LAWRENCEVILLE, GEORGIA MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
WHY DO I NEED TO HIRE A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY?
Some Lawrenceville motorcycle accident victims assume they can handle their accident claim on their own. They expect the at-fault insurance company to pay for the damage to their motorcycle, pay their medical bills, and compensate them for pain and suffering. However, that rarely occurs because the at-fault insurance company is not on your side. Insurance companies often undervalue cases and will only offer minimal compensation. You need to hire a skilled motorcycle attorney who has experience going up against the big insurance companies after a Lawrenceville motorcycle crash. The attorneys at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter are prepared to fight hard for you and maximize your financial compensation.
THE SEVEN MOST IMPORTANT STEPS TO TAKE AFTER A LAWRENCEVILLE MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
- Call 911: Report the accident to the police immediately. Under Georgia law, you are required to report a motor vehicle accident that causes more than $500.00 worth of damage or injuries. When police arrive at the scene, a motor vehicle accident report will be created, which serves as powerful evidence. Police body and dash cam footage may also be generated and provide important details regarding the accident;
- Obtain medical care: Do not delay seeking medical treatment for your injuries. If you require emergency medical treatment, Northside Hospital Gwinnett is nearby. Treatment can also be sought through urgent care or with your primary care physician. Also make sure to complete any recommended care, such as imaging or physical therapy treatments. Any delay in seeking medical treatment or not sticking to recommended treatments can cause the at-fault insurance company to claim you were not hurt that badly;
- Photograph the scene and the damage: Pictures of the damage to both your motorcycle and the vehicle(s) involved in the accident as well as the scene where the accident occurred provide further evidence for your claim. They can also prove liability;
- Exchange information: Try to exchange contact information and insurance information with the at-fault driver. If anyone else witnessed the accident, try to obtain their contact information, as well. Witnesses can also help to prove liability;
- Refuse to admit fault: Even if you think you somehow contributed to causing the accident, keep that opinion to yourself at the scene. Liability is always best determined by your Lawrenceville motorcycle accident attorney and other accident experts;
- Contact a motorcycle accident attorney: Call Williams Elleby Howard & Easter at 833-LEGALGA (833-534-2542) to set up a free consultation to discuss your case. We have recovered millions for our clients, and we’re ready to get you the compensation you deserve;
- Organize your records: Try to stay as organized as possible by keeping a folder with all of your medical records and bills. Keep a journal documenting your injuries, pain and suffering, and treatments. Also document every call or piece of mail you receive regarding the accident. This organization will pay off later when it is time for your attorney to submit your pre-suit settlement demand to the at-fault insurance company.
HOW DOES A LAWRENCEVILLE MOTORCYCLE CLAIM GET RESOLVED?
A Lawrenceville motorcycle accident claim will be resolved in one of 3 stages: (1) The Pre-Suit Stage, (2) The Litigation Stage, (3) or The Trial and Appeal Stage.
The pre-suit stage begins as soon as your Lawrenceville attorney takes your motorcycle accident case. An investigation of the motorcycle accident will begin with a review of the motor vehicle accident report, 911 recordings, and any available police dash and body camera footage. Your medical records and bills will be ordered and examined to determine the extent of your injuries and to help total the amount of your damages. Your attorney will then send a pre-suit settlement demand to the at-fault insurance company, which demands a certain amount of compensation. If the at-fault insurance company makes a fair offer and you accept, then your case will settle.
If a settlement amount cannot be agreed upon, then your attorney will file a lawsuit on your behalf, and the litigation stage will begin. The first part of this stage is the six-month discovery period. Both parties in the lawsuit will exchange documents and other evidence during this time that will be used at trial. Depositions of the plaintiff, defendant, and experts may also be scheduled during this time. At the conclusion of this stage, a judge will often order both parties into mediation to try to settle the case before having to go to trial.
If your Lawrenceville motorcycle accident case does not settle during the pre-suit or litigation stage, then your case will go to trial and enter the trial and appeal stage. Attorneys Joel Williams and Chase Elleby have many years of experience trying cases in a courtroom. They will bring their expertise to your trial by having all your evidence organized, witness subpoenaed, and by having all pre-trial motions filed. While some attorneys shy away from jury trials and try to settle cases quickly, the motorcycle accident attorneys at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter are up to the challenge.