Motorcycle crash in Savannah: Take the right steps
Numerous accidents happen on Georgia roads daily, and some of the most devastating mishaps involve motorcyclists. Unlike those who are in a car and are wearing seatbelts, motorcyclists are more exposed, even when they are wearing safety essentials. Following a motorcycle crash in Savannah, you may feel dazed and confused, especially if you don’t know what to do next. Instead of trying to figure out every detail immediately, taking the first initial steps will always help. For further assistance, you can consult Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, who can help guide you through the process. In this post, let’s outline what you can do to protect your interests.
Take the Right Steps When Your Motorcycle Crashes
Stop at the scene and report the accident.
Don’t assume the accident is just another minor crash. Instead, stop your motorbike and remain at the scene. If it is safe, move your motorcycle to a safer place out of the traffic area. You must also report the accident to the local police. Consider informing the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office or Savannah Police Department. An investigating officer will arrive and ask questions. Remain calm and tell them all you can remember.
Get immediate medical care.
It would be best to have professional medical attention after the crash. It often happens the impact of an accident is not apparent right away. You may have injuries but not feel the pain and uneasiness because the adrenaline rush is high. If there is an emergency, call 911 or see a physician immediately. The medical records are essential – Keep your treatment file and medical bills safe.
Capture the crash scene.
If it is safe and you are not highly insured, use the time at the scene for your benefit. Take pictures and videos on your phone, covering the vehicles involved, your injuries, and overall road conditions. Speaking to the other party is okay, but don’t start a blame game. Instead, try to gather their personal information, insurance details, and vehicle records. Check if someone saw the accident; they could be your witness later. Get their contact info, too.
Meet an expert attorney.
Georgia follows a standard fault-based system. If the other driver, whether a car driver or a motorcyclist, was responsible for the situation, they are also liable for the losses you incur. However, filing a motorcycle accident claim and winning a settlement can be challenging. You usually start with the insurance process, but contact an attorney first. Find an injury lawyer in Savannah who specializes in motorcycle accident cases, and they can offer a consultation. Many law firms don’t even charge a fee to evaluate new cases.
Your attorney will do several things –
- Start by assessing the strengths and weaknesses of your case based on the available evidence.
- Evaluate the damages you can recover after considering your injuries and losses.
- File the insurance claim and handle the related paperwork
- Investigate the accident further and find evidence from diverse sources
- If there is no immediate clarity on liability, they can further hire experts, including accident reconstruction specialists
- File your lawsuit in court if the insurance offer is inadequate or when the other party is uninsured
Remember that you must adhere to the deadline for filing an injury lawsuit after a motorcycle accident. According to Georgia laws, you have two years, and it is always advisable to have enough time. Make sure that you are aware of your attorney’s approach and strategy. Finally, ask the attorney about the case’s expenses, including their fee. Most motorcycle accident lawyers in Savannah won’t ask for anything until you recover the money but discuss the percentage in advance.