Are you dealing with the painful aftermath of a motorcycle accident in Columbus, GA? If so, the at-fault parties could owe you compensation for the harm you’ve suffered, from financial losses like medical bills and lost income to personal ones like pain and suffering. To pursue your case effectively, you need the help of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Columbus.
At Stokes Stemle, LLC, we focus exclusively on personal injury cases, including motorcycle accident claims. We have considerable experience taking on deep-pocketed insurance companies and a proven record of maximizing our clients’ case value. Our lawyers know how defense lawyers and insurance adjusters fight bike injury claims, and how to beat them at the negotiating table or in the courtroom.
Contact us today for your free, no-obligation consultation. There are no upfront costs for us to get started on your case, and you pay nothing unless we successfully resolve your matter.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Columbus
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident in Columbus is a challenging time, but fortunately, there are a few simple things you can take to protect yourself and start your injury claim on the right foot. Take a deep breath, then consider taking the following steps:
- Seek medical attention if you were not transported from the scene. The sooner you do, the better, as latent injuries can worsen without prompt treatment. Furthermore, your doctor’s treating notes will link the accident with your injuries.
- Notify your insurance provider, but be careful what you say. Your policy likely requires you to alert the company within a few days of the crash. Do not say anything that might be interpreted as an admission of fault.
- Start an evidence folder. Write down your account of what happened while your memory is still fresh. Gather copies of your medical records and any communication you’ve had with your employer about taking time off work. Include anything else that might provide helpful context.
- Be very careful when talking about the accident. Stay off social media for the time being, as insurance adjusters and defense attorneys will be monitoring your accounts. Don’t go into unnecessary details when talking about what happened with friends or family. Most importantly, do not agree to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance provider until you’ve talked to a lawyer.
Perhaps the single most important thing you can do is to speak with a motorcycle accident attorney in Columbus. Schedule a consultation (most offer these free of charge) and bring your evidence folder with you.
Why You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Columbus, GA
The key benefit of hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer is that they will handle all the legal work in your case while you focus on your health. While you rest and heal, they can do the following:
- Investigate the accident to uncover evidence showing who is at fault for what happened
- Work with experts in fields like medicine, accident reconstruction, and finance to support your case
- Calculate the full value of your case, including medical bills, lost income and diminished earning potential, and pain and suffering
- Negotiate with at-fault parties and their insurers to reach a fair settlement that pays you without the need for a trial
- Take your case to court if the other side refuses to pay you what they owe you
At Stokes Stemle, LLC, we work on a contingency basis. That means you won’t have to pay us upfront or out-of-pocket to do this work on your behalf. You only pay us a percentage of any reward we recover for you. If we don’t win, you don’t pay us.
Steps to Take After a Columbus Motorcycle Accident Case
Once your attorney resolves your case, you can take the following steps to move forward with confidence:
- Review the settlement or verdict details and ask your lawyer to explain anything you don’t understand.
- Pay any outstanding medical bills, liens, or case-related expenses from the recovery funds.
- Keep copies of all legal documents for future reference.
- Consult a financial advisor to help manage the funds wisely.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Motorcycle Accident Case?
Many different parties can be solely or partially responsible for your injuries, including the following:
- The driver who hit you
- The employer of that driver, if the driver was on the job at the time
- Other road users whose actions may have influenced the at-fault driver’s
- Construction crews responsible for unsafe work zones
- Manufacturers of defective components
- Government entities responsible for designing and maintaining roadways
Your lawyer can maximize your compensation by identifying all at-fault parties and available sources of compensation.
How Comparative Negligence Affects Your Claim in Georgia
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system for personal injury cases. When a motorcycle accident case goes to trial, the jury hearing the case will weigh each side’s evidence and then assign a portion of fault to the injured party and any defendants.
You can still recover compensation as long as you are less than 50 percent at fault, although any compensation you recover is reduced in proportion to your share of fault. If the jury finds you more than 50 percent to blame, you won’t be able to recover any compensation at all.
Because maximizing your recovery means minimizing your share of negligence, it’s a good idea to work with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Columbus who knows how to use this rule to your advantage.
Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Motorcycle Crash in Columbus, GA
Be very careful when dealing with insurance companies after a motorcycle accident. Keep the following in mind:
- DO NOT agree to give a recorded statement.
- DO NOT speculate about the cause of the accident.
- DO NOT downplay the severity of your injuries.
- DO NOT agree to a settlement offer.
Be polite to the adjuster on the other end of the phone, but tell them you are seeking legal guidance and that they should direct their communications to your lawyer.
Contact a Columbus Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation
The team at Stokes Stemle, LLC, is ready to help you if you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Columbus, GA. We have an exclusive focus on personal injury cases, a formidable track record of victories, and many 5-star reviews from satisfied clients. Here’s what one of them had to say about their experience with our firm:
“10 out of 5 stars! Stokes & Stemle are amazing and actually care about their clients! They will work hard to get you what you deserve, and they understand the struggles that an accident can put on you! Awesome guys!” – Danielle Rebecca Smith
Contact us today to learn how a Columbus motorcycle injury lawyer can make a difference. Consultations are free and without obligation, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Site by