Peachtree City, GA Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Georgia has warm weather during most months out of the year, and this is a great state for motorcycle riding. Motorcyclists enjoy the freedom of riding through the open air and taking in all of the scenic beauty our state has to offer. There are few activities that are as fun and exhilarating as riding a motorcycle, but it can also be very dangerous.
Motorcyclists have very little protection on the roadways compared to occupants of motor vehicles. And when there is a collision between a motorcycle and a car or truck, there is very little to prevent a motorcyclist from hitting the pavement. This is why motorcyclists are statistically 27 times more likely to die in a crash (per 100,000 miles traveled) than passenger car occupants.
When a motorcyclist gets injured in an accident, they often face an uphill battle with the insurance company. Many insurers have an inherent bias toward motorcycle riders and assume that they are reckless and most likely at fault for the accident. In a situation like this, it is very important to have experienced personal injury attorneys at your side fighting hard to get you the compensation you deserve.
At Fox Injury Law, we have been standing up for individuals who have been injured because of wrongful acts for several years. Our firm is focused exclusively on personal injury law, and our attorneys have extensive knowledge of the complexities involved with these types of cases. When a client has been injured in a motorcycle accident, we go to work immediately to thoroughly investigate the case and explore every potential legal avenue toward recovering full and fair compensation.
Leading Causes of Peachtree City, GA Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accident fatalities have risen substantially over the years. Throughout the 1990s, the number of annual motorcycle deaths never exceeded 3,000. But in the early 2000s, this trend started to change for the worse. In 2004, there were more than 4,000 motorcyclist fatalities, and in 2007, this number exceeded 5,000 for the first time and has remained around that level ever since.
There are a number of reasons why motorcycle accidents happen, some of the most common include:
- Reckless Driving: A lot of people are in a hurry these days, and this results in aggressive driving that often crosses the line into recklessness. During rush hour in Atlanta, for example, vehicles can often be seen speeding, running stoplights, rolling through stop signs, making swift and dangerous lane changes, and failing to yield the right-of-way. Behaviors like these vastly increase the chances of a vehicle crash.
- Drunk Driving: Whether it is driving a car or riding a motorcycle, alcohol does not mix well with operating any type of motorized vehicle. Chemical impairment causes drivers to have slower reaction times and make poor judgments on the road. Drunk drivers have also been known to drive more recklessly as they lose their inhibitions.
- Distracted Driving: Many experts believe that distracted driving is one of the major factors that has led to the sharp rise in motorcycle accident deaths in recent years. These days, nearly everyone has a smartphone, and a lot of drivers give in to the temptation to send and receive texts and other types of electronic messages. Texting while driving is extremely dangerous, however, especially when there are motorcycles nearby. When a driver is looking down at their smartphone, they often weave into another lane or miss a vehicle or motorcycle that enters their blind spot.
- Drowsy Driving: Sleepy or fatigued driving is an often-overlooked cause of motorcycle accidents. Drivers who do not get enough sleep often get tired and struggle to stay awake when they are behind the wheel. Even if they do not fall asleep at the wheel, a drowsy driver still has much slower reaction times and limited peripheral vision. Roughly half of all Americans admit to having driven a vehicle while struggling to stay awake, but drowsy driving is most common among commercial drivers and those who work long shifts that run into the evening and overnight hours.
- Vehicle Defects: There are some motorcycle accidents that could be the fault of a party other than the drivers involved in the crash. And one of the most common examples is the failure of a vehicle or vehicle part. Examples include a new set of brakes that fail to stop, a new tire that blows out, or a computer dashboard malfunction that causes a vehicle to stop abruptly. In cases like these, those who are injured in the crash may be able to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor of the defective product.
Comparative Negligence for Peachtree City, GA Motorcycle Accident Claims
Injuries from motorcycle accidents can be serious and life-threatening, and victims may be entitled to significant compensation. Damages may include compensation not only for direct monetary losses such as medical expenses, lost earnings, and property damage, but also for noneconomic losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
Georgia follows a modified form of comparative negligence for personal injury claims in which an injured person can recover compensation for their losses even if they were partially responsible for the crash, as long as they are no more than 49% at fault. But if they are partially liable, their damage award is reduced in proportion to the percentage of fault they share. For example, if you suffered $100,000 worth of damages and you are found to be 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by $20,000 to a total of $80,000.
Georgia also has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, but it is important to get an experienced attorney involved as early as possible after the accident. Memories fade and evidence has a tendency to disappear over time, and the sooner you retain strong legal counsel, the better your chances of recovering maximum compensation.
Contact Our Skilled and Knowledgeable Peachtree City, GA Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
If you or someone close to you got injured in a motorcycle crash, contact Fox Injury Law today for the legal guidance you need. We will meet with you to thoroughly assess your case and advise you of your legal rights and options. To get started, message us online or call our office today for a free consultation with one of our attorneys. Our number is (404) 777-7778.
And remember, you don’t pay us a dime, unless we win your case for you!