, the number of motorbike crash fatalities in the state has increased over the last three years with studies showing that it may continue to rise. In 2019, the number of motorcyclists who suffered fatal injuries was 170 – a 22 percent increase from 139 fatalities in 2017. In the same year, there were over 1,940 motorbike crashes and approx. 84 fatalities for 100,000 motorcycles registered.
It’s worth noting that 63% of all motorbike accidents in the state involved several vehicles while 37% were single-vehicle crashes. Personal cars were the most common type of vehicle involved in accidents with riders – 93%. 60% of all motorcycle riders involved in crashes sustained serious injuries while 70% of all fatalities occurred in crashes involving multiple vehicles.
What Are Some of Georgia’s Motorcycle Laws?
As a rider, it’s your responsibility to obey traffic laws and be conscious of other road users. The state of Georgia, much like most other states in America, has several motorcycle-specific laws that everyone who rides a motorbike must follow. They include:
- Motorcycle users aren’t allowed to share lanes. In Georgia, it is illegal to ride side-by-side on the same lane.
- Riders traveling at speeds greater than 75mph are considered ‘super speeders’ and are subject to pay a $200 fine.
- As per Georgia law, motorbike riders – and that includes passengers – must have a helmet on at all times. Furthermore, the helmet worn must be compliant with Georgia’s Department of Transportation standards.
- Riders are required to wear protective eye gear – i.e., helmet visors, goggles, etc. – at all times. Alternatively, they should have a windshield installed on their bike.
Unfortunately, even the most experienced and conscientious motorbike riders are still vulnerable when sharing the road with big rigs, cars, and trucks.
How Motorcycle Accidents Differ from Car Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are fundamentally different from car accidents in multiple ways, including the nature of injuries, legal considerations, and the approach to securing fair compensation. For motorcycle accident victims, understanding these distinctions is critical when pursuing a motorcycle accident lawsuit or personal injury claim. Consulting with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer ensures your rights are protected and you recover the maximum compensation you deserve.
Legal Differences in Liability and Regulations
Unlike typical motor vehicle accidents, motorcycle crashes involve unique legal challenges. Motorcycles are governed by distinct traffic laws and safety regulations, including helmet requirements and lane-splitting rules (where applicable). These regulations can play a significant role in determining fault and liability. Motorcycle accident attorneys in Georgia are familiar with these laws and can help navigate the complexities of your motorcycle accident case.
Liability is often hotly contested in motorcycle accident claims. Insurance companies may unfairly place blame on the motorcycle rider, citing risky behavior or failure to adhere to safety measures, even when the crash was caused by a negligent driver. An experienced personal injury attorney will thoroughly investigate the accident scene, gather evidence, and hold the at-fault party accountable.
Differences in Injuries and Compensation
Injuries sustained in motorcycle wrecks are typically far more severe than those in car accidents. Unlike car drivers and passengers, motorcyclists lack the protection of a metal frame, airbags, and seatbelts. This leads to a higher likelihood of spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, head injuries, neck injuries, and broken bones. In catastrophic cases, leg injuries or wrongful death claims may arise.
Due to the severity of these injuries, medical bills and physical therapy costs for injured motorcyclists are often substantial. Compensation claims must account for long-term medical treatment, ongoing rehabilitation, and emotional trauma. An experienced motorcycle injury lawyer can ensure all these factors are considered in the pursuit of a fair settlement.
Challenges in Litigation
Insurance companies tend to undervalue motorcycle accident injuries by exploiting stereotypes about motorcyclists. Victims often face hurdles proving they were not at fault. An experienced Georgia motorcycle accident attorney will counter these biases by presenting strong evidence, including medical records, eyewitness testimony, and accident reconstruction reports.
The litigation process also differs, as motorcycle accident cases frequently involve higher damages due to the extent of the injuries.
How Can a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Help With My Claim?
Having your compensation claim handled by an experienced motorcycle accident attorney could increase your chances of receiving a more substantial settlement than if you filed a claim by yourself. When you choose Hartley, Rowe, and Fowler, P.C. to represent you, we will assign your case to a professional Douglasville motorcycle accident lawyer with the skills and experience needed to ensure that you get well compensated for your injuries and damages.
Here are some of the ways a motorcycle crash lawyer can help with your claim.
Legal Counsel and Representation
We will provide the legal representation and counsel you need to effectively pursue a motorcycle accident claim. While you have every right to seek compensation for injuries and damages sustained, the process can be difficult to navigate alone and typically involves filing various legal documents and forms.
Your motorcycle wreck lawyer will advise and counsel you through the different processes of filing a claim to ensure that your claim stays on track.
Establishing Fault
Determining who is at fault in a motorcycle accident can be hard since most drivers are not willing to admit that they caused the accident. Once assigned to your case, your motorcycle accident attorney will start investigations – i.e., questioning witnesses, collecting evidence, etc. – to determine what happened and who’s at fault.
Protecting Your Interests
You can rest assured that the motorcycle crash lawyer we assign your case will use their legal knowledge and skills to protect your interests and rights as an accident victim and will do everything in their power to ensure you get well compensated for your damages and injuries.
