Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you may want to speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Sandy Springs, GA about your legal options. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your loss. An attorney from Hernan Law Firm can help you bring a claim against the negligent party.
Top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Sandy Springs, GA
Motorcycle accidents in Sandy Springs, GA, are a significant concern for both riders and the general public. As a reputable law firm serving the community, Hernan Law Firm is committed to raising awareness about the top causes of motorcycle accidents in the area. Understanding these factors can help motorcyclists and motorists alike take preventative measures to reduce the incidence of accidents and promote road safety.
- Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents in Sandy Springs is distracted driving. Drivers who engage in activities like texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting their GPS while behind the wheel can fail to notice motorcyclists, leading to serious collisions.
- Lane Changing and Merging: Accidents often occur when cars change lanes or merge without adequately checking their blind spots. Motorcycles can be harder to spot than larger vehicles, increasing the risk of being sideswiped or involved in a rear-end collision.
- Speeding: Excessive speeding remains a significant problem in Sandy Springs and is a common factor in motorcycle accidents. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to react to unexpected situations, potentially causing devastating accidents for motorcyclists.
- Failure to Yield Right-of-Way: Motorcycle riders are vulnerable when other drivers fail to yield the right-of-way at intersections or when making turns. This can lead to serious accidents, especially at high traffic areas or busy intersections.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a major concern, contributing to a substantial number of motorcycle accidents in Sandy Springs. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times and diminished judgment, posing a significant risk to motorcyclists sharing the road.
- Poor Road Conditions: Road hazards such as potholes, loose gravel, and uneven surfaces can be hazardous to motorcyclists. These conditions can cause loss of control, leading to accidents, especially during adverse weather conditions.
- Inexperienced Motorcyclists: Inexperience can be a contributing factor to motorcycle accidents. New riders may not be fully aware of the handling dynamics of their motorcycles, making them more susceptible to accidents, especially in challenging road conditions.
- Left-Turn Collisions: Left-turn collisions are a common type of motorcycle accident in Sandy Springs. They occur when a car makes a left turn at an intersection or driveway, failing to yield to an oncoming motorcycle going straight or overtaking in the opposite direction.
Recognizing and addressing the top causes of motorcycle accidents in Sandy Springs is essential for promoting road safety. The Hernan Law Firm is dedicated to assisting motorcycle accident victims and raising awareness about these contributing factors. By taking preventative measures, adhering to traffic laws, and being attentive on the road, both motorcyclists and motorists can work together to reduce accidents and create a safer environment for everyone.
Common Motorcycle Accident Myths
Motorcyclists who were injured in an accident caused by another motorist have the right to pursue a personal injury claim. However, they may believe certain untruths that make them hesitant to file a claim. Here are some common motorcycle accidents myths that you shouldn’t believe.
- If you think you will crash, lay your motorcycle down. This is actually one of the worst things you can do before an accident. It’s actually best to stay on your motorcycle for as long as possible and try to slow your motorcycle down. The slower your motorcycle is going, the less severe your injuries will be.
- Other drivers will always see you. Unfortunately, this is false. A motorcycle is much smaller than a standard vehicle, so sometimes drivers don’t see motorcyclists. To reduce your chances of getting into an accident, stay out of other vehicles’ blind spots, ride defensively and wear bright clothes.
- Motorcyclists are frequently to blame in accidents. This couldn’t be further from the truth. As a motorcycle accident lawyer in Sandy Springs, GA can confirm, drivers of passenger vehicles are actually frequently at-fault in accidents. These drivers may not see motorcyclists, drive above the speed limit or get distracted.
- Helmets don’t do anything. While helmets might not prevent you from getting into an accident, they can reduce your risk of suffering a severe head injury in the event of a crash. That’s why you should always put on a helmet before getting on your bike.
- Riding on city streets is safer than riding on the highway. Believe it or not, motorcyclists are actually more likely to get into an accident on city streets. They have to deal with more intersections where motorists may have trouble seeing motorcyclists.
