Motorcycles can be both thrilling and very dangerous. There is next to nothing separating you from the roads in Roswell when you are on a bike. And while that’s part of the sense of freedom of riding a motorcycle, it also makes injuries potentially very serious. Broken bones, road rash, traumatic brain injuries, and more can all result from these types of crashes. Fatalities are also unfortunately common. When an accident occurs, you need legal help. You need a Roswell Motorcycle accident lawyer.
Nothing makes a bigger difference than having an attorney who understands what it’s like to go through a motorcycle accident. Our lawyers know how difficult these accidents can be for both the rider and their families—because we’ve been helping motorcycle accident victims in the Roswell area for over 20 years. Let us help you and your family after this type of accident. Call us at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the form to the right to get your free consultation today.
What are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents?
Many of the same concerns that other drivers face will affect motorcyclists. But, when a motorcyclist is involved in a crash, something that may only cause bumps and bruises in a car could result in broken bones or life-threatening injuries on a motorcycle.
Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
Another driver turning into the path of a motorcycle.
Left-hand turns can be deadly for a motorcyclist. Drivers often are not on the lookout for a smaller vehicle when they are making a left-hand turn at an intersection. They don’t see you and end up turning right into you or just ahead of you, so you cannot stop in time to avoid the collision.
Impaired driving due to drugs or alcohol.
Seeing motorcycles is hard enough for drivers when they are sober and traveling in broad daylight. When drivers are intoxicated due to drugs or alcohol, it makes seeing bikes much harder. Even those that are directly in front of an impaired driver can be overlooked.
Not checking blind spots.
Blind spots are tricky for any vehicle, but motorcycles are even harder to spot in blind spots because they are so small. Drivers may not check their blind spot thoroughly, assuming that if a car were there, they would see it by only turning their head slightly. When a driver gets careless about knowing what is going on around them, it can lead to dangerous lane changes or merging in a way that can cause severe accidents and injuries.
Road maintenance problems.
Potholes, uneven surfaces, and slick payment may not be a big deal in a car or truck, but for a motorcycle, they could result in serious accidents. A pothole could cause a motorcyclist to lose control and crash. Even smaller debris on the road could be a hazard to a motorcyclist.
Every situation is different, but most motorcycle accidents that involve another vehicle are the cause of the other driver. Drivers are supposed to keep a look out for all cars on the road, including motorcycles—but they often don’t. When that happens, you likely have a legal claim.
How do I know if I have a case for my motorcycle crash?
When someone else causes an accident because they weren’t paying attention or they were careless, then that person must pay for the damages that they create. Georgia has this law so that those who are at fault take responsibility for their actions. If you are involved in any type of accident that is someone else’s fault—in whole or in part—then you likely have a legal claim.
Keep in mind that your motorcycle accident doesn’t have to involve another driver for it to be valid. Motorcycle crashes that trigger a lawsuit could also include things like:
- Loose gravel or other debris on the road
- Poorly maintained roadways (potholes, uneven surfaces, etc.)
- Maintenance problems that were caused by a repair shop
- Manufacturing defects
You can also have a claim against another driver even when you never collide with the vehicle. For example, a car may make an unsafe lane change into a motorcyclist. The biker may notice it fast enough to move out of the way, but in doing so, they lose control of their bike and crash. The reason that the collision happened was because of the other driver—not just that the biker lost control. In that situation, you would likely have a valid legal claim against that driver for your injuries and property damage after that crash.
The best way to determine if you have a valid legal claim is to talk to a motorcycle accident attorney. Your lawyer will be able to listen to you tell your story and let you know if you have legal options you can pursue. They can also do some additional investigation of your claim as well.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit?
Every personal injury case in Georgia has a “statute of limitations.” It set outs how long you have to file your legal claim. If you try to sue the at-fault party after this date, then your case will likely be dismissed almost immediately.
In motorcycle accident cases that result in injuries and property damage, you have two years from the date of the injury to start your lawsuit. If the accident causes the death of a loved one, then you have two years from the date of your loved one’s passing. In many cases that is the same date as the accident, but not always.
Talk to a Roswell Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Free
Life after a motorcycle accident may mean big changes for you and your family. You may have a long road to recovery that puts you out of work. You may also never be able to go back to the same job again in some situations. Don’t face this without legal help—our lawyers are here to help you. Call us at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the form to the right to get a free consultation today.