What Are the Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
Since motorcycle users are more susceptible to the dangers and hazards of the road, the injuries riders sustain most of the time tend to be catastrophic, and in some cases, fatal. Some of the most common injuries sustained by motorbike riders include:
- Road rash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain and head injuries
- Internal injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Lower-extremity injuries.
How’s Fault Determined in a Georgia Motorcycle Accident?
Under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence law, you can only receive compensation if the other party was more at fault for the accident than you were. If, after an investigation, it is determined that you’re 50% or more responsible for the crash, you will not recover any financial damages.
If the courts or the insurance company, on the other hand, resolve that you were partially responsible for the crash up to 49%, then you might be eligible to recover financial damages. However, it’s worth noting that the money awarded in damages might be lowered by your percentage of the blame.
To increase your chances of getting maximum compensation for your injuries and damages, you must compile sufficient evidence to prove damages and liability. This may include:
- Witness testimony of what happened
- Medical records proving the extent of injuries sustained and which show that your injuries were the result of the accident and not a preexisting medical condition
- Expert testimony from specialists who can reconstruct what happened during the accident.
- Photos of the road condition when the crash happened including warning signs, skid marks, construction, traffic lights, bad weather, etc.
- Video footage of the crash, whether from surveillance cameras or witnesses.
- Photos of injuries and damage to your motorbike and other property (including other vehicles) near the scene, along with the gear you had on when the accident occurred.
- The official police accident report.
- Articles or reports that show manufacturer defects for the bike or other vehicles. Proof of defects could provide sufficient grounds to file and pursue a product liability claim.
- Phone records proving that the other driver was either talking, texting, posting on social media, or sending an email right before the accident happened.
- Statements from other road users involved in the crash.
- An evaluation of your motorcycle’s damages and the cost to repair them.
- Proof of your income and an estimation of pay you lost while you were recuperating from the injuries sustained during the accident.
Gathering all the evidence required to support your compensation claim can be a complicated and time-consuming process, which is why you are advised to seek the help of a professional motorcycle accident lawyer.
Since our law firm in Douglasville, GA has handled hundreds of similar cases over the years, all of our attorneys have the skills, experience, and knowledge needed to craft a rock-solid case and ensure that you get aptly compensated for your damages and injuries.
When you choose Hartley, Rowe, and Fowler, P.C. to handle your motorbike accident claim, we take over your case and do all the leg work so you can spend more time focusing on what is most important – recovering from your injuries.
What Types of Motorcycle Accident Compensation Can I Receive?
Considering how serious some of the injuries motorbike wrecks cause can be, you need to take the time to consider how much money you will need to cover the cost of care and the long-term consequences of your injuries.
The Douglasville, GA motorcycle accident attorneys at Hartley, Rowe, and Fowler, P.C. are your best bet if you are looking to get compensation for your damages and injuries. As your legal representative and advisor, we’ll aggressively pursue your claim.
Economic Damages
These damages cover the cost of your treatment, recovery assistance, medical diagnosis, and physical therapy. They also cover losses whose financial value can be determined and lost wages.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages cover losses you’ve incurred but whose financial value cannot be determined or that do not have a specific value like physical disfigurement, paralysis, and others. While seeking non-economic damages is often quite difficult, our lawyers are committed to making sure that the courts understand how your injuries and damages have impacted your life and why the responsible party must be held accountable.
Punitive Damages
We normally take this path if, after conducting some investigations, we determine that the accident was a result of negligence on the part of the other party. Seeking punitive damages isn’t easy and is something that will require sufficient evidence and leveraging all the resources we have at our disposal.
Why Are Motorcycle Accident Claims Denied?
Sometimes, motorcycle accident claims get shot down by insurance companies due to a variety of reasons. Here are some of the top reasons why your motorcycle accident claim might get denied.
Your Policy Was Canceled or Lapsed
Your motorcycle accident claim might get denied if your policy has lapsed or was canceled. When that’s the case, your insurance provider cannot be held liable for losses or damage caused during the accident.
You Weren’t Insured
Your accident claim could also get denied if you were not insured. Furthermore, if the person responsible for causing the accident was not covered by their policy, you probably won’t receive compensation for your damages.
You’re Partly to Blame for the Crash
If, during your trial, the jury concludes that you are 50% or more to blame for the crash, then rest assured you will not receive any compensation and will have to cater for the cost of your damages and losses yourself.
You Did Dot Sustain Any Injuries or Can’t Prove Causation
Your claim might also get denied if it is determined that you did not sustain any injuries during the crash. Your claim could also be denied if you cannot prove that the injuries you sustained are a result of the accident.
Are There Time Limits to Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Georgia?
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident and are thinking of filing a compensation claim, then please note that you have limited time to file the claim. According to Georgia law, motorcycle accident victims have two years from the day the accident happened to file.
And while that’s the case, there are some instances where circumstances shorten the time you have to file for compensation like when filing a claim against a state or federal government agency. Filing a compensation claim in good time will always be in your favor as it becomes a lot harder to conclusively determine what happened in your crash when time has passed. Remember, the sooner you have an experienced Douglasville attorney working on your case, the better.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accident Litigation
What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident to protect my legal rights?
