There is nothing like enjoying the weather on your motorcycle on the beautiful roads of Georgia. Unfortunately, motorcyclists often suffer the most severe injuries in road mishaps. In recent years, numerous motorcycle accidents in the state have led to unprecedented and devastating outcomes. You may have a valid claim after such a mishap, and you can click here to learn more about your case. Many law firms offer no-obligation consultations, and you can meet top lawyers to find essential details. Here are the facts that are worth knowing about state laws and motorcycle accident claims.
- Georgia is a fault state. Many states still follow the no-fault insurance system, but Georgia is not one of them. If you were injured in a traffic accident that was the other driver’s fault, you could recover a settlement from them. The typical course is to file an insurance claim with the at-fault party’s insurer and negotiate the compensation based on the damages.
- You have two years for a lawsuit. The statute of limitations, which varies by state, is a law that caps the time limit for personal injury lawsuits. In Georgia, you have two years to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in civil court, and the count starts from the date of your injury. The time cap is the same for wrongful death claims.
- The fault rule is quite unique. Georgia is a modified comparative negligence state. If you were also at fault for a motorcycle accident, you could only sue the other driver for their fault when your share is less than theirs. Also, the fault percentage will determine what you get from the settlement if and when you win.
- You need a motorcycle accident lawyer. While not mandatory, hiring an attorney is always a good idea. Motorcyclists often have more extensive claims after a severe injury, and it is always better to get an attorney to deal with your case. Most lawyers won’t charge a fee until you win, which is a bigger advantage.
- It can take time. Recovering a settlement for your motorcycle accident claim, even when you have a valid case, can take months. While your lawyer will do everything to negotiate the compensation, it is still a long process. If you need to file a lawsuit, you may need to wait longer.
With those essential aspects in mind, consider working with an attorney at the earliest to recover evidence and bolster your motorcycle accident case.