What to do After a Motorcycle Accident in Georgia (7 Tasks)

If you need to know what to do after a motorcycle accident in Georgia (and any state, really), then the first step is to call 911 for medical attention and to get the police involved.

Once you’ve done that, to protect your legal rights, we advise you to contact an experienced lawyer. Dealing with the aftermath of a traffic incident, particularly what to do after a motorcycle accident, can feel daunting. That’s why getting expert advice is so important.

This guide outlines the crucial steps to protect your rights and navigate smoothly towards recovery. From the initial impact to the ultimate resolution, we stand ready to assist you in confidently and clearly navigating through each essential task.

 

What to do after a motorcycle accident in Georgia

In the bewildering moments following a motorcycle collision, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with stress and uncertainty. Knowing what to do after motorcycle accident situations can make all the difference in securing your rights and ensuring your well-being.

Therefore, it’s vital to keep a level head and follow a series of strategic steps that can aid you legally and medically: 

1. Check for injuries and call 911

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, assuming that you’re able to move and are conscious, the first thing you should do is check yourself for injuries and call 911 for emergency medical assistance from an ambulance crew. If possible, also check on any passengers or other parties involved in the accident. 

Even if you feel fine, what happens in a motorcycle accident may not be immediately apparent due to adrenaline. Therefore, it’s best to get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. This is especially important for any head or neck injuries, which can have delayed symptoms.

2. Contact the police

After calling for medical assistance, it’s crucial to report the accident to law enforcement. Depending on the location of the crash, you may need to contact either the local police or the Georgia State Patrol. In some cases, both may respond to the scene.

Note that in Georgia, you must report all accidents to the police if they involve injuries, deaths, or property damage of $500 or more (GA Code § 40-6-273). Even if your accident doesn’t meet these criteria, you will want to obtain a police report for insurance and legal purposes.

3. Gather information and evidence

While waiting for medical assistance and law enforcement to arrive, try to gather as much information and evidence from the scene of the accident as possible. This includes:

• Names and contact information of all parties involved, including any witnesses
• Insurance information from the other drivers
• Photos or video footage of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, and any injuries sustained

It’s also important to document any statements made by the other parties involved and be careful not to admit fault or apologize, as this could potentially be used against you in legal proceedings.

If you didn’t manage to gather this information, a Marietta personal injury lawyer from our law firm can still assist you if your accident was in Georgia.

4. Inform your insurance company about the accident

After the accident has been reported to the police and medical assistance has been provided, it’s crucial to notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with all relevant details and evidence from the scene of the accident.

Be cautious when speaking with your insurance company and avoid making any statements that could jeopardize your claim. Make no speculations about motorcycle accident causes and stick with the facts.

5. See a doctor for a complete medical evaluation

Even if you were cleared by emergency medical services at the scene of the accident, it’s important to seek medical expertise still. Many common motorcycle accident injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent.

For example, if you experience any unusual symptoms in the days following the accident, such as headaches, dizziness, or pain, be sure to visit a doctor and mention your involvement in a motorcycle accident. This will not only ensure proper treatment for your injuries but also provide important documentation for insurance claims.

A complete medical evaluation can also serve as building evidence of your medical records in any potential legal proceedings and ensure that you receive proper treatment for any injuries sustained.

6. Start a journal to track your medical expenses and recovery process

Keeping a record of all your medical expenses, treatments, and appointments can be crucial in obtaining fair compensation for your injuries and damages. This includes not just doctors’ visits but also any medication costs, physical therapy sessions, or medical devices needed.

Additionally, keeping a journal to document your recovery process can help support any claims for pain and suffering or lost wages due to missed work. This journal can also serve as a reminder of the impact the accident had on your life and wellbeing, which can be emotionally helpful during this difficult time.

7. Get help from a motorcycle accident attorney

Securing legal representation from an experienced Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer is vital to protect your legal rights after a motorcycle accident. This attorney will handle traffic laws, insurance matters, assist with claims, negotiations, and represent you in court if needed.

