Columbus, GA, Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycles offer a fun and efficient way to get around the streets of Columbus, Georgia. But the compact size that makes them so convenient also makes riders less visible and more vulnerable when accidents happen. Motorcycle crashes can lead to life-threatening injuries, expensive medical bills, and long-lasting psychological trauma. If the accident occurs due to another party’s negligence, the motorcyclist may be eligible to recover significant compensation for these losses.

Were you hurt in a motorcycle accident in Columbus, GA? The experienced attorneys at Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., can help you demand the money you need to rebuild your life. We understand how challenging things are after an accident, so our legal team wants to give you the support you need as we fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free case review with a Columbus, GA, motorcycle accident attorney. Learn more about your legal options at a no-obligation consultation.

What Makes Motorcycle Accidents More Severe Than Car Accidents?

Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users in Georgia. The small size of their vehicles makes them difficult to see, and inattentive drivers sometimes fail to yield the right of way to them when required to do so. Accidents often happen at high speeds because the driver is unaware of any imminent danger. The resulting collision between a 4,000-pound car and a 400-pound motorcycle can throw the motorcyclist from their vehicle, with potentially fatal results. Regardless of the speed of the crash, the combination of the motorcycle’s lack of protection for the rider and the tremendous force of impact can cause catastrophic injuries.

What Are Some Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Columbus?

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Columbus include:

• Driver Inattention – Drivers often overlook nearby motorcyclists, especially at intersections or when changing lanes. This risk is even greater if the driver is distracted by their phone, GPS device, food, or drink.
• Speeding – Drivers who exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for conditions cannot react quickly enough to avoid impending collisions. Speeding also increases the likelihood of losing control and the force imparted on impact.
• Impaired Driving – Intoxicated drivers have slower reaction times and poorer judgment, making them more likely to cause motorcycle crashes.
• Dangerous Road Conditions – Slippery roads, uneven pavement, debris, and other hazards can lead to falls and collisions if drivers do not take the necessary precautions.
• Reckless Driving – Unsafe passing, tailgating, ignoring traffic signals, and weaving through traffic raises motorcycle accident risks.
• Poor Visibility – Motorcycles can be hard to see because they have a small profile. Low light, sun glare, and inclement weather may further obscure visibility.

What Injuries Occur Most Frequently in Motorcycle Accidents?

A motorcyclist’s injuries in an accident are more likely to be severe. Common motorcycle accident injuries include:

• Road Rash – Skidding across pavement strips away skin and tissue. Infection can be a significant concern for drivers with road rash.
• Fractures – Arms, legs, ribs, the spine, and other bones often break in high-impact crashes.
• Traumatic Brain Injury – TBI is a leading cause of disability among injured motorcyclists.
• Spinal Cord Injury – Damage to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis.
• Internal Organ Damage – Lacerations, ruptures, or bleeding in vital organs require swift surgical intervention, or they can prove fatal.
• Amputations – Severe leg and arm injuries may require amputation. In some cases, the force of a collision is enough to traumatically sever a motorcyclist’s limb.
• Neck Injuries – The abrupt jolt from a collision can damage cervical vertebrae and discs.

Some motorcyclists do not survive collisions. In such tragic cases, their family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for their losses.

Is Lane Splitting Legal in Georgia?

Lane splitting is a practice where motorcyclists advance through the space between two vehicles in adjacent lanes. Georgia law expressly prohibits this practice. If a motorcyclist is in an accident while lane splitting, they may bear partial or full liability for the crash.

Are Helmets Required for Motorcycle Riders in Georgia?

Regardless of age, all motorcycle riders and passengers in Georgia must wear helmets that meet Commissioner of Public Safety standards.

How Do You Prove Who Is Responsible for a Columbus Motorcycle Accident?

Proving fault in a motorcycle accident is a complex task. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation and analyze evidence such as:

• The responding police officer’s accident report
• Photos and videos of the crash scene
• Eyewitness statements
• Testimony from accident reconstruction experts
• Data from the vehicle’s onboard computer system
• Statements from medical professionals about how an injury occurred

Using this information, the attorney can identify who was at fault and craft a powerful accident claim to negotiate for full compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company.

What Compensation Will I Be Able to Receive for My Motorcycle Accident?

If another party caused your motorcycle accident, you may claim compensation for:

• Medical bills from injury treatment, including ambulance fees, ER costs, surgery, therapy, and medication
• Future medical expenses predicted for ongoing care
• Lost income from missed work
• Loss of future earnings if disability impedes your career
• Pain and suffering damages
• Property damage to your motorcycle and gear

A knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer in Columbus, GA, can review your case and explain what forms of compensation may be available to you.

Does Georgia Have Time Limits for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

The Georgia statute of limitations imposes a two-year time limit for filing a motorcycle accident claim. In other words, you must initiate legal action within two years of the motorcycle accident date to maintain your right to compensation. Working with an experienced Columbus motorcycle accident attorney from Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., can help you meet this crucial deadline and preserve your right to justice.

Contact a Columbus, GA, Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can feel overwhelming and frightening. Injuries from the crash can upend your life, and the resulting medical bills can threaten your financial stability. However, you do not need to face this challenging time alone. The experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., can fight for the compensation you deserve so that you can move on with your life. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.