With the wind in your hair (or caressing your head for those of us who keep our hair shaven), a helmet on your head, and the beautiful purr of a healthy motorcycle in your ears, you’re riding your motorcycle, trying to beat an appointment or get to your date on time. But then there’s an oncoming vehicle driving way above the speed limit. In the midst of the panic to get out of the way, you grapple with the brakes, then there’s a screech, and it all goes spinning. Then black.
Picturing it is almost as uncomfortable as the experience, and what’s more? Motorcycle accidents are even more common than you may think. We’re going to be focusing on motorcycle accidents in Marietta, for example. Statistics show that in 2021, approximately 4,200 motorcycle accidents were reported in Georgia. And according to motorcyclesdata.com, motorcyclists are approximately thirty times more likely to lose their lives in fatal accidents than other drivers in Marietta, Georgia.
Surviving a motorcycle accident in Marietta means you’d have to deal with recovery and injuries, which isn’t much fun. Let’s talk about the medical bills, the wrecked motorcycle, and having to stay away from your job due to recovery. These are all realities you’d wake up to after a motorcycle accident, and to deal with them, you need compensation. That’s why it’s necessary to talk to a motorcycle accident attorney at Marietta to get started on your journey toward getting compensation.
Read on to learn the steps you need to take to ensure your motorcycle accident claim is successful in Marietta.
1. Get Medical Attention: We’ll assume this first step is going to be obvious, but if it’s not, the first thing you should do after a motorcycle accident is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. You might think you are fine, but we’d advise you to get checked by a medical professional to make sure you don’t have hidden injuries that could worsen over time. Getting medical care will also help document your injuries and link them to the crash. This will make it easier to prove your damages later on.
2. Report the accident: The next thing you should do is report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the accident report. The police report will provide evidence of how the accident happened and who was at fault. It will also contain important information such as the names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance details of the other driver and any witnesses. You will need this information to file your claim and support your case.
3. Gather Evidence: While you are at the scene of the accident, you should try to gather as much evidence as you can. Also, take note of the weather, road, and traffic conditions, as well as any other factors that may have contributed to the accident. This evidence will help you establish liability and show the extent of your damages.
4. Contact a Lawyer: One of the most important steps you should take is to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer in Marietta who can help you file a personal injury claim and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. A lawyer can also advise you on the statute of limitations, which is two years from the date of the accident in Georgia. A lawyer will protect your rights and interests and ensure that you get the maximum compensation.
5. Keep Track of Your Damages: Another crucial step you should take is to keep track of all your damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. These are the types of compensation that you may be entitled to receive from the liable party. You should keep all receipts, invoices, pay stubs, and other documents that can prove your expenses and losses. Journal how this accident has affected your life, including your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
6. Avoid Mistakes: Finally, you should avoid making any mistakes that could jeopardize your claim, such as admitting fault or signing any documents without consulting your lawyer. According to Miranda rights, “Anything you say or do could be used against you in a court of law.”This is especially true in a Marietta motorcycle accident claim.
The insurance company may try to reduce your claim or deny it altogether by using your statements or actions against you. They may also make a lowball offer that does not cover your full damages. You should never accept any offer or make any statement without talking to your lawyer first.
Following these steps can increase your chances of winning your motorcycle accident claim in Marietta, Georgia. However, remember that each case is different and may require different actions.
Therefore, it is best to consult a professional motorcycle accident lawyer in Marietta who can evaluate your case and guide you through the process.
