Roswell Motorcycle Accidents Attorney
Injured While Riding Your Motorcycle in Fulton County?
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Many residents of Roswell and the greater Fulton County area choose to ride motorcycles each day. Motorcycles offer the rider (and their passenger, if there is one) unparalleled freedom on the road. With that freedom, however, comes a certain degree of risk. According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, while motorcycles represent only about 2 percent of all accidents involving registered vehicles in the state, motorcycle operators account for about 21 percent of all driver fatalities.
Even in non-fatal crashes, a motorcycle operator or rider lacks the same protections from the elements as other motor vehicles. More to the point, motorcycles are more vulnerable to reckless car and truck drivers who think they do not have to share the road. If you, or someone that you care about, has been seriously injured or killed as the result of such negligence, our Roswell motorcycle accidents attorney is here to help. At Ponton Law, our mission is to help motorcycle accident victims and their families seek full and fair compensation from the parties responsible for their injuries. We know that a motorcycle accident is not something you can recover from overnight. So contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation case review.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Occur in Roswell, Georgia
There is still a common knee-jerk reaction among many people to blame a motorcyclist when there is an accident. This is often rooted in cultural portrayals of motorcyclists as “outlaws” who do not obey the rules of the road. In fact, we often find the opposite is true: The motorcyclist obeys the law, while it is the car or truck driver who acts recklessly. In many cases, it is not even a conscious disregard for motorcycles as much as a failure to pay attention. Regardless, it is still considered negligence under Georgia law.
Some common driver behaviors that lead to motorcycle accidents in Georgia include:
- driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- texting while driving;
- distracted driving;
- driver fatigue;
- failure to check blind spots for motorcycles;
- failing to yield to a motorcycle; and
- excessive speeding.
Perhaps the most common scenario for a motorcycle accident in Roswell is a driver simply failing to look before making a turn at an intersection. The car or truck makes its turn without thinking and an approaching motorcycle collides with the larger vehicle. Even though the motorist may never have seen the motorcycle, they are still liable for failing to check.
What Should You Do Following a Motorcycle Accident in Roswell, Georgia?
The first few moments following a motorcycle accident are critical for the motorcyclist and their passenger. It is common to be thrown completely from the bike following a collision. So you are lying on the ground, having likely sustained one or more serious injuries. It may be difficult to think straight. But if to prepare for the possibility of an accident, you need to keep the following things in mind should the worst happen:
- Call the Police: Your first step should be to call 911 and get a police officer to attend the scene of the accident. In addition to securing the scene, an officer can interview the parties involved and other witnesses and prepare an official accident report. This report is often the first key piece of evidence you will need to pursue a potential claim against the driver who caused your crash.
- Go to the Doctor: Even a “minor” motorcycle accident can leave you with severe, life-threatening injuries. Some kinds of injuries, such as concussions and internal bleeding, do not produce any immediately noticeable symptoms. This can lead you to falsely believe you survived the accident with “just a few scratches.” Do not take your health for granted. Go to the emergency room or an urgent care clinic as soon as possible.
- Gather Information: Either you or someone with you should take the time, if possible, to gather information at the scene of the accident. This includes the name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance information of the other drivers involved. If there were any third-party witnesses present, take down their contact information as well.
- Admit Nothing: When speaking to the other driver, never say anything that could be construed as an admission of fault. This includes apologizing for what just happened. At the same time, listen carefully to anything the other driver says that might be useful as proof of their fault.
- Cal a Lawyer: Obviously, seeking medical attention should always be your first priority. But once you have seen a doctor, your next call should be to an experienced Roswell motorcycle accident lawyer who can assist you in dealing with the other driver and their insurance company.
Seeking Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident in Roswell, Georgia
Georgia is an at-fault state with respect to motorcycle accidents. This means that if your crash was the result of another party’s negligence, you have the right to sue them for damages. Your damages reflect your financial and other losses arising from the motorcycle accident. Some common examples of Georgia motorcycle accident damages include:
- Medical Bills: You can seek the full amount of your past and estimated future medical expenses. This includes any rehabilitation or physical therapy you require as a result of your injuries.
- Loss of Income: If you are forced to miss work due to your injuries, you can seek reimbursement for your lost wages and other income. You may also be entitled to compensation for your diminished future earning capacity.
- Non-Economic Damages: Georgia law allows you to seek compensation for non-economic damages, such as your ongoing pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish following a motorcycle accident.
Contact Our Roswell, Georgia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
At Ponton Law, we pride ourselves on being advocates for the victim of preventable motorcycle accidents. If you or a loved one needs to speak with an experienced Roswell motorcycle accident attorney, contact a Roswell motorcycle crash lawyer today to schedule a no-cost, no strings attached consultation. We represent motorcycle accident victims in Roswell and throughout Fulton County.