Types of Motorcycle Accidents
There are several types of motorcycle accidents, many of which are caused by the careless or reckless behavior of a motor vehicle driver.
At Pritchard Injury Firm, we have seen clients injured in the following types of accidents:
- Head-on crashes: The driver of a vehicle might pass someone illegally and collide head on with a motorcyclist traveling the opposite direction or drift into oncoming traffic and collide with a biker.
- Left-hand turn accidents: Many motorists cannot see motorcycles, or they misjudge the vehicle’s speed. As a result, they pull in front of bikers and make crashes unavoidable or strike motorcyclists with their vehicles directly.
- Rear-end collisions: A motorist might crash into the back of a motorcycle if they are following too closely or fail to see the motorcyclist stopped at a red light or stop sign.
- Lane splitting accidents: Lane splitting refers to the practice of riding in between lanes. While it is illegal in Georgia, drivers can still be responsible for unsafe lane changes.
- Dooring: If a driver opens their car door into a motorcyclist’s path, the results can be devastating.
When motorists behave negligently, Georgia law allows injured bikers to recover compensation for their injuries. Monetary damages can cover medical care, lost wages, and property damage and help account for pain and suffering and emotional distress. Your award will generally depend on the severity of your injuries and nature of the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. We can help you work with insurance companies across Georgia to seek the best possible settlement or verdict.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
One reason motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in an accident than passenger vehicle occupants is that motorcycles are smaller, and therefore harder to see.
Drivers’ failure to see motorcyclists is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents.
A driver could fail to see a motorcyclist because they neglected to check their blind spot, they were distracted, or they performed an illegal lane change.
Other causes of motorcycle accidents include:
If you have been harmed by any of the negligent behaviors above, our North Georgia motorcycle accident lawyer can help.
Do You Have to Wear a Motorcycle Helmet While Riding in Georgia?
If you ride a motorcycle in Georgia, it is important to know the state's laws regarding helmet use. According to Georgia law, all riders are required to wear a motorcycle helmet. The helmet has to meet the standards set by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
It is important to note that not all helmets meet these standards, so it is crucial to ensure your helmet is DOT certified. The DOT certification makes sure the helmet is properly designed and able to protect the rider in the event of an accident.
While there are some exceptions to the helmet law in Georgia, they are not applicable to most riders. For example, a rider on a three-wheeled motorcycle used for agricultural purposes is not required to wear a helmet. However, this exception is specific and not relevant to the vast majority of riders.
If you choose to not wear a helmet in Georgia, you could be fined up to $1,000, face a misdemeanor charge, and/or have to do mandatory community service. Therefore, it is imperative to comply with the helmet law to avoid any legal consequences.
Aside from the potentially life saving benefits and legal consequences of wearing a helmet, in the unfortunate event you are in an accident and are not wearing a helmet, you may have trouble getting the compensation you’re owed by the other driver. This is because an argument could be made that you contributed to your injuries by choosing to not wear a helmet.
Can I File a Claim If I Wasn't Wearing a Helmet During the Accident?
If you were not wearing a helmet when you were in a motorcycle accident in Georgia, you can still make a claim. But not using a helmet can have an impact on the result, especially if you suffered head injuries. The defense may contend that wearing a helmet would have prevented some of your injuries, which could result in a lower settlement amount. It's imperative that you speak with a knowledgeable lawyer who can handle these legal nuances and fight for your rights to make sure your claim has the best chance of succeeding.
Call (470) 577-8152 to request a free consultation.
Protect Your Rights After a Motorcycle Accident
After a motorcycle accident, it's important to protect your legal rights and seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Pritchard Injury Firm are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of personal injury law and fight for the maximum compensation available to you.
Here are some key steps to take after a motorcycle accident:
- Seek medical attention for any injuries
- Document the accident scene and gather evidence
- Report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the accident report
- Avoid discussing the accident with insurance companies without legal representation
- Contact a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer to review your case
By taking these steps and enlisting the help of a knowledgeable attorney, you can protect your rights and pursue the financial recovery you deserve. Don't hesitate to reach out to Pritchard Injury Firm for a free consultation to discuss your motorcycle accident case.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Motorcycle Accident Besides the Driver?
