Warner Robins, GA Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Thousands of people across the United States elect to use motorcycles instead of regular cars for reasons ranging from practical fuel efficiency to preferring a more visceral driving experience. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are no less likely to be involved in a motor vehicle crash than anyone else. Worse still, motorcycle riders often suffer very serious injuries in these crashes because they are less well-protected than people in cars. Victims of motorcycle accidents often find themselves burdened with hefty medical bills and uncertainty about what to do next.

Fortunately, we can help. Our lawyers have handled countless motorcycle-related claims. We can gather evidence, make sure you file against the right parties and do so on time, and fight hard for you to get the justice you deserve after a motorcycle crash.

Get a free case analysis from Rice, Murtha & Psoras’s motorcycle accident lawyers when you call our office at the number (470) 287-3070.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Warner Robins, GA

Motorcycle accidents can happen for a lot of different reasons. While it may seem unimportant to determine the cause of your crash when compared to treating your injuries or getting damages, figuring out how your motorcycle crash happened is a very important part of any motorcycle accident lawsuit. You can only get financial compensation if you can prove that the defendant caused your injuries, so our motorcycle accident attorneys will have to determine who caused your crash so that we know who to sue.

Other Drivers

Other drivers frequently cause motorcycle accidents when they drive negligently. In law, a driver is negligent when they do something careless or violate a traffic law. For example, drunk driving, tailgating, or speeding are all examples of driver negligence.

Vehicle Defects

Problems with either another vehicle or your motorcycle can also cause accidents. Defects can happen because of bad repairs or because the design of the vehicle is inherently dangerous. Who you end up suing will depend on the exact nature of the defect in the vehicle and where in time that defect popped up.

Poor Road Conditions

Things like potholes or uncleared debris can lead to accidents if roads are not kept in good repair. There is a chance you will be suing a government entity when your accident was caused by bad road conditions, and there are special rules for suing those entities, so you should broach the topic with our motorcycle accident lawyers early on in your claim.

The Statute of Limitations in Warner Robins, GA Motorcycle Accident Claims

There is also a finite amount of time you have to file your motorcycle accident claim. Pursuant to O.G.C.A. § 9-3-33, you will have two years from when you get hurt to file your claim under most circumstances. Once those two years have gone by, courts will not hear your case, nor will you be able to get damages, even if it is very obvious that someone is responsible for your injuries.

Statutes of limitation exist to ensure that cases are brought within a reasonable amount of time where facts are still clear in people’s minds and also to ensure that individuals can move on with their lives without fear of an impending lawsuit after sufficient time has passed.

Two years may seem like a long time, but when you consider the time allocated to recovering from injuries and gathering information to prepare a claim, two years can go by very quickly. Accordingly, you should try to file your claim as soon as you can.

What Compensation Can I Get for Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits in Warner Robins, GA?

Most people file lawsuits for two main reasons: to see justice done and to get financial compensation for their injuries. The compensation that courts make defendants pay to successful plaintiffs is called “damages.” Damages have the goal of getting you back to how things were before you were injured, so they are based on your unique circumstances.

You can get damages for things like medical bills, lost income, and any damage done to your vehicle. You can also get damages for the pain you experience because of your injuries and the mental toll they take on you. These are known as “compensatory damages” because they are meant to compensate you for what has happened to you. There is another kind of damages called punitive damages, but they are only awarded when defendants act particularly badly, so you may want to discuss whether seeking punitive damages in your claim is a good idea or not with our attorneys.

Stereotypes in Motorcycle Accident Claims in Warner Robins, GA

It is not a secret that motorcyclists have an only-somewhat earned stereotype as risk-takers and thrill-seekers who do not care about their own safety. However, this is very far from the actual truth. The vast majority of people who ride motorcycles abide by all laws and take their personal safety very seriously.

However, opposing counsel certainly knows that these stereotypes exist, and they may try to use them to hurt your case. This is especially true because, per O.G.C.A. § 51-12-33, the amount of damages you get can be reduced if the jury determines that you were partially at fault for your injuries. A canny defense lawyer may try to make it look like you had a hand in causing your motorcycle accident to try and get a better outcome for their client. Or lawyers know this, and we will work hard to portray you as the responsible and diligent motorcyclist we know you are.

Call Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Warner Robins, GA Today

The motorcycle accident attorneys from Rice, Murtha & Psoras can help you when you call our office by dialing (470) 287-3070.