Motorcycle accidents in Brookhaven are unfortunately very common. And if they involve two or more vehicles, they’re usually caused by the other driver—not the biker. A driver’s “simple” mistake can cost a motorcyclist dearly, and bike accidents often result in broken bones, head injuries, and other serious medical problems. Fatalities are also common. When you or a loved one has been the victim of this type of crash, you need a Brookhaven motorcycle accident lawyer.
Our lawyers provide compassionate, knowledgeable service to every client. Each person is treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. An insurance company may not care about you and your family, but our attorneys certainly do. We have over 20 years of practice helping motorcycle accident victims in the Brookhaven area, and we want to help you too. Let us give you a FREE consultation. Call us at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the form to the right to get your free consultation today.
How are motorcycle accidents different from car crashes?
From a legal perspective, these accidents virtually identical. But, they can be very different because motorcycle crashes are far more likely to involve serious injuries or death. In fact, a staggering 80% of motorcycle accidents will cause injuries or a fatality. The motorcycle provides no protection for a rider or passenger like a car would, and motorcyclists are far more likely to be flung from their vehicles. There are no airbags or seat belts on a motorcycle.
They are also very different because it’s more likely that the motorcyclist was not at fault in a collision that involves another driver. Motorcyclists are aware of how vulnerable they are and usually put a lot of focus into staying at a safe distance from other vehicles. That generally makes personal injury cases easier to win.
What kind of injuries are most likely to result from a motorcycle accident?
When motorcycle accidents occur, regardless of the cause, they often injure the same body parts. Some of the most common injuries caused by a motorcycle accident include damage to the following.
Legs and feet.
Nearly one-third of all motorcycle accidents will involve damage to the lower extremities, including the legs, feet, and ankles. The bike will often fall on the rider, crushing their legs. The legs are often the first thing to hit the ground in a crash as well.
Head and neck.
Roughly 20% of all motorcycle crashes will cause head and neck injuries. For this reason, making sure that you always wear your helmet to follow Georgia law is very important. These injuries can cause death in some cases. They can also affect you for the rest of your life, causing serious brain damage and spinal cord damages that may result in paralysis.
Chest, shoulder, and back.
Injuries to the chest may result in internal damage that can be fatal. Back and shoulder injuries may also result in chronic issues that may haunt you for the rest of your life, even if you undergo surgery to correct a problem.
Arms and hands.
Motorcyclists often automatically put their arms and hands out to try to catch themselves in an accident. This reaction generally cannot be stopped, and it can result in broken bones and wrist fractures.
Hips and pelvis.
Last on the list of common body parts injured are the hips and pelvis. These areas not as susceptible to injury because it’s far more likely that another body part will hit the ground or another vehicle first.
Do I have a legal claim if I was a passenger on a motorcycle?
You absolutely still have a claim if you were a passenger on a motorcycle. The other drivers on the road still owe you the same duty of care that they owe a motorcycle driver. That means that if the driver has a legal claim, then you, as a passenger do too.
Alternately, you may also have a claim against the person driving the motorcycle if they were being reckless or careless and their actions caused the crash. It can be hard to consider this kind of claim, but keep in mind that the lawsuit will usually involve your friend or loved one’s insurance company more than them. Although they will be included in the case, it’s their insurance company that will have to pay for your medical expense and other losses. Talking to your loved one before asserting the claim will often help them understand why you are bringing such a case.
Do I have rights if I lost a spouse in a motorcycle accident?
Yes. You can often bring a wrongful death claim if your spouse was killed in a motorcycle accident.
Losing a loved one is never easy, and it is especially difficult when the loss is sudden and clearly someone else’s fault. This pain is often compounded by the financial burden of losing a key member of your family—not to mention the remaining medical costs and other expenses. Filing your wrongful death claim is an essential way to protect yourself and your family after your loss.
What causes motorcycle accidents in Brookhaven?
In crashes that involve more than one party, the other driver is usually the cause of the accident. In those situations, you can often bring a lawsuit to recover your damages, including medical expenses, time away from work, and pain and suffering.
Some of the most common reasons that motorcycle accidents occur include:
- Failure to maintain a proper distance from the motorcycle
- Left turns into an oncoming bike
- Improper lane changes
- Speeding
- Poor weather conditions that make seeing motorcyclists difficult
- Failure to signal turns or lane changes
The fact that a driver didn’t see you before the accident happened isn’t a good excuse. They are supposed to keep an eye out for all vehicles when they are on the road, and that includes motorcyclists like you.
Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Brookhaven for Free
We know what you are going through after a motorcycle accident. We have helped countless bikers and their families through the same circumstances—and we have a history of winning cases. Let us connect you with some of the top motorcycle accident lawyers in the state and give you a FREE consultation. Call us at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the form to the right to get your free consultation today.