Motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries and long-term consequences for injured bikers and their families. If you suffered a motorcycle accident injury in Albany, GA, you need the experienced legal representation Parker Trial Law provides.

Since its founding in 2016, Parker Trial Law has been dedicated to taking injury cases to trial and seeking compensation for clients across Georgia, Alabama, and the rest of the U.S. Our legal team has a proven track record of fighting for the compensation motorcycle injury victims need and deserve, and we’ll do the same for you.

Contact our law office today for a free consultation with an experienced Albany, GA, motorcycle accident lawyer.

Benefits of Hiring an Albany, GA, Attorney for Your Motorcycle Accident Claim

When you hire an Albany, GA, motorcycle accident attorney from Parker Trial Law, you’re hiring more than someone who only handles paperwork. Our attorneys will handle every step of your case, from investigating the accident to filing your claim to fighting for your right to compensation at trial.

Motorcycle accidents often involve complex legal issues that require understanding local, state, and even federal laws. For this reason, it’s essential that you hire an attorney with specific motorcycle accident experience. Some of the benefits of working with our lawyers for your motorcycle accident case include the following:

  • Extensive Trial Experience – Our team focuses on trial work, meaning that from the outset, we’re prepared to take your case to court if the settlement offers you receive from the insurance company are insufficient.
  • Local Knowledge – Our attorneys are familiar with Albany, Georgia, and the local courts. Knowing the judges allows us to develop legal strategies tailored to your case and the presiding judge.
  • Client-Centered Approach – We treat our clients like family, maintaining relationships even after your case concludes. This commitment means we’re always available to answer questions and provide support.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

The moments following a motorcycle crash can make a big difference for your health and your motorcycle accident claim. Knowing what to do in this high-stress scenario can protect your rights and improve your chances of receiving full and fair compensation for your injuries.

After a motorcycle collision in Albany, GA, you should do the following:

  • Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, seeking medical attention is crucial since you may have internal or other injuries that don’t immediately display symptoms. You should also follow through with your medical treatments to improve your health and strengthen your case.
  • Report the Accident – According to the Georgia code, motorists must report accidents in which someone was injured to the police. When the police come out to investigate the accident, they’ll file a police report, which you may need to file your initial insurance claim.
  • Document the Scene – Take photos of the accident site, your motorcycle, the other vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. This documentation can be vital evidence in your motorcycle accident lawsuit.
  • Collect Information – Gather names and contact information from the other parties involved in the accident and from any witnesses.
  • Contact an Attorney – Consult a motorcycle accident lawyer in Albany, GA, as soon as possible so they can begin investigating and building your case. A strong case takes time to develop, so giving your attorney a head start can benefit your case in the long run.

How We Investigate Motorcycle Accident Cases

At Parker Trial Law, we take a thorough approach to investigating every motorcycle wreck. Our lawyers gather various types of evidence to strengthen your case and improve the chances of receiving the motorcycle accident compensation you deserve. As part of our investigation, we will:

  • Review the police report and your medical records to establish the facts of the case and the extent of your injuries
  • Analyze the accident scene and vehicle damage to determine liability
  • Interview witnesses to corroborate your version of events
  • Consult accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and other experts as needed to build a strong case
  • Examine traffic or security camera footage, if available
  • Determine whether poor road conditions or defective products played a role in the crash or severity of your injuries

Compensation You Could Recover in a Motorcycle Accident Claim

Victims of motorcycle accidents can pursue compensation through their personal injury claims. The losses your compensation covers depend on the specifics of your case, but the most common losses include the following:

  • Medical Expenses – This compensation covers your current and future medical bills related to your injuries, including hospital stays, medical treatments, and prescription medications.
  • Lost Wages – This compensation is for your lost income due to being out of work while you recover or your loss of future earning capacity if your injuries result in permanent disability.
  • Pain and Suffering – This compensation is for the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by your injuries.
  • Loss of Consortium – If the accident impacted your relationship with your spouse, they can seek additional compensation for loss of consortium.
  • Property Damage – This compensation is for repairing or replacing your lost or damaged property, including your motorcycle.

How a Motorcycle Accident Differs from a Car Accident

Motorcycle accidents differ from car accidents in three critical ways. These differences can significantly impact your injuries and the outcome of your lawsuit:

  • Increased Risk of Injury – Motorcyclists are more vulnerable than car drivers. Without the protection of an enclosed vehicle frame, riders are more likely to suffer injuries in a crash.
  • Increased Severity of Injuries – Riders are also more likely to suffer severe injuries, as crashes often involve them being thrown from their motorcycle onto the pavement or into other objects.
  • Insurance Challenges – Insurance companies often try to shift the blame for accidents onto motorcyclists, even if the other driver was clearly at fault. They paint all motorcyclists as dangerous thrill seekers who don’t obey the rules of the road.

Parties Who Could Be Held Liable for a Motorcycle Wreck

Several parties could be responsible for a motorcycle wreck in Albany, GA, including:

  • Other Motorists – If another driver’s negligence caused the accident, such as if they were speeding or distracted while driving, they could be liable for your injuries.
  • Vehicle Manufacturers – If a defective motorcycle part contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be liable for your injuries.
  • Government Entities – If a dangerous road condition, such as significant potholes or inadequate road signage, contributed to the accident, a government entity could be liable for your injuries.

It’s essential to speak with an attorney from a motorcycle accident law firm after an accident so they can assist you in identifying the liable party or parties.

Could You Recover Compensation if You’re Partly to Blame for a Motorcycle Accident?

Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which allows victims to recover compensation if they were less than 50 percent responsible for the accident that caused their injuries.

However, comparative negligence could reduce your compensation even if you are less than 50 percent responsible for the accident. It reduces your compensation by your percentage of fault. So, if you were 10 percent at fault for the accident, you would only receive 90 percent of your compensable losses.

How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Georgia?

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit allows an injured person two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. If they file the lawsuit after the statutory period lapses, the court can dismiss the case without a hearing.

Common Types and Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can happen in as many ways as other vehicle accidents. However, the following are the most common types of motorcycle crashes:

  • Head-On Collisions – These are often the most severe accidents and most likely to result in fatal injuries to the rider. They can happen if the other vehicle crosses into your lane.
  • Left-Turn Accidents – Cars and trucks making left turns frequently fail to see oncoming motorcycles, leading to collisions.
  • Rear-End Collisions – Motorcycles can stop quicker than larger vehicles, leading to rear-end collisions if the other driver is tailgating or not paying attention.

Typical Injuries Resulting from a Motorcycle Collision

Due to the lack of protection provided to riders by their motorcycles, motorcycle collision injuries can be catastrophic. Some of the most common injuries suffered by riders include:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries – Even when wearing a proper motorcycle helmet, severe TBIs can lead to life-altering consequences for riders.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries – These injuries can lead to paralysis or other long-term disabilities impacting mobility.
  • Broken Bones – Broken arms, wrists, legs, and ribs are some of the most common injuries suffered by motorcyclists in crashes.
  • Road Rash – Severe skin abrasions are another common motorcycle accident injury, especially if the rider isn’t wearing full protective gear. These road rash injuries can lead to dangerous infections or permanent scarring.