Augusta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Let M. Austin Jackson advocate for your rights as a motorcyclist and help you get a fair settlement. We’re experienced, local Augusta attorneys who take pride in caring for our neighbors, and we’ll be here for you every step of the way.

Schedule your free consultation today. Fill out the form, or call 706-981-9286 to share your story and explore your legal options.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Contact Form (New Style)

Have a Case?

Schedule a Free Consultation

Fill out the form or call the number below to talk with our firm about your case.

706.724.2661

AVAILABLE 24/7

Name(Required)
Permission to contact(Required)

After a motorcycle accident, your legal counsel should serve as your advocate, shielding you from biases against motorcyclists and helping you receive the compensation you need for recovery.

Our team at M. Austin Jackson is focused on doing just that. If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, our firm will be at your side to guide you. We have decades of experience helping clients pursue settlements for vehicle accidents, including motorcycle crashes.

We’ve seen firsthand how law enforcement officers and insurance companies are sometimes biased against motorcycle riders—and we fight to combat those biases so you receive fair compensation. With deep roots in the Augusta community, we’re committed to caring for our neighbors through our compassionate, personalized approach.

Trust the experienced Augusta motorcycle accident lawyers at M. Austin Jackson to help you recover the settlement you need to recover and heal.

Experienced Team

We understand the challenges our clients are facing, and we know how to secure results on their behalf.

We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Win

We charge our clients nothing until we secure them a financial recovery.

Augusta Local

Not only is our practice based in Augusta, GA, but so are we. We live right where our clients are.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, reach out to us today for a free consultation.

Understanding Motorcycle Accident Rights in Georgia and South Carolina

By law, motorcyclists in Georgia and South Carolina have the right to use a full lane. Two motorcycles are also permitted to share the same lane. However, impatient or negligent drivers sometimes fail to give motorcyclists the proper space on the road, putting the safety of motorcyclists and their passengers at risk.

As a motorcyclist in Georgia or South Carolina, you have the right to pursue compensation from anyone whose negligence caused your accident. You also have the right to repair or replace your motorcycle and, if needed, the right to seek punitive damages.

That’s where we come in—M. Austin Jackson takes the headache out of filing your claim and advocates on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.

As a motorcyclist in Georgia or South Carolina, you have the right to pursue compensation from anyone whose negligence caused your accident.

Do I Have a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

You may have a motorcycle accident claim if you’ve suffered injuries due to another party’s negligence or recklessness. First, you’ll need to establish liability and prove that the other driver was acting negligently. Though compensation varies, the amount of money you’ll receive from your claim will depend on factors such as:

  • The severity of your injuries
  • The nature of any other damages you might be able to claim
  • The number of parties liable
  • Whether you were partially at fault
  • The relevant insurance policy limits
  • Any statutory caps or limitations that might apply
  • Any other factors or circumstances surrounding your claim

If you’re not sure whether you have a claim, reach out to our motorcycle accident attorneys and tell us your story. We’ll help you sift through all the details and pursue the right next steps.

Since 2013, M. Austin Jackson has been helping his injured neighbors throughout Georgia and South Carolina.

Austin is a motorcycle accident attorney and tireless advocate for his Augusta neighbors and those throughout Georgia and South Carolina. Since founding M. Austin Jackson Attorney at Law in 2013, Austin has been known for his commitment to fair representation and client-focused advocacy. He’s represented injured motorcycle riders throughout his career, and he’s eager to help you find compensation and justice.

As your attorney, Austin brings a compassionate, knowledgeable approach to your case, answering any questions you have so you feel confident about your pursuit of a fair settlement.

Learn more about us

Since 2013, M. Austin Jackson has been helping his injured neighbors throughout Georgia and South Carolina.

Do I Need an Attorney After a Motorcycle Accident?

Though you aren’t required to consult an attorney after a motorcycle accident, hiring one will help you pursue an equitable settlement for your injuries and get back on your feet financially. We recommend hiring an attorney if:

  • You sustained substantial vehicle or property damage,
  • You or a passenger were injured in the accident,
  • You aren’t sure who was at fault for the accident, or
  • You want to understand your legal rights and maximize your compensation.

An attorney can take steps to protect your rights and strengthen your claim. These steps often include:

  • Working with accident scene experts, including accident scene reconstructionists
  • Collecting evidence from the scene of the accident
  • Investigating the cause of the accident and any factors that may have contributed
  • Contacting the at-fault driver’s insurance company

Timing is critical. You’ll want to contact M. Austin Jackson soon after your accident occurs so we can help ensure all documentation has been collected.

Unfortunately, we also know injured motorcyclists often have to fight to overcome stereotypes held by insurers and even law enforcement. This can add a layer of complexity to a motorcycle accident claim. While dealing with physical pain from injuries and the stress of lost wages and medical bills, the last thing you want to do is make a claim with a biased insurer. It’s imperative to contact an attorney immediately following your accident.

