Sandy Springs, Georgia Motorcycle Accident Attorney
As a motorcyclist, you have a legal right to drive on public roads. However, many motorists do not respect this right, and motorcyclists are frequently the victims of accidents resulting in serious injuries.
Motorcyclists represent only about 2% of all drivers on our nation’s roadways, but motorcycle accidents make up 8% of all vehicle accident-related deaths. Motorcycle riders involved in accidents stand a 98% chance of sustaining a serious injury due the lack of protection afforded by their vehicle.
Motorcycles do not have the weight, protective enclosure, or numerous safety features that automobiles have, so injuries received in a motorcycle accident tend to be much more serious. Motorcycle accident injuries often involve:
- Brain injury
- Spine injury
- Bone fractures
- Burn injuries
- Amputations
Whether your injuries were caused by the negligence of another driver, a manufacturing defect, or unsafe roadways, you may have a legal right to compensation. Our Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer at will evaluate your case to determine the extent of your injuries and how much compensation you are entitled to for any of the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, time is of the essence. You should seek medical attention and contact an attorney as soon as possible. Our experienced Atlanta motorcycle accident attorney will work with a team of investigators and support staff who are experts in analyzing the details of accident cases. Together, we will build a case designed to bring you the best possible results.
What should I do if I’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident?
Call the police right away so that they can start an investigation and let them know if you have suffered any injury, even a minor one. You should also write down the name and address of everyone involved in the accident and the names of their insurance companies. Time is critical in filing a lawsuit. At Robbins Law, PC, we will help you put together a case before the statute of limitations expires.
I have insurance. Why do I need an attorney as well?
Insurance companies keep their profits high by paying out as little as possible. Even if you have an insurance policy, the insurance company is not working for your benefit. Settling for the insurance payout may deprive you of compensation to which you are entitled for future medical expenses, loss of income, negligence and pain and suffering. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will be working for you to ensure that you receive adequate compensation for your injuries.
What sort of compensation could I receive?
Your exact compensation will be an individual matter. But in general, you could be compensated for:
- Medical costs, present and future
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Lost wages, present and future
- Lost relationship with your spouse
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries
Punitive damages, awarded to punish a negligent driver who caused the accident, are not frequent, but in cases where the other driver was particularly reckless, they are sometimes awarded to the injured person.
I lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident. What recourse do I have?
Family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim, depending on the particulars of the accident. You would need to consult a wrongful death attorney such as Laurie Robbins for specific information in your case. It would be wise to consult such an attorney as soon as possible.
Motorcycle Helmet Laws in Georgia
The motorcycle helmet laws in Georgia require all motorcyclists and passengers to wear the protective headgear. A helmet can easily mean the difference between life and death if you are involved in a motorcycle accident and are thrown from your bike. Landing on your head or banging your head against the pavement or another object with excessive force can result in a life-altering traumatic brain injury—if you survive at all.
Throughout Georgia, about 20 percent of motorcycle accidents result in head and neck injuries. A spinal cord injury can leave you paralyzed and a head injury can leave you with permanent brain damage. Wearing a helmet is not only mandatory; it is an easy way to protect not only yourself, but your family and your future as well.
COMMON REASONS FOR MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
Because of their size, motorcycles are at the greatest risk of becoming involved in an accident. They easily slip in and out of other drivers’ blind spots and can quickly approach a vehicle whose driver is not paying attention and pulls into an intersection or makes a left-hand turn into the motorcyclist’s right of way.
Aside from failing to see a motorcycle, some of the most common reasons for Atlanta motorcycle accidents include:
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Automobile or truck driver fatigue
- Poor road conditions
- Motorcycle defects
- Defective roadways
- Traffic congestion
- Signaling error
- Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Aside from wearing a helmet, it is also a good idea to wear other protective gear such as leather attire to protect your skin from road rash. Bright colors are also helpful to increase your visibility to other drivers. Remember to exercise caution on slippery roads and in inclement weather, as it will be harder for you and other drivers to see and stop suddenly.
PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR CLAIM
Motorcycle accidents claims can be complicated, even with the help of an experienced Atlanta motorcycle accident attorney such as Laurie Robbins. Here are some tips to help protect your rights as a motorcyclist:
- Do not repair your motorcycle until you have consulted your attorney. You will need to have your bike inspected, and the other party has a right to perform an inspection as well.
- File all medical expense receipts and any other expenses relating to your accident.
- Keep a detailed record of your injuries, including how you are feeling and how your injuries are impacting your life physically and emotionally. Specify what limitations you have.
- Also track your lost wages and how much time you miss from work.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident in Sandy Springs, Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia, please contact our experienced Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer today to schedule your free initial consultation.