FAQ’s

Yes. Even if your accident was seemingly minor, you should still see a doctor as soon as possible after the crash. You may be unknowingly injured even if you feel perfectly fine. It’s not uncommon for motorcycle accident injuries to take hours or even days to manifest. 

What’s more, when you file a personal injury claim, the insurance company may interpret your delay in seeing a doctor as proof your injuries weren’t that serious. Failing to receive prompt medical care can make it more difficult for you to recover compensation for your medical expenses.

When a motorcyclist is hit by another vehicle, they will likely suffer serious injuries. Motorcycles aren’t as stable as cars and have no layers of protection, like a cabin, roof or airbags. This leaves the rider exposed and vulnerable when colliding with other vehicles.

Some of the most common injuries from motorcycle accidents include:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Neck injuries
• Road rash 
• Internal bleeding
• Spinal cord injuries
• Biker’s arm
• Bruises, cuts and lacerations
• Burns
• Paralysis

Biker’s arm, also known as rider’s arm, refers to a wide range of injuries that affect the rider’s upper extremities, specifically the nerves and bones of the arms, shoulders, elbows and hands.

The injury is common among motorcyclists and occurs when a rider tries to brace himself or herself by outstretching the arms. As a result, the bones in the arms break and suffer damage to the nerves.

Yes. Although Georgia riders and passengers are required to wear a helmet while on a motorcycle, you can still file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver and their insurance company if you weren’t wearing one.

However, if you didn’t wear a helmet at the time of your accident, you may not receive the full amount of compensation you’d otherwise be entitled to had you adhered to the law and worn protective headgear. For instance, if not wearing a helmet caused you to suffer a head injury, you may have trouble recovering the full value of damages for an injury that could have been prevented.

When you file a personal injury claim, the burden of proof lies solely on you. You are responsible for gathering and preserving all evidence pertinent to your claim. Examples of evidence you should collect include:

• Police report of your accident
• Eyewitness statements
• Pictures and videos from the accident scene, including pictures of vehicle damage
• Pictures of your injuries
• Damaged gear
• Medical bills for treatment of your injuries
• Proof of lost wages if you had to miss work due to your accident

Collecting evidence can be an overwhelming process, especially if you’re still healing from your injuries. A skilled personal injury lawyer can take on the burden of evidence gathering so you can focus on your health and recovery.

You can seek compensation under your policy’s uninsured motorist coverage provision if it’s included in your auto coverage. However, since Georgia law doesn’t require motor vehicle operators to carry UM coverage, many drivers do not have it. 

If you do have UM coverage, you will still need to prove the driver who hit you was at-fault for the accident, injuries and property damage you suffered.

Each motorcycle accident is different, and the appropriate valuation for your crash will depend on the treatments you require to recover, the length of your recovery, whether you will be able to work during your recovery and any permanent scarring or disabilities you suffered. Your emotional trauma or pain and suffering may also factor into your case’s valuation. 

There’s no easy formula for determining exactly what your case should be worth in the immediate aftermath of a motorcycle crash. A motorcycle injury lawyer in Atlanta can analyze your situation and help you understand the factors that will impact your claim payment. 

A skilled personal injury lawyer can help you build a compelling case supported with evidence. They shouldn’t promise you a specific amount but instead work hard to maximize your settlement.