According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, in a single recent year, as many as 134 people lost their lives in motorcycle accidents across the state of Georgia and thousands more were injured. The injuries sustained in these types of accidents tend to be especially devastating and often leave injured parties permanently disabled, which can make it difficult if not impossible for injured motorcyclists to file a claim for compensation.
This is why it is crucial for injured motorcyclists to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Savannah who can ensure that while the injured parties focus on healing and rehabilitation, their interests are still protected and adequately represented.
The Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Although collisions between motorcyclists and motorists can occur at just about any time, the majority of these types of accidents tend to occur in intersections as a result of a driver turning left and either:
- Sideswiping or crashing into a motorcycle that is passing on the left; or
- Colliding with a motorcyclist legally traveling through the intersection in the opposing direction.
However, intersections are not the only places where motorcycle accidents can occur. For instance, many accidents between motorists and motorcyclists are the result of a driver’s failure to adequately check his or her blind spot before changing lanes. Tailgating has also proven to be especially dangerous for motorcyclists who can suffer severe injuries if rear-ended, even in minor fender benders.
Collisions with other motorists are not the only dangers faced by motorcyclists. Road defects, such as potholes, pose a much greater risk to motorcyclists than to motorists. In fact, motorcyclists who strike a pothole or an uneven surface can easily be thrown from their seat.
Even in these situations, injured motorcyclists may still be eligible to collect compensation for their losses if they can demonstrate that the city knew of the defect, but failed to address it.
However, suing the government can be difficult and requires plaintiffs to comply with a series of complex procedural rules, which makes it doubly important that these individuals contact an experienced Savannah personal injury attorney who can help them file the claim.
Potential Injuries
Because motorcyclists do not have the protections offered by seat belts and airbags, even minor collisions can result in serious injuries, such as:
- Crushed or fractured bones;
- Severe lacerations;
- Amputations;
- Facial fractures, bruising, and abrasions;
- Head trauma, ranging from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs);
- Spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis;
- Organ damage and internal bleeding; and
- Road rash.
Treating these kinds of catastrophic injuries is not only painful, but also expensive. Fortunately, injured parties who can demonstrate that someone else’s negligence caused or contributed to their accident may be able to collect economic damages, such as lost wages and compensation for medical expenses, as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
Comparative Negligence
Even if a motorcyclist was partly to blame for an accident, he or she can still collect compensation. This is because Georgia is a comparative negligence state, which means that plaintiffs who contribute to their own accidents can still recover damages as long as their own percentage of fault was less than the defendants. However, the amount that can be collected will be reduced in proportion to their percentage of fault.
Contact a Savannah Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
If you were recently involved in a motorcycle accident, please contact Hasner Law by calling 912-234-2334 to set up a free consultation with an experienced attorney who can begin working on your case.
What Our Clients Have to Say:
“I am so grateful to Jonathan Johnston and his staff, especially Brandi McMahon for their hard work in helping me with my case. They exemplified the utmost level of professionalism and diligence during this trying time. They also were there for me whenever I had questions. I highly recommend Jonathan Johnston to anyone needing the best legal representation!”
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Jane Greer
March 1, 2019
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