When you’re in an automobile, you have thousands of pounds of protection surrounding you during an accident. A motorcycle doesn’t have the same safety net. Some people mistakenly assume that motorcycles are the primary cause of accidents, but it’s oftentimes the driver of the other vehicle’s negligence that causes injury to the motorcycle rider.
It’s not uncommon for vehicle and truck drivers to miss seeing a motorcycle rider because he or she is in their blind spot or the driver is looking for another vehicle, not a motorcycle. Either way, drivers have a duty to check their blind spots before changing lanes or pulling into a roadway. Motorcycle riders also have a duty to follow the laws as well and ensure they are looking out for approaching vehicles.
Because many vehicle drivers and insurance companies are automatically prejudiced against motorcycle riders, it’s important that you speak with a skilled Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer who can ensure your rights are protected throughout the claims process. If you were not at fault for the accident, then you are entitled to compensation for your injuries and physical damages.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines motorcycles as both two- or three-wheeled motorcycles, mopeds, mini-bikes, pocket bikes, scooters, and off-road motorcycles. It is estimated that motorcycle fatalities are 28 times more likely to occur than fatalities involving other types of vehicles.
The IIHS recently released their 2017 statistics on motorcycle crashes, and there was a total of 5,172 motorcyclist fatalities that year. Motorcycle accidents had been declining since the early 1980s but started to increase in 1998 and continued rising for another 10 years. Motorcycle fatalities accounted for 14% of all motor vehicle accident related fatalities in 2017, which is more than double the total number of motorcycle-related fatalities in 1997.
Georgia is one of a growing handful of states that require that all riders should wear a helmet at all times. In the Georgia Statutes, Section 40-6-315, it states that no one will operate or ride on a motorcycle unless he or she is wearing protective headgear that is in compliance with standards set forth by the commissioner of public safety. The only exclusion to this is anyone riding in a motorized cart, in an enclosed cab, or on a three-wheeled motorcycle that is only used for agricultural purposes.
As an Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer, understanding the intricacies of Georgia’s helmet laws is paramount. Adhering to these regulations not only promotes safety but also significantly impacts legal process proceedings following an accident. Failure to comply with helmet laws can potentially affect liability and compensation in the event of a motorcycle accident.
Moreover, Georgia’s helmet laws align with a broader trend across states toward prioritizing rider safety. As more states implement similar legislation, the importance of helmet usage in reducing the risk of serious head injuries and fatal motorcycle accidents becomes increasingly evident.
The “Role of Legal Representation in Post-Accident Procedures” is crucial, especially when dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident. Here’s how having an Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer from Shani O. Brooks, P.C. can significantly impact post-accident procedures:
Having an Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer from Shani O. Brooks, P.C. provides essential support and expertise during post-accident procedures. Our dedication to your case ensures that you receive the justice and compensation claim you rightfully deserve.
If you’ve been in an Atlanta motorcycle accident and were not taken to the hospital immediately from the scene, take photos of the damage, accident location, and the vehicle that struck you. These are important to the investigation. Include any skid marks, debris, signals/stop signs, etc. that may help prove liability of the other driver.
Next, you want to ensure a police report is filed. If you are injured at the time of the loss, you should contact the police immediately to respond. In more serious accidents, your motorcycle may not even be drivable and will need to be towed from the scene.
Once you’ve sought medical treatment, the next thing you should do is contact an Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer who can ensure an investigation is opened right away. This will help preserve evidence as well. You should not attempt to deal with the other side on your own as they do not have your best interests in mind.
If you or a loved one were injured in an Atlanta motorcycle accident, contact Atlanta motorcycle accident attorney Shani O. Brooks, P.C. today at 404-920-4736 to schedule a consultation.
Motorcycle accidents often occur due to factors beyond the control of the motorcycle rider, including road hazards. Issues like potholes, uneven pavement, loose gravel, and inadequate signage can lead to a motorcycle crash, causing severe injuries, property damage, and even wrongful death. Injured motorcyclists in these cases may have the right to file a motorcycle accident claim against the government entity responsible for maintaining the roadway.
When a city, county, or state agency fails to repair dangerous road conditions, injured motorcycle riders can seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. These cases require proving that the hazardous condition directly caused the motorcycle accident, and that the government was negligent in addressing the problem. For example, if an Atlanta motorcycle accident occurred due to a known road defect that wasn’t repaired, a Georgia motorcycle accident lawyer can help you pursue damages.
Motorcycle accident lawyers who handle personal injury claims understand the complexities of filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit against a government agency. There are strict deadlines for bringing such personal injury cases, and the process differs from typical motor vehicle accident claims. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will guide you through gathering evidence like photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, and documentation of medical expenses and lost wages.
Injured motorcyclists often face significant medical bills, ongoing treatment for serious injuries like broken bones and traumatic brain injury, and long-term financial consequences. If the at fault driver was not involved and the accident was caused by hazardous road conditions, Georgia motorcycle accident attorneys can help build a case against the responsible party, including pursuing compensation from the insurance provider of the insurance carrier responsible for the insurance coverage of the agency.
If you or a loved one has suffered severe injuries from a road hazard in an Atlanta motorcycle accident, contact a motorcycle accident attorney to discuss your personal injury case. A qualified Georgia motorcycle accident lawyer can help you determine if government negligence played a role and how to proceed with a motorcycle accident claim. Many offer a free consultation to assess your situation and discuss potential outcomes.
Motorcycle accidents happen for a variety of reasons, often involving the actions of other drivers. Some of the most frequent causes include:
These causes frequently lead to motorcycle accidents, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. If another driver’s actions led to your accident, a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you pursue a claim for compensation.
Put your case in the hands of our firm by filling out the form below or calling us at 404-920-4736.
Contact Shani O. Brooks P.C. today to Find Out How Much Your Case is Worth.
Contact us