MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY SERVING SAVANNAH
After a motorcycle accident in Savannah, Georgia, you need an attorney with experience. Williams Elleby Howard & Easter attorneys know a thing or two about maximizing your recovery after a Savannah motorcycle crash. Georgia offers many beautiful motorcycle routes and the weather makes rides possible most of the year. Savannah, Georgia, is a popular stopping point when traversing the state on two wheels and is the kick-off point or ending point for the scenic route between Savannah and Charleston.
Unfortunately, some motorcycle rides end prematurely due to the negligence or inattentiveness of others on the road. When this happens, our motorcycle accident attorneys step in to ensure that the injured motorcyclist is fully and fairly compensated. We help Savannah motorcycle riders as well as riders throughout the State of Georgia.
Here are a few tips that may be helpful after you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident.
SAVANNAH MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT – SHOULD I GET A LAWYER?
A lawyer is not required after a Savannah motorcycle accident, but it is often a good idea to hire one to help you through the claims and legal process that follows. If you were at fault for the accident, an attorney will generally be provided by your insurance company. Contact your insurance company to ask about this.
If you were injured because of someone else’s actions, a Savannah motorcycle accident lawyer, like the ones at our firm, can help ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible.
THE 9 MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER AFTER A SAVANNAH MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
- Call Law Enforcement.Report the accident by calling 911. This is not just a good idea, you are required by law to report your motorcycle accident if there has been more than $500 in personal injuries or property damage. Most Savannah motorcycle accidents meet this threshold.
- Get Medical Care. Obtain a medical evaluation and treatment immediately after the accident by accepting care from the paramedics who are sent to the scene or going to one of the area’s local hospitals that treat injuries commonly seen after a motorcycle accident. Even if you feel “ok,” it is crucial that you seek care. Some injuries are not immediately obvious but can be dangerous if left untreated.
- Take Photos. Get out your cell phone and take as many photographs of the accident as possible. Include shots that show the entire scene as well as close-up shots of damage to your motorcycle and any visible injuries. Photographs are often key evidence in motorcycle injury cases.
- Exchange Insurance Information.Record the name, contact information, and insurance information for all other motorists who were involved in the accident. Provide them your information as well.
- Obtain Witness Information. Obtain the names and contact information of any witnesses and ask them to stay until the police arrive so that law enforcement can document their statements. Witnesses that were not involved in the crash can help win cases.
- Call Your Insurance Company.Call your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Then be sure to follow any instructions they give you, for example, if they direct you to fill out a form, make sure you do so. Reporting to insurance is required to preserve a possible uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM) claim.
- Do Not Discuss Fault. Even if you think the accident was your fault, do not admit fault to anyone or apologize to anyone.
- Continue to Document Everything. Do not stop documenting after the day of the accident. Start a file and keep records of everything related to the accident including incoming and outgoing calls, letters, bills, and photographs.
- Obtain a Savannah Motorcycle Accident Attorney. Too often those injured in a motorcycle accident settle because they don’t know what their case is worth. We can help you evaluate your case’s value. Contact us at 833-LEGALGA (833-534-2542) for a free initial consultation.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE CLAIMS PROCESS AFTER A SAVANNAH MOTORCYCLE WRECK
There are three stages to Savannah motorcycle wreck claims: (1) The Pre-Suit Stage (2) The Litigation Stage, and (3) The Trial & Appeal Stage.
The pre-suit stage is the time from the accident until a lawsuit is filed. This stage begins with an investigation into the case. With your help, an attorney will gather as much evidence about the case as possible, such as medical records, witness statements, video recordings, photographs, and insurance information. Your attorney will work with experts to use this evidence to determine how the accident occurred, who was at fault, and what legal theories support your case.
After enough information has been gathered and evaluated, your motorcycle accident attorney will usually send a pre-suit settlement demand to the insurer of the person or people believed to be at fault. The demand is a request to settle the case for a certain amount without having to file a formal lawsuit. The demand letter will explain the basis for the amount sought. Occasionally, a demand offer will be accepted immediately but more often negotiations continue for a bit before an agreement is reached.
If the case settles before a lawsuit is filed, our team strives to get you your settlement funds as quickly as possible. We will work with you to determine whether there are medical bills or healthcare liens that need to be paid out of your settlement or addressed.
Many, but not all, cases are settled in the pre-suit stage. If your case does not settle at the pre-suit stage, it will proceed to the litigation stage, which begins when a lawsuit is filed. The litigation process will involve discovery, a fact-finding process that includes exchanging written questions and answers and taking depositions. In most cases, the parties and the court try to resolve the case before trial through mediation and pre-trial motions. If unsuccessful, the case will proceed to trial.
Savannah motorcycle accident lawsuits are typically litigated before a jury in the State Court of Chatham County. Jury trials are complicated and require the skill of an experienced trial lawyer. Many attorneys do not have experience taking cases to trial so make sure you hire a lawyer that actually tries cases. Make sure yours does. A good motorcycle accident attorney will prepare the case and you for trial so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
If you lose at trial, you may be able to appeal the case. Whether an appeal is viable depends on the reason you lost the case.
CALL OUR MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
If you or a loved one have been injured in a Savannah motorcycle crash, you can schedule a free consultation with an attorney at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter by calling 833-LEGALGA (833-534-2542). We are here and happy to help.
