Motorcycle riding has been a cherished pastime for Americans for years, as many hit the road for fun and others use their motorcycle as a primary mode of transportation. Unfortunately, the risk of motorcycle accidents is on the rise in Georgia and across the United States, as more and more drivers are distracted by cell phones, GPS systems, and other technologies while driving. Because motorcycles are smaller and offer riders less protection than passenger cars and trucks, Atlanta motorcycle accidents are relatively common, and the resulting injuries are typically severe.
Many motorists believe that motorcycle accidents are caused by reckless or careless driving on the part of the motorcycle rider. On the contrary, more than two-thirds of accidents involving motorcycles and cars are actually caused by drivers of other motor vehicles, not by the motorcycle rider. It is often while performing lane changes, driving through intersections, or passing other vehicles that passenger cars and trucks put motorcycle riders at risk of accidents, many of which could have been avoided had the driver been alert and aware. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Georgia, contact our qualified Marietta motorcycle accident attorneys at Rechtman & Spevak to explore your compensation options.
Motorcycle Accidents in Georgia and the U.S.
Motorcycles are a popular mode of transportation in Georgia, especially beginning in the spring months when the warm weather brings thousands of motorcycle riders back to Georgia roadways. Unfortunately, riding motorcycles in Georgia isn’t always enjoyable, as motorcycle accidents in the state and across the U.S. are on the rise. In 2006 alone, 148 motorcycle riders were killed in Georgia motorcycle accidents, and another 3,082 were injured. Even more alarming, statistics show that between 2000 and 2006, the rate of motorcycle accidents in Georgia skyrocketed 97.2%, and the rate of fatalities increased an equally shocking 147%. According to U.S. statistics, 4,502 people were killed in accidents involving motorcycles in 2010, and another 82,000 were injured.
Marietta Motorcycle Accidents and Injuries
Unfortunately, motorcycle riders face serious risks every time they don their helmet and join motorists on Georgia roadways, due largely to the fact that motorcycles offer riders far less protection than passenger cars and trucks do drivers. When motorcycles are involved in a collision, the rider is typically ejected from the vehicle, putting him or her at risk of far more serious accidents than if he or she were protected by a seatbelt and the sturdy frame of a passenger car or truck. Safety risk aside however, the most significant hazard facing motorcycle riders on Georgia roadways is driver negligence, which often comes in the form of motorists driving while distracted.
Distracted driving describes a number of different negligent actions on the part of a driver, including talking on a cell phone while driving, texting while driving, failing to adhere to traffic signs and signals, or following too closely behind a motorcycle in traffic. Because of their small profile, motorcycles are often lost in a driver’s blind spot or missed at intersections, increasing their risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident. In fact, most motorcycle collisions occur during daylight hours at intersections. Unfortunately, negligent driving can result in serious Atlanta motorcycle accidents and injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Lacerations
- Bruises
- Road rash
- Broken bones
- Head Injury
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injury
- Back injury
- Amputation
- Wrongful death
Seeking Compensation for GA Motorcycle Accidents
In addition to physical injury, Atlanta motorcycle accidents can force an injured rider to face costly medical expenses, devastating loss of income, temporary or physical paralysis, and emotional pain and suffering, among other difficulties. Most motorcycle accident victims believe they can rely on their insurance company or the insurance company of the at-fault party to provide adequate compensation for these expenses. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. For insurance companies, the bottom line is critical, and insurance claims adjusters are trained to protect this bottom line by minimizing the payout for injured victims. This means that victims of GA motorcycle accidents could have their personal injury claim denied, or they could be offered far less reimbursement than they are entitled to, simply as a move to save the insurance company money. With our qualified GA motorcycle accident attorneys on your side, you can fight back against deceptive insurance companies and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact an Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Motorcycle accidents can drastically change the lives of victims and their families in the blink of an eye. And in the aftermath of an Atlanta or Marietta motorcycle accident, the victim’s physical injuries and emotional state of mind may prevent him or her from adequately defending his or her rights. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries caused by a GA motorcycle accident, contact our experienced Atlanta motorcycle accident attorneys at Rechtman & Spevak today. You may have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party in order to pursue financial compensation for your injuries and associated expenses. Too often, accident victims are preyed on during their time of need by insurance claims adjusters who take advantage of their injuries and vulnerability. With the help of our skilled Georgia personal injury lawyers, victims of motorcycle accident injuries can seek fair and timely reimbursement and protect their legal rights in the process.
