Were you or your close loved one hurt in a motorcycle accident in Georgia? It is normal to have a lot of questions about what comes next. You need to know how to protect your health, your legal rights, and your financial interests. At Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, our entire legal practice is devoted to serving motorcycle accident victims. We want to make sure you know the big mistakes to avoid. Here, our Roswell motorcycle accident lawyer explains what not to do after a crash in Georgia.
Do Not Leave the Scene of a Crash
Involved in a motorcycle collision in Georgia? State law is clear: You have a duty to remain at the scene, exchange information, and report the crash to law enforcement. Leaving the scene of a motorcycle accident in Georgia is not just against the law. Though, of course, there is an exception for medical emergencies. Notably, leaving the scene of a motorcycle crash prematurely can also severely damage your civil and personal injuries. There are many cases in which leaving can be misconstrued as an admission of guilt or negligence, which can complicate things. Follow the letter of the law. Report your motorcycle accident right away.
Do Not Decline to Seek Medical Care for Your Injuries
After a motorcycle accident, adrenaline may mask pain, leading you to believe you’re not hurt. However, internal injuries or delayed pain are common after such incidents. Seeking immediate medical attention is not just critical for your health but also for your legal case. To be eligible to bring a personal injury claim after a motorcycle accident in Georgia, you must get professional medical care. Without supporting medical documentation, there is no viable personal injury claim. Seeking a doctor right away after a motorcycle accident is one of the most important steps that you can take after a serious collision in Georgia.
Do Not Admit/Accept Full or Partial Fault for an Accident
Fault is vital in a motorcycle accident claim. Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 51-11-7), these claims are subject to a modified comparative fault standard of liability. Each party to a crash is liable for their share of the damages. In the aftermath of an accident, it is human nature to want to apologize or admit fault—even if you are not really sure who is to blame. However, in Georgia, such admissions can be used against you in legal proceedings. Admitting or accepting any level of fault can be used against you in the claims process to reduce your financial compensation. Let your Georgia motorcycle accident attorney handle all issues related to fault.
Do Not Agree to Give a Recorded Statement to an Insurance Adjuster
The insurance company is not on your side. It is their goal to promote the interests of their business. Notably, insurance adjusters are skilled at getting information that can minimize their company’s liability. For this reason, you should not make a statement without being represented by an attorney. Indeed, agreeing to give a recorded statement without legal advice can be a trap. You might inadvertently say something that could be used to devalue or deny your claim. Indeed, it is very easy for your words to get twisted or otherwise taken out of context.
Do Not Take On the Claims Process Without an Attorney
The final mistake to avoid is one of the most important: trying to bring a legal claim without consulting with a top-tier motorcycle accident lawyer. Navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle accident in Georgia can be complex and overwhelming, especially if you’re recovering from injuries. Attempting to handle the claims process on your own can result in receiving less compensation than you deserve. An experienced Georgia motorcycle accident attorney can handle the legal intricacies, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and ensure that your rights are protected through each and every step of the legal claims process. Your lawyer can also help you understand the full extent of your damages, including property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Schedule a Free Case Review With Our Georgia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
At Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, we are a law firm that is solely focused on handling motorcycle accident claims. Hurt in a collision? You need a top-tier lawyer on your side. Call us at 1-866-529-2453 or contact us online for your free consultation. From our Roswell law office and our Atlanta law office, we handle motorcycle crash injury cases all across Georgia.