East Point, GA Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Nestled in the heart of Georgia’s Fulton County is the city of East Point – a place known for its warm community, vibrant economy, and that special touch of Southern charm. But amid the hustle and bustle, there is a serious issue that motorcyclists face daily: being overlooked on the road. And, unfortunately, this oversight can lead to catastrophic accidents, sometimes changing lives in an instant.
At Fox Injury Law, our East Point, GA motorcycle accident lawyers are committed to helping injured victims obtain the largest possible compensation from the liable parties. If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, give us a call to set up your free consultation with our legal team today.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in East Point, GA
Knowing the typical causes of a bike accident is important to reconstruct the accident, identify responsible parties, and build a strong case for damages. Some of the key causes include:
- Distracted driving by motorists
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Speeding by car or truck drivers
- Drunk driving
- Lane splitting
- Unsafe lane changes
- Tailgating
- Driver inexperience
- Hazardous road conditions
- Vehicle defects
- Sudden stops or abrupt maneuvers
- Failure to check blind spots
- Aggressive driving behaviors
- Left-turn collisions
- Opening car doors without checking
Due to the lack of protection for a bike rider compared to a car driver, head and spinal injuries are fairly common in these accidents. These may lead to concussions, cognitive impairment, loss of motor function, coma, seizures, paralysis, or even death.
Dangerous Intersections for Motorcyclists in East Point, GA
As a motorcyclist, make sure to be extra careful when passing through the following roads and intersections in East Point as they are known to be prone to collisions:
- Interstate 285
- Interstate 85
- Camp Creek Parkway
- Old National Highway
- Main Street
- Washington Road
- Virginia Avenue
- Delowe Drive
- East Point Street
- Cleveland Avenue
Local Hospitals in East Point for Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Seeking medical attention after you have been in a crash is vital for several reasons. To begin with, it ensures that any injuries you may have sustained are promptly identified and treated. Some injuries, like internal bleeding, organ damage, or a traumatic brain injury, may not exhibit immediate symptoms, and a medical professional can assess your condition to address any hidden injuries.
Moreover, seeking timely and appropriate medical care establishes a documented record of your injuries, which can be crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings. These medical records serve as evidence of the link between the accident and your injuries.
Here are some of the well-known healthcare facilities in East Point that offer comprehensive care to crash victims:
- Grady East Point Neighborhood Health Center
- Emory University Hospital Midtown
- Piedmont Hospital
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Motorcycle Accident in East Point, GA?
In East Point, if you have been injured in a motorbike accident, you must show that the other party caused it if you want to get any compensation. Depending on what exactly occurred, our attorneys might find there is more than one party to blame. It could be:
- Negligent drivers, through actions like speeding, distracted driving, or drunk driving
- Motorcycle or parts manufacturers, if a defect led to the accident
- Maintenance companies, if shoddy repair work resulted in the accident
- Government entities, if poor road conditions or faulty traffic signals played a role
- Insurance companies, especially in cases of bad faith or dealing with uninsured/underinsured motorists
Motorcycle Accident Laws in East Point
As we mentioned earlier, Georgia operates under the “at-fault” system, which means that the person who caused the accident is the one who has to pay for the damages. So, if another driver was at fault for your motorcycle crash, their insurance is generally responsible for covering your medical bills, bike repairs, and any other damages.
Secondly, Georgia has a “modified comparative negligence” rule. What it means is that if you were in an accident and it was decided that you were partially at fault, any compensation you receive would be reduced by that amount. So, if you were awarded $10,000 and your responsibility for the accident is found to be 20%, you’d only get $8,000.
Also, in Georgia, all motorcycle riders and passengers are required to wear a helmet. Not only could not wearing one lead to a fine, but it could also impact any compensation you might receive if you are in an accident.
Finally, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you are only claiming damage to your bike, you have four years.
Can I File a Wrongful Death Claim Resulting from a Motorcycle Accident?
Yes, if you have tragically lost a loved one as a result of the crash, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. This type of claim seeks to compensate the family members left behind for their profound loss.
Under Georgia law, the right to file a wrongful death claim first falls to the deceased person’s spouse. If there is no surviving spouse, the right passes to the deceased’s children. In cases where the victim did not have a spouse or children, the parents or the representative of the victim’s estate may file the claim.
A wrongful death claim can help recover the “full value of the life of the deceased”, which includes tangible things like lost wages and benefits, but also intangible aspects like companionship and emotional pain.
In these cases, the statute of limitations is also two years, but the clock usually starts ticking from the date of the victim’s death, which could be later than the date of the accident. There are certain circumstances that can pause or “toll” the two-year statute. If the victim’s estate does not have a representative, or if the victim’s death is the subject of a criminal homicide investigation or charges, the time limit may be extended.
No Win, No Fee: Fox Injury Law is Ready to Protect Your Rights
If you have been injured in a motorcycle or car accident due to the negligence of others, you shouldn’t have to face the aftermath alone. With Fox Injury Law on your side, you are in capable hands that have extensive experience in these cases.
We are well-versed in navigating the legal maze and negotiating strongly with insurance companies. If need be, we are ready to take your fight to the courtroom to achieve the highest possible compensation for you. We will only get paid when we win for you. Call us to request your free and confidential consultation today.