Why Choose M. Austin Jackson?

From our first conversation, we’ll give your case the personalized attention it deserves.

  • We have successfully represented motorcycle accident victims in Georgia and South Carolina.
  • We have a record of success and have recovered millions for our clients, including several multi-million dollar cases.
  • We have decades of experience focused primarily on personal injury law.
  • We’ve planted roots in the Aiken and Augusta communities—we live, work, and serve our neighbors here.
  • We don’t get paid unless you receive a financial recovery.

Learn more about us

Simplifying the Legal Process After a Motorcycle Accident

M. Austin Jackson understands that, after a motorcycle accident, medical bills, paperwork, and household expenses begin to pile up. From the moment you contact our office, we’ll handle every detail of your claim so you can focus on your recovery.

Step 1
Accident Investigation and Evidence Recovery

By working with experts in accident investigation, we explore the cause of the motorcycle accident and what parties may be at fault.

Step 2
Insurance Negotiation

We use our negotiation skills to turn down lowball offers from insurance companies and make sure they provide you with a full, fair settlement.

Step 3
Conversations with Involved Parties

From dealing with debt collectors to working with insurance adjusters, we handle all interactions with those involved in your personal injury claim.

Step 4
Litigation and Trial, If Needed

We provide honest, reliable advice to help you recover the maximum amount for your injuries and get your life back on track.

Understanding Your Motorcycle Accident Claim in Augusta

After an accident, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries if another driver acted negligently or recklessly. When you’re on the road, other drivers owe you a “duty of care,” which means they must drive with reasonable caution given the circumstances. If they violate this duty of care (by, for example, speeding, texting and driving, running a red light, or failing to use a turn signal), they can be held accountable for that negligence.

When pursuing compensation, you and your attorney need to establish that:

  • The other driver owed you a duty of care: Drivers must follow all traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely to avoid injuring others.
  • The other driver breached their duty of care: This means the at-fault party was behaving in a way that violated their duty of care (speeding, texting while driving, etc.)
  • Their breach led to your injuries: You’ll need to prove that the injuries you sustained resulted from the accident.
  • You suffered damages as a result of the accident.

Accident victims can claim damages and recover compensation for the following:

  • Medical bills for emergency care, treatments, and rehabilitation
  • Property damage to your motorcycle or other belongings
  • Lost wages from missed work
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Punitive damages meant to punish or penalize the at-fault driver when he or she is overly or intentionally reckless.

M. Austin Jackson wants to help you get back to normal as quickly as possible. Our professional and approachable team will ensure your story is heard and that you receive adequate compensation for your injuries.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

Following a motorcycle accident, you should take these steps:

  • Call 911 and report the accident.
  • Receive medical attention as soon as possible, even if you feel like your injuries are minor. Be sure to save all documentation related to your injuries and treatment.
  • Work with the responding officer to file an accident report. This will be used in your future claim.
  • As you are able, document the accident scene and collect evidence. Take photos of your injuries, damaged property, any traffic signs and signals, skid marks, and debris.
  • Write down witness names and their contact information. You’ll also want to exchange contact information and insurance details with the at-fault driver.
  • Contact your insurance company and report the accident. We recommend making this report after you’ve spoken to a knowledgeable attorney.
Remember...

An attorney can help you navigate the process of filing a claim and ensure that you receive a fair offer from the other driver’s insurance company. 

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Because motorcycles lack the protection of a vehicle’s steel frame, airbags, and seatbelts, motorcycle riders can suffer serious, sometimes life-threatening, injuries. Here are the most common injuries we see:

  • Broken bones or fractures
  • Road rash
  • Head and neck injuries
  • Brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Muscle injuries
  • Hand and arm injuries
  • Foot and leg injuries
  • Burns
  • Internal injuries

Even seemingly minor injuries can cause long-term pain and suffering. Many people who have been injured in a motorcycle accident are running on adrenaline and unaware of the extent of their injuries until days later.

When you work with an experienced personal injury attorney immediately following your accident, you’ll better understand the types of injuries that qualify for compensation and know what treatments and care to document. An experienced Augusta motorcycle accident lawyer will also ensure that your recovery reflects the full extent of your injuries, including their lasting impact.

Dealing with the Insurance Company After a Motorcycle Accident

Unfortunately, many seriously injured riders are denied the payments they are owed by the insurance company when they pursue compensation on their own. Insurance companies are notorious for undervaluing and disputing settlements. This is just one of the reasons you need an experienced motorcycle accident attorney on your side.

