Macon Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer, Macon, Georgia

The pain that comes with crashing your motorcycle in an accident is unspeakable. Double grief of seeing your motorcycle in wreckage and dealing with your health. There couldn’t be a more confusing and depressing occurrence than being a victim of motorcycle accident.

To add to your dismay and sadness, your insurance company and adjusters will try to squeeze themselves out of taking responsibility for covering your damaged motorcycle and health. Not knowing where to begin or approaching such an unfortunate incident on your own can be your first step towards losing everything: your property and your good health.

Besides the legal processes that follow a motorcycle accident being complex, it will put a financial dent in your wallet and might still end up unfavorable without the help of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. Your insurer will put up a resistance to avoid taking responsibility for their side of the bargain, thereby shifting the responsibility back to you. Invariably plunging you further into both financial and emotional crises.

But all these can be avoided if you get a competent, compassionate, and reputable personal injury lawyer. At Wetherington Law Firm, our motorcycle accident lawyers represent victims in Macon. We are well-versed in Georgia’s motorcycle laws and committed to fighting for the rights and fair compensation of our clients. We have over a decade of experience and have won over $100 million in settlements and court verdicts for our clients across Georgia.

Our team is dedicated to providing skilled and compassionate legal representation, from negotiating with insurance companies to litigating in court if necessary. A dedicated legal team can assist in evaluating settlement offers from insurance companies to ensure that victims receive adequate compensation for their injuries and damages.

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, let our Macon injury attorneys help you navigate the legal process and secure the best possible outcome for your case, Get in touch with us today for a free consultation. All our cases are on contingency basis so you don’t pay us until we win. Call us today!

What are the Common types of Motorcycle Accidents in Macon? 

Motorcycles can collide in a variety of situations. All of these accidents are serious, though some cause different injuries than others:

• Left-hand turn accident. We see these accidents at intersections. A driver making a left-hand turn waits for oncoming traffic to pass through the intersection before hanging a left. However, the driver is in a hurry and doesn’t see a motorcycle coming along at the tail end. They end up colliding.
• Head-on collision. A motorist might slam into a motorcycle head-on. For example, a car might make a right-hand turn. The car right behind impatiently pulled into the other lane to pass but didn’t see the motorcycle coming. They collide. These are often fatal accidents for motorcyclists.
• Rear-end collision. A biker might be waiting at a light or stop sign, but the motorist coming up behind doesn’t brake in time, causing a crash.
• Lane change accidents. A motorist on the freeway might quickly change lanes and not even see the motorcycle behind him.
• Distracted driving. Many motorists are fiddling with the controls, looking at a phone, or eating and driving. Sadly, too many motorcycles blend in with the vehicles around them and the road, so a distracted driver never even sees them. 

What are the Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries? 

Unsurprisingly, motorcyclists suffer serious injuries after a wreck. They often endure a direct hit by a motor vehicle, and many are thrown into the road. Some of the more common injuries include:

• Fractures, including pelvic fractures
• Road rash
• Burns
• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Back injuries, including herniated discs
• Spinal column injuries
• Paralysis

In some cases, motorcyclists may suffer catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical care and significantly impact their overall well-being, emotional suffering, and potential scarring or disfigurement.

Without proper treatment, many people will experience a worsening of their injuries. For this reason, we recommend going to the hospital immediately after the wreck.

What Causes Motorcycle Accidents?

Many things can go wrong for a motorcyclist hoping to enjoy a ride. Some of the most dangerous hazards include:

• Negligent or reckless motorists
• Road defects, like potholes or debris
• Motorcycle defects that make the bike unsafe to operate
• Poor weather, including rain or ice on the road
• Missing stop signs or traffic lights

If you were driving carelessly, then your own negligence could impact your case. Georgia allows victims to seek compensation when they are less at fault than all defendants. In other words, you must be less than 50% to blame. If you’re over, the defendant can ask a judge to dismiss the lawsuit against them.

How Much Compensation Can You Receive for a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Macon?