Liability in a motorcycle accident can extend beyond just the other driver. If a defect in the motorcycle's design or manufacturing contributed to the crash, the manufacturers of the motorcycle or its components, such as brakes or tires, could be held responsible. Additionally, if poor road conditions like potholes or inadequate signage contributed to the accident, government agencies responsible for road maintenance might be liable. Furthermore, if construction companies or contractors working on the roads created hazardous conditions, they too could be accountable.
Other potential accountable parties may include businesses, if the at-fault motorist was conducting job-related responsibilities at the time of the accident. When this happens, the employer can be partially liable. Additionally, passengers may also be held liable if their actions in the vehicle may have contributed to the accident.
A thorough investigation is vital to identify all liable parties, ensuring you receive reasonable compensation. Consulting with a skilled attorney can help manage these complexity, safeguard your rights, and maximize reimbursement from all responsible organizations.
How Popular Are Motorcycles in Georgia?
According to World Atlas, Georgia is home to more than 200,000 registered motorcycles, and we are the 13th most popular state for motorcyclists.
Georgia’s beautiful weather and dramatic scenery makes motorcycling a popular hobby, and thousands of people ride into the Peach state on motorcycles from out of town.
Unfortunately, motorcyclists remain highly vulnerable on Georgia roadways. Each year, countless bikers are injured in accidents that are not their fault, and they often incur hospital bills they cannot afford.
If you have been injured in motorcycle collision in Georgia, reach out to our knowledgeable motorcycle attorneys right away by calling (470) 577-8152.
Tips on Safe Motorcycle Practices
While many accidents are caused by a motor vehicle driver’s negligence, some motorcycle accidents could be prevented if the motorcyclist employed safer riding tactics.
Tips for staying safe while riding include:
- Wear proper gear – your helmet is the most important piece of safety equipment at your disposal.
- Do not split lanes – and practice safe riding practices whether on your own or in a group.
- Ride sober – If you’ve had a drink or consumed drugs, don’t get on your motorcycle.
- Know the law – following the law, including speed limits, yield-related, and merging-related rules could save your life.
- Make sure other drivers can see you – stay out of blind spots and make eye contact with a driver before performing a maneuver, such as a lane changing or turning.
Your Rights After a Motorcycle Accident in Georgia
Georgia follows an at-fault system of recovery, which means drivers who cause accidents are responsible for paying for them.
If you have been in a motorcycle accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the legal right to file a claim for damages. You can recover from the at-fault driver or their insurance policy, but most claims go through insurance companies.
In order to recover compensation, you’ll need to prove negligence.
Proving negligence means showing:
- The at-fault party (the defendant) owed you a duty of care
- The defendant breached that duty
- You were injured and suffered damages
- Your injuries and losses are the result of the defendant’s breach (via proximate cause)
In addition to your right to claim damages, you also maintain the right to reject a settlement offer if you do not believe that it fully compensates you, as well the right to negotiate your claim.
If you cannot reach a settlement offer that is fair, you maintain the right to file a lawsuit for damages. Our legal team can help you recover fair compensation, and we are not afraid to go to court to do so.
Why Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
If you have been in a motorcycle crash, you’re probably dealing with serious injuries.
In addition to your high medical expenses, you may be looking at property damage, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and other economic losses. These are, of course, in addition to your noneconomic losses, such pain and suffering and emotional distress.
When you hire a motorcycle accident attorney, they can help you via:
- Investigating your case
- Determining and proving fault
- Calculating your damages
- Handling all paperwork and documentation associated with your claim
- Reviewing a settlement offer
- Negotiating your settlement
- Advising you of your rights and legal options
Most claims settle before going to trial. Our North Georgia motorcycle accident firm can help you determine whether or not a settlement is fair. If we cannot reach a settlement, we can help you with the next steps and, if appropriate, file a lawsuit on your behalf.
How Can I Find a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Near Me?
There are dozens of motorcycle accident attorneys throughout Georgia – you need one who is nearby, focuses on motorcycle accident law, and has experience handling cases like yours. Fortunately, you do not have to look further than Pritchard Injury Firm.
Before you hire us or decide on an attorney, we encourage you to schedule a free case consultation with our firm. We can discuss the details of your case, and you can get to know what working with our compassionate legal team will be like.
When you choose us, you are our priority. To schedule your free case review and learn more about how we can help, please call us at (470) 577-8152 or contact us online.
Pritchard Injury Firm helps victims with serious injuries from motorcycle accidents in North Georgia but we can also help in Bartow County, Cobb County, Cherokee County and throughout the great state of Georgia. If you can’t make it to us, we can come to you.
