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Most motorcycle accidents in Atlanta happen because of a car driver’s actions. However, some crashes occur when the motorcycle rider is at fault. If a motorcyclist caused your collision, an Atlanta negligent motorcycle rider accident lawyer can help.
At John Foy & Associates, we have 20-plus years of experience working on injury cases. Our attorneys know what it takes to win. We can help you gather evidence and build a strong claim.
To discuss your options during a FREE consultation, contact us today. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for your FREE consultation.
How Negligent Motorcycle Riders Cause Accidents
All accident cases depend on negligence:
- Under Georgia Code Section 51-1-2, negligence is a lack of care that careful people would have in a similar situation.
- When someone’s negligence causes injuries, that person is at fault.
- The at-fault party is responsible for the accident damages.
The negligent party in a motorcycle accident is typically another driver. Drivers tend to overlook motorcyclists on Atlanta roads. However, motorcycle riders can also be careless.
If a motorcycle rider caused your accident, they are legally responsible. You can file a personal injury claim to seek compensation. Your claim will need to show how the rider was at fault and caused your losses.
Here are some of the main ways that rider negligence can lead to accidents.
Lane Splitting
Under Georgia Code Section 40-6-312, motorcycle riders should not drive between traffic lanes or rows of vehicles. When a motorcyclist rides between traffic lanes, it’s known as lane splitting.
Some bikers will lane split when traffic is hectic. They might drive between vehicles to get through a traffic jam. However, lane splitting is illegal — and dangerous.
Lane splitting can cause accidents because:
- The motorcycle is very close to other cars.
- The rider has a lot less space to move through traffic.
- Other drivers might not see the biker or have room to move out of the way.
- A driver could leave their lane of traffic and hit a lane-splitting rider.
The laws on lane splitting vary by state. If a lane-splitting accident happens in a state that prohibits lane splitting, the rider is likely at fault. Police and the courts typically frown on lane splitting, even in areas where the laws are unclear.
Drunk Motorcycle Riding
A large proportion of motorcycle accidents involve drunk driving. Both motorcyclists and drivers could be drinking while driving. But a motorcycle rider is more likely to suffer life-threatening injuries.
A motorcycle accident involving alcohol can be severe. The rider can become killed or permanently disabled. A drunk rider might also cause a crash by swerving in front of a car driver.
If a drunk motorcyclist causes an accident, they are liable for the damages. The rider might be responsible for both drivers’ and passengers’ costs. Talk to an Atlanta negligent motorcycle rider accident lawyer for help.
Atlanta Road Hazards
Bikers are more vulnerable to road hazards than other drivers. Objects that cause crashes include:
- Dead animals
- Potholes
- Accident debris
- Uneven gravel
- Tire parts
- Slippery pavement
- Hazardous weather conditions
If a rider is not careful, they can collide with an object on the road. Sometimes, the motorcycle can crash with other vehicles. Multiple-vehicle accidents can occur because of a road hazard.
If a hazardous object caused your accident, contact a lawyer. A government entity responsible for the roads could be partially at fault. You might have a claim against both the city and the motorcyclist, for example.
Speeding
Excessive speeding can tempt bikers who love the thrill of the road. Speeding is especially common with high-performance motorcycles. There are two main types of these bikes:
- Supersport motorcycles have high-horsepower engines and weigh very little. They were initially made for racing and can go incredibly fast.
- Sport motorcycles are less powerful than supersport motorcycles but still encourage reckless speeding.
Riders of high-performance motorcycles tend