Hapeville Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
With scenic mountains and valleys, warm and sunny weather, and wide open roads, Georgia is a great place to explore on a motorcycle. The state hosts a number of motorcycle events all through the year and is home to some of the most prominent motorcycle roads and destinations in the South.
At the same time, riding a motorcycle is far riskier than driving a car mostly due to the lack of protective features in motorcycles. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that motorcycle riders are 4 times more likely to suffer serious injuries and 24 times more likely to suffer fatal injuries in the event of an accident compared to those who drive cars. The sad part is that many of these accidents are caused by negligent drivers who fail to exercise reasonable care and put other road users at risk.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver or any other third-party, you might be entitled to compensatory damages. At Fox Injury Law, we have decades of combined experience in handling motorcycle accident claims and can help you get full and fair compensation for your injuries and financial losses. Contact us today to talk to one of our experienced Hapeville, GA motorcycle accident lawyers.
Why Motorcycle Riders are More Likely to Be Involved in an Accident Compared to Other Drivers
There are many reasons why motorcycle riders are at a higher risk of being involved in an accident compared to other drivers. These include:
- Motorcycles are considerably smaller in size than cars, as a result of which they are often overlooked by motorists – especially at intersections.
- Since motorcycles only have two wheels, they are inherently unstable, which makes them more vulnerable to road hazards like potholes, cracks, debris, puddles, and uneven surfaces.
- Due to the lack of protective features in motorcycles, riders, and passengers are at a much greater risk of suffering catastrophic injuries in the event of an accident.
- Due to their lightweight structure, motorcycles can become wobbly and unstable at high speeds. As a result, they can be hard to control, which in turn can increase the risk of accidents considerably.
- Riding a motorcycle can be more challenging than driving a car, as it requires greater focus and greater balance and coordination. As a result, an inexperienced motorcycle rider is more likely to be involved in an accident compared to an inexperienced driver.
- Lastly, motorcycle riders are exposed to the elements, which makes riding a motorcycle even riskier.
Most Dangerous Intersections in Hapeville, GA
The most dangerous intersections for motorcyclists in Hapeville are:
- The intersection of SR 3 (Dogwood Drive) and King Arnold Drive.
- The intersection of Virginia Avenue, Doug Davis Drive, Clay Place, and Little Virginia Avenue.
- The intersection of I-85 and Sylvan Road.
- The intersection of North Central Avenue and I-75.
Damages You Can Recover in a Hapeville, GA Motorcycle Accident Claim
Under Georgia law, you have the right to recover compensatory damages for the tangible as well as intangible losses you suffer in an accident. These include:
Tangible Damages
- Current and future medical expenses
- Cost of physical rehabilitation
- Cost of psychotherapy and vocational therapy
- Cost of buying assistive devices
- Cost of nursing assistance (at home or at a facility)
- Lost earnings
- Loss of earning capacity
- Cost of repairing your motorcycle and other items damaged in the accident
Intangible Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Diminished quality of life
Can You Recover Damages If You Were Not Wearing a Helmet at the Time of the Accident?
Yes, you can. Georgia is one of the states with a universal helmet law that requires all riders to wear a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet. Failing to do so can lead to a misdemeanor charge and fines ranging from $100 to $500.
At the same time, not wearing a helmet does not take away your right to hold another responsible party accountable in the event of an accident. You can still recover damages for your injuries and other losses – as long as your share of fault (if you were partially to blame for the accident) does not equal or exceed the other party’s share of fault.
The biggest problem with not wearing a helmet is that the other party’s insurance company might try to use it against you to reduce your compensation. They might argue that if you had worn a helmet, you might not have suffered serious injuries and therefore your compensation should be reduced proportionately.
While a Hapeville motorcycle accident lawyer can counter these arguments, it might be more difficult to recover the compensation you deserve. This is why we always recommend that motorcycle riders wear a helmet at all times – without any exceptions.
Why Strong Legal Representation Matters in Motorcycle Accident Claims
One of the biggest challenges associated with a motorcycle accident claim is that many people seem to think that motorcycle riders are thrill seekers who engage in risky riding behaviors just for the sake of it. As a result, insurance companies often refuse to pay motorcycle accident victims what they are owed. Even if your case goes to trial, some of the jurors might not be sympathetic towards you due to the misconception about motorcyclists.
An experienced lawyer can counter these unfair allegations, question the preconceived notions about motorcycle riders, and establish the liability of the at-fault parties with evidence to get you the compensation you deserve. This is why legal representation matters so much in motorcycle accident claims.
Talk to Our Reputable Hapeville, GA Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
At Fox Injury Law, we understand how a serious injury can impact your life. It is why we are committed to providing highly effective, result-oriented legal representation that can help you get the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Our Hapeville, GA motorcycle crash attorneys bring unmatched legal knowledge, aggressive negotiation skills, and extensive courtroom experience to the table and are ready to fight tirelessly to recover the damages you are owed.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and case assessment with a member of our legal team.