Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Injured in an Atlanta Motorcycle Accident?
If you’ve been injured in an Atlanta motorcycle crash, you’ve likely suffered injuries—the type of injuries that will result a lengthy hospital stay, continued medical treatments, mounting medical bills, loss of income, and possible permanent injury. If your accident was caused by another party’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses by filing a personal injury claim.
At Grant Law Office, our Atlanta personal injury lawyers are dedicated to getting injured motorcyclists the compensation they deserve. Please call us for a free case evaluation at (404) 995-3955.
Motorcycle Accident Victim’s Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do following a motorcycle accident?
A: We’ll assume that you have already visited or are in the process of being cared for by a family physician or emergency room doctor. If you are not, we highly recommend seeking medical attention as soon as possible. If you have not spoken with the police yet, now is the time to do so. Additionally, you will want to collect and hold onto any documentation taken from the scene, such as photos, videos, and witness information. Once these initial steps have been taken, contact Grant Law Office to explore potential next steps.
Q: What if I am partially to blame for the collision?
A: If the wreck was your fault, this does not exclude you from taking legal action. In such cases, the court will take all the facts into consideration, including your role in the collision. Ultimately your percentage of blame will be deducted from your potential compensation. This is known as comparative negligence. So, if 50% of the accident was your fault, you would receive 50% of the final settlement.
Q: What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet at the time of the accident? Can I still file?
A: Yes. Despite the fact that you were not wearing a helmet, as required by law, you are still entitled to file a personal injury claim. However, this fact will weigh heavily on your case and could diminish your potential settlement.
Q: Can a passenger on my motorcycle file a claim as well?
A: Yes, and we encourage him or her to do so, as injuries sustained by passengers are often significantly greater than those sustained by the driver of the motorcycle.
Q: When should I contact an Atlanta motorcycle injury attorney?
A: As soon as possible - for a number of reasons. The sooner you are able to speak with one of our Atlanta motorcycle injury attorneys and begin building a case, the better your chances of a successful outcome. Additionally, the state of Georgia maintains a statute of limitations on all claims. Failing to meet the deadline can mean a total loss of compensation.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes
The following are common ways automobile and truck drivers cause collisions with motorcycles:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Distracted or inattentive driving
- Tailgating
- Failure to yield in appropriate circumstances
- Cutting off a motorcyclist
- Turning in front of a motorcyclist
Common Injuries from Motorcycle Collisions
Because motorcycle riders don’t have the protective steel exoskeleton that occupants of motor vehicles have, they are much more prone to serious injuries when involved in a collision. The following are typical injuries a motorcyclist may suffer:
- Road rash: This is a painful and often disfiguring injury that occurs when a motorcycle rider slides across the surface of a roadway during an accident. The result is the loss of skin and other tissue, and gravel and other debris embedded in remaining tissue. Treatment can involve multiple skin grafts, reconstructive surgeries, plastic surgeries, and more.
- Biker’s arm: This injury occurs when a motorcycle rider attempts to break his fall with his arms; but a person’s arms aren’t able to handle such high-speed impact. Permanent nerve damage, affecting the sensory and motor functions of the arm and hand, often leaves a rider with permanent disabilities. A person with biker’s arm may face extensive physical therapy and chronic pain in his or her future.
- Lower extremity injuries: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the most common injuries in a motorcycle collision are injuries to the lower extremities - feet, legs, knees, pelvis, etc. - particularly broken and crushed bones. These injuries are most common when a motorcycle is hit from the side. Lower extremity injuries often result in permanent disabilities and sometimes amputations.
- Head injuries: Even though the state of Georgia requires all motorcycle riders to wear helmets, serious and often fatal head injuries still occur in motorcycle crashes; concussions and permanent brain damage among them.
- Spinal cord injuries: Injuries to the spinal cord can be some of the most life-altering, resulting in partial or full paralysis, and even death.
Getting Compensation for Your Losses in Georgia
You can pursue financial compensation for your losses from the party responsible for the crash. Examples of liable parties include the driver of the vehicle that hit you, a government entity that failed to maintain the roadway (if that was a cause of the accident), and manufacturers of defective products that caused or contributed to your injuries.
A successful personal injury claim will provide compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. Call Grant Law Office at (404) 995-3955 to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.
Additional Information
- Types Of Accidents Motorcyclists Need To Look Out For
- Common Leg Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
- Georgia Personal Injury Attorney Offers Tips to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents
- Protect Motorcyclists by Sharing the Road
- Motorcycle License - Georgia Department of Driver Service
- Motorcycle Information - NHTSA
- Motorcycle Crashes - Insurance Information Institute, Inc.
Contact us today for a free and comprehensive case evaluation.
We require no legal retainer or upfront fees,
and you pay nothing unless we prevail.
Phone: (404) 995-3955