MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY SERVING COLUMBUS
If you need a motorcycle accident lawyer for your Columbus, Georgia personal injury claim, Williams Elleby Howard & Easter can help. There are few things better than hitting the road for a motorcycle ride in and around Columbus where you can view the Chattahoochee River or enjoy scenic nearby farmland, forests and state parks. Unfortunately, distracted and careless motorists can cause serious injuries to motorcycle riders when they aren’t aware of their presence on the road. If you are a Columbus motorcyclist who was injured due to the negligence of another motorist, our personal injury attorneys specialize in motorcycle accidents.
Below is information about what you need to know after a Columbus motorcycle crash:
COLUMBUS MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT – DO I NEED A LAWYER?
Sometimes after an accident, a victim might not think to contact a lawyer because they assume insurance companies will take care of things. However, this is not usually the case. There are several things to consider when deciding whether to hire a lawyer after a Columbus motorcycle accident. If the wreck was your fault, notify your insurance company as soon as possible and your insurer should hire a lawyer to defend you. If the wreck was not your fault and you sustained injuries, you should hire a Columbus motorcycle accident lawyer to help maximize your personal injury recovery.
THE 9 MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER AFTER A COLUMBUS MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
- Call 911. In most cases, the State of Georgia legally requires you to report motorcycle accidents that result in personal injuries or property damage worth more than $500.00.
- Seek medical care. There are multiple hospitals with emergency rooms and trauma centers in Columbus that treat injuries commonly seen after a motorcycle accident. These hospitals include Piedmont Columbus Regional and St. Francis Hospital.
- Take pictures. Pictures can be the most important evidence for proving fault and liability in motorcycle accident cases.
- Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver. The police will also take down this information for the accident report, but make sure to have a copy for yourself. You can usually visit Buycrash.com for a copy of the accident report.
- Get the names and contact information for any witnesses. Independent witnesses can be key to winning cases in which liability is uncertain.
- Notify your insurance company. To make sure you can bring an uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM) claim, you must notify your automobile insurance company about any motorcycle accident in a timely manner.
- Do not admit fault. Even if you think the wreck is your fault, don’t admit it at the scene.
- Keep an information file. Record and document everything after a Columbus motorcycle accident. Keep a journal and make a note of every phone call, letter, and email related to the accident. Save every record, bill, and photograph.
- Hire a motorcycle accident attorney. You can reach us at 833-LEGALGA for a free initial consultation.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER A COLUMBUS MOTORCYCLE WRECK – THE CLAIMS PROCESS
There are three stages involved with Columbus motorcycle wreck claims: (1) The Pre-Suit Stage, (2) The Litigation Stage, and (3) The Trial & Appeal Stage.
During the pre-suit stage, your attorney will complete the initial investigation into your case. This involves gathering all public information including accident reports and 911 calls, medical records, bills and insurance information, and working with experts to reconstruct the accident as needed.
Once all necessary information is gathered and your attorney has a solid understanding of your medical diagnosis and prognosis, a pre-suit settlement demand is sent to the at-fault driver’s insurance company in an effort to obtain a fair settlement offer. If a fair amount can be agreed upon through pre-suit negotiation, the case will settle and our team will work to finalize the settlement as quickly as possible, taking into account any remaining medical bills or health insurance liens.
If your case cannot be settled in the pre-suit stage, a lawsuit will need to be filed. During the lawsuit’s discovery phase, parties will serve written questions and request for documents about each other and take depositions. After discovery, most trial courts will order the parties to mediation. If your motorcycle accident case does not settle during discovery or at mediation, you will enter the third stage of litigation, trial.
When it is time for a trial, any good motorcycle accident attorney in Columbus should have all necessary evidence organized, witnesses subpoenaed, and pre-trial motions filed. Your attorney will work with you to prepare for trial. Jury trials are complicated – when you are choosing a lawyer, make sure you hire a lawyer who knows how to try a case.
CALL OUR MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS AFTER A COLUMBUS ACCIDENT
If you or a loved one have been injured in a Columbus motorcycle accident, our attorneys are here to help. You can reach us at 833-LEGALGA (833-534-2542) to schedule your free consultation.
