In Georgia, traffic laws are designed to ensure safe road sharing and travel for all motorists. Unfortunately, this does not always occur, as some drivers may neglect to notice or pay attention to motorcycle riders. As a result, the number of motorcycle accidents in Georgia has increased in recent years.
If you are a motorcycle enthusiast who rides on Georgia highways, it is crucial to understand your rights and know the appropriate steps to take if you are involved in an accident. In the event of such an occurrence, you may sustain severe injuries and require an expert to guide you through your legal options for pursuing compensation for damages.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, don’t hesitate to contact the personal injury attorneys at Joe Durham Jr., P.C. Our experienced Cordele motorcycle accident lawyers are equipped to represent you and secure the compensation you deserve.
How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help With My Compensation Claim?
A Cordele motorcycle accident lawyer at our firm will help you from the moment you get involved in an accident to the point you get the compensation you deserve.
Review Your Case
During a free case evaluation, a motorcycle accident lawyer will provide you with all the necessary information about your claim and help you manage your expectations. They will explain the various factors that could affect the amount of compensation you are eligible to receive. As experienced professionals, they can clarify any questions you may have about the legal process. At Joe Durham Jr., P.C., we offer free case evaluations to our clients.
Gather Evidence
Your attorney at Joe Durham Jr., P.C. will gather all the necessary evidence to support your claim for the motorcycle accident. They work with experts, such as independent investigators, doctors, police, and insurance companies to establish the facts. They approach the matter with care, ensuring they do not jeopardize your chances of receiving compensation.
Negotiate a Settlement
Your Joe Durham motorcycle accident attorney will attempt to negotiate an out-of-court settlement with the at-fault party. This is often the first step taken as it can be a quicker and less stressful resolution for both parties. Your lawyer will present the facts and haggle with the other party to reach a fair settlement amount. Throughout the negotiation process, your lawyer will keep you informed and updated on the progress and the amount being discussed.
Represent You in Court
In case an out-of-court settlement cannot be reached, your Joe Durham motorcycle accident attorney will represent you in court. They will gather all the necessary information and turn it into evidence to be presented before a jury. Using their expertise, they will present justifications for a specific compensation amount to persuade the jury to award it to you. They will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents can occur due to a mix of preventable and inevitable circumstances. Some common causes include unsafe lane changes, opening car doors without checking side mirrors, speeding, driving or riding under the influence, lane splitting, sudden stops by other drivers, inexperienced drivers, left-turn accidents, improper road conditions, unroadworthy motorcycles, and unexpected pedestrians on the road.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Georgia
Motorcycles are inherently more dangerous than other vehicles, as riders have less protection in the event of an accident. In the US, there are over 80,000 motorcycle-related injuries each year, with over 5,000 resulting in fatalities. Despite making up just 3% of registered vehicles, motorcycle accidents account for 14% of all traffic fatalities.
According to statistics, motorcyclists are more likely to be involved in accidents on urban roads and highways during weekends or clear weather. In Georgia, head-on collisions are the most common type of accident, often resulting in fatalities. Left-turn accidents makeup over 40% of motorcycle accidents, followed closely by sideswipe and lane splitting accidents.
What Are the Motorcycle-Specific Laws in Georgia?
Georgia law requires all motorcycle riders to have a Class M license or permit, which involves passing a knowledge test and an on-road skills test. The law also prohibits riders from carrying passengers unless their motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person.
Furthermore, Georgia law mandates that all motorcycles have at least one headlamp and one tail lamp, along with a functioning muffler and rear view mirror. Riders must also signal their intent to turn or change lanes using their turn signals, and they are not allowed to operate their motorcycles between lanes of traffic or between adjacent rows of vehicles.
In summary, Georgia has strict laws governing the operation of motorcycles on its roads, and riders must adhere to these laws to avoid penalties and fines.
What Are the Most Common Injuries Seen in Motorcycle Accidents?
Riders are at a higher risk of suffering fatal injuries in accidents due to their bodies being more exposed to impacts. Some of the common injuries that result from motorcycle accidents include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, lower extremity injuries, internal injuries, and road rash.
How is Fault Determined in a Georgia Motorcycle Accident?
Determining fault in a motorcycle accident in Georgia can be complicated since several factors are considered. Liability and the amount of compensation awarded depend on the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Georgia follows a comparative negligence system, which means that fault is assigned based on each party’s responsibility in the accident. Even if the rider was partly responsible for the accident, they can still receive compensation as long as they are not responsible for more than 50% of the fault. The compensation amount is reduced by the percentage they were at fault.
Evidence plays a crucial role in determining the faulty party. Your attorney will gather as much evidence as possible, including reports from professionals such as doctors and independent investigators, to recreate the accident scene and present it to the jury for you to receive the rightful compensation.
What Type of Compensation Can I Receive for My Motorcycle Accident?
Economic Damages
Economic damages are awarded to compensate for losses that have a specific monetary value and can be proven through objective evidence, such as receipts and reports from professionals. These damages cover costs such as medical expenses, damage to the motorcycle, lost wages, the cost of care, and rehabilitation expenses, among others.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages refer to losses that are subjective and do not have a definite monetary value. These damages cover losses that cannot be measured by receipts or reports from professionals.
Examples include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of companionship or consortium. These losses are often the subject of contention and require the expertise of an experienced attorney to determine the appropriate amount of compensation to be awarded.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages serve the purpose of punishing the responsible party for their egregious negligence. They are only awarded in cases where the fault was so severe that the offender must face sanctions to deter them and others from repeating the offense.
Why Would My Motorcycle Accident Claim Be Denied?
There are various reasons why your motorcycle accident claim may be denied, including:
- The at-fault party’s insurance policy was canceled or had lapsed.
- The driver was not covered by their insurance policy.
- Comparative fault analysis found that you were more than 50% responsible for the accident.
- Failure to provide adequate evidence to prove that you sustained injuries from the accident.
- Suspicion that the injuries you suffered from were caused by a different event rather than the accident.
Are There Time Limits to Filing a Claim in Georgia?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in a motorcycle accident is two years. However, if the claim is against a city or county, it must be filed within six months. For family members who lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is two years. It is crucial to adhere to these time limits, as failure to do so may result in the claim being barred and no compensation being awarded.
Get Help From A Skilled Cordele Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you have suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to work with an experienced and skilled Cordele motorcycle accident lawyer to help you navigate the legal process of obtaining compensation while you focus on your recovery.
At Joe Durham Jr., P.C., we offer a free case review to help you understand your legal options and determine the best course of action for your case. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs, and we only get paid if we win your case.
Contact us today at 229-210-6226 to schedule your free consultation.
