A motorcycle ride through Atlanta is an exciting way to get around the city. That said, while riders take extra safety precautions on the road, many car drivers sharing the same roadways often do not, leading to avoidable motorcycle accidents. For this reason, motorcyclists tend to be overrepresented in traffic fatalities.
According to the Georgia Department of Transportation’s 2021 Annual Crash Report, there were a total of 8,069 motorcycle crashes in Atlanta during 2021. Of those crashes, 151 were fatal, and 7,040 resulted in non-fatal injuries. The report also showed that 3 out of 4 motorcycle fatalities involved riders not wearing helmets.
In the chaotic aftermath of a motorcycle accident, your life changes quickly, leaving you with physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Such accidents can be overwhelming and stressful, especially when seeking fair compensation for damages. But you can navigate this process with help. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. However, navigating the legal process to receive fair compensation can be challenging. This article dives into five ways motorcycle accident lawyers in Atlanta can help victims navigate the legal process to secure appropriate compensation.
1. Understanding the Legal Processes and Arranging Medical Care if Necessary
With a solid understanding of the legal processes, motorcycle accident lawyers navigate the complex world of personal injury law to advocate for fair compensation. They file the proper documents in due time, following all appropriate procedures and deadlines to avoid technicalities that might jeopardize your compensation chances. A motorcycle accident lawyer knows the laws and regulations surrounding motorcycle accidents. They can use this knowledge to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. Consulting with a diligent motorcycle accident attorney well versed in all the legal nuances dramatically improves your chances of receiving fair compensation.
A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you find medical care and treatment for your injuries if necessary. They can also negotiate with medical providers to lower your medical bills and ensure you receive the care you need to recover fully.
2. Gathering Evidence to Prove Liability
Motorcycle accident lawyers meticulously gather evidence to prove liability in accidents, which is pivotal in making claims since it directly impacts a victim’s compensation. A motorcycle accident lawyer can investigate the accident and get expert witnesses and accident reconstruction specialists to support your claim. They can use police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction analysis reports to build a strong compensation case. Evidence gathered includes:
- Police reports
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Witness statements
- Expert insights from accident reconstruction specialists provide a clear and accurate picture of the incident and the party responsible for causing the accident
Furthermore, motorcycle accident lawyers thoroughly analyze the evidence to establish potential negligence or fault on the part of other parties involved in the accident. Such negligence/fault that may have contributed to the accident includes:
- Motorist’s failure to yield to a motorcyclist’s right of way
- Defective motorcycle parts
- Hazardous road conditions
3. Representing You in Court and Building a Solid Case
At times, out-of-court agreements may not yield fair results, and thus you require an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to represent you in court and build a solid case on your behalf. A motorcycle accident lawyer’s extensive knowledge of the legal system makes them adept at navigating court processes, which can be challenging if you were to do it by yourself as an average person.
A motorcycle accident lawyer can represent you in court if necessary. They can argue your case and present evidence to a judge or jury to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Savvy motorcycle accident lawyers utilize their vast expertise in negotiation and litigation to present their cases in the most persuasive manner, refuting any counterarguments from the opposing party and ensuring all legal procedures are followed.
4. Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies have their primary focus on safeguarding their interests and making sure that the amount of money they have to spend on claims is kept to a minimum through tactics and technicalities that are meant to undervalue and deny allegations made by victims. Insurance companies often try to settle claims for as little as possible. A lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Having an experienced and knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf goes a long way in achieving a favorable outcome for your case. They are well-versed in these low-blow tactics insurance companies use and know how to counter them effectively.
5. Assessing Damages to Ensure Maximum Compensation
By gathering evidence, establishing liability, and assessing all damages incurred physically, emotionally, and otherwise, a motorcycle accident lawyer effectively advocates for their client’s right to fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering resulting from the accident.
Medical costs include the following:
- Bills for hospital and doctor visits
- Expenses for medical prescriptions required to treat your injuries and manage your pain
- Expenses for any further treatments in the future
- Physical therapy sessions and rehab procedures
- Expenses to cover regular commute to the hospital, rehab center, and back home.
All your medical expenses and lost wages fall under the category of economic damages. Non-economic damages include the following:
- All the pain, suffering, and physical and mental anguish brought on by the accident
- The mental distress inflicted upon the victim due to the mishap
- The emotional torment caused by the accident
- Feelings of excessive fear, anxiety, and helplessness that are usually brought on by such traumatic experiences
- The loss of happiness and enjoyment in the victim’s life.
Concluding Thoughts
In summary, a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you receive fair compensation by conducting a thorough investigation, representing you in court, negotiating with insurance companies, using their knowledge of the law, and helping you find medical care and treatment. It is essential to hire an experienced and reliable attorney who will remain by your side throughout the legal proceedings and fight tooth and nail to get you what you deserve. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, seeking legal representation to protect your rights and receive fair compensation is necessary.
