Any vehicle accident in McDonough can be serious, but motorcycle accidents tend to be especially severe. If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident, you might wonder about your legal options. Can you seek compensation for your medical costs and other damages? How do you know who is at fault for the crash? These are questions that a McDonough motorcycle accident lawyer can answer for you.
Our lawyers have been helping injured motorcyclists for more than 20 years. We are dedicated to getting you fair compensation, and we’re not afraid to strong-arm insurance companies that are hesitant to pay out what you deserve. Call us today at (404) 341-6555 or contact us online and we’ll discuss your options during a FREE consultation.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Are Different in McDonough
Motorcycle accidents tend to be much more serious than other types of accidents because motorcyclists have less protection in a collision. Car and truck drivers and passengers, for example, are protected by seat belts, bumpers, airbags, and safety features that their vehicles probably include.
Motorcycles leave you much more exposed to the open road, even if you are wearing protective gear and a helmet. Even when you are in a fairly minor collision on a motorcycle, the physical damage can be severe. You might get thrown from your bike, dragged on the pavement, and more, while those in a car or truck might leave the scene with hardly any injuries.
Plus, there are unfortunately unfair biases that many drivers and insurance companies hold against motorcyclists. This can make it harder to be taken seriously as you pursue the financial recovery you need in an insurance claim. This makes it all the more important to have a legal professional on your side who can support your legal rights and fight for you.
How Fault Works in a Motorcycle Accident in McDonough
As we just said above, motorcyclists are often not treated fairly in an accident. You might find yourself getting blamed for a crash even when the other driver was clearly at fault. In reality, most motorcycle accidents are caused by the negligence of another driver.
Car and truck drivers on McDonough roads may fail to notice or provide enough space to bikers. They might not understand or care that bikers have the same right to be on highways and other roads as other vehicles. A driver might also try to say that you seemed to “come out of nowhere” and they didn’t see you on the road.
Motorcycle accidents often happen when another driver:
- Changes lanes without looking for smaller vehicles like motorcycles
- Cuts a motorcycle off while turning
- Collides with a motorcycle that is changing lanes at the same time
All drivers in Georgia have a duty of care to act in a way that does not harm others on the road. If they fail in that duty and you are injured as a result, you have a right to seek recovery for your damages. This law is outlined under Georgia Code section 51-1-6.
If a driver fails to drive safely and carefully, they have been negligent. It’s this negligence that you will need to demonstrate when filing a personal injury claim against them. You’ll want to gather as much evidence as you can of the other driver’s negligence, and a good McDonough motorcycle accident lawyer can help you do that.
Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
The injuries you might sustain from a motorcycle accident can range from minor to serious. Georgia law requires bikers to always wear helmets and protective gear when driving on the roads. However, even protective equipment cannot completely prevent certain types of injuries.
Some injuries that we commonly see in motorcycle accidents include:
- Neck and back injuries
- Head injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord injuries that can lead to paralysis
- Road rash from being dragged on the road
- Cuts and lacerations and
- Injuries that result in death
These types of injuries can easily lead to tens of thousands of dollars (or more) in medical bills. If your motorcycle accident was not your fault, you should not have to pay for any costs from the accident. This is why it’s so crucial to seek legal help and begin working on your injury claim as soon as you can.
Damages You Can Recover After a Motorcycle Crash in McDonough
To pursue compensation for your costs and losses, which are also known as personal injury damages, you will need to file a personal injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Before you file the claim, you’ll want to get a complete picture of your total damages.
Your damages may include:
- Doctor and hospital bills
- Prescription medications
- Ambulance fees
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages from missed work time
- Loss of earning capacity
- Costs to repair or replace your bike and
- Pain and suffering damages
If you lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, you can file a wrongful death claim for similar damages plus funeral and burial costs.
The damages from a motorcycle accident can be catastrophic, so don’t get stuck paying for a crash that wasn’t your fault. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help calculate the total value of your damages and seek recovery for you.
While a settlement from your accident can’t erase what happened, it can help financially “make you whole again” as much as the law allows. Being able to pay your bills and more can make it easier to recover from your injuries and start to move on from the accident.
Speak with a McDonough Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Free Today
Our motorcycle accident lawyers have more than 20 years of experience helping injured bikers recover what they deserve. It’s risk-free to work with us because we don’t charge a fee unless we win you money—so there are no upfront costs to contact or work with us.
Reach out today and we’ll get started with a FREE consultation. To get matched with the best attorney for your case and learn more about how we can help you, call (404) 341-6555 or contact us online for your FREE consultation today.
