Brookhaven Motorcycle Accident Attorneys: Fighting for Your Rights and Compensation

Riding a motorcycle is a great way to move about DeKalb County. It is also an important responsibility. That is why Georgia law requires motorcyclists to carry a special designation on their driver’s license and follow a number of additional rules and regulations. At the same time, a motorcyclist has the same rights as any other motorist or person who travels on the highway.

Yet when it comes to an accident, a motorcycle operator or passenger is often at the mercy of reckless drivers who do not think they have to share the road. It only takes a split second for a car or truck to strike a motorcycle. But the consequences for the people on that motorcycle are often permanent.

Our Brookhaven motorcycle accident attorneys represent injured motorcyclists and their families in seeking compensation from those individuals and other parties legally responsible for such collisions. Ponton Law handles a wide range of personal injury claims arising from such accidents, including wrongful death lawsuits filed on behalf of the families who have lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash. We understand that money cannot undo the damage that has been done. But holding the responsible parties accountable can make for motorcycle accident victims and their loved ones to move forward.

The Truth About Motorcycle Accidents in Brookhaven, Georgia

Statistically speaking, motorcycle accidents represent just a small fraction of the total number of motor vehicle accidents that take place in Georgia each year. Based on the state’s own figures, only about 2 percent of all crashes involve a motorcycle. Unfortunately, these accidents are far more likely to cause death or serious injury. Indeed, Georgia’s statistics show 15 percent of all motor vehicle-related fatalities are motorcyclists.

Even a non-fatal motorcycle accident is a serious matter. Georgia Emergency Services transport roughly 3,100 motorcyclists to the hospital each year following an accident. Altogether, about 6,600 motorcyclists require some degree of emergency medical care. That translates to medical costs of over $250 million annually.

Although many motorcycle accidents are single-vehicle crashes caused by operator negligence, there are a number of scenarios where another motorist or motorcyclist is at-fault. Here are just a few examples:

• Head-On Collisions: A motorist driving in the wrong lane often leads to a head-on collision with a motorcycle. Such accidents are often the result of a driver who is fatigued or driving in poor weather conditions with limited visibility.
• Left-Turn Accidents: A car or truck driver often fails to properly judge the speed of a motorcycle traveling behind them. This can prove deadly when the motorist decides to make a left-turn at the intersection. As the motorist turns, the motorcycle hits the vehicle, having no time to get out of the way or otherwise react.
• Door Collisions: A similar type of accident involves a driver who parks on the side of a street and opens their door without checking to see if a motorcycle is approaching from behind. This leads the motorcyclist to slam into the open door.
• Sudden Lane Changes: Due to their smaller size, a motorcycle can easily slip into a motorist’s blind spot. This can lead to a collision when the motorist decides to change lanes without checking their blind sports.
• Rear-End Collisions: All drivers need to maintain a safe stopping distance between their vehicle and the one in front of them. This is doubly important when the leading vehicle is a motorcycle. A rear-end collision between a car and a motorcycle can easily send the motorcyclist flying off their bike and into the road.
• Other Motorcyclists: Cars and trucks are not the only threats to motorcyclists. Other motorcycles present just as much of a risk when their operator is acting in a foolish or reckless manner.

What Compensation Can You Receive Following a Motorcycle Accident in Brookhaven, Georgia?

All Georgia motorists–including motorcyclists–must carry a minimum amount of insurance. Since Georgia is an at-fault state, the insurance company for the negligent driver must pay for any personal injury or property damage suffered by the injured motorcyclist, up to the limits of the policy. If that is not enough–and sadly, that is frequently the case–the motorcyclist may be able to file a claim with their own insurance company if they have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. They can also file a personal injury lawsuit and seek damages directly against the responsible driver.

Damages in motorcycle accident cases are often quite substantial. Motorcyclists often suffer catastrophic injuries, such as the loss of a limb, severe facial fractures, and internal organ damage. Through a personal injury lawsuit, the motorcyclist can seek full compensation for the past and future medical bills, lost income and diminished future earning ability, and their ongoing pain and suffering.

Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Motorcycle Accidents

I was recently injured in a motorcycle accident. How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver who hit me?

Georgia has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from motorcycle accidents. This means that you have 2 years from the date of your accident to file a civil lawsuit against the responsible parties. Keep in mind, this deadline is not extended while you negotiate a potential settlement with the driver or their insurance company.

Can I still receive compensation if I was partially at-fault?

Yes. Georgia uses a “modified comparative negligence” rule in personal injury cases. In simple terms, if your case goes to trial, a judge or jury will apportion blame for the motorcycle accident among all parties. Your damages are then reduced in proportion to your share of the fault, if any. If your fault is 50 percent or greater, however, you will recover nothing.

I lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident. Can I sue on their behalf?

Georgia allows the surviving spouse or children (or parents) of a deceased motorcycle accident victim to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This allows the family to recover damages for the “full value of” the victim’s life, as well as the pain and suffering of their survivors.

Contact Ponton Law Today to Speak with a Brookhaven Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Recovering from a motorcycle accident is often a long and difficult process. The last thing many victims want to concern themselves with is dealing with insurance and legal paperwork. We can take some of that burden off of your shoulders. If you need to speak with a skilled Brookhaven motorcycle accident attorney, contact Ponton Law today to schedule a free case evaluation.