Suffering From Motorcycle Accident Injuries? Let Our Attorney Help.
When you are riding a motorcycle on the busy streets and highways of your community, there is an inherent danger that comes with it. Other commuters may not be as vigilant and miss your presence, or they may not keep a safe distance.
Motorcycle accidents are vastly different from auto accidents. There are no fender benders in a motorcycle crash. They often result in serious, sometimes even life-threatening, situations. Medical bills can pile up. As you recover, you may miss work and find yourself in financial trouble. Having the assistance of an experienced lawyer is critical to getting the compensation you need and deserve after a motorcycle accident claim.
Committed To Georgia Riders
At The Stefanie Drake Burford Law Group, we understand and sympathize with motorcycle riders. Our founding attorney, Stefanie Drake Burford, is a motorcyclist herself and has been proudly serving the motorcycle community since 1999. She is ready to represent you if you have suffered a motorcycle injury. Her empathy and firsthand knowledge of riding are invaluable assets in pursuing the compensation you deserve.
No one understands a motorcycle accident like someone who actually rides a motorcycle. Put your trust in the attorney who rides.
Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents
In many cases, motorcycle collisions are the result of another driver’s negligence. We frequently see claims arising from common scenarios where drivers fail to see motorcyclists, including:
- Unsafe left-hand turns: A driver turning left into the path of an oncoming motorcycle is one of the most frequent causes of a serious crash
- Blind spot lane changes: Drivers who fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes can easily sideswipe a rider
- Following too closely: Tailgating a motorcycle is extremely dangerous, as it leaves no room to stop and can lead to a devastating rear-end collision
- Distracted driving: A driver whose focus is on their phone, GPS or anything other than the road may completely overlook a motorcyclist in their path, leaving the rider with no time to avoid a collision
Our attorney investigates crashes to pinpoint the exact cause of the collision and prove the other driver’s negligence. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still be able to recover compensation for your injuries.
Our Approach To Seeking Justice For Motorcycle Accidents
Insurance companies often try to pin the blame on the rider, relying on unfair biases against motorcyclists. Stefanie’s primary strategy is to dismantle this unfair bias with clear, compelling evidence. She builds strong settlements claims by:
- Thoroughly investigating the crash scene to gather physical evidence
- Interviewing witnesses and securing any available traffic or security camera footage
- Working with accident reconstruction professionals, when necessary, to prove how the collision occurred
- Calculating your total damages, from medical bills and lost wages to the cost of future care and your pain and suffering
As your legal representation, our lawyer will be as aggressive as necessary. She will advocate for you at every turn to pursue the compensation you need.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents In Georgia
Motorcycle accidents can leave you facing sudden decisions, unfamiliar procedures and complex legal issues that introduce many concerns. Below, our injury attorney has answered some of the most common questions about Georgia motorcycle accidents.
What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident?
Safety should guide your steps after a motorcycle accident. First, move to a secure location if possible and contact law enforcement. Responding officers can document the crash and capture details in their official report that may support your claim. Taking photographs of the scene, vehicle positions, skid marks and visible injuries can also help preserve important evidence.
Additionally, prioritize obtaining witness names and contact information because their independent accounts may help clarify disputed facts. You should also exchange insurance details with the other driver and notify insurers early, but avoid discussing fault or making statements that can be used to minimize your claim.
Should I seek medical attention even if I feel fine after a motorcycle accident?
Yes. A prompt medical evaluation is important because many injuries do not appear immediately. Adrenaline and shock can mask the effects of an accident for hours or days. An examination allows a doctor to identify issues such as concussions, internal injuries or soft tissue damage that may worsen without treatment.
Medical records also create a clear link between the accident and your injuries, which is essential for a claim. Delayed care can raise questions about the cause of your condition and may reduce the compensation you can pursue. Early treatment protects both your health and your legal rights.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim?
Georgia law sets a two-year statute of limitations for most motorcycle accident injury claims, which begins on the date of the crash. Filing after the deadline can lead to claim dismissal, even when injuries are severe or catastrophic. Certain circumstances, such as claims involving government entities, may require much earlier notice.
Because time passes quickly while medical treatment, insurance discussions and investigations unfold, starting early helps ensure compliance with all deadlines and preserves evidence that may fade or disappear.
Property damage claims follow a separate four-year deadline in Georgia.
What if the other driver claims I was at fault for the motorcycle accident?
Unfortunately, disputes over fault are common in motorcycle cases. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means your compensation can be reduced if you are found to share responsibility. In Georgia, you cannot recover damages if found 50% or more at fault.
Evidence plays a central role in resolving fault disputes. Police reports, photographs, witness statements and crash analysis can help establish what occurred. Since insurance companies often challenge rider behavior, clear documentation is essential. Even if the other driver blames you, documented facts may show a different picture once the investigation is complete.
What types of compensation can I recover after a motorcycle accident?
Your compensation depends on the specific losses you suffered. Georgia allows recovery for several types of damages.
- Economic damages include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income and property damage.
- Noneconomic damages address pain, emotional distress and the impact of injuries on your daily life.
- Punitive damages are rare but may apply when the at-fault driver engaged in extreme misconduct.
Some cases may involve long-term medical needs or reduced earning capacity, which can increase the value of a claim. A detailed evaluation of your injuries and financial losses helps determine the full scope of available compensation.
How is fault determined in a motorcycle accident case?
Responsibility for the accident is determined through a combination of evidence, legal standards and factual analysis. Investigators review the police report, scene photographs and other evidence, while witness accounts help clarify movements and behaviors that led to the collision.
Traffic laws also guide fault decisions because violations can indicate negligence. In some cases, accident experts can reconstruct the crash to help explain speed, braking and impact angles.
Insurance companies should evaluate all available information to assess responsibility, but sometimes motorcycle riders are unfairly blamed. In these cases, thorough evidence collection is essential.
What if I was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident?
Georgia law requires motorcycle riders and passengers to wear approved helmets. Not wearing one does not prevent you from filing a claim, but it may affect certain aspects of your case. For example, if your injuries involve the head or face, the insurance company may argue that the lack of a helmet contributed to the severity of the harm.
Additionally, Georgia’s comparative negligence rule allows reductions in compensation if your actions increased your injuries. However, the rule applies only when evidence shows a clear connection between the missing helmet and your specific injuries. Injuries unrelated to helmet use, such as broken limbs or internal trauma, are evaluated independently.
Even if you did not wear a helmet, you may still recover compensation for any losses caused by the other party’s negligence.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
If you are an injured rider and have suffered in a motorcycle collision, get in touch with The Stefanie Drake Burford Law Group today to schedule a free initial consultation. There are no attorney’s fees unless we win your claim. We have offices in Cedartown and Marietta, and we serve clients throughout Georgia.
You can reach us at 770-462-5489 or contact us through email.
