Riding motorcycles can be thrilling and offers more freedom to their riders when compared to other vehicles. However, its lack of sufficient protection for the riders and their passengers is a major disadvantage.
It is on rare occasions that a motorcycle rider leaves an accident scene without a scratch. Because of this, after a motorcycle accident, riders need to get compensation for their injuries and losses. Common motorcycle accident injuries include spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, broken bones, and even death.
This article would be enlightening you on the worth of your motorcycle accident claim and the factors that determine the value of your claim. If you want to know more about filing a motorcycle accident claim, you should contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer today.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Georgia
Motorcycles are not as safe or protected as cars or other four-wheeled vehicles. However, several other factors could increase the chances of a motorcycle accident occurring on Georgia roads. We would be highlighting four of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Georgia.
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Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is a motorcycle riding technique that allows motorcyclists to ride between two lanes of traffic. In Georgia, lane splitting is illegal, and motorcycle riders caught lane splitting are usually held liable if an accident happens.
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Left-Hand Turns
If a motorcycle rider does not pay attention when driving, when other vehicles are making left-hand turns, there could be a collision. Also, if a motorcycle rider moves in the blind spot of a truck, it could become very risky for the rider.
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Bad Road Conditions
Dangerous road conditions like potholes and broken walkways could contribute to a rise in motorcycle accidents. A lack of necessary traffic signs can confuse drivers and cyclists, thereby increasing motorcycle accidents.
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Reckless Driving
Reckless driving encompasses several other bad road habits. For instance, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, driving while using the phone, etc., could be considered reckless driving.
What Is My Motorcycle Accident Injury Claim Worth?
In Georgia, before you can file a motorcycle accident claim, there has to be a liability. This means that there must be at least one party at fault or responsible for the accident. If the at-fault driver(s) in the crash is found to be negligent, then they would be accountable for your damages.
However, if the other driver was not negligent in the crash, they do not owe you anything. In most cases, though, the other motorist’s actions caused the accident. With a qualified motorcycle accident attorney, you should be able to gather enough evidence to prove you were not responsible for the accident.
When the court or insurance company wants to put a dollar value on your motorcycle injury claim, they consider all the damages and expenses incurred from the accident. Note that the more serious your injuries and losses, the more value you get in compensation.
It is not easy to give a specific amount of money for the value of your claim because each case is unique. Nevertheless, we know that a plaintiff can get hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation after the addition of losses.
Damages in a Motorcycle Accident
As we have said earlier, damages are the injuries and losses you suffer because of the accident. The damages that determine how much you get for your claim can be divided into special and general damages.
Special Damages
Special damages are those quantifiable, monetary losses. They are easy to calculate, and they include:
- Medical bills
- Future treatment
- Loss of income and earnings
- Property damage
General Damages
On the other hand, general damages are those losses that are not easy to put a dollar value on. They are:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma, for instance, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
- Loss of consortium, e.g., loss of companionship, marital strains, loss of enjoyment, etc
Get a Free Consultation With Calvin Smith Law Today!
You need a professional Georgia motorcycle accident attorney backing you if you hope to get a lot of money for your damages. At Calvin Smith Law, we have a well-trained team of attorneys that handle personal injury cases like motorcycle accidents.
If you suffer an injury from a motorcycle accident, you need us to help you pursue your claim. We offer free case reviews to our new and existing clients. Furthermore, we are available any time of the day to attend to your questions.
Contact us today, and you can be sure that we would not collect any upfront fees from you before working on your case. So, do not delay; make that call today!
