The thrill of blazing down the open road on a motorcycle is exciting, but also carries with it a greater risk for injury in the event of an accident. Because of their small size, motorcycles are often more difficult for other motorists to see, and bikers can be sent flying more easily. The consequences of these accidents can be dire and even deadly.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact us today online or at 770-888-8901 to discuss your case for free with an experienced attorney. We proudly serve the Atlanta and Marietta areas of Georgia. We work on a contingency-fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless your case is successful.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Riding a motorcycle requires a deft balance of judgment and skill. Even if you diligently follow the rules of the road, there are many factors that can cause a wreck. Weather, wet surfaces, tight corners and uneven terrain are just a few examples of risks all riders encounter.
Unfortunately, the negligence of other drivers is a common cause of motorcycle accidents. Some of the most frequent ways that carelessness can contribute to a motorcycle crash include:
- Failing to see a motorcycle at all
- Misjudging a motorcycle’s speed
- Following a motorcycle too closely
- Failure to provide a motorcycle the full use of a lane
- Failure to yield right-of-way to a motorcycle
- Left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle
Motorists who drive while distracted by texting or other dangerous activities are a constant threat to motorcyclists. Sometimes, wrecks aren’t even the result of a collision, but the biker losing control while maneuvering to respond to a motorist’s careless actions.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
All auto accidents are serious, but motorcycle wrecks are uniquely dangerous. Other than your helmet and protective wear, as a motorcycle operator, you have no protection and are particularly vulnerable to injury in a collision with another vehicle. The devastating injuries sustained in these crashes can include:
- Broken bones
- Brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Paralysis
- Loss of limbs
- Significant skin damage
Motorcycle accident injuries are typically extremely expensive to treat. The results of these injuries can make it difficult, if not impossible, to earn a living.
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Fatal Motorcycle Accidents
Losing a loved one can be a crushing blow, and no amount of compensation can fill the empty space left by such a loss. However, laws are in place to protect family members left behind in these tragic cases, which can include compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost income
- Emotional loss
Technically, there are two claims that could arise from a fatal motorcycle crash. Under Georgia law, a wrongful death lawsuit can pursue damages intended to compensate for the “full value” of the deceased’s life. In this context, “full value” has two components: economic damages, such as a lifetime of lost wages, and non-economic damages, which include intangible losses, such companionship.
Motorcycle Safety
Motorcycle SafetyGeorgia law requires all riders and passengers on a motorcycle to wear helmets. Even with this requirement, the best way for a motorcycle operator to avoid injury is to avoid accidents. The best way to avoid accidents is to practice motorcycle safety.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation provides the following tips for biker safety:
- Be visible: Ensure all lights are operational and use reflective strips to alert drivers to your presence.
- Dress for safety: This includes helmets and attire that is bright, durable and protective.
- Apply effective mental strategies: Stay alert and recognize potential hazards in advance, such as lane changes and intersections. Never drink and drive.
- Know your bike and how to use it: It is critical to have proper training and licensing.
Following these tips may not be enough to prevent an accident, but they can reduce your risk of potential injury.
What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycle accidents can be incredibly stressful. It is easy to become flustered in the aftermath of a crash and make decisions that could jeopardize your ability to recover fair compensation.
Since motorcycle accidents often leave riders with serious injuries, it is not always possible to complete all of the important steps that should be taken. However, you should usually try to:
- Call 911 and ask that a police officer comes to the scene
- Request emergency medical assistance if necessary
- Exchange information with the other driver(s)
- Take photographs of the accident scene
- Ask witnesses for their contact information
- Visit a doctor after the crash even if you feel fine
- Notify your insurance company without admitting fault
How Soon After a Motorcycle Crash Should You Contact an Attorney?
You should contact an attorney as soon as possible after a motorcycle crash. It can be tempting to see how the situation shakes out. However, there are many reasons to involve an attorney in the process as early as you can. Here are a few ways that our skilled lawyers can help you:
- Negotiating with the insurance company
- Obtaining evidence needed to prove liability
- Finding high-quality doctors and physicians
- Calculating the true value of your accident claim
- Stopping you from accepting a bad settlement offer
- Making sure you do not miss the strict deadline to file a lawsuit
Who Can Be Held at Fault for My Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
Many different parties can be held liable for injuries in a motorcycle accident, including:
- Negligent drivers
- Parts manufacturers
- Local or state governments
Our attorneys will help determine who is responsible for your injuries. That way, we can seek the justice and compensation that you truly deserve. Learn more during a free case evaluation.
What Is the Average Payout for a Motorcycle Accident Case?
According to Jury Verdict Research published by Thomson Reuters, the average motorcycle injury verdict is around $73,700 after a personal injury trial. However, every case is different.
Many factors will impact the compensation you can receive after a motorcycle accident. These factors include the severity of your injuries and other damages, the amount of evidence you can present, and other important considerations. Our attorneys can give you a better estimate.
How Will a Motorcycle Crash Impact My Insurance?
Many motorcycle accident victims worry that filing a claim will affect their insurance premiums. However, your rates should remain the same if you make a third-party claim for an accident that was not your fault. It is important to consult the details of your individual policy for specifics.
If you think that an insurance company is not treating you fairly, you should talk to our attorneys. We deal with these companies on a daily basis, and we know how to recognize their tricks.
Contact Us Today
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident or lost a loved one due to another driver’s carelessness, you need an experienced attorney who understands these complex cases. Please contact the Law Offices of Humberto Izquierdo, Jr., PC today at 770-888-8901 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We welcome clients from throughout Georgia, including Atlanta and Marietta.
