Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Serving All of Georgia
Motorcycle accidents are particularly dangerous because motorcyclists are at a higher risk of suffering death and serious injury during car accidents than car and truck drivers. Victims of motorcycle accidents often suffer injuries that require significant medical treatment and care.
Medical bills exceeding $500,000 are not uncommon after serious motorcycle accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a person is 37 times more likely to die as a result of a motorcycle accident rather than a car accident. People are nine times more likely to become injured in a motorcycle accident than in a car accident.
Contact Our Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
If you have suffered a serious personal injury from a motorcycle accident, the best thing you can do is speak with an experienced lawyer. At Rice McGowan & Brandt, we focus our legal practice on helping clients recover damages after suffering serious injuries caused by accidents. We have recovered more than $200 million in settlements and verdicts on behalf of our clients. Contact our law firm today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can fight for you.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are more likely to cause serious injuries or death than other motor vehicle accidents. In 2018, nearly 5,000 people in the United States died in motorcycle accidents. Some of the most common causes of bike accidents are as follows:
- Speeding is one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. When one driver is speeding, it decreases his or her ability to see and react to motorcyclists in enough time to prevent a collision.
- Alcohol impairment causes drivers to have worse reaction times. Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are more likely to swerve into another lane or run through a stoplight, causing an accident.
- Dangerous road conditions potholes, crumbling roads, debris, a lack of safety signs, and poorly designed roads also contribute to motorcycle accidents.
- Sudden stops can cause collisions. Drivers can follow motorcyclists too closely. When the driver needs to abruptly stop, he or she can crash into the motorcyclist’s serious injuries or death.
- Inexperienced drivers who are not familiar with looking for motorcyclists and driving alongside motorcyclists can also contribute to accidents.
- Left-turn accidents happen when a driver makes an error when making a left-hand turn. Sometimes drivers make left-hand turns in front of oncoming bikers, causing an accident.
- When car doors open onto oncoming traffic, motorcyclists can crash into the doors, causing serious injuries or even death.
- Unsafe lane changes are also incredibly dangerous. It is easier for drivers of cars and trucks to miss seeing a motorcyclist in their rearview mirror or in their blind spot.
Bringing a Lawsuit After Your Motorcycle Accident
If you have been involved in a devastating motorcycle accident, you may be wondering what to do next. The thought of filing a lawsuit may be overwhelming to you. You may have a valid legal claim against the person responsible for causing your motorcycle accident. The first step in filing a personal injury lawsuit is to determine who is at fault for your injuries.
In many cases, a negligent driver causes a motorcycle accident. Negligent drivers are financially responsible for the injuries of others caused by their negligence. If another driver ran a red light and slammed into your motorcycle, that other driver is negligent and financially responsible for any injuries caused by the accident.
In other cases, dangerous road conditions may have caused your accident. In these cases, you may be able to bring a lawsuit against the city or town responsible for the roads. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to potholes. Driving over a pothole can cause a motorcyclist to lose control and collide with another vehicle.
Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle collisions can cause lasting and devastating injuries. After a motorcycle accident happens, you may face a long recovery that may make it difficult, if not impossible to continue working. You may be concerned about how you will pay your bills during this difficult time. Plaintiffs who successfully file a personal injury lawsuit are entitled to the following types of damages:
- Property damage caused to your motorcycle and any other personal property that becomes damaged during the accident
- Lost wages due to recovering from your injuries and no longer being able to go to work.
- Compensation for not being able to engage in activities that you love to do
- Any accommodations that you need to make regarding your injuries, including making ramp accommodations, or purchasing prosthetics
- Compensation for chronic pain from injuries caused by the motorcycle accident
- Compensation for pain and suffering from the trauma of the accident, including pain from rehabilitation, surgeries, and therapy
- A loss of your quality of life, anxiety, depression, or sleep dysfunction caused by a motorcycle accident
Filing an Insurance Claim After a Motorcycle Accident
Insurance companies often begin calling those injured in accidents within hours of the accident. If you plan to file an insurance claim against an at-fault driver after your accident, speaking to a lawyer first is wise. Insurance companies are for-profit companies and their bottom line is profit. For that reason, insurance companies often make settlement offers that are far too low. At Rice McGowan & Brandt, we have experience negotiating assertively with insurance companies so our clients receive a fair settlement for their injuries.
Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
At Rice McGowan & Brandt, we have a proven track record of successfully securing settlements and jury awards on behalf of our clients. We thoroughly investigate our client’s cases and determine which parties are at fault. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you should speak to an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation to learn how we can help you today.
