Decatur Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycles are very common in Decatur, Georgia, and motorcyclists are on the roads throughout the year. However, if you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, it can be devastating and you may have to deal with serious injuries. Recovering compensation after a motorcycle crash can be daunting because insurance companies aren’t on your side. Thus, you need an experienced Decatur motorcycle accident lawyer to help you fight for your rights.

At Marks Law Group, we understand the effects a motorcycle accident injury can have on you and your family. You may have to deal with severe injuries and medical expenses, which can be overwhelming. Our team of experienced motorcycle accident attorneys will help you build a strong case that holds the at-fault party accountable, and we will help you recover the compensation you’re entitled to. Contact us today at (678) 251-9309, or chat with us online to schedule a free initial consultation.

What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that motorcyclists make up 5% of all drivers on the road. Yes, in 2017, fatal motorcycle accidents happened 27 times more frequently than passenger car accidents. Thus, it’s crucial to know what you should do after a motorcycle crash, whether you’re the rider, an innocent bystander, or the vehicle driver. 

1. Move to a safe area. After a motorcycle accident, analyze your surroundings and current situation. Are you injured badly? Are you in harm’s way? If possible, move from the roadway and out of traffic. Check to see if anyone else was involved in the crash and move them to safety as best as you can.
2. Don’t remove your protective gear. After a motorcycle crash, you might be in shock and the adrenaline may prevent you from feeling any injuries or pain. Bear this in mind and wait for medics to arrive at the accident scene before removing your helmet and other gear to avoid worsening your injuries.
3. Call 911. Once you have gotten to a safe place and before removing any protective gear, call 911 and report the accident. Based on the severity of the crash, police and paramedics will come to the scene of the accident.
4. Seek medical treatment. Even if you think you’re not injured, it’s good to get checked by a medical professional after an accident. Severe injuries may not be visible right away, and sometimes it may take days or weeks for symptoms to manifest. If you were on a motorcycle during the crash, you’re incredibly susceptible to broken bones and severe internal injuries and bleeding.
5. Collect evidence. No matter the severity of the accident, it’s good to collect evidence right away. This entails taking photos, writing notes, and getting a copy of the police report. Speak with the other driver to collect their insurance information and their contact information. Also, speak with any witnesses at the accident scene and take their contact information. 
6. Contact a personal injury attorney and your insurance company. After a motorcycle accident, it’s best to speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Hiring an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can make a tremendous difference in your insurance settlement. Often, insurance companies will offer you a low settlement offer, but an accident attorney can negotiate with the insurance company. It’s a good idea to consult a Decatur personal injury lawyer before accepting any settlement offer. 

Finally, it’s crucial to note that you should never admit liability to anyone at the accident scene or the insurance company. Even though you think you made a mistake or could have avoided the crash, admitting liability could be used against you. 

What is the Most Common Type of Motorcycle Accident?

The most common type of motorcycle accident occurs when a vehicle makes a left-hand turn in front of the motorcyclist. This is the most dangerous situation for motorcyclists, making up for 42% of all motorcycle accidents. Usually, the turning vehicle hits the motorcycle when the motorcycle rider is:

• Going straight through an intersection
• Overtaking the car
• Passing the vehicle

This type of accident is common among vehicles as well, but the motorcycle’s size and lack of protection make these accidents catastrophic for motorcyclists. 

If a car hits a motorcycle while making a left-hand turn, the car’s driver will most likely be liable for the accident. However, if the motorcyclist was breaking some traffic law or driving recklessly, then that’s not the case, he or she may be liable for the accident.

What is Full Coverage Motorcycle Insurance?

Typically, full coverage motorcycle insurance refers to a policy that includes liability coverage and comprehensive and collision insurance for your motorcycle, in addition to state-mandated policies. State-mandated policies for motorcycles may include bodily injury liability, property damage liability, personal injury protection, and uninsured motorist coverage.

Comprehensive and collision policies differ from a property liability policy in that they cover your own damages if you’re involved in a crash or your motorcycle is damaged. These policies are essential, especially if your motorcycle is new, and it’d be expensive to repair it in case of damage. 

Collision coverage pays for the cost to repair or replace your motorcycle, minus your deductible if your motorcycle is involved in an accident with another car or object. Collision coverage covers up to the Kelley Blue Book value of the motorcycle; this is the aggregate price of an identical bike for sale across thousands of dealerships in the US, instead of a claim limit that’s specific to a dollar amount.

Does Health Insurance Cover Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Yes, most health insurance policies offer some coverage for injuries suffered while riding a motorcycle. However, health insurance plans vary tremendously. The amount your health insurance company may pay depends on your policy, copays, and deductibles. You may have to pay a significant amount out of pocket before your coverage starts. 

It’s unlikely that your medical insurance will cover all the medical expenses following your motorcycle accident, and it certainly won’t pay for other damages, such as property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What is the Average Payout for a Motorcycle Accident?

A report by the Jury Verdict Research reports that the median motorcycle injury verdict following a personal injury trial from 1999 to 2006 was $73,700. According to the same research, the average settlement was $1,600,000 after a motorcyclist slid on loose gravel and suffered broken vertebrae and nerve damage.

The average payout was $355,000 after a motorcyclist was killed when the at-fault party’s truck was pulling a small trailer and turned left in front of a motorcycle at high speed. $300,000 was the average verdict for a motorcycle accident after a truck turned left in front of a motorcycle. Here, motorcyclist’s injuries were limited to aggravation of pre-existing herniated discs, soft tissue injuries, and a torn knee ligament. 

Call Our Decatur Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today!

Sustaining injuries because of a motorcycle crash can be a stressful time for you and your family. At Marks Law Group, our Decatur auto accident attorneys have represented many motorcycle accident victims in Decatur, Atlanta & throughout Georgia.

Our team of compassionate injury lawyers is here to answer your questions and guide you through the legal process. We offer a free initial consultation, so call us today at (678) 251-9309, or contact us online to discuss your personal injury case.