Vinings Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
There are almost 4,200 motorcycle accidents that result in more than 2,700 serious injuries and over 150 fatalities every year in the state, according to the Georgia Department of Driver Services. There are few accidents that result in catastrophic injuries as those involving motorcycles. With little more than a helmet to protect them, motorcyclists are very vulnerable when they are on the road.
If you have been hurt while on your bike, you may be entitled to file compensation with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney if someone else was at fault for the crash. While you are recovering from serious injuries is not the time to file your motorcycle accident claims. Our Vinings motorcycle accident lawyer and legal team can handle the legal details of your claim while you focus on making a full recovery from your motorcycle crashes.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Vinings
There are many different types of motorcycle accident cases and accidents in Vinings that an experienced attorney can handle. These for motorcycle riders include:
Lane splitting: Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist travels between two lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. This not only poses serious risk for the motorcyclist, but it is also against the law. Bikers should never split lanes, as this can make it more difficult to claim full compensation.
Intersection accidents: Intersections are particularly dangerous areas for motorcyclists. Other motorists may run red lights, or make left turns without first making sure the road ahead is clear and a motorcycle is not approaching.
Lane change accidents: Motorcycles are much smaller than other types of vehicles. A driver may check their blind spots to ensure there are no other passenger vehicles in these areas, but fail to see a motorcyclist. As they change lanes, they then crash into the biker.
Rear-end collisions: When a passenger vehicle rear-ends another passenger vehicle, the common motorcycle accident injuries incurred are typically very minor. Without the protection of a steel frame around them, though, rear-end collisions can be catastrophic, or even fatal, for bikers.
Head-on collisions: Head-on collisions are always some of the deadliest types of crashes, even when they occur between two passenger vehicles. Motorcyclists will suffer some of the most severe injuries during a head-on collision and could possibly cause traumatic brain injuries. These accidents typically occur when a driver improperly passes another vehicle or when they enter the wrong lane.
Dooring accidents: Dooring accidents occur when the driver of a parked vehicle opens their door into the path of a motorcyclist. The biker then crashes into the door, suffering serious injuries as they do.
Who is Liable for Motorcycle Accidents?
Determining who is liable, or at fault, for your crash largely depends on the type of accident you were involved in. For example, if another driver was negligent, or careless, you can file a claim with their insurance company to obtain full damages under Georgia’s tort law. One of the most important reasons to work with a Vinings motorcycle accident lawyer is to identify all liable parties. Even if another motorist was to blame, there may be other parties at fault, as well.
For example, if you were struck by a drunk driver, you may be able to pursue a claim against the establishment or social host that over-served them before they got behind the wheel. Additionally, if an improper road design or maintenance contributed to the accident, you may also be able to hold the government entity liable for the crash.
Additionally, if any part of your bike was defective and it caused the accident, you can hold the manufacturer liable for failing to ensure their products were safe. It is critical that you identify all liable parties after a motorcycle crash. Liable parties are only responsible for paying up to the limits on their insurance policy. As such, if you can file a claim against multiple parties, it will give motorcycle accident injuries to you a better chance of obtaining the full and fair damages you are entitled to.
Valuing a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Vinings
It is not uncommon for people to wonder how much their motorcycle accident claim is worth. The value of your case depends on the total amount of losses you sustained, as you can include each of them in your claim. No one can determine the actual value of your motorcycle accident injury lawsuit or case without first fully analyzing the factors involved. Still, there are many types of damages that are common in these cases and a motorcycle accident lawsuit. These include:
- The cost to repair or replace your motorcycle,
- Medical expenses,
- Loss of household services,
- Lost income, and loss of earning capacity, if you cannot return to the same line of work in the future and must accept a lower-paying position,
- Loss of quality of life,
- Physical pain and emotional suffering, and
- Permanent disfigurement or disability.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
While you may be able to claim compensation if another person causes a crash while you are on your bike, the steps you take after the first accident scene will significantly impact your case. Here are the steps to seek compensation our motorcycle accident attorneys recommend you take following any motorcycle accident:
- Call 911 or local law enforcement to report the accident and so they will visit the scene to write and file a report.
- Seek medical attention right away. If paramedics arrive at the scene, allow them to examine you and follow any recommendations they provide. If paramedics do not arrive at the scene, visit an emergency room immediately. This can help you obtain the treatment you need, while also documenting the nature and severity of your injuries.
- While still at the scene collect as much evidence as possible, such as photographs and video footage of your injuries, damage to all vehicles involved, and the overall scene. Also locate witnesses and ask them for their names and contact information.
- Contact a Vinings motorcycle accident lawyer who can determine how the crash occurred, accurately value your claim, and help you obtain the fair settlement you may be entitled to.
Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Vinings Can Help After an Injury
A motorcycle accident can change your entire life. At Ponton Law, our Vinings motorcycle accident lawyer is dedicated to helping injured individuals obtain the fair settlement they deserve, and our experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can put their expertise to work for you, too. Call our motorcycle accident attorney now at 404-418-8507 or contact us online to schedule a free review of your motorcycle accident case and to learn more about how we can help.