Motorcycle accidents can happen at any time in Alpharetta. While bikers are often victims of auto accidents, the opposite is sometimes true. Negligent motorcycle riders can act in a way that causes a serious or deadly accident.
If a motorcycle rider was at fault for your accident, you have rights. You might be entitled to financial compensation for your injury costs. Talk to an Alpharetta motorcycle accident lawyer for help today.
Our lawyers at John Foy & Associates know how to handle all types of motorcycle accident cases. We can stand up against the insurance companies and guide you through each step of the process. To learn more during a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online. You don’t pay us a thing unless we win you money.
How Negligent Motorcycle Riders Cause Accidents
You must know who and what caused your accident. If the motorcycle rider was at fault, you’ll need to prove how. Biker actions that can lead to an accident include:
- Speeding
- Lane-splitting
- Swerving in and out of lanes
- Failing to signal or yield
- Racing other bikers or drivers
- Tailgating
- Aggressive or reckless riding
- Drunk driving
Lane-splitting means driving in between two traffic lanes. This might happen during heavy or backed up traffic. A motorcycle rider might lane split to get ahead of other motorists. However, lane-splitting is illegal in Alpharetta, according to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §40-6-312.
A motorcycle accident can happen in many ways. If a rider was at fault for your accident, you have legal rights. You can seek compensation from the rider through a personal injury claim. Before filing a claim, you’ll need to gather proof of the rider’s negligence.
Negligence is a legal term for carelessness, and it’s vital in a personal injury claim. If a biker’s negligence leads to an accident, the biker is likely liable for your damages.
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Other Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Sometimes, a motorcycle rider is not entirely at fault. Other conditions might cause or contribute to a motorcycle crash. If someone else is partially at fault, you might have more than one injury claim.
Manufacturing Defects
Motorcycle manufacturers must ensure their products are safe. But defects or design problems can still happen.
A defective motorcycle part might cause or contribute to an accident. For example, the bike could malfunction while the rider is on the road. Manufacturing defects might affect the following motorcycle parts:
- Brakes
- Steering
- Fuel system
- Wheels
- Tires
- Overall frame
A rider might also blame bike parts to avoid fault in an accident. If you think this is the case, contact a lawyer right away. Your lawyer can investigate the details to uncover the truth.
Unsafe Road Conditions
Motorcycle riders are more seriously affected by poor road or weather conditions. If an area is unsafe, the rider is more likely to fall off or lose control of their motorcycle.
Poor road conditions might be partially at fault for a negligent motorcycle accident. Examples of these conditions can include:
- Potholes
- Uneven roads or pavement
- Confusing road signs
- Cracks in the pavement
- Broken or defective traffic lights
- Missing or faded lane lines
You might have a claim against the rider and the city or state responsible for the roads. Keep in mind that there are stricter deadlines for bringing a claim against a government. You’ll want to take action as soon as possible.
The situations surrounding a motorcycle accident are complicated. It’s a good idea to contact an Alpharetta negligent motorcycle rider accident lawyer. A lawyer can investigate and help you build a strong claim.
John Foy & Associates can help. Our lawyers have over 20 years of experience and success with motorcycle crash cases. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
An accident can be traumatic for anyone. After the crash, you might not know where to turn. But there are actions you can take to build your case.
Right after the accident, assess yourself and others. If you have serious or life-threatening injuries, call 9-1-1. Don’t delay in getting emergency medical care at the scene. Accident injuries can quickly worsen with time.
Other than getting treatment, here are some additional steps to take.
Report the Accident
Be sure to report the accident to the police. Officers should create an accident report. You’ll need this report for your injury claim.
Some motorcycle riders will try to avoid calling the police. They might want to avoid liability. Some motorists have something on their record or were doing something illegal before the accident. However, you should call the police anyway.
Not reporting the accident will hurt you. Without a police report, there is no official proof of the crash. You’ll need the report for your records as you build your claim.
Document the Scene
Do whatever you can to show what happened. Accident scenes are often cleaned up quickly. But you can preserve the scene by:
- Taking pictures of the entire scene
- Photographing your injuries and vehicle damage
- Getting contact information for eyewitnesses
If the rider is acting suspiciously, you might also take a video of their behavior. This might help show any drunkenness or impairment.
Keep Track of Your Damages
An accident can cause many personal injury damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Vehicle damage
- Pain and suffering
Save all bills and other documentation of your costs. Your lawyer can use this to calculate your accident damages.
Some damages do not have a set dollar amount. For example, you might have anxiety, depression, or loss of enjoyment of life. Your lawyer will know how to put a value on these damages.
Talk to an Alpharetta Negligent Motorcycle Rider Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle riders can make choices that lead to accidents. If you were injured in this type of crash, you have rights. Our lawyers can help you seek compensation for your losses.
Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation. We have over 20 years of experience helping accident victims win what they deserve. We also have a reputation as the “Strong Arm” for our clients.
Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation. You don’t pay unless we win your case.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
