Snellville Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Multiple studies have found that motorcyclists are approximately 26 times more likely to lose their lives in a crash, and five times more likely to suffer serious injuries than occupants of smaller vehicles. Motorcyclists are aware of the risks they take when they are on the roads and so, the majority of them take all precautions to ensure they are kept safe.
Regardless of these precautions, bikers are often involved in a crash and the aftermath is also much more challenging for them than car accident victims. Our Snellville motorcycle accident lawyer can help you through the claims and legal process, so you obtain the best possible outcome.
How are Motorcycle Accident Injuries Different from Car Crashes?
When riding a motorcycle, there is little between you and the road. This is one reason why riding is so thrilling. Sadly, it is also why bikers have a much greater risk of suffering serious injury when they are involved in a crash. Even when just one motorcycle is involved in a crash, almost 96 percent of all motorcycle accidents result in injury.
The increased risk of injury is one way in which motorcycle accidents are so much different from car crashes. Trucks, cars, and other vehicles on the road have many more safety features, and a strong metal frame around the occupants that protects them. Due to these safety features, minor accidents involving passenger vehicles are not as serious at an accident scene. Even the most minor crash involving a motorcycle, though, will likely still result in serious injury or death, causing emotional and physical stress from medical expenses and medical bills.
Motorcycle accident victims in Snellville are often thrown from their vehicle when they are involved in a crash, something that occupants of passenger vehicles do not have to worry about. Being thrown from a bike can result in even more serious injuries that are often not present in car accident cases, such as road rash and devolving, which occurs when the skin is removed from the hand and arm. These are only a few of the many common motorcycle accident injuries that these victims can experience from a motorcycle accident.
Motorcycles are also far less stable than other vehicles. They must balance on two wheels instead of four, which is much more difficult. This can make motorcycles more challenging to maneuver, and can make even small hazards on the roads, such as gravel, much more dangerous.
Lastly, motorcyclists often face intense biases from juries and insurance companies regarding their severe injuries. These entities often view motorcyclists as reckless and dangerous individuals, even though that is not the case. Overcoming these biases often requires a great deal of education and proof that a biker took as many precautions as possible to ensure they were kept safe. To discuss your motorcycle accident case, call our Snellville motorcycle accident attorney from our personal injury law firm for a free consultation to help you your legal case and receive fair compensation and the maximum compensation possible.
What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in Snellville?
The vast majority of motorcycle accidents in Snellville are caused by the negligence, or carelessness, of other drivers. This negligence comes in many forms but the most common include:
- Failure to see the biker: Motorcycles are much smaller than the other vehicles on the road and so, they are much more difficult to see. Drivers may crash into them when making a left turn if they fail to ensure there are no oncoming vehicles, including motorcycles. Or, motorists may fail to see a motorcyclist in their blind spot when changing lanes. Even though bikers are harder to see, drivers still have a duty to make sure they pay attention and see all vehicles in their path.
- Impaired driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most dangerous behaviors any motorist can engage in. Impaired driving reduces a driver’s reaction times, impairs their judgment, and causes perception issues. All of these can easily result in a motorcycle accident.
- Speeding: Speeding is not only a common cause of motorcycle accidents, but it also increases the severity of them. When a motorist is speeding and they crash into a motorcyclist, the biker is much more likely to suffer even more serious injuries.
- Distracted driving: In Georgia, it is illegal for motorists to hold a phone in their hands while behind the wheel, or to have one touching any part of their body. When motorists are distracted, they may fail to see a motorcyclist before it is too late.
- Failing to adhere to traffic signs and signals: Red lights, stop signs, and other traffic signage and signals are in place to ensure that everyone is kept safe while they are on the roads. When drivers do not comply with these, it can result in a very serious accident.
- Improperly maintained roads: Government entities have a responsibility to ensure the structures they are responsible for are properly maintained. While pools of water and potholes are not a major concern for other drivers, for bikers they pose serious hazards.
- Dooring: Dooring is a cause unique to motorcycle accidents. This occurs when a motorist parks their vehicle and opens their door into the path of a motorcyclist. This results in some of the most serious injuries.
Time Limit in Motorcycle Accident Claims
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you only have a limited amount of time to file your claim. In Snellville, and throughout Georgia, the statute of limitations, or time limit, is just two years from the date of your crash. If you do not file your claim within this time, you will likely be barred from receiving any compensation at all. While the law is quite strict, there are situations that can delay or extend the statute of limitations. It is important for motorcycle riders to speak to a Snellville motorcycle accident lawyer before filing your claim. A motorcycle crash lawyer can review the facts of your case, your insurance claims, determine if you have time to file, and get started on your case.
Call Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Snellville for a Consultation
After a motorcycle accident, the last thing you want to be worried about is collecting evidence, calculating damages, the legal fees and submitting the necessary paperwork with our personal injury attorneys. At Ponton Law, our Snellville motorcycle accident lawyer can answer all of your questions and handle the legal details of your case so you can focus on making a full recovery from your injuries. Call our personal injury lawyer from our legal team today at 404-418-8507 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation with our experienced attorney and to get the strong legal representation you need for this type of personal injury case.