No one wants to get involved in an accident, but when something like that happens, it is critical to be at the forefront. A significant number of road mishaps are reported in Georgia annually, and many of these accidents involve motorcyclists. The chances of getting severely injured are higher in a motorcycle accident than in a mishap involving two cars. If you were hurt while riding your motorcycle in Savannah, you should know that Georgia is a fault state, which means you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver or motorcyclist and recover a settlement. It would help if you started by ideally meeting an expert, and for a free consultation, consider connecting with Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers. Here are the dos and don’ts that you need to follow.
Always report the accident
Make sure you report the accident to the local police. You can also choose to inform the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office or call Savannah Police Department. Remain at the scene until an investigating officer arrives. A copy of the police report is extremely crucial for your claim. Also, don’t admit fault to the police or the other party. Just share whatever happened or how the accident unfolded.
Be proactive about the claim
The statute of limitations in Georgia gives two years to file a motorcycle accident injury lawsuit. However, there is a time limit for lawsuits and not insurance claims. Because the state has a fault-based system, you will usually need to file a claim as a third party with the other driver’s insurance claim as the first step. Ensure that you inform insurance companies immediately and start the claims process.
Don’t give a recorded statement
Anything you tell the insurance company could be used against you. Insurance adjusters will do everything possible to bring down what they pay for the claim, and you may want to believe they are making a good offer, which is usually untrue. Unless you have an attorney to advise you on the next step, don’t agree to give a recorded statement.
Find a competent lawyer
You need a reliable and capable motorcycle accident attorney who can handle your claim. Check the profile of the law firm, ask them how often they work with injured motorcyclists, and what some of their biggest settlements are. Ensure the attorney can represent you in court, for which they must have trial experience. You can also ask for references.
Know the state laws
Mist law firms in Savannah will offer free case assessments for motorcycle accidents, and you should meet an attorney to know what damages you can recover. The lawyer will also educate you on the state laws and the various variables that can affect the outcome. For instance, you cannot sue someone in Georgia if you are more to blame for a road accident than them. Your attorney will be able to give better insights.
Don’t delay seeking or continuing medical care
You have to continue with your medical care. Ideally, it is best to see a doctor immediately after a motorcycle accident. Whatever the doctor recommends, you have to follow that. Keep a detailed medical file that includes all bills you have paid, including the cost of physical therapy and medications. A large part of your settlement is meant to cover these expenses, and you have to prove that you have done everything to get better.
You should share everything with your attorney, including whether you were anyway responsible for the motorcycle accident. Your lawyer will do everything to recover the maximum payout, and they don’t get a fee unless you recover money, which is an adequate reason to seek legal help.
