There is nothing quite like hopping on your motorcycle for a ride. Every trip feels like freedom, whether you are headed to the corner store or going for a leisurely ride on country roads. Unfortunately, that freedom comes at a cost. Compared to drivers and passengers in cars and trucks, motorcycle riders are much more vulnerable.
When you are in a motorcycle accident, whether on your own or with another vehicle, you are more likely to sustain bodily injury than drivers who are protected by the frames of their automobiles. If this has happened to you, an experienced personal injury attorney could help you understand and protect your rights. Get in touch with a Riverdale motorcycle accident lawyer to learn more.
Motorcycle Helmet and Eyewear Laws
Georgia was the first state to enact a mandatory helmet law. While some states allow older drivers to opt out of the helmet requirement, Georgia does not. The Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 40-6-315 requires all riders and passengers to wear a helmet that meets the Federal Department of Transportation’s safety requirements. Additionally, bikers must wear protective eye gear unless their bike has a windshield.
Many riders dislike helmet laws, feeling that they interfere with the freedom synonymous with being on the road. However, helmets also significantly reduce the chances of death or severe injury in an accident. A Riverdale attorney who handles motorcycle wrecks may be able to help injured riders, even if they were not wearing helmets at the time of the wreck.
Dangers of Motorcycles
Many vehicles have advanced safety features such as airbags, crumple zones, and accident-avoidance technology. Motorcycles do not. In an accident, this puts bikers at a higher risk of injury. Additionally, it is more difficult to control a two-wheeled vehicle than a vehicle with four or more wheels. Skidding, sliding, and losing control all make accidents more likely.
Riverdale motorcycle wreck attorneys also understand the third risk factor: negligent drivers. Many car and truck drivers do not know how to share the road with motorcyclists, and they fail to keep an eye out for smaller vehicles. Fortunately, there are ways to hold them responsible.
Determining Responsibility for a Motorcycle Crash
Determining who is to blame for an accident is vital for assigning financial responsibility. Georgia is a comparative negligence state. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33, if a person is less than 50 percent responsible for an accident, they may still recover compensation for their injuries. However, the court reduces any recovery by the percentage of the victim’s fault. For example, if the court decides that an injured person was 30 percent responsible for an accident, they can only recover 70 percent of their damages from the other party.
Since determining responsibility can drastically impact financial recovery, discussing the motorcycle accident with a Riverdale attorney is essential. A lawyer could review the facts of the case and help a biker avoid erroneously taking responsibility for the actions of another. Even in single-vehicle wrecks, someone else may be at fault. Swerving to avoid other drivers, road defects, and hidden hazards are among the factors that commonly contribute to single-vehicle accidents.
Consult With a Riverdale Motorcycle Accident Attorney
After any accident, the priority should be getting medical care. Even minor accidents can cause severe injuries, including traumatic brain damage, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and internal organ damage.
The second priority should be talking with an attorney. Motorcycle accident injuries are expensive to treat, can keep you out of work, and might even lead to lifelong disabilities. Trust a Riverdale motorcycle accident lawyer to oversee your claim.
At Robert James Trial Attorneys, every member of our firm treats you with respect and professionalism, and we are prepared to help you understand and protect your rights. With extensive trial experience, our team could fight for the money you deserve. Contact us now to get started.
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