A motorcycle crash can turn your life upside down in seconds — but what happens afterward is just as critical. In Georgia, there’s a limited window of time to file a legal claim after a motorcycle accident. Miss that deadline, and you may lose your right to recover compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At Burnside Law Firm LLP, we have over 50 years of combined experience representing motorcyclists throughout Augusta, Evans, Martinez, Waynesboro, and Clarke County. Our attorneys have a long track record of results in personal injury and wrongful death claims — and we understand the urgency required when the clock is already ticking.
Georgia’s Two-Year Statute of Limitations: What It Means for You
Under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, Georgia law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit related to a motorcycle crash. This timeframe applies regardless of whether your injuries were caused by:
- A negligent or reckless driver
- A dangerous roadway or missing signage
- A vehicle defect or mechanical failure
- A hit-and-run or uninsured motorist situation
In the tragic event of a fatal accident, the deceased person’s estate or family typically has two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim.
While this may seem like a generous amount of time, waiting can severely weaken your case. At Burnside Law Firm LLP, we urge riders and their families to take action early so critical evidence doesn’t disappear.
Why Time Is Not on Your Side: Evidence Fades Quickly
Every day that passes after a crash makes it harder to prove liability and damages. Key evidence may vanish or degrade, including:
- Traffic camera footage, often overwritten within 7 to 30 days
- 911 call logs and dispatch recordings, which may require formal legal requests
- Witness recollections, which fade rapidly or become inconsistent
- Skid marks or debris at the scene, which may be cleaned or obscured by weather
- Medical documentation, which becomes more difficult to link clearly to the crash over time
Our firm has represented motorcyclists injured in Augusta’s busiest traffic corridors, including Gordon Highway, Deans Bridge Road, Riverwatch Parkway, and Bobby Jones Expressway (I-520). Because we know these areas well, we are equipped to move fast — investigating scenes, preserving evidence, and contacting witnesses within hours or days of your first call.
Attorney Garon Muller, a Leadership Augusta graduate and former President of the Augusta Bar Association, is known for his boots-on-the-ground approach. He often visits crash sites personally and builds comprehensive claims from the ground up.
Special Cases: When the Government Is at Fault
Motorcycle accidents involving public property, city vehicles, or state-maintained roads are subject to Georgia’s ante litem requirements — which come with significantly shorter notice periods:
- 6 months to file a formal notice for city or county claims (e.g., Augusta-Richmond County)
- 1 year for state-level claims, including accidents involving GDOT or state-owned vehicles
Examples of these claims include:
- Hitting a pothole or damaged pavement on Wrightsboro Road or Milledgeville Road
- A collision caused by a malfunctioning traffic signal on a state highway
- A crash involving a public works or law enforcement vehicle
Failure to file the proper notice on time can bar your claim entirely, even if your injuries are catastrophic. That’s why these cases require attorneys with both courtroom and procedural experience.
Attorney Ashton Revollo, a graduate of Emory University School of Law, brings a deep understanding of local government process. Her previous roles include managing judicial campaigns and interning with the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office, giving her insight into public liability from both sides of the aisle.
Local Trends: Motorcycle Crashes in Augusta Are on the Rise
According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, motorcycle fatalities in Georgia have been steadily increasing — with over 180 deaths in a recent year. Augusta, in particular, sees high injury rates due to:
- Mixing of rural roads and urban traffic patterns
- Rapid growth in areas like South Augusta and Evans
- Weather-related hazards in low-lying neighborhoods near the Savannah River
Attorney Robert MacGregor, a former Public Defender in the Augusta Judicial Circuit, has represented clients in nearly every courtroom in the area. His litigation experience — combined with his involvement in the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association LEAD Program (2024–2025) — positions him as a strong advocate in both local and statewide claims.
Calculating Your Damages: What Can You Recover?
If you file your motorcycle accident claim within the required timeframe, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages, including:
- Medical expenses: ER visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescriptions, long-term care
- Lost wages: Missed time from work and future loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, mental distress, PTSD
- Permanent disability: Amputation, paralysis, or loss of function
- Property damage: Repair or replacement of your motorcycle
- Wrongful death damages: Funeral costs, loss of companionship, and future income
Our firm has recovered millions in compensation for seriously injured clients in Georgia. Each case is different, and we work directly with medical experts, life care planners, and economic analysts to ensure your damages reflect your true losses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long do I have to file a motorcycle injury claim in Georgia?
A: You typically have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim. For property damage only, the deadline is four years. If the crash involved a government agency, shorter notice deadlines apply — as soon as six months.
Q: What’s an ante litem notice, and when is it required?
A: If your claim involves a city, county, or state agency (such as a road hazard or government vehicle), Georgia law requires that you file a written notice of intent to sue within 6 months (city/county) or 1 year (state). Our firm regularly prepares and files these notices on behalf of injured riders.
Q: I didn’t feel hurt at the scene. Can I still file a claim?
A: Yes. Many serious injuries — such as brain injuries, internal bleeding, or nerve damage — don’t present symptoms right away. As long as you file within the statute of limitations, you may still pursue compensation. Early medical attention and documentation are essential.
Q: What happens if I file too late?
A: If you miss the legal deadline, your claim may be dismissed entirely, no matter how severe your injuries or how negligent the other party was. This is why it’s vital to speak with an attorney immediately after a motorcycle accident.
Q: What makes Burnside Law Firm different?
A: We combine trial-tested experience with local relationships built over decades. Our attorneys have been recognized by:
- Georgia Trend’s Legal Elite
- The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100
- Super Lawyers
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating
But more importantly, we treat every client as a person — not a file number. We know how to litigate, but we also know how to listen.
Take Action Before It’s Too Late
Motorcycle accidents are traumatic — and the legal system doesn’t pause while you recover. If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle crash in Augusta, Athens, or surrounding areas, let Burnside Law Firm LLP help you protect your rights and pursue full compensation. Call today to schedule your free consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney in Augusta.
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