Here are some things you should know about settlement offers from insurance companies:

  • They may significantly undervalue your damages. Often, victims are pressured into taking less than they deserve to resolve their claim.
  • You can never ask for more money after accepting an offer. When you accept a settlement, you sign a ‘mutual release agreement,’ which almost always is binding. Under pressure and suffering from their injuries, many motorcyclists will take a settlement offer and later realize they have more medical bills than they realized. As Austin likes to say, “You only get one bite of the apple, better make it the biggest, fairest bite possible.”
  • Settlement offers are often better for the insurance company than for the victim. These offers don’t come from the goodness of the insurer’s heart—they come from a calculated formula designed to save the insurance company money.

When dealing with the insurance company, make sure you know whether you’re speaking to an adjuster from your insurance company or one from the at-fault party’s company. However, it’s important to know that if you are talking to your insurance company, you need to be just as cautious with what you say—you may be making a claim against them at some point!

If requested to make a recorded statement, you have the right to decline until you’ve spoken to an attorney. You should also avoid signing any documents from an insurance adjuster without an attorney reviewing them.

If you’re searching for the right next step, don’t hesitate to reach out to M. Austin Jackson. We offer no-cost, no-obligation consultations over the phone and in person at our Augusta office. We’ve helped countless motorcycle accident victims throughout Georgia and South Carolina receive fair offers from insurers, and we’re eager to serve you.  

Our Motorcycle Accident Client Stories & Case Results

Rick’s Story

Thanks to his defensive driving skills, Rick avoided a severe collision when a vehicle merged into his path—but he still suffered injuries and was taken to the hospital. M. Austin Jackson recovered the limits for liability from the at-fault’s insurance policy and an additional $100,000 in coverage.

Read Rick’s Story

Types of Motorcycle Accident Cases We Help With

Left-hand turns

One of the most common motorist accidents. A driver making a left turn fails to see the motorcyclist and turns into his or her path.

Lane splitting

When a motorcyclist rides between lanes and drivers don’t anticipate the rider passing or when the distance between vehicles is too narrow.

Excessive speed

Speeding on highways and streets is a leading cause of motorcycle injury when reaction times are reduced.

Intersections

When another driver doesn’t see a motorcyclist on the road and changes lanes or cuts off the motorcycle rider at a right-hand turn.

When it comes to negligent drivers and reckless behavior, we’ve seen it all. M. Austin Jackson is the advocate you want on your side—we have extensive experience handling motorcycle accident claims, and as your neighbor in Augusta, we’ll look out for your best interests.

Begin Your Path to Compensation

When you need a knowledgeable, approachable attorney following a motorcycle accident in Georgia or South Carolina, contact M. Austin Jackson. We’ll listen to your needs, advocate for your interests, and keep you informed every step of the way.

FAQs on Motorcycle Accidents in Augusta

How do I know who is responsible for a motorcycle accident?

When determining liability in a motorcycle accident, there are various factors to consider. This includes whether the at-fault driver was negligent (were they distracted, intoxicated, or driving recklessly?) and whether the motorcyclist was driving safely. Road conditions can also be cited as a cause for the accident. If a road is improperly maintained or defective, city or government organizations can be held responsible.

In any case, an experienced personal injury attorney can help gather and interpret evidence, police reports, and other information to determine who should be held liable.

How much money can I expect from my motorcycle accident claim?

Since no two cases are the same, it’s hard to predict how much financial compensation you’ll receive in a settlement. Various factors can impact the settlement amount, including the severity of the injuries, who was at fault, insurance coverage, and the cost of medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.

When you’re facing lost wages and mounting medical bills, we understand the settlement process can feel complicated. We’re here to evaluate your case and help you determine exactly what your claim may be worth.

Should I accept the insurance company’s offer?

Initial offers from the insurance company are notoriously low. This is because insurers rarely lead with their best offer. If you accept an offer right away, you can impede your chances of pursuing additional compensation and ultimately prevent yourself from receiving a fair settlement for your injuries and losses. Before accepting any settlement offer, consult with an attorney to ensure your interests are being best represented.

How long do I have to file a claim for a motorcycle accident?

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a claim in a motorcycle accident is two years for bodily injuries. In South Carolina, it’s three years.

What are the most common causes of motorcycle collisions?

A leading cause of motorcycle accidents is distracted drivers. When drivers are talking on the phone or texting, they can severely injure motorcyclists.

Here are a few steps you can take to minimize the likelihood of being in a serious accident:

  • Wear a helmet.
  • Wear protective gear including a riding jacket, pants, gloves, and boots.
  • Don’t drink and ride.
  • Don’t share lanes.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and other drivers.
  • Know your skill level.
What damages can I collect for a motorcycle accident?

Victims of a motorcycle accident can collect:

  • Property damages
  • Economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, funeral expenses)
  • Pain and suffering damages
  • Loss of future earnings
  • Costs of future medical care or other long-term care expenses
  • Punitive damages