Your Motorcycle Injury Advocate in Atlanta, GA

At Ponton Law, we know motorcycle accidents often account for a disproportionately high number of serious traffic injuries.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 5,286 people died in motorcycle crashes in 2016 alone.

A serious motorcycle accident can bring your entire life to a crashing halt. You do not have to go up against the big insurance companies alone. Our Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer has the skills and experience to protect your rights. Call us now to set up a free, no-obligation initial consultation. 

Motorcycle Crashes Frequently Lead to Serious Injuries

Motorcycle riders have limited protection. Unfortunately, a large share of motorcycle wrecks result in injuries to the rider. The NHTSA has found that “an astounding 80 percent of motorcycle crashes result in injury or death.” Indeed, these devastating accidents can result in:

• serious brain injury;
• multiple fractures;
• paralysis;
• wrongful death; and
• more.

Almost all such accidents result in some form of road rash.  Our Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer has the experience and resources to handle even the most challenging cases.

What are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle crashes can happen for a wide array of different reasons. Every serious motorcycle crash should be thoroughly investigated to determine exactly what went wrong. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Georgia include: 

• Speeding; 
• Running red lights;
• Running stop signs;
• Drivers tailgating a motorcycle; 
• Drivers making unsafe lane changes; 
• Distracted driving; and
• Intoxicated driving. 

An Overview of Motorcycle Laws and Motorcycle Accident Liability in Georgia

Motorcyclists in Georgia need to know about the state’s motorcycle accident laws. It is crucial that you have the knowledge to protect your rights and interests. Here are some of the most important things to know about motorcycle laws and motorcycle accident liability in Georgia: 

• You Need a Motorcycle License/Permit in Georgia: You must be qualified to operate a motorcycle in Georgia. The state requires riders to obtain a Class M endorsement on the driver’s license or a Class M instructional permit (MP). Motorcycle licenses from other U.S. states are recognized as valid in Georgia. 
• All Motorcyclists are Required to Wear a Helmet: Georgia law requires the use of a DOT-approved motorcycle safety helmet. If you fail to wear a motorcycle helmet, you could be cited for a violation. Riders should always wear motorcycle helmets. They prevent brain injuries and save lives. 
• Injury Crashes Must Be Reported in Georgia: In Georgia, all motor vehicle collisions that result in physical injuries must be reported to the authorities in a timely manner. Motorcycle accidents are no exceptions to the wider rule. It is in your best interests to ensure that your motorcycle accident is reported to state or local law enforcement. 
• Motorcycle Accident Liability is Based on Fault: Georgia is a fault-based motorcycle accident injury state. The party deemed at fault for causing a motorcycle accident is liable for the injuries and damage sustained. As an example, imagine that you were hurt in a motorcycle accident in Cobb County caused by a distracted driver. You have the right to hold that motorist (and their insurer) liable for your damages. 
• A Two-Year Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Injury Claims: A motorcycle accident injury claim in Georgia is regulated by a two-year statute of limitations. You have two years from the date that a crash occurred to bring a claim. Protect your ability to get compensation: Consult with an Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.  

Motorcycle Accidents Require a Comprehensive Investigation

Motorcycle accidents often call for the use of an accident reconstruction expert. Accident reconstruction involves a scientific process of investigating, analyzing, and determining what caused an accident. Statistically, motorcycle accidents are usually the fault of the other driver involved, largely because motorcycles can be difficult to see. Reconstructions are almost always performed by an engineer, who must apply scientific principles to their investigation in order to withstand an attack on their credibility at trial. The Atlanta motorcycle accident attorneys at Ponton Law focuses on answering the following questions in preparation for a reconstruction:

1. Have all eyewitnesses been identified? Sometimes we can identify witnesses who are not listed on the MVA report, such as by obtaining a 911 recording
2. Have all aspects of the scene been photographed, including the motorcycle at the final rest position, the view approaching the crash, the area of the impact itself, witness perspectives, interiors of the vehicles, collision debris distribution, and vehicle damage?
3. Have the ECM, EDR, or “black boxes” been recovered and analyzed? Typically, we can get information on speed and brakes for a few seconds prior to the crash.

Recovering Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident in Atlanta, GA

Motorcycle accidents can lead to severe, catastrophic, and even life-changing injuries. Following a serious motorcycle wreck in North Georgia, it is crucial that victims have access to the maximum available financial support. Sadly, insurance companies are not going to willingly pay out full and proper settlements. Our Atlanta, GA motorcycle accident lawyer has what it takes to get clients results. You may be entitled to motorcycle accident injury compensation for: 

• Property damage (motorcycle repairs or replacement); 
• Ambulance costs and emergency medical treatment; 
• Hospital bills and other health care expenses;
• Physical therapy and psychological counseling;  
• Lost wages and loss of earning potential; 
• Pain and suffering & emotional anguish; 
• Scarring/disfigurement; 
• Long-term disability; and
• Wrongful death of a family member. 

How Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer James Ponton Can Help

Motorcycle accident injury claims are complicated. Insurance companies put a lot of resources into protecting their own interests. Our founding attorney James Ponton has the skills and experience to get motorcycle accident victims justice and full financial compensation. We are proactive and results-focused. Among other things, our Atlanta motorcycle accident attorney is ready to: 

• Listen to your story and answer your questions about the personal injury claims process; 
• Investigate your motorcycle accident—securing evidence of liability and damages; 
• Handle the correspondence with insurers and settlement negotiations; and
• Take action to help you get the best outcome in your Georgia motorcycle accident case.

Schedule a Consultation With Our Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

The trial lawyer, paralegals, private investigators, and accident reconstruction experts that make up the trial team at Ponton Law are well-versed in the complexities of motorcycle accident litigation and have successfully litigated many complex cases throughout Georgia.

If you or someone you know has been injured or killed as a result of a motorcycle accident, contact our Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer today at 404-860-2454. Consultations are free and strictly confidential

Read our Guide To Motorcycle Laws in Georgia.