Villa Rica Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

There is no way to eliminate the risks of motorcycling, even in a community like Villa Rica. You can wear a DOT-compliant helmet and protective clothing, and still, another motorist’s negligent decisions can lead to a crash. When a motorcycle wreck occurs, trust the Villa Rica motorcycle accident attorneys from Kaufman Injury Law to be there for you.

If you are a motorcyclist who enjoys riding your bike along Highway 78 or anywhere else in Villa Rica, you know there are dangers involved. This does not mean you deserve it when another driver collides with you. Contact Kaufman Injury Law attorneys serving Villa Rica. We can explain your rights and help you exercise them after a crash. 

Why Villa Rica Motorcycle Accidents Happen

Although a motorcycle collision unfolds in fractions of a second, the decisions that lead to them can take place minutes or hours beforehand. A few of the many decisions that lead to motorcycle wrecks include the following:

Driving While Impaired

Alcohol, illegal drugs, and prescription medications all have one thing in common. Each of these substances can affect how a car or truck driver perceives and reacts to dangers. 

Drivers who are under the influence may not see motorcyclists or be unable to avoid crashing into them. A driver does not even need to be over the limit of 0.08% or take illegal drugs for this to happen.

Inattentive Driving

Drivers who are in a hurry or who are distracted by other things may fail to see a motorcyclist in their path. Even in a smaller area like Villa Rica, away from the busy Atlanta downtown, there are plenty of distractions competing for drivers’ attention. Some of these distractions are things like:

• Cellphones and voice messages
• Internet videos
• Kids or other passengers in the vehicle
• Consuming food or beverages while driving
• Adjusting the vehicle’s entertainment system

Any time the driver spends attending to these and other distractions is time they are not spending watching for motorcyclists. This only increases the risk of a crash.

Aggressive Driving

Some drivers see motorcyclists and feel the need to challenge them on the road. They cut motorcyclists off in traffic, speed near them, or use distracting and vulgar language within earshot of the biker. Engaging in such behavior distracts both the driver and the biker, increasing the chance of a wreck.

Driving like this is not only distracting but also reckless. A mistake or misunderstanding by either the motor vehicle driver or the motorcyclist can end in tragedy. 

Poor Road Maintenance

Even the road conditions in Carroll and Douglas counties can contribute to a motorcycle wreck. Potholes, tree limbs, and other obstructions can make motorcycling even more dangerous. Municipalities have the responsibility of repairing and clearing roads of obstacles so that vehicles like motorcycles can safely travel them.

Knowing what caused your motorcycle accident helps identify who is responsible for paying damages. Your Villa Rica accident lawyer from Kaufman Injury Law will help you through this and all other steps involved in recovering compensation after a motorcycle accident.

What Happens After Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?

Once your attorney serving Villa Rica files a claim on your behalf, the next steps in the process can be confusing. Every case is different, and at any time, your case could be resolved by way of a settlement agreement. However, the general steps your case would proceed through are as follows:

The Defendant’s Answer

The person you accuse of negligently or recklessly injuring you has an opportunity to respond to your claim by filing an answer. They can deny your allegations, admit some of them, and they can even file a countersuit if they believe you owe them compensation. This answer reveals what parts of your suit the defendant is contesting.

Discovery

Next, you, the defendant, and your attorneys will engage in a process known as discovery. This involves each party responding to questions and sharing evidence about their claims and legal positions. Depending on the severity of the accident, this process can last several months.

During discovery, the other party should receive information about your medical bills, the facts of the accident, your course of treatment, and any evidence you have that indicates the defendant is at fault. In turn, you should receive evidence the defendant intends to present to defend themselves against the claim.

The goal is for you and the defendant to know enough about each other’s positions that you can attempt to reach a settlement. Sometimes, when one party sees the strength of the other’s case or the weaknesses of their own, people reevaluate the wisdom of their legal case.

There is no requirement that you reach an agreement with the defendant about your claim, either before or after discovery. With your Villa Rica motorcycle accident attorney’s advice, you will decide whether to continue with your case following discovery.

Settlement Negotiations

While settlement talks can take place at any time after you start your claim, the time after discovery is usually an opportunity to do so. A settlement is simply an agreement whereby the defendant agrees to pay a certain sum of money as compensation to you in exchange for you dismissing your legal claim.

Settlements offer both parties some advantages. Trials are unpredictable and can be costly. They can also take time. By reaching a settlement, you receive compensation faster than if you had to wait for a trial. There is also no risk of a jury or judge denying your claim.

Defendants appreciate settlements because they know precisely how much money they are going to have to pay you. Court verdicts can vary widely between one case and the next, but a settlement agreement is a chance for the defendant to control the outcome of the case to an extent.

However, settlements come with risks. If you do not settle your case for an appropriate amount of compensation, you may have to pay for some of your costs and expenses yourself. There are no options for reopening your case and asking for more compensation once you have settled it.

For this reason alone, do not try to settle your case without talking with an attorney from Kaufman Injury Law. Our experienced motorcycle crash lawyers know the expenses you will likely face because of your injuries. They will help you understand the dollar value of your case so that you can make informed decisions about whether to settle your claim.

Trial

If your case does not settle, it will go to trial in the Carroll County State Court. At trial, you will need to prove not only that the defendant committed a negligent act but that this behavior caused your injuries. 

You will also need to present evidence supporting the compensation you are requesting. A skilled and experienced attorney serving Villa Rica can help you do this.

Contact Kaufman Injury Law and Your Villa Rica Attorney Today

Villa Rica may be small, but your motorcycle crash matters. The attorneys at Kaufman Injury Law are dedicated to helping you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries. 

Your lawyer from Kaufman Injury Law will be with you at each stage of your case, helping you preserve and protect your rights. Contact Kaufman Injury Law and request a consultation to get started.