Motorcycle riding is a favorite pastime for many people. Motorcycle accidents can happen out of nowhere and result in catastrophic injuries and even death. You can claim compensation when you are hurt in a motorcycle accident caused by someone’s negligence. But proving your case isn’t easy and insurance companies will try to deny your claim or pay less than you deserve.
Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident in Buford, Georgia? You should seek immediate legal assistance from a top Buford motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney will fight for the maximum compensation in your case.
Buford has its own share of personal injury law firms, but not all of these companies are not top-notch. H. Groves Law is your trusted partner in Buford when it comes to handling all types of personal injury claims, including motorcycle accident cases.
The expert team at H Groves Law has represented hundreds of motorcycle accident victims in the past and won hundreds of thousands of dollars fighting big insurance companies. Our team has decades of combined experience.
Call our Buford car accident lawyers at (770) 329-1868 today for a free case review and consultation.
How Can a Buford Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help?
When you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Buford, GA, you should rely on an experienced lawyer to help you present a strong case so you can get the compensation you deserve. Your attorney will handle all the legal aspects of your accident, so you can focus on your recovery.
Here is how an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer at H. Groves Law can help you with your compensation claim.
Filing a Claim
Unless you are a lawyer, you probably do not have the necessary experience to file a court case. Your truck accident lawyer will obtain medical records and other evidence to support your claim, prepare the documentation needed, and file the claim before the deadline.
Settlement Negotiations
They will communicate with insurance companies to get you the maximum amount of compensation that you rightly deserve. Our lawyers have extensive experience in negotiating with insurance providers to get you the best settlement.
Trial Representation
If your case is complicated and the insurance company tries to deny your rightful claim, our lawyers will take your case to court. They will advocate for you and present a strong case to convince the judge and jury of the compensation you deserve for the injuries you suffered.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
You don’t expect to be in a motorcycle crash, but accidents can happen at any time. Even the most careful motorcycle riders can be seriously injured because of careless drivers.
Here are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Buford, GA:
- Hazardous road conditions
- Other vehicles making left-hand turns
- Motorcycle lane splitting
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Distracted driving
- Faulty lights, brakes, and mirrors
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Corner turning motorcycle accidents
Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Georgia
Motorcycle fatalities increased by 22% from 2017 to 2019 in Georgia. In fact, there were approximately 3,948 motorcycle crashes statewide and a total of 4,269 motorcyclists involved in crashes in 2019.
Here are the motorcycle accident stats in Georgia from 2017 to 2020:
- 139 fatalities in 2017
- 154 fatalities in 2018
- 170 fatalities in 2019
- 179 fatalities in 2020
What Are the Motorcycle-Specific Laws in Georgia?
Motorcycle riders are granted all the rights and are subject to all of the laws applicable to drivers of any other vehicle. But there are also motorcycle-specific laws in the state.
Some of these laws include:
- A Class M license or instructional permit is required to operate a motorcycle in Georgia.
- The rider should be at least 16 years to obtain an instruction permit and at least 17 years to obtain a Class M license.
- Motorcyclists in the state are allowed to occupy an entire lane while on the road, but no two motorcyclists can ride abreast on a single lane.
- Motorcyclists and their passengers must wear helmets while riding. The helmets must adhere to the Georgia Department of Transportation standards.
- Riders should not operate a motorcycle while carrying anything that impairs their ability to hold the handlebars with both hands.
- Riders can only carry passengers if their motorcycle was designed to carry more than one person and has a seat for the passenger.
Motorcycle riders using public roads should carry liability insurance. The minimum amount is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in injury coverage as well as $25,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage.
What Are Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents?
Because a motorcycle lacks the surrounding protective structure that other vehicles have, you are more likely to suffer severe injuries due to an accident. Injuries to the lower extremities are quite common in motorcycle accidents. But head and chest injuries are not uncommon.
Here are some of the most common injuries seen in motorcycle accidents in Georgia:
- Lacerations
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and broken ribs
- Internal bleeding
- Whiplash
- Facial disfigurement
- Broken or amputated limbs
- Burn injuries and road rash
How Do You Determine Fault in a Motorcycle Accident in Georgia?
Establishing liability or fault for a motorcycle accident depends on proving the other motorist was negligent. Your attorney needs to prove four important points to win you compensation for your injuries.
- The defendant owed you a duty of care. All motorists must follow traffic laws.
- He or she neglected his/her duty of care.
- The accident was caused by this negligence.
- You (the plaintiff) suffered injuries and damages, such as medical bills, etc.
You may still be eligible for compensation if you share fault for the accident. That’s because Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence law.
What Types of Compensation Can You Receive?
Motorcycle crash victims may receive three primary forms of compensation in Georgia.
Economic Damages
Also known as special damages, economic damages compensate you for these losses whose monetary value can be calculated. These include:
- Lost earnings and loss of earning potential
- Past, current, and future medical bills
- Property damage, including motorcycle replacement and repair costs.
Non-Economic Damages
Also known as general damages, these compensate for intangible losses whose monetary value is challenging to establish. Examples include:
- Physical scarring, disfigurement, or impairment
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Pain and suffering.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are rare as they are only awarded if the victim can prove that the defendant’s actions showed indifference to others’ wellbeing or malice. The purpose of these damages is to punish the at-fault party and discourage reckless behavior.
Georgia law puts a $250,000 limit on punitive damages, but the court may more in drunk driving accident cases.
Why Was My Motorcycle Accident Claim Denied?
Insurance companies will try their best to pay the minimum amount or completely deny you compensation. That’s why you need to hire an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Buford to handle your claim and negotiate with insurance companies.
Here are some of the most common reasons for denied motorcycle accident claims.
- The insurance provider is not convinced that the accident was responsible for your injuries.
- The insurance company doesn’t believe that you were really hurt.
- Your insurance policy was canceled or lapsed at the time of the accident.
- The defendant wasn’t properly insured.
- The insurance company is convinced that the accident was your fault.
Is There a Time Limit to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
Yes. You should file the claim within two years from the date of the accident or injury. The statute of limitation for personal injury cases in Georgia is two years. If your loved one was killed, you must file a wrongful death claim within two years of the date of date.
If you don’t file your claim within this timeframe, you won’t be able to file your claim, and it will be void forever. That’s why you need to hire an experienced Buford motorcycle accident lawyer to represent your case and file it in a timely manner.
Call Us for Your Motorcycle Accident Case in Buford, GA!
Motorcycle riding is a favorite pastime for many people. Motorcycle accidents can happen out of nowhere and result in catastrophic injuries and even death. You can claim compensation when you or someone in your family is hurt in a motorcycle accident caused by someone’s negligence. But proving your case isn’t easy and insurance companies will try to deny your claim or pay less than you deserve.
H. Groves Law is your trusted partner in Buford, Georgia when it comes to handling all types of personal injury claims, including motorcycle accident cases. We work on a contingency fee arrangement, so you pay us nothing until we win your case.
Please call us at (770) 329-1868 right now or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.
