Evaluating Your Georgia Motorcycle Accident Claim

Fewer things have devastating effects as quickly as a motorcycle accident. That's largely because bikers have considerably less protection surrounding them than drivers of cars or trucks. As a result, motorcycle accidents are significantly more likely to result in serious or lifelong injury. If you are dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, it's vital to protect your rights and understand the factors involved. Although every case is different, some key areas should always be taken into consideration by a skilled defense attorney.

At Steelhorse Law, we've been dedicated to this cause for over a decade. Our unique approach involves understanding your rights as a biker and fighting against those at fault for your accident. We build a strong motorcycle crash claim on your behalf, allowing you to focus on healing.

How We Determine Your Cases' Value

When it comes to determining your cases' value, there are multiple factors we consider. They include:

• Liability
• Evidence
• Damages

Liability

First and foremost —and arguably the most important — there's liability. With accident claims for inside Georgia, you can only file if liability applies. Liability essentially means someone was negligently at fault for the accident. Immediately after your accident, you might think it was the other driver's fault or yours. But that may not be true.

There may have been a malfunction with your bike or the other driver's car. Maybe there was a problem with traffic signals or a road hazard. If the other involved parties are found non-negligent, they won't owe you compensation. When the fault is shared between the two of you (comparative negligence), your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Your lawyer will investigate your case from every angle to ensure that the right party is responsible for compensation.

Evidence

The details do matter when it comes to building your claim for a motorcycle accident. That's why, after figuring out liability, we collect evidence such as records and reports related to the accident. This includes photographs of the accident scene, your bike's damages, police reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, medical reports, and more. Your medical records will help us determine your "general damages" owed. These include:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Reduced quality of life Loss of companionship
• Physical disabilities or other impairments
• Disfigurement

Though it's impossible to truly make up for what happened to you with financial compensation, we'll do our best to make the aftermath of the accident easier for you. While there's no exact method for determining general damages, the judge overseeing your case will use the help of a jury to reward the appropriate amount.

Damages

Another key factor is damage, both economic and non-economic. Economic damages are the measurable losses caused by the crash, such as medical bills, lost wages, potential earning capacity, property damage, and required future medical treatments. Non-economic damages refer to non-physical losses like pain and suffering, inconvenience or physical impairment, or the emotional loss of familial, social, or educational experiences.

Your attorney will determine the overall strength of your case based on these factors. Personal injury lawsuits are primarily decided based on duty of care, breach of duty, damages, and causation. Be sure to share all pertinent information so your lawyer can help assemble the strongest case possible.

Types of Compensation

Compensation can be sought after due to several different issues. This includes healthcare expenses, both those already experienced and future costs. If an injury is persistent and will be with you for the rest of your life, it's undoubtedly considered. This could be the loss of a limb, a spinal cord injury, or brain damage. Regarding the motorcycle itself, compensation could cover any repairs or replacement of the vehicle if it simply can't be repaired.

Economic compensation is standard. This typically includes lost wages. Future wages may also be taken into account. Sometimes, a person may be physically incapable of continuing their previous work, especially if it is laborious. You've likely heard of pain and suffering, but physical and emotional or mental distress are taken into account, not merely bodily anguish.

The loss of a loved one, such as a spouse, caretaker, child, or guardian, falls under this banner as well. You may be compensated for wrongful death or awarded punitive damages if appropriate. It's worth noting that in Georgia, punitive damages require a higher standard than general or special damages. A preponderance of evidence isn't enough when it comes to punitive damages. Instead, punitive damages require "clear and convincing evidence.

Average Accident Claim

Because motorcycle crash claims vary based on severity, the degree of fault, and the total damages caused, it's difficult to pinpoint an average accident claim. Recovered compensation can range anywhere from $20,000 to $250,000. In the most serious of crashes, settlements may even be higher. Remember that, generally, most cases are settled long before they go to court. This may be due to the insurance companies suspecting that your award will be even higher should the case go to trial. Or, if your injuries are not so severe or your evidence against the at-fault person is not as strong, your settlement could be smaller.

What to Do After an Accident

Immediately after an accident, the first thing you need to do is ensure you're safe and out of harm's way. Then, check on those also involved in the crash if able. Contact the emergency services and34ed move out of the road, away from the accident. When the police arrive, give them a detailed statement about what happened. This record will be vital as we build your legal defense. Take as many pictures of your bike, the other involved vehicle, debris, and the road. Before leaving the scene with medical professionals, be sure to exchange insurance information with the other parties as well as the contact information of witnesses.

How to File a Claim

Dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. From the physical injuries to the mental anguish and medical bills that have started piling up, it's challenging to figure out how to carry on. That's where Steelhorse Law comes in. One of our attorneys will help you file your case and soon have you on your way to receiving compensation.

Our team will ensure to explain all applicable laws, timelines, and what you can expect from us. We'll work diligently so that your voice is heard, your losses acknowledged, and, most importantly, you know you have someone in your corner. Here's how to begin filing a claim for a motorcycle accident and what to expect from our end.

• Consult with Steelhorse Law. During your free, no-obligation consultation, we'll assess your case and advise on the best action.
• Investigation. Once you decide to proceed with us as your legal counsel, we'll collect your medical records, related reports, and more. This is also when we'll consult with experts to strengthen your case.
• Filing the complaint. Next, we'll draft the legal documents required to file your claim with the courts. This step initiates the actual lawsuit.
• Legal notification. After the court accepts your claim, the person at fault for your accident will be notified of your intent to pursue compensation.
• Discovery. Pre-trial work includes discovery and exchanging relevant information between us and the opposition. During this time, witnesses will be questioned under oath.
• Trial or settlement. Once everything has been shared and all evidence has been approved, the opposition can offer a settlement. If they refuse, your case will officially go to court.

Settlement or Trial

Regarding personal injury cases, a settlement is the most common outcome. Many wrongful death cases also result in a settlement. However, there are rare instances when the case will go to trial. This is why it's an excellent idea to work with an attorney who has extensive experience in personal injury cases and has at least some background in trial law. It may not be needed, but you don't want to take any chances. Your rights are necessary, and you should be represented and defended as wholly and vigorously as the law allows.

Steelhorse Law- Beating Biker Bias One Case at a Time.

After an accident, your future may seem up in the air. Steelhorse Law can help bring it back down to Earth. Our firm's experienced, highly-skilled attorney will help you navigate the complex world of legal battles. One of our attorneys will help you calculate the total value of damages to ensure your insurance claim is accurate.

Armed with our knowledge of Georgia laws, negotiation skills, and extensive resources, we'll fight to get you the maximum compensation you deserve. For more information, call Steelhorse Law and schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.