Our clients need compensation to fund their recovery. They suddenly have large expenses, including medical bills, and many unfortunately cannot work. Motorcycle accident cases are often complex and require experienced legal assistance to navigate the challenges and ensure proper compensation. Our Macon motorcycle accident lawyers have sought compensation for:

• Past medical care
• Ongoing medical treatment, such as rehabilitation
• Pain and suffering
• Damage to your motorcycle
• Lost income
• Disfigurement or disability

If a loved one died on a motorcycle, we can help bring a wrongful death claim. This is a special type of lawsuit that compensates families for the whole life of the deceased. For example, we can seek compensation for lost services provided and/or loss of income your loved one would have earned.

Many victims want to know how much they can get in a settlement. There are so many considerations that a general estimate isn’t helpful. In an individualized case review, we can look at your expenses, the severity of injuries, and effect on your family. We also will analyze any comparative fault, which will reduce your compensation by a proportional amount. Temporary, minor injuries typically pay out less than major, permanent disabilities or disfigurement.

These requirements make sense. In fact, helmets can dramatically reduce the severity of a brain injury. Even if you weren’t wearing a helmet, however, you can still seek compensation for a wreck.

What Do You Need to Prove to Obtain Compensation?

Most motorcycle accident victims bring claims based on negligence. This requires that we prove 4 elements:

1. The defendant you are suing owed you a duty of care.
2. The defendant breached that duty.
3. The defendant’s breach caused your injuries.
4. You suffered damages.

A motorist driving on the road owes a duty to drive carefully to those around them. This is a duty created by proximity.

In many cases, the hardest legal question is whether the driver breached their duty of care to you. Drivers almost always deny it, so we must rely on evidence to show the motorist didn’t use sufficient care. For example, the following usually qualifies as careless or dangerous driving:

• Speeding
• Passing too closely
• Failing to stop at a light
• Rolling through a traffic stop
• Tailgating
• Driving while distracted
• Texting and driving
• Drunk driving

As your attorney, we can investigate the crash to find helpful information. For example, we might talk to witnesses who saw a motorist run a red light before crashing into you. Or we might request cell phone records that show a driver was on the phone before the collision. With this evidence, we can make your case that the driver breached his duty and caused your injuries.

How Do I Choose the Right Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Macon?

• Experience and specialty: There is a better chance of obtaining victory if you work with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer whose specialty is handling motorcycle accidents in Macon.
• Reputation: Be sure to find out what perception past clients have about a lawyer before you consider hiring them to handle your case. Reviews and testimonials are good indicators to measure a lawyer’s reputation.
• Free consultation: It’s an advantage if a law firm offers free consultation. You can use their free consultation to discuss your case with potential lawyers to aid your decision-making.
• Success records: Pay attention to the success records of your potential lawyer. This will help mitigate the risk of losing a case. A good motorcycle accident lawyer should have a track record of excellence, which would further reinstate your confidence in their expertise.
• Location: Get a Macon motorcycle accident attorney who is familiar with the local news and the courts in Macon. You’ll need the extra reassurance and certainty that your case will result in a favorable outcome.

Speak with a Macon Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident, call the Wetherington Law Firm today. Our experienced Macon motorcycle accident attorneys can meet for a free consultation to discuss your chances of bringing a successful claim. From our Macon office, we proudly serve the people of central Georgia throughout Bibb, Jones, Twiggs, Crawford, Monroe, Jones, and Wilkinson counties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident In Macon?

If you’re in a motorcycle accident in Macon, it’s crucial to take certain steps right away:

1. Check for Injuries: Your safety comes first. If you or anyone else is hurt, call 911 immediately for medical help.
2. Move to Safety: If it’s possible and safe, move yourself and your motorcycle to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic or causing another accident.
3. Call the Police: It’s important to have a police report. They document the accident scene and provide an official record, which can be essential later.
4. Exchange Information: Get the names, contact details, and insurance information of any other drivers involved. If there are witnesses, get their information too.
5. Take Photos: Capture pictures of the accident scene, your motorcycle, the other vehicles, and any visible injuries. This evidence can be crucial for your claim.
6. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t think you’re badly injured, see a doctor. Some injuries, like concussions or internal injuries, might not be immediately apparent.
7. Avoid Discussing Fault: Be cautious about what you say at the scene. Even an apology can be misconstrued as an admission of fault.
8. Notify Your Insurance: Contact your insurance company to report the accident, but be careful with the details you provide.
9. Consult a Lawyer: Before making any statements or accepting any settlements, talk to a lawyer who specializes in motorcycle accidents in Macon.