Choosing an attorney who specializes in motorcycle law is important, as they will be more familiar with the challenges that motorcycle accident victims often face. Your attorney will work to ensure that you are fairly compensated for medical bills, repair costs, lost wages, and, where applicable, pain and suffering.

Do not hesitate to consult with an attorney early on, as there could be time-sensitive considerations, like the statute of limitations for filing an accident claim in Georgia (usually two years as per GA Code § 9-3-33). Additionally, having an attorney on your side can alleviate some of the stress and burden of dealing with legal matters while you focus on recovering from your injuries.

If you’re in the Atlanta area, call us today for a free consultation and to help you determine your rights and next steps

 

What not to do after a motorcycle accident

Navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle accident is just as much about knowing what NOT to do as it is about following the correct steps to protect your health and legal rights. In the chaos that ensues, making the wrong decisions can have severe repercussions on your insurance claims or any legal actions you may pursue.

Below are some common missteps that motorcyclists should steer clear of to maintain the integrity of their case and ensure the best possible outcome:

Avoid speaking to the other party’s insurance without counsel

Communicating with the insurance company of the other party involved can be tricky and may affect the viability of your claim. They might use tactics to make you settle for less than what you deserve or trick you into saying something that undermines your case.

Therefore, it is in your best interest to let your attorney handle all communications with the opposing insurance company. If you must interact with them before securing legal representation, limit the conversation to the bare facts and do not make any definitive statements or agree to any settlements.

Do not sign any documents or accept early settlement offers

Signing documents or accepting early settlement offers from insurance companies without a thorough review can severely impact your ability to receive full compensation. Insurance adjusters often seek to minimize payouts by presenting quick, lowball offers to accident victims who may not yet grasp the full extent of their injuries or damages.

Before making any agreements or providing your signature, consult with your motorcycle accident attorney. They will assess the fairness of the offer and advise whether it aligns with the long-term expenses and impacts of your accident.

An experienced personal injury attorney understands the strategies employed by insurance companies and will negotiate on your behalf to achieve a settlement that truly covers your needs. Remember, once you accept a settlement and sign the release, you typically forfeit your right to file a claim and pursue additional compensation related to the accident.

Refrain from posting anything about the motorcycle accident on social media

Social media platforms have become a vital part of many people’s daily routines. However, it is crucial to exercise caution and discretion following a motorcycle accident. Any content you share online could potentially be used against you by insurance companies or in legal proceedings.

It is advisable to refrain from discussing any details of the accident, your injuries, or your recovery on social media. This includes refraining from posting photos, statuses, or comments that could be misinterpreted or present conflicting information about your well-being.

The amount of individuals who claim to have been seriously injured yet post pictures of them riding a motorcycle AFTER their accident is alarming.

Even seemingly innocent posts — like a picture of you enjoying an evening out with friends could be misconstrued as evidence that your injuries are not as severe as claimed. To protect your case, consider taking a break from social media, at least until your case is resolved.

 

What to expect after a motorcycle accident with regards to the authorities and insurance companies

After a motorcycle accident, you can expect the responding police officer to create an official accident report — a crucial record detailing the incident, involved parties, and insurance data. This report becomes an essential reference when navigating through insurance claims and any legal discussions later on.

Remember, in Georgia, the at-fault driver’s insurance usually covers your costs, but their insurer might rush a low settlement without considering the full extent of your injuries and losses.

The Gumprecht Law Firm can help you navigate through these complex interactions with insurance companies and ensure that every restitution that you’re entitled to, from medical bills to lost wages and compensation for pain and suffering, is thoroughly pursued. 

Our dedicated team is committed to ensuring that you receive the advocacy and support you deserve after negligence from another driver. Don’t let the ticking clock of statutory deadlines or the pressure from insurance companies sway you from obtaining the justice and compensation owed to you.

Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step towards a resolution that has your best interest at heart.

Michael and his team is proud to serve the greater Metro Atlanta area, including but not limited to: