Motorcycle crashes can be some of the most severe types of vehicular accidents. Injuries are often catastrophic or even life-threatening, requiring on-going medical treatment and costly rehabilitative services. If you are suffering from a biking collision, reach out to a dedicated personal injury attorney. Working with an experienced Gainesville motorcycle accident lawyer could help you hold the negligent drivers accountable and collect the compensation you need for your losses. En Español.
Recently, Georgia ranked in the top 20 U.S. states for motorcycle accident fatalities. Even the most skilled and careful riders can crash due to circumstances beyond their control, such as other negligent drivers on the road. Unfortunately, most biking wrecks leave survivors with serious injuries, including:
Our attorneys regularly provide legal support for Gainesville bikers in motorcycle accident cases, and we understand the medical and financial challenges victims face after a crash. A member of our legal team could fight for compensation on behalf of an injured rider and allow them to focus on their physical recovery.
Although bikers often suffer greater harm in collisions with other vehicles, the same general operating rules apply for motorcycles under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 40-6-310, such as abiding by traffic control signals, speed limits, and other safety laws. Additionally, motorcycles may occupy a full lane on any roadway, so other drivers must provide this space to all riders on the road.
Georgia has also instituted several additional protective requirements for motorcyclists, such as riding with headlights and taillights to improve visibility by others on the road. Per O.C.G.A. §§ 40-6-312(b) & (c), riders must take reasonable precautions to look after their well-being by avoiding:
Despite all of these safeguards, devastating accidents can still occur. Motorcyclists and their families impacted by a crash should reach out to a local attorney for help pursuing compensation for injuries.
O.C.G.A. §§ 51-12-1 & 51-12-2 allow injured parties to recover special and general damages. Special damages are measurable and account for out-of-pocket expenses, both present and future. This could include medical bills or lost wages if the victim could not work due to their injuries. General damages address intangible forms of harm, such as pain and suffering.
State law does not set limits for these compensatory damages, but under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33, an injured victim may see their recovery reduced if they played a role in causing the accident. If the victim bears 50 percent or more of the blame, they will be barred from seeking any compensation, regardless of the extent of their injuries. To avoid significant reductions and maximize their potential damage award following an accident, an injured Gainesville motorcycle rider should work with a seasoned attorney on a rigorous legal strategy.
Traffic accidents can leave bikers suffering from many physical, emotional, and financial burdens. If you were in a crash caused by a reckless driver, bring an experienced Gainesville motorcycle accident lawyer into your corner. At Smith Hulsey, our legal team could help you regain control of your life by holding negligent parties accountable and working toward compensation. Call today to discuss your situation with lawyers who care.
Smith Hulsey Law
Tap Here For Free Case consult 