Dealing With The Legal System After A Motorcycle Accident
Last updated on June 10, 2025
If you’ve been injured or had a loved one killed in southern Georgia, a motorcycle accident lawyer from Dodd & Burnham can help you determine where the liability rests. Our personal injury attorneys have a thorough understanding of the unique components involved with a motorcycle crash and can assist you in dealing with your insurance company, the other driver’s insurance company and the insurance carriers of other liable parties.
Examining All Areas Of Your Case
When determining the cause of your collision, our motorcycle accidents lawyer will carefully examine factors such as:
- Motorist’s Failure to Yield Right of Way
- Hazardous Road Conditions
- Failure of a Manufactured Component
- Distractions to the Other Drivers
- Failure of a Modified Component
- Driving Under the Influence
- Aggressive Driving or Speeding
- Inadequate Design of Safety Equipment
Although not necessarily more frequent than other types of accidents, due to the overall lack of protection, motorcyclists do have a greater chance of being injured in a multi-vehicle crash than a passenger in an enclosed vehicle. Unfortunately, these accidents can lead to life-altering injuries that can cause paralysis, disfigurement, loss of limb, broken bones, internal bleeding, severe road rash, concussions, and sometimes death. The goal of our motorcycle accidents lawyer is to determine insurance liability and help you avoid financial disaster.
Understanding Motorcycle Accident Laws
The statute of limitations is the amount of time you have to bring a lawsuit after a motorcycle accident. In Georgia, you have two years.
Negligence is a key factor in motorcycle accidents. All drivers have a duty of care to those around them and are expected to drive safely. When someone makes a negligent mistake, even though they didn’t intend to cause an accident, they have violated this duty of care.
George uses modified comparative negligence. This means that fault can be shared between both parties. You can seek compensation for your injuries if you are 49% at fault or less. The compensation you receive will be adjusted based on the percentage of negligence assigned to you.
What To Do (And Not Do) Immediately After An Accident
The first steps are always to seek medical care and to call the police to report the accident. In addition, gather identifying information and evidence at the scene, such as witness statements, photos of the crash scene or dashcam footage. Do not admit fault. That determination will be made later. Being cautious when speaking to insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney. Remember that their goal is not to help you, but to reduce claims and payouts. Document all injuries and damages to seek full compensation.
Understanding Potential Compensation
When it comes to compensation, areas to consider include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
It is wise to consider both present and future costs. For example, in addition to medical bills, consider any disability, disfigurement or long-term medical care needs. In addition to lost wages, consider a reduced earning capacity.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
It can be challenging to deal with insurance adjusters on your own. It is complex, significant documentation is needed, and the insurance company will try to reduce the payout as much as possible. They may offer you a settlement that covers your immediate medical bills, but ignores the need for future surgeries or long-term care. They may pay your lost wages without considering that your injuries leave you with a reduced earning capacity for the rest of your life. This can all feel daunting because insurance companies do this every day, but it may be your first time through the process. An experienced lawyer can help you fight for your rights, document the full compensation you deserve and help you work through this process.
To Discuss Your Options, Call Today
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Valdosta or another south Georgia community, we will make arrangements to visit your hospital room, rehab facility or home to discuss the details of your personal injury claim. We will also work with physicians, health care professionals and expert witnesses to evaluate pertinent medical data that relates to your case so that present and future costs are adequately defined. Our motorcycle attorneys know the intricacies of Georgia traffic laws as well as the settlement history of the insurance companies involved. Call us today at 229-474-3609 for a free consultation or contact us online for a prompt response.