Injured by a Negligent Driver While Riding Your Motorcycle in Alpharetta, GA?
Motorcycles share Georgia roadways with other vehicles. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are all too common in Alpharetta, leaving victims with injuries that can be serious and debilitating. If you were injured in a motorbike wreck, seeking prompt medical care is the first thing you should do.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, the aftermath can be traumatic and stressful. Taking swift action to preserve your rights and seek the compensation you are owed can be an important step as you recover from your injuries and work to put the accident behind you. If the accident was the result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses. Van Sant Law has been providing trusted, compassionate legal representation for residents of Alpharetta and Fulton County since 2003. Our attorneys offer free, no-obligation consultations so you can make more informed decisions about how to proceed.
Georgia Motorcycle Laws
Here’s an overview of Georgia motorcycle accident law:
- Helmet and Eye Protection Laws: All motorcyclists and passengers in Georgia are required to wear a DOT-approved helmet. If the motorcycle doesn’t have a windshield, riders must also wear protective eye gear such as goggles or a face shield.
- Impact of Helmet Non-Use on Claims: Not wearing a helmet can reduce the amount of compensation you receive after an accident. Insurance companies and courts may argue that the lack of protective gear contributed to your injuries.
- Lane Splitting is Illegal: Georgia law prohibits lane splitting, which means motorcyclists cannot ride between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. Violating this rule can impact liability and reduce or bar recovery in a personal injury claim.
- Riding Two Abreast is Allowed: Georgia allows two motorcycles to ride side-by-side in a single lane. However, more than two abreast is not permitted.
- Motorcyclists Must Follow Standard Traffic Laws: Riders must obey all general traffic rules, including speed limits, traffic signals, and lane usage. They must also avoid dangerous practices like clinging to other vehicles or weaving through traffic.
- Fault is Determined Using Modified Comparative Negligence: Under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover damages only if you’re less than 50% at fault. If you’re found 50% or more at fault, you cannot receive compensation. If you are partially responsible for the accident, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your share of the fault. For example, being 30% at fault would reduce a $100,000 award to $70,000.
- Minimum Insurance Requirements: Georgia requires motorcycle riders to carry minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is optional but highly recommended.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
No two motorcycle accidents are alike; reckless and negligent behavior can take many forms.
Some of the most frequent motorcycle accident causes our attorneys see include:
- Excessive speed
- Ignoring stop signs or stop lights
- Aggressive driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Distracted driving
- Not checking blind spots
- Not giving motorcyclists space on the road
- Failing to use turn signals
- Driving without headlights
Common Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accident injuries can range from minor to severe. Due to motorcycles’ size relative to other vehicles on the road, victims are more likely to suffer catastrophic damage.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Broken/fractured bones
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Lower extremity injuries
- Cuts, bruises, and road rash
Care After a Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, we recommend visiting Wellstar North Fulton Emergency Department in nearby Roswell for prompt medical care. The center specializes in treating accident injuries and can provide the assistance you need. Getting immediate medical attention is crucial for your well-being after an accident.
Types of Compensation Available
After a motorcycle accident in Alpharetta, injured riders may pursue full compensation for a wide range of losses. This includes economic damages such as medical expenses (emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation), lost wages from time missed at work, and repair or replacement costs for damaged property like the motorcycle or riding gear. Non-economic damages may also be awarded for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
In certain cases, punitive damages may be available to punish the at-fault party for particularly reckless or egregious conduct. Georgia law caps punitive damages at $250,000 in most personal injury cases. However, this cap does not apply if the defendant acted with specific intent to harm or was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. In such cases, there may be no limit to the amount of punitive damages a jury can award.
What Van Sant Law Can Do For You
Our Alpharetta motorcycle accident attorneys at Van Sant Law have been serving the needs of Alpharetta accident victims for more than two decades. We understand the nuances of state and local motorcycle and personal injury laws, and we know how to use those laws to fight for your best interests.
As a personal injury law firm, we are committed to helping every client obtain full and fair compensation for their injuries. The amount of compensation you may receive will depend on several factors. In general, accident victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We will also help you fight for compensation to cover the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged motorcycle.
