How is negligence proven after a motorcycle wreck in Jonesboro or Atlanta Georgia?
Motorcycle and car accidents are often caused by negligent or careless driving. However, many drivers of cars and trucks attempt to unfairly blame motorcycle riders for the accident. The truth can generally be established by a detailed and thorough investigation that includes examining incident and accident reports, video surveillance, police camera recordings, interviewing witnesses, and working with accident reconstruction experts.
Why Do Insurance Companies Often Make Low Offers on Motorcycle Accident Cases?
Unfortunately, even in clear-cut cases of negligence, at-fault drivers and their insurance companies around Atlanta are often quick to blame bikers for accidents involving motorcycles. Some refuse to pay all the bills and compensation when accidents happen.
Insurance companies and adjusters tend to believe that the public looks at bikers as law-breaking, risk-takers. We know that is not accurate. But adjusters use this bias to try to hold down the amount paid-out in your case. Fortunately, this bias can be overcome when your case is properly built.
How Long Will a Typical Motorcycle Accident Case Take to Settle?
The settlement process for most motorcycle accident cases begins after you have recovered or reached your full level of improvement from the injuries suffered in the wreck. At that time, the negotiation process can begin to take place. For this reason, each case is different. Once you have finished with your medical care, or once a future medical plan has been documented, our Atlanta law firm can often present a settlement demand to the insurance company to try to reach a fair result. If the insurance company refuses to make a satisfactory offer, we will discuss whether to file a lawsuit and what is involved in the litigation process.
Why You Need A Dedicated Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
We know that most of our clients prefer to settle for a fair amount without taking the case to trial. You may have heard of bikers who received a settlement without hiring a lawyer. However, was the settlement fair? How would the victim know? An insurance adjuster for the car or truck that hit you may have even told you that you don’t need an attorney.
The truth is that victims of motorcycle accidents rarely recover fair and full compensation unless the defense knows you have a legal team that has the ability to take them to court if necessary.
Does this mean that all motorcycle accidents cases should be taken to trial? Not necessarily. Our goal is to get you as much money as possible that allows you to recover, pay your bills and be fairly compensated. In most cases you need an attorney to meet these goals. It can be very difficult to recover what your case is truly worth without the threat of courtroom victory.
Georgia is a Helmet State:
The State of Georgia requires all motorcycle drivers and passengers to wear a DOT and DPS approved helmet and proper eye safety protection. We encourage all riders to wear a properly fitting and constructed helmet. This can mean the difference between receiving scratches and a brain injury or death.
Class M Licenses are Required:
To operate a motorcycle on a public road or highway, a Class-M driver’s license is required.
Lane Splitting and Lane Filtering are illegal:
In Georgia, bikers may not engage in lane splitting or lane filtering. Lane splitting means riding on the white line between lanes of traffic. Lane filtering refers to driving between rows or columns of slow or stopped cars. Such maneuvers are considered dangerous by some, and you can receive a ticket.
Lane Sharing is encouraged:
Not only is riding two-bikes-abreast legal in Georgia, many riders believe lane sharing enhances safety. Two side-by-side bikes are easier for other motorists to see. Additionally, at night, drivers of cars and trucks will see two headlights or tail lights. This means you may be less likely to be hit by accident.
Proper Safety and Protective Gear:
We have all seen riders wearing shorts and a t-shirt. If you are hit or ejected from your bike and tumble or slide, you need protection. Wearing a helmet and leathers will not prevent all injuries. However, failing to take precautions such as motorcycle boots, a durable jacket and long pants can make otherwise minor injuries much more severe.
Be a Cautious and Defensive Biker:
The majority of collisions happen at intersections. Use caution and scan for cars as you approach intersections. Avoid alcohol and medications. And, check the weather – sudden storms, wind and fog all contribute to motorcycle crashes.
1201 West Peachtree Street #2339 Atlanta, GA 30309+1-770-212-3795$0-$100000The Millar Law Firm is a very organized and professional office that provides exceptional customer service to its clients. They also do great work in the community, which truly sets them apart from the rest. Highly recommend!