Can I Handle a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Macon Without a Lawyer?

Yes, you can handle a motorcycle accident without a lawyer, but it comes with risk. You have to understand these risks and decide if you want to proceed to handling a motorcycle accident claim without a motorcycle accident attorney.

Here are some risks you must bear in mind.

• Chance of losing: The legal entity may be too complex for you (who do not have any legal training) to understand. These complexities can cause you to make mistakes that can ruin your motorcycle accident case.
• Negotiation challenge: Insurance companies have experienced adjusters, advisors, and lawyers who are trained to protect the interests of the company. Not having legal expertise will prone you to the challenge of a fair settlement.
• Providing evidence: As a motorcycle victim, you need to focus more on recovering from your injuries than collecting evidence of your accident. But if you choose to proceed with getting all evidence yourself, you will encounter difficulty in not only gathering them but also knowing what to get.
• Statutory deadlines: Not knowing when to file a claim can cause your case a huge setback. Losing important deadlines such as the status of limitation can inversely affect your legal proceedings. If a claim is not filed within this period, you lose your right to claim them and the court will most likely dismiss the case.
• Inaccurate compensation calculations: Your entitlement might not be well accounted for if you are sorely without a trained lawyer. These include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering you’re experiencing

How is Fault Determined in a Motorcycle Accident Case in Macon?

Fault in a motorcycle accident case in Macon, Georgia, is determined based on the state’s traffic laws and the principle of negligence. Here’s how it works:

1. Negligence and Fault: Under Georgia law, specifically O.C.G.A. § 51-1-6, fault is generally based on negligence. This means showing that someone didn’t act with the level of care expected under the circumstances, leading to the accident.
2. Comparative Negligence Rule: Georgia follows the modified comparative negligence rule, as per O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33. If you’re found to be less than 50% responsible for the accident, you can still recover damages, but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
3. Gathering Evidence: To establish fault, evidence like police reports, witness statements, traffic surveillance footage, and photos of the accident scene is crucial. This evidence can help prove who violated traffic laws or acted carelessly.
4. Expert Analysis: Sometimes, accident reconstruction experts are brought in to analyze how the accident happened and who is at fault based on the evidence.

What if the Motorcycle Accident Resulted in a Permanent Disability?

If a motorcycle accident leads to permanent disability, it’s important to know your rights and options:

• Long-term Compensation: You may be entitled to more compensation because of your disability. This can include medical expenses, lifelong care costs, and money for any changes you need in your life, like home modifications.
• Lost Income: If you can’t work anymore or your ability to earn money is affected, you can claim for lost wages and future income.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation can also cover pain and suffering, including the emotional and psychological impact of living with a disability.
• Legal Process: Cases with permanent disability can be complex. It might involve detailed medical assessments and long-term needs analysis.

How Can a Macon Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help Me?

• Case Evaluation: We will investigate your case thoroughly to understand and determine the strength and potential compensation you’re entitled to.
• Legal expertise: With our expertise, we will help you navigate the legal complexities of a motorcycle crash and provide assistance and support as we understand the specific laws and regulations of motorcycle accidents in Macon.
• Evidence Gathering: We understand that motorcycle accidents can leave you in a confused and disoriented state. And as a victim, you’re not in the best frame of mind to collect evidence yourself. Therefore, we take the burden of having to collect evidence of your accident off you by helping you get strong and compelling evidence that will aid your case.
• Negotiation: Insurance companies may try to avoid taking responsibility for your damaged properties. We will negotiate with your insurer on your behalf to ensure a fair settlement and compensation.
• Represent you in court: We will present your case before a judge or jury for fair hearing. Our lawyers have years of rich courtroom experience and will ensure they get you fair court settlement.

Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers Today

If you or someone you care about has been involved in a motorcycle accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to Wetherington Law Firm. Let us help you turn the page on this difficult chapter and start the journey toward recovery and justice. You don’t have to face this alone; we are here to stand with you every step of the way.

Our contingency fee structure allows you to pay only when we win your case. So you do not have to worry about paying us while we are still ensuring you get a favorable case outcome. Get in touch with us today for a free no-obligation case evaluation.