Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents
Injured bikers throughout Georgia turn to Gary Martin Hays
Motorcycle accidents happen fast, and they usually result in serious injuries. If you've been hurt while riding a bike, you may be wondering what to do next - and you can't afford to wait. That's why we've prepared this list of common questions and answers about motorcycle accidents and injury claims.
- I was hit when a car turned left in front of me. Do I need a lawyer?
- Do I really need to see a doctor after my accident?
- How can an attorney help me deal with the insurance?
- Should I take a settlement offer from the other driver's insurance?
- How long will it take to resolve my case?
Remember, every motorcycle accident is unique. These questions and answers should give you an idea of how to proceed, but we'd love to talk to you about your specific case. Reach out to Gary Martin Hays & Associates today. Call 1-800-898-HAYS.
I was hit when a car turned left in front of me. Do I need a lawyer?
You do. Most motorists don't realize that they need to treat a motorcycle like any other vehicle - which means they need to yield to an oncoming bike just as they would to an oncoming car. If a car turned in front of you, that's likely a form of negligence that would lead to a legitimate personal injury claim, but you need to prove it.
Retaining an attorney from our firm as soon as possible after the accident will allow us to handle your legal case while you focus on your recovery. We'll investigate the accident scene, interview witnesses and find the accident proving that the driver who hurt you was at fault. Our legal team will investigate all of the circumstances surrounding your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Do I really need to see a doctor after my accident?
Even if you feel fine, it's very unusual to walk away from a motorcycle accident completely unhurt. You may have an internal injury that could take days or weeks to become apparent. The sooner you see a doctor, the better for your health, which needs to be your top priority.
Moreover, when it comes to dealing with insurance companies after a motorcycle accident, you're already facing an uphill battle. That's why you need to see a doctor right away and document each visit. An insurance company could use any delay in seeking treatment to argue that you weren't actually seriously hurt.
How can an attorney help me deal with the insurance?
Insurance companies tend to be especially difficult when dealing with bikers. They see the men and women who ride as irresponsible thrill-seekers. They may argue that you "assumed" the risk of injury when you got on your bike, no matter how careful you were on the road.
We know that's not the truth. We know that most bikers are safe, responsible operators - and we know how to prove it. Our founding attorney, Gary Martin Hays, worked for the insurance companies early in his legal career. He's been standing up to them since 1993, and he has the resources and experience to fight for you.
As soon as you retain Gary Martin Hays & Associates to handle your case, we'll inform the insurance that they can direct all further questions to us. We'll protect your legal rights and ensure that they can't use any of your words against you. And if they offer a settlement, we'll review it and make sure it pays for the full cost of the accident before you accept it. If it doesn't, we'll go to the negotiating table to fight for more, or take your case before a judge.
Should I take a settlement offer from the other driver's insurance?
Not without speaking with your attorney first. Settlement offers from insurance companies are usually "low-ball" amounts. They generally don't pay for the full cost of an accident - especially in the case of motorcycle accidents. Because the cost of ongoing medical treatment and other related expenses can be so high, you may be on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars above and beyond that initial offer.
That's why you need to have your attorney review any settlement offer before making the decision to accept. Once you've taken the insurance company's money, there's very little we can do for you. Speak with us first, and we'll be able to go back to the negotiating table and make sure you get all the compensation you need.
How long will it take to resolve my case?
Every case is different, and some settle sooner than others. However, we don't feel it is in your best interest to settle with an insurance company until you've completed your medical treatment - which, in the case of a motorcycle accident, can take weeks, months or years.
It can be tempting to take the insurance company's offer and get the process over with, especially if you're trying to face them alone. Don't settle for that. Get Gary Martin Hays & Associates on your side. We'll be with you every step of the way, no matter how long the process takes, and we'll take care of you in the meantime, whether that means getting your medical bills paid through an attorney's lien or advancing legal costs out of our own resources. We only get paid when we recover for you!
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