Powder Springs Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you’re likely facing a number of serious challenges. From severe injuries and medical expenses to lost income and property damage, your accident can quickly become a source of significant emotional stress and financial strain. You may also be facing the stereotypical stigma that often comes with riding a motorcycle, even if the accident was someone else’s fault.
At Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., we bring decades of combined experience to our work on behalf of clients just like you. Contact us today to speak with a Powder Springs motorcycle accident lawyer, and we’ll be happy to review your legal options.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Powder Springs?
Motorcycle accidents can have a variety of causes. Some of the more common ones include:
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Rapid lane changes
- Failure to check blind spots
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Poor road conditions
- Slick roads
- Obstacles or debris in the road
- Dangerous intersection design
- Malfunctioning traffic lights
- Lack of warning signage
- Defective or broken motorcycle components
Motorcycle operators face considerable risk on the road. What might be a relatively minor accident for a car or truck driver can be catastrophic for someone riding a motorcycle. Your motorcycle accident lawyer will pinpoint all causes of your accident to identify all liable parties.
What Injuries Occur Most Often in Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcyclists lack the protection offered by cars and trucks. Because they’re so exposed, they’re more likely to suffer serious injuries in the event of an accident. Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Nerve damage
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Road rash
- Abrasions and lacerations
Wearing a helmet and protective gear can help reduce the severity of your injuries — not to mention they can save your life. But the simple fact is that motorcycle accidents are dangerous events that will likely lead to significant injuries. The consequences can last a lifetime.
Where Do the Majority of Motorcycle Accidents Occur?
Motorcycle accidents can occur anywhere. However, the following locations are particularly common locations for accidents:
- Intersections — Vehicle drivers colliding with motorcyclists while making left turns, rear-ending motorcycle riders, and sideswiping them are common types of accidents that occur in intersections.
- Two-lane roads — These roads present a heightened risk of head-on collisions because drivers may veer into oncoming traffic due to a distraction or losing control of their vehicle.
- Highways — The high traffic volumes and increased rates of speed on highways pose a risk to motorcyclists, particularly when it comes to blind spot accidents and unsafely merging or changing lanes.
These settings and situations are especially dangerous for motorcyclists due to their relative size and lack of protection compared to larger motor vehicles.
Why Are Motorcycle Riders at Greater Risk for Serious Injuries?
According to recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle riders are 24 times more likely to die in a collision than those in passenger vehicles. This is mainly because riders are much more vulnerable. Motorcycles are much smaller than even the most modest sedans, and they offer no exterior protection.
These vulnerabilities make motorcyclists more susceptible to injuries in general and make it more likely that their injuries will be catastrophic or even fatal.
What Should I Do After a Powder Springs Motorcycle Accident?
The time immediately following a motorcycle accident is critical. You likely called 911 and got medical care for your injuries. However, there are several additional actions you must take to protect yourself:
- Follow your doctor’s recommended course of treatment for any injuries.
- Return to the crash site to document the scene as best as you can. Take pictures of all injuries, damage, and conditions that may have contributed to the accident.
- Keep a pain journal to document how your injuries affect your daily life.
- Stay off social media.
- Contact a Powder Springs motorcycle accident lawyer.
How to Prove Fault in a Motorcycle Crash
In a motorcycle accident case, the key step in seeking the compensation you deserve is proving another party’s negligence caused the accident and your injuries. When researching the accident, your attorney’s job is to find all available evidence to show that the other party is at fault and owes you compensation as a result.
What Factors Determine the Value of My Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Motorcycle accident compensation can vary considerably. How much you receive depends on several factors related to your accident, including:
- Medical treatment expenses, including future and long-term treatment costs
- The severity of your injuries and potential for physical recovery
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Cost of repairing or replacing personal property
- Pain and suffering, including emotional trauma and loss of quality of life
All accidents are unique, and some of these factors may be more prominent than others in your case. Your attorney will evaluate your situation to determine an appropriate amount of compensation to seek.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in Georgia for Filing My Accident Claim?
Georgia’s statute of limitations allows two years from the date of the crash to file a motorcycle accident injury lawsuit. Although two years may make it seem like there’s no hurry to initiate legal proceedings, keep in mind that these cases take time to research and negotiate. Contact a Powder Springs motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident to protect yourself against missed deadlines.
Contact a Powder Springs, GA Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, the last thing you should have to worry about is the details of your legal case. When you trust a Powder Springs motorcycle accident lawyer from Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., you can rest easy knowing we’ll put our knowledge and experience to work pursuing the results you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We look forward to hearing about your situation and fighting for justice on your behalf while you focus on your recovery.
NEED HELP? CONTACT US