Pooler Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Helping Clients Recover Damages Caused by Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists exchange the added safety offered by passenger vehicles for the freedom you can only get on a motorcycle. As a responsible biker, you took extra safety measures and rode with caution and vigilance. But sometimes, regardless of how safely you think you are riding, a negligent driver causes disaster. You can’t really account for the actions of others, but you also shouldn’t be required to pay for their mistakes.

A motorcycle accident case is a type of personal injury claim. That means there are a variety of legal steps you will be required to follow in order to receive fair compensation. This legal process can be confusing and overwhelming. That’s why the experienced personal injury attorneys of Jarrett & Price, LLC are here to lend a helping hand and get you the settlement you deserve.

Here, we will explain the impacts of motorcycle accidents and the legal process of recovering damages. We offer a case evaluation, so if you need immediate assistance or have complex legal issues, call 855-909-3021 to speak with a legal team ready to fight for your rights.

What Are Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Because of the exposed nature of motorcycles, accidents tend to result in more severe injuries, and death is far more common than in car accidents. In our years of serving motorcycle accident victims, these have been the most common injuries we have witnessed:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)- Even though Georgia law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a DOT-approved helmet, traumatic brain injuries are still common.
• Spinal cord injuries- Trauma to the spinal cord that can result in paralysis or nerve damage.
• Broken bones- Broken legs, arms, ribs, and collarbones are especially common.
• Road rash- Serious skin abrasions and lacerations from sliding across the pavement.
• Internal injuries- Damage to internal organs and internal bleeding.
• Amputations- In extreme cases, crush injuries and severe impact can lead to the necessary removal of a limb.
• Pelvic and hip injuries- Most common in side-impact collisions.
• Soft tissue damage- Sprains, strains, or damaged and torn ligaments.
• Psychological trauma- Many bikers choose to never return to the hobby after a motorcycle accident due to anxiety, depression, fear, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

If you have been injured because of a negligent driver, even if your injuries aren’t listed here, you deserve compensation for your injuries. Our law firm will help you file your personal injury lawsuit and guide you through the process while ensuring your rights are protected.

What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

There are important steps you should follow after a motorcycle accident, not only for your health and safety but also for your personal injury claim. Personal injury claims start as soon as you are in an accident, not when you hire legal representation. If you follow these steps, it will increase your odds of a safe recovery and a solid motorcycle accident case.

Are You Injured?

It is human nature to try to jump right back up when we are knocked down. When you are involved in any kind of motor vehicle accident, but especially in motorcycle accidents, try not to move until you have had a chance to assess the damage. If you feel like your neck, back, or head are injured, don’t move. If you feel a numb sensation, don’t move. If you can’t move your toes, fingers, or any other body part, don’t move. Trying to stand when you have head, neck, or back injuries can make the injuries substantially worse and more dangerous.

If you feel you can safely move, immediately get out of the path of traffic. On your motorcycle, you are already small and hard to see. Without your bike, you can be almost invisible to motorists on fast-moving highways.

Call 911

It is not uncommon for bikers to lose their cell phones in the chaos of the crash. If you have your phone, call 911, even if you don’t think you have been seriously injured. Tell them what happened and where you are. Do not leave the area. If your phone is lost or damaged, ask a passerby or one of the other drivers to immediately call 911. Do not assume someone has already called.

If you need medical assistance, ask for it. Otherwise, ask them to dispatch police officers to your location.

Never Admit Responsibility

It is imperative never to admit partial or complete fault for the accident, regardless of who you are speaking to, including the other drivers, the Pooler police department, the responding officer, witnesses, and, later, the insurance companies.

While you may want to do the right thing, you should remember that you have just been involved in a major accident. You may be dazed, and you likely don’t have all the facts about the case. Admitting fault now can be incredibly damaging to your case later.

Remain Calm and Exchange Information

Once you are collected, the police are called, and you are no longer in the direct line of danger; speak with the other parties involved in the accident.

Do not be aggressive when you approach them, regardless of how angry you are. Conflict now can result in less compensation later.

Exchange the following information with the other drivers:

• First and last name
• Contact information
• Driver’s license information
• Insurance provider information

After you have collected this information, take note of the following:

• The vehicle’s make, model, and color of the other drivers
• The license plates of the other vehicles

Save this information in a safe place.

Document the Scene and Speak with Witnesses

This is your chance to take a proactive step in building a strong claim. Using your phone’s camera, you should gather evidence in the form of photos and videos of these things:

• The injuries suffered by you and your passenger if you had one
• The damage caused to your ride wear, especially if you are wearing bright, easy-to-see clothing
• Damage on your helmet
• The damages caused to your motorcycle
• Where your motorcycle ended up after the accident
• The other vehicle’s damage
• Bike and vehicle debris on the road
• Skid marks on the road that show braking or corrective steering
• Be sure to take photos of all traffic signals and signs where your accident occurred
• Take photos of nearby businesses that may have caught the accident on CCTV

Motorcycle accidents are often brutal and catch the attention of bystanders. If you believe someone witnessed the accident, ask if they would be willing to offer a witness statement to the officer and your attorney. Witness statements offer an unbiased perspective on the events leading to the accident.

Speak with the Police and Ask for a Police Report

Once the officer that was dispatched to your accident arrives, speak with them. Give them the information they ask for and answer their questions. Ask how you can get a copy of the police report. Police reports can sometimes help determine who is liable for the accident.

Seek Medical Treatment

Now is not the time to be tough; go to the emergency room or schedule a medical examination with your provider. The sooner, the better.

Firstly, because even if you think you haven’t suffered any injuries, you may have internal trauma or a traumatic brain injury that may not be immediately apparent to you.

Secondly, because this step strengthens your motorcycle accident case. Seeking immediate medical attention will show you were concerned about injuries. It will expose any hidden injuries, and it creates medical records of minor and major injuries.

Motorcycle crashes are far more likely to result in injuries. Don’t risk your health by avoiding the doctor’s office.

Seek Legal Representation

After getting your injuries checked and before calling your insurance company, you should speak with an experienced lawyer who can help you with your personal injury case. A personal injury lawyer will be able to put your evidence to use and immediately start building a strong legal case.

You can also rely on the advice of your motorcycle accident attorney when dealing with insurance companies. Even better, they can completely take over communication with them, preventing them from using their shady tactics to reduce your compensation.

File an Insurance Claim

You will have to file a claim for your motorcycle accident. Give them the facts that they ask for, but avoid speaking about injuries and liability. Do not give them a recorded statement without first talking to your personal injury lawyer.

Do not accept their first settlement, as this rarely covers all of your medical expenses, and doing so will prevent you from seeking further damages.

Do You Really Need a Personal Injury Attorney?

Trying to handle this on your own can result in not receiving the fair compensation you deserve. We offer a variety of legal services that build a strong case and ensure maximum compensation from the responsible party.

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t have to worry about upfront legal fees for an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer.

With our services, you can recover these economic and non-economic damages:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning potential
• Emotional trauma
• Pain and suffering
• And much more

During your case evaluation, you will find out if we are the right personal injury lawyer for you. Call 855-909-3021 for your case evaluation with a Jarrett & Price, LLC, Pooler personal injury lawyer today.