Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me
At Humphrey and Ballard Law, our Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyers know all too well that motorcycle accidents in Atlanta can be extremely serious. Motorcyclists have very little protection from cars, vans, trucks, and other vehicles on the road. Even when a motorcyclist isn’t at fault for the accident, he or she may face medical bills, lost wages due to missing work, and undergo physical, emotional, and financial hardships as a result of the accident.
Fortunately, Georgia law allows a motorcyclist who has been injured due to someone else’s fault to claim adequate compensation for his/her injuries. Proving the negligence of the at-fault party is crucial to claiming maximum compensation for your injuries, but it isn’t easy. That is why it’s so critical to find a reliable Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer to handle your case.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Many motorcycle accidents in Atlanta are both avoidable and preventable. There are many causes for motorcycle accidents in Atlanta. Here are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a common cause of motorcycle accidents in Georgia. A driver who is texting, talking on the phone, or consuming food and drinks is more likely to become involved in an accident because he/she fails to see the motorcycle riders around him/her.
Failure to See Motorcycle
Failure to see a motorcycle turn at an intersection is another common reason for motorcycle accidents in Atlanta. The size of a motorcycle makes it difficult for other drivers to see the motorcycle in time to prevent an accident. Motorcycle riders are more likely to make quick turns at intersections increasing the risk of an accident. An Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer advises always being alert when your out on the road so that you can better protect yourself from other drivers negligence.
Drunk Driving or Drugged Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or while intoxicated is another common cause of motorcycle accidents.
Equipment Failure
Faulty mirrors, brakes, or lighting equipment failure is another cause of motorcycle accidents in Atlanta. Motorcycles with faulty mirrors, lighting, and brakes are more likely to get involved in an accident.
Unexpected Pedestrians on the Road
Unexpected pedestrian behavior on the road is another reason for increased motorcycle accidents in Atlanta.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Motorcycle accidents have steadily increased in recent years in Georgia. In fact, there were 139 fatalities in 2017, 154 in 2018, 170 fatalities in 2019, as well as 179 in 2020. The fatalities have increased by 22% from 2017. The Atlanta region accounted for more than 42% of motorcycle crashes during these years. In fact, metro Atlanta has a higher rate of motorcycle accidents compared to rural counties.
What Are the Most Common Injuries Seen in Motorcycle Accidents?
Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries involve damage to the lower extremities. But chest and head injuries are also common in Atlanta. Here are some of the most common injuries seen in motorcycle accidents in Georgia:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Broken ribs
- Lacerations
- Whiplash
- Internal bleeding
- Broken or amputated limbs
- Facial disfigurement
- Organ damage
- Road rash
- Burn injuries
How Is Fault Determined in an Atlanta Motorcycle Accident?
Georgia is a modified comparative negligence state. If the judge or jury determines that you were 40% at fault for causing the accident, you will be able to collect 60% of the damages. Your Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer needs to establish 4 important factors to prove the negligence of the at-fault party:
- The at-fault party had a duty to operate the vehicle with reasonable care.
- The at-fault party didn’t operate the vehicle lawfully and with reasonable care.
- The negligence or careless attitude of the at-fault party caused the accident.
- You suffered injuries or damages.
What Type of Compensation Can I Receive for My Motorcycle Accident?
When you are injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be wondering what types of compensation are available to you. You can claim three basic types of damages when you are injured in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta due to someone else’s fault.
Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Compensation FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What types of compensation can I receive for my motorcycle accident? | You can receive three basic types of compensation: Economic Compensation, Non-Economic Compensation, and Punitive Damages. |
| What is Economic Compensation? | Economic compensation is easy to calculate and includes medical expenses, lost wages due to missed work, doctor visits, hospital stays, and other tangible financial losses. |
| What is Non-Economic Compensation? | Non-economic compensation is harder to calculate and includes pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life due to the injuries sustained from the accident. |
| What are Punitive Damages? | Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant for reckless and unlawful behavior, helping to prevent similar future behavior and deter other drivers from acting recklessly. |
| Why is economic compensation easy to calculate? | It is based on tangible financial losses, such as medical bills and lost wages, which can be documented and quantified. |
| Why is non-economic compensation harder to calculate? | It involves intangible losses, such as emotional distress and pain and suffering, which are subjective and do not have a direct monetary value. |
| In what situations are punitive damages awarded? | Punitive damages are awarded when the defendant’s behavior is particularly reckless or unlawful, serving to punish and deter such behavior in the future. |
Are There Time Limits to Filing a Claim in Georgia?
An Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer will advise that in the state of Georgia, the statute of limitations for civil cases such as motorcycle accidents and other personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury or death. The victim should file a claim with the court by the statute of limitations date or the case will be forever void.
Call A Trusted Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
When you are searching for the best Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer, you don’t have to look further than Humphrey & Ballard Law. Serious motorcycle accidents demand serious legal representation to claim maximum benefits for your injuries. The personal injury lawyers at Humphrey & Ballard Law are highly skilled and experienced in handling different types of car accident lawsuits including motorcycle accident cases.
Trusted Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
We have represented hundreds of injured clients in the past and won millions of dollars in compensation on behalf of them. The best thing about working with our team is we won’t charge you a dime until we win your case. When you contact us looking for a trusted Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer, you will understand that every client is special to us, and we treat them with due respect. You can always take advantage of our free consultation session to see if our lawyers are the best to handle your case. Call 404-446-9854 for a free initial consultation with an experienced Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer.