After a motorcycle accident, ensure your safety and seek medical attention for any injuries. Document the accident scene by taking photographs, gather contact information from witnesses, and file a police report. Promptly contacting an experienced motorcycle accident attorney is crucial to guide you through the legal process and help preserve vital evidence for your case.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Georgia?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this timeframe may forfeit your right to seek compensation. Consulting with a Georgia motorcycle accident attorney promptly ensures compliance with legal deadlines and the preservation of your claim.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the motorcycle accident?
Yes, under Georgia’s comparative negligence laws, you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, provided you are less than 50% responsible for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can assess your case and advocate for a fair settlement that reflects the circumstances.
What types of compensation can I seek after a motorcycle accident?
As a motorcycle accident victim, you may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and, in cases of severe injuries, future medical treatment and rehabilitation costs. In instances involving a negligent driver, punitive damages may also be pursued. A personal injury attorney can evaluate your case to determine the appropriate compensation avenues.
How can I prove the other driver was at fault in my motorcycle accident case?
Proving fault involves gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and expert testimony. Demonstrating that the other driver violated traffic laws or was driving negligently strengthens your case. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can assist in collecting and presenting this evidence to establish liability.
Will my motorcycle accident case go to trial, or can it be settled out of court?
Many motorcycle accident cases are settled out of court through negotiations with insurance companies. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to trial. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will strive for a fair settlement but is prepared to litigate your case in court if necessary to secure maximum compensation.
What if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or has insufficient coverage?
If the at-fault driver lacks insurance or has inadequate coverage, you may seek compensation through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Reviewing your insurance policy and consulting with a motorcycle accident lawyer can help determine the best course of action to recover damages in such situations.
How does wearing a helmet impact my motorcycle accident claim?
In Georgia, wearing a helmet is mandatory for all motorcycle riders. Failure to wear a helmet can not only result in legal penalties but may also affect your injury claim. Insurance companies may argue that not wearing a helmet contributed to the severity of your injuries, potentially reducing your compensation. Consulting with a motorcycle accident attorney can help navigate these complexities.
Can I handle my motorcycle accident claim without an attorney?
While it’s possible to handle a motorcycle accident claim without an attorney, doing so may jeopardize your ability to receive fair compensation. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, and without legal expertise, you may overlook critical aspects of your claim. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can advocate on your behalf, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.
Resources for Motorcycle Accident Victims
Explore our comprehensive collection of resources designed to help motorcycle accident victims understand their rights, legal options, and the steps involved in pursuing a motorcycle accident claim. Each blog provides valuable insights and guidance tailored to the challenges faced by injured motorcyclists in Douglasville and beyond.
Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Learn about the severe injuries often sustained in motorcycle crashes, including spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and broken bones. This guide covers how these injuries impact compensation claims and outlines the importance of proper medical documentation.
What Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Cost?
Understand the cost structure for hiring a motorcycle accident attorney, including contingency fees and free consultations. Discover why working with a lawyer is a cost-effective way to maximize your compensation.
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Douglasville: Key Questions Answered
Get answers to frequently asked questions about hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer in Douglasville. This blog covers topics such as finding the right attorney, what to expect during the claims process, and the benefits of local representation.
Auto Accident Lawyers in Douglasville: Addressing Defective Brakes
Explore how defective vehicle components, like faulty brakes, can contribute to motorcycle accidents and car accidents. Learn about your legal options when an at-fault party includes a manufacturer or third party.
Motorcycle Accident and Georgia’s Drunk Driving Rules
Understand the legal implications of drunk driving accidents involving motorcycles in Georgia. This blog explains the liability of drunk drivers and how DUI-related crashes affect compensation claims.
Can I Sue for a No-Contact Motorcycle Accident Injury?
Discover how to pursue a personal injury lawsuit for a no-contact motorcycle accident, where the at-fault driver caused you to crash without direct collision. Learn about the legal challenges and how to prove liability in these cases.
Pre-Existing Injuries and Motorcycle Accident Claims
Learn how pre-existing conditions impact your motorcycle accident case and how a skilled personal injury attorney can ensure you still recover compensation for exacerbated injuries caused by the accident.
Get in Touch With a Professional Douglasville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today!
At Hartley, Rowe, and Fowler, P.C., we have years of combined experience when it comes to representing people who’ve been hurt in motorbike accidents in Georgia. We know how to get the results you want to see and are committed to helping you pursue the fair compensation and justice you deserve. Dedication, experience, and a good knowledge of insurance laws are what our lawyers bring to each case we handle.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash in Douglasville, do not let insurers arm-twist you into accepting an unfair settlement.
Get in touch with us today and let us help you review your case to determine the best way forward during a free-of-charge, no-obligation consultation.
We offer our services on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you do not owe us a single cent until/unless we get you compensated for your damages. Need help with your motorbike accident claim?
Call 678-825-6004 now to speak to a professional Douglasville motorcycle accident lawyer.
