Motorcycle accidents happen fairly frequently in Pooler, injuring and killing too many victims each year. If you were hurt while riding your motorcycle and require compensation, our attorneys can help.
Pooler is home to several popular roadways for motorcycle rides, like parts of I-95 and Route 80. These roads are common locations for motorcycle crashes in the area since highways pose a considerable risk to bikers. Regardless of an accident’s location, victims should get to safety and talk to certain people, like eyewitnesses and law enforcement officers. They should also prioritize their physical health by going to the hospital and building medical evidence of their injuries, which victims can continue building by getting the necessary long-term care. In some motorcycle accident cases, such as those involving drunk drivers, victims might be awarded punitive damages at trial in addition to compensation for their financial and emotional losses.
Call Howe Law’s Pooler, GA motorcycle accident lawyers at (844) 876-4357 to set up a confidential and free case analysis today.
An Overview of Motorcycle Accidents in Pooler, GA
Even the most skilled motorcyclists might get into accidents when a negligent driver is involved. Like anywhere, motorcycle accidents happen in Pooler, often resulting in terrible injuries for victims.
According to information provided by the Georgia Department of Transportation, there were ten fatal motorcycle-related accidents that led to 11 fatalities in Chatham County, GA, where Pooler is located. During that same year, 162 victims were injured in motorcycle-related accidents in the area.
I-95 runs straight through Pooler. A popular road for travelers and motorcycles alike, I-95 might be a dangerous location for motorcycle crashes, especially at night when drivers might be drowsy and have difficulty seeing bikers on the road. While Pooler is home to bigger roads, like Route 80, it also has some backroads that might be dangerous to motorcyclists. Motorcyclists might lose control of their vehicles because of cracks in poorly-maintained roads, resulting in single-vehicle motorcycle accidents.
Though home to thousands of residents, Pooler often acts as a throughway for people traveling from other areas of Georgia or down the East Coast. Because of that, some drivers might be unfamiliar with the area, making them more likely to ignore a motorcyclist, resulting in an accident. If an out-of-state driver injured you, our lawyers can review your case and explain your next steps.
Who to Talk to After a Pooler, GA Motorcycle Accident
You can gather evidence that our lawyers can ultimately use in your compensation claim by having certain conversations following an accident. For example, you should talk to eyewitnesses and police officers. You should watch what you say when speaking with the negligent driver.
If you can, talk to eyewitnesses after a motorcycle accident. All you need to do is ask if they saw the crash take place and request their contact information. Our motorcycle accident lawyers can speak to eyewitnesses later to get their statements.
Victims should also speak with law enforcement officers. If you leave the accident site before talking to the police, you will not sufficiently document the incident. To the best of your ability, tell officers what happened and why you were injured. We can retrieve the accident report from the Pooler Police Department and review it for accuracy and additional information.
Victims can talk to negligent drivers to get their insurance information, but that is all. If you have lengthy conversations with the at-fault party or apologize in any way for the crash, you could unknowingly jeopardize your future case.
Importance of Medical Records in Pooler, GA Motorcycle Accident Claims
When suing for injury, you will need to submit evidence of your medical treatment. To have enough evidence of your injuries and care, you should go straight to the hospital after a motorcycle crash.
Without medical records, how can you prove that you were ever injured in an accident, especially if you have since healed? Victims typically need treatment for motorcycle accident injuries right away, as they are often severe. Depending on your injuries, you might need X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. You might need to get surgery right away or get a cast for a broken bone. Certain head injuries, like concussions, can be hard to diagnose but can worsen when untreated. Regardless of your specific injuries, you must be able to show the jury that you were injured.
While proving a defendant’s liability for your damages is important, so is showing that you are committed to your physical recovery. If you do not care about healing from your injuries, why should you recover damages for those injuries? Because of this, remain committed to your care plan. Keep any scheduled medical visits with doctors as you recover, and do not engage in any risky physical behavior that might worsen your condition.
Punitive Damages in Pooler, GA Motorcycle Injury Cases
While victims are often most concerned with recovering economic and non-economic damages, some might also be eligible for punitive damage. Based on the specifics of your case, our attorneys can prepare you for whether or not recovering punitive damages is possible.
Under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5.1, juries can award punitive damages when shown clear evidence of a defendant’s willful misconduct or malice. So, to get punitive damages, you must show that the defendant went beyond regular negligence when causing your injuries. You must also specifically request punitive damages when you file your original motorcycle injury complaint in Pooler.
Generally speaking, Georgia caps punitive damages at $250,000. However, according to O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5.1(f), when defendants cause injury under the influence of drugs or alcohol, there is no limitation on punitive damages. So, if a drunk driver struck a motorcyclist in Pooler, the jury could award unlimited punitive damages to the victim in that case.
Call Our Attorneys in Pooler, GA to Discuss Your Motorcycle Accident Case
Our motorcycle accident lawyers can review your case for free when you call Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.
