Jonesboro Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Severe accident between a motorcyclist and a car, injuring both drivers and causing a lot of damageIn the United States, 80 percent of motorcycle accidents result in multiple grave injuries — or even death. When these wrecks are caused by the actions or negligence of another person, bikers can file a lawsuit to recover their losses.

Often, the victim is unaware of possible legal processes and valid claims they can make in such instances. According to Georgia’s statute of limitations, you have two years from the time of the accident to file a lawsuit (with very few exceptions). If you wait too long to file a suit, you essentially forfeit your right to seek compensation.

If you have been injured in a motorbike wreck in Clayton County, our team is here to help. The personal injury lawyers at Scholle Law have successfully represented motorcycle accident victims for over 25 years, recovering millions on their behalf. We know how devastating the injuries from a bike crash can be, and we will fight for every penny you deserve.

To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a Jonesboro motorcycle accident lawyer, call us at (866) 592-1296 or contact us online today.

What Happens in a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?

When we file a personal injury claim in a motorcycle accident case, our objective is to prove that the other party was negligent and that their negligence was a key factor in your injury. In most cases, the lawsuit will be against the other driver, but in certain cases, other parties may have been negligent (e.g., the motorcycle manufacturer, the other driver’s employer, etc.).

To prove negligence, the lawsuit must effectively demonstrate the following elements:

  1. That the other party had a reasonable duty of care toward you as the motorcyclist;
  2. That the other party failed to provide reasonable duty of care due to negligence;
  3. That you were injured as a result of that negligence; AND
  4. That you suffered loss as a result of the accident (with details as to what you lost).

What damages can I claim after a wreck?

The losses you have suffered in your motorcycle accident likely extend well beyond the injuries themselves. The fallout from the accident may continue to impact you and your family for years to come. For that reason, you may be able to include a variety of damage claims in your lawsuit.

Damages for personal injury accidents are divided into three categories: economic, non-economic, and punitive.

Economic

Economic damages refer to specific costs incurred due to your motorcycle accident, including medical expenses (past and future), personal property damage, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, etc. Economic damages are the easiest to collect because we can track and document the actual costs of your accident and your recovery process.

Non-economic

Non-economic damages refer to the other ways the motorcycle accident changes your life for the worse besides financial loss. These may include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of enjoyment
  • Loss of consortium (e.g., if the injury affects your familial relationships)
  • Reduced quality of life

These damages are intangible, making them more difficult to translate to a specific dollar amount. Therefore, these damages are the ones most likely to be countered and negotiated. Attorneys and insurance companies use several different formulas to calculate these damages.

The more skilled and experienced your motorcycle accident attorney is, the more likely you are to receive the maximum amounts for these damages in your settlement.

Punitive

Close-up view of sick person and family member supporting and wishing speedy recoveryDepending on the circumstances of your case, your attorney may also petition for punitive damages. These damages, also called exemplary or vindictive damages, are rarely awarded because you must prove that the at-fault party willfully caused the accident; acted with malice, fraud, wantonness, or conscious disregard of the victim’s rights; or that they clearly did not care about the consequences of their actions.

Punitive damages must be specifically petitioned for in your lawsuit. If they are awarded, 75 percent of the amount is paid to the state treasury, with the rest going to you. The state takes the majority of the damages because these damages are intended to punish or penalize the at-fault party. They are also designed to deter similar behavior from the defendant and others in the future by showing the severe consequences of such actions.

Speak to a Jonesboro Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

Clayton County is an incredible place to take a ride. The air is clean, there are long stretches of road, and there are all sorts of sights to see. Unfortunately, passenger vehicle drivers are often unaware of bikers on the road, and in some cases, may even take direct action against bikers out of annoyance or frustration.

No matter why the accident happened, if it was caused by another person’s actions or negligence, you have the right to seek compensation. The personal injury lawyers at Scholle Law have successfully represented motorcycle accident victims for over 25 years, recovering millions on their behalf. We know how devastating the injuries from a bike crash can be, and we will fight for every penny you deserve.

To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a Jonesboro motorcycle accident lawyer, call us at (866) 592-1296 or contact us online today.