Bikers know riding a motorcycle is more dangerous than driving a car but feel freedom is worth that heightened risk. Unfortunately, an accident can lead to severe injuries, life-changing damage, or even death.
Motorbikes do not have the same safety features as passenger vehicles, so motorists are more vulnerable and likely to severe injuries from accidents with cars and trucks on the road. When you are harmed because of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. A Lithia Springs motorcycle accident lawyer could help you understand your potential remedies.
The lack of a metal cage, airbags, and other protective equipment means that motorcycle accidents are more likely to result in injuries. In fact, while some bikers may walk away from a wreck without injuries, the injury rate is close to 100 percent.
Protective gear will not necessarily prevent injuries. Protective clothing can help prevent road rash and other abrasive injuries, but not prevent broken bones, bruising, or internal injury. Likewise, helmets can lessen the severity of brain injuries but cannot eliminate the risk. Head, neck, and spinal injuries are common in motorcycle crashes, leading to lengthy and expensive recovery periods, lifelong injuries, and even death.
Recovering damages for those injuries can be vital, not just for the victim of the wreck, but also for their family, as medical bills can be overwhelming. If the injured person is the breadwinner and cannot work, it lead to a financial disaster. A Lithia Springs attorney could fight for compensation so that a motorcycle accident does not bankrupt your family.
Georgia Code Annotated § 40-6-315 requires helmets and protective eyewear for all motorcycle riders. A windshield fulfills the protective eyewear requirement. Failure to wear a helmet is a misdemeanor, which would result in a fine of up to $1,000 and a year in jail or community service. In most cases, riders get much smaller sentences.
Since the state requires riders and passengers to wear a helmet while on a motorcycle, failure to do so may count as proof of negligence. If the injury is a head injury, a defendant will undoubtedly try to use the lack of a helmet to try to avoid liability. They may not be successful.
Georgia is a comparative negligence state. Under Georgia Code Annotated § 51-12-33, when multiple parties share responsibility for an accident, a victim’s recovery depends on their share of the fault. If a victim is 50 percent or more responsible for the injury, then they may be unable to recover. However, if a victim is less than 50 percent responsible for their injury, they can recover from other wrongdoers. Even if you think you share responsibility for a motorbike crash or injury, a Lithia Springs lawyer may be able to help you secure a significant financial recovery.
Drivers failing to pay attention is the leading cause of motorcycle wrecks. Drivers often fail to look out for bikers, who are easy to miss because of the smaller size of their vehicles. Plus, many drivers do not understand the challenges of operating a motorcycle, and, therefore, may engage in behaviors that are hazardous for bikers. As a result, the majority of motorcycle wrecks involve another motor vehicle operator.
Some motorcycle wrecks are single-vehicle accidents that occur due to biker negligence. Such negligence includes speeding, driving while under the influence, driving in inclement weather, and other reckless behavior that can lead to a single-vehicle accident. Other times, some hazards may lead to an accident, such as road defects, blocked signs or signals, construction, and more. If those defects contributed to an accident, a motorcycle wreck attorney in Lithia Springs may be able to get you compensation.
The aftermath of a motorbike crash can be overwhelming. In addition to dealing with traumatic physical and emotional injuries, many families are also facing financial devastation. Luckily, an attorney could help you determine if you have any claims and evaluate their potential value. If insurance companies are unwilling to offer a reasonable settlement, a Lithia Springs motorcycle accident lawyer could file a lawsuit on your behalf. Schedule a consultation today to learn more.
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