- Hiring a lawyer is too expensive. Some accident victims shy away from hiring a lawyer because they don’t think they can afford one. However, personal injury lawyers usually work on a contingency fee, meaning they only charge a fee if you win your case.
Sandy Springs Motorcycle Accident Infographic
Motorcycle Accident Prevention Facts
As a motorcycle accident lawyer Sandy Springs GA motorcyclists trust at Hernan Law Firm knows, owning a motorcycle entails performing basic maintenance on such a powerful machine. By taking care of it, it will last longer, not leave you stranded somewhere, and can protect against serious accidents. If there is a flaw or part that needs to be replaced, and you don’t do so, it could be what causes an issue while riding, making you unable to swerve out of the way if danger presents itself.
Install A Light Modulator
It is recommended that anything you can do as a motorcyclist to make yourself more noticeable on the road is something to consider adding to your bike. For instance, you can use a light modulator on the taillight and headlight, which connects right into the electrical part of these lights. For the headlight, it alternates between low and high beams, so that other drivers can see you better. Taillights are harder to see since they are smaller lights, but when there is a light modulator, the light will blink a few times before staying at bright red to help other drivers be more aware of you stopping. Installing a light modulator can protect against getting rear ended.
Be Wary Of Where You Halt
Many motorcyclists practice a strategy where they pay more attention to where they stop when having to halt. When driving a car, we only think about stopping behind another car at a light or stop sign, but this is different for motorcyclists. If a car driver does not notice the motorcyclist has stopped behind another car, they can rear end them and cause the rider to get pinned between two vehicles. Stopping towards the left or right of the car won’t protect a rider from being rear ended, however, it does ward against being smashed between two cars.
Wear Gear At All Times
A Sandy Springs motorcycle accident lawyer knows that riding a motorcycle can be a really fun experience, but there is no avoiding the fact that a motorcyclist is more vulnerable to sustaining severe injury compared to others on the road. A motorcyclist just doesn’t have the same level of protection that a car driver has, since there is no barrier between their bodies and the force of hard surfaces. A motorcyclist must always wear a helmet and other protective gear at all times.
Try Not To Ride At Night
Based on the study done at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, almost 30% of fatal motorcycle collisions occur between 9pm and 3am. Weekend night driving is even more dangerous for motorcyclists, possibly because there tends to be more drunk drivers on the road compared to other days of the week. Riding at night hinders a rider’s view of the road, and with such decreased visibility, it can make it harder to see animals or potholes, even with bright headlights. What is more difficult to see at night is much easier during daytime hours.
But even with all of this being said, a motorcyclist may not be able to avoid an accident entirely, as we cannot control how others on the road choose to drive. Victims of motorcycle collisions are strongly advised to talk with a Sandy Springs motorcycle accident lawyer so that their best interests and recovery are protected from the start.
Schedule a consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Sandy Springs, GA from Hernan Law Firm today to discuss your case.
Motorcycle Accidents Are More Severe Than Car Accidents
A motorcycle accident lawyer Sandy Springs GA clients recommend knows that if you are a motorcyclist, you may already be aware that you are vulnerable on the road amongst two-ton vehicles and tractor-trailers that weigh much more. No matter how much protective gear you wear when riding your motorcycle, the impact of crashing with another vehicle in almost all cases overwhelms the gear, which means that the results of many motorcycle accidents are injuries far more severe than those sustained in vehicle accidents. To be sure, many motorcycle accidents, unfortunately, result in death. As motorcycles become more prevalent, so do the number of serious accidents and even deaths involving motorcycles.
The Reason for Severe Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Unfortunately, you are exposed when riding a motorcycle, with no roof over you or anything to shield you from a direct hit. You are also missing all of the safety features those of us in cars have, like shoulder seatbelts and airbags, which help cushion the blow and lessen the impact when a collision does occur. And many motorcycles are smaller and more lightweight than others, meaning any collision, be it with another vehicle, an animal, or even an inanimate object, can have catastrophic and even fatal results.
The Most Common Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents
A Sandy Springs motorcycle accident lawyer knows that in almost all motorcycle accidents, the driver of the cycle may sustain serious injuries that can have a long-term impact on his or her life. If the driver is not wearing a helmet, the injuries are sure to be catastrophic. The state of Georgia does have a mandatory helmet law for all riders, but there are still some people who will skirt the law in order to avoid wearing one. As a result, motorcycle accidents may often result in severe or fatal trauma because of head injuries sustained in the crash. Specifically, motorcycle accidents can lead to broken bones, paralysis, severe road rash, concussions, spinal cord injuries, disc injuries, and in the most serious cases, death.
Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents are serious and traumatic enough without having to worry that the at-fault party, or the insurance company for the at-fault party, or even in some cases your own insurance company, is not going to step up and pay your damages in good faith. Insurance companies, while obligated to pay claims quickly and in good faith, do not always make settling your claim easy, and sometimes even try to undercompensate you for the injuries you suffer or deny your claim altogether.
Because the injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents are often more severe and long-term than those sustained in other accidents, it is important that you have experienced car accident attorneys at your side to deal with the insurance adjuster and maximize the compensation you are given.
Sandy Springs Motorcycle Accident Frequently Asked Questions
1. What steps should I follow after being involved in a motorcycle accident?
Firstly, always prioritize your safety and well-being. If you’re physically able, move to a safe location away from traffic. Contact emergency services immediately to report the accident and seek medical attention if needed, even if injuries appear minor. Documenting the accident is crucial – take photographs of the scene, damages, and any visible injuries. Collect details of witnesses and other involved parties. After ensuring you have the necessary evidence, consider reaching out to a Sandy Springs, GA motorcycle accident lawyer, such as those at the Hernan Law Firm.
2. How can a lawyer assist after my motorcycle accident?
A lawyer with expertise in motorcycle accidents can provide invaluable assistance in numerous ways. They will:
- Help determine liability in the accident.
- Negotiate with insurance providers to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Gather all necessary evidence and details related to the accident.
- Represent you in court, if a lawsuit becomes necessary.
- Offer legal advice tailored to the specifics of your situation.
Their understanding of local regulations and the specific challenges motorcyclists face can make the difference in your case.
3. I wasn’t wearing a helmet during the accident. Will this impact my claim?
While wearing a helmet is always recommended for safety reasons, Georgia law does not require motorcyclists over the age of 18 to wear one. However, insurance companies may argue that not wearing a helmet contributed to your injuries, potentially impacting your compensation. An experienced Sandy Springs motorcycle accident lawyer can help counter these arguments and ensure that you receive a fair evaluation.
4. What compensation can I expect after my motorcycle accident?
The compensation you may be entitled to will vary based on several factors, including the severity of injuries, damages to your motorcycle, and the circumstances of the accident. Potential compensation areas include:
- Medical expenses: current and future bills related to the accident.
- Lost wages: if the injury caused an inability to work.
- Pain and suffering: which includes emotional distress.
- Property damage: repair or replacement of your motorcycle.
Engaging with a proficient lawyer can help ensure you access all the compensation avenues available to you.
5. How long do I have to file a claim after a motorcycle accident?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, which includes motorcycle accidents, is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, there might be exceptions or specifics based on individual circumstances. It’s essential to act promptly and consult a Sandy Springs motorcycle accident lawyer early on. They can advise on deadlines, ensuring that you don’t miss out on potential compensation due to a technicality.
Navigating the complexities following a motorcycle accident can be daunting. It’s crucial to take the necessary steps to protect your rights and well-being. Partnering with an experienced lawyer, like the esteemed professionals at the Hernan Law Firm, can offer peace of mind, ensuring that all aspects of your case are handled with diligence and expertise.
Contact Our Office
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, call the Hernan Law Firm to speak with a dedicated Sandy Springs motorcycle accident lawyer and find out what legal options you may have.
