Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
When springtime comes to Atlanta, many residents bring out their motorcycles and take to the roads and highways around the city. Motorcycles are fun, fast, and maneuverable – but they are also dangerous. When a biker is hit by another vehicle or loses control of their own vehicle, they may suffer catastrophic, and sometimes fatal, injuries.
Passenger vehicles come equipped with seatbelts, a frame, airbags, and other features to keep passengers safe in a wreck. Motorcycles do not have these luxuries. For the most part, the only thing separating them from the road is a jacket, pants, a helmet, and the bike itself. When an accident happens, their injuries often depend on the nature of their impact with the road and other objects.
If you have been injured in a motorbike wreck, our attorneys can help. At Scholle Law, we have represented victims of motorcycle accidents for over 25 years. We know what it takes to get the compensation you deserve. Call our Midtown Atlanta offices at (678) 509-8308, our Perimeter offices at (678) 661-3547, or toll-free (866) 592-1296. You can also contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation with an Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer.
When to Contact an Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The time to hire an Atlanta motorcycle accident attorney is as soon after the accident as possible. After the accident occurs, every minute counts. Forensic evidence must be gathered and documented before it is compromised by time, weather, and other factors.
Witnesses need to be interviewed while the memory of what happened is still fresh. And your unpaid medical bills will start piling up faster than you think. The sooner you get an experienced attorney involved, the sooner the attorney can begin developing the case. That improves your chances of getting the full amount your injury accident warrants.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Atlanta
If you are involved in an injury motorcycle accident, the steps you take in the moments, hours, and days after the accident can greatly impact the amount of compensation you receive. Depending on the severity of your injuries, a trusted loved one may have to do some of these things for you if you are not able to do them yourself.
1. Get to safety as soon as possible
If you have landed on the road, do what you can to move to the side and out of the way of oncoming traffic.
2. Call 911 for immediate medical assistance
Bear in mind that you may not be fully aware of your injuries because adrenaline or shock can block the pain. You may also have internal injuries or brain injuries that will not show up right away. Do not assume you are okay until you are checked. Do not attempt to get up and move around, and do not remove your protective gear until the first responders arrive to assist you.
3. Gather photographic evidence of the accident scene
Take photos of the damage to your bike, skid marks, the other vehicle, your injuries, license plate numbers, and anything else you think may be related to the accident. This evidence can be used to piece together what happened and determine fault.
4. Get contact and insurance information
If another driver was involved in the accident, you need to obtain that driver’s name, address, phone number, insurance information, and license plate number of the vehicle. Do not discuss what happened with the driver or speculate about who is at fault. The evidence will tell that story later. Meanwhile, anything you say, including apologizing, could be used by the other person’s attorney to weaken your compensation claim.
5. Contact an experienced local Georgia motorcycle accident attorney
You want to give the attorney as much time as possible to begin evaluating your situation and investigating your case while the evidence and memories are fresh. Your attorney will also offer guidance as to how to collect documentation of the damages you have suffered.
6. Avoid talking to the other driver’s insurance company directly
If the insurance company calls you, refer them directly to your attorney. Do not discuss the case with the insurance company until and unless your attorney is present.
7. Contact your employer
Let them know what happened, tell them if you will need to be off work for an extended length of time, and how long it may take you to recover, if you have that information.
8. Obtain a copy of the final police report of the accident
The police report will contain a wealth of information, including who was at fault, environmental conditions, and more. It is a crucial piece of evidence your motorcycle accident lawyer will need to prove your case.
9. Keep copies of all paperwork pertaining to your accident and recovery
This includes receipts, health insurance documents, and any other documents that demonstrate monetary loss. It also includes all records, prescriptions, and other medical information pertaining to treatment of your injuries.
Speak to an Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
While motorcyclists are typically passionate about their ride and the culture that comes with it, other drivers on the road may not share that same enthusiasm.
Some drivers may not pay attention to bikers, while others may take direct action against them, such as purposefully cutting off a motorbike.
No matter the cause, if you were injured by someone else’s actions or negligence while riding a chopper, you have legal options.
At Scholle Law, we have represented victims of motorcycle accidents for over 25 years. We know what it takes to get the compensation you deserve.
Call our Midtown Atlanta offices at (678) 509-8308, our Perimeter offices at (678) 661-3547, or toll-free (866) 592-1296. You can also contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation with an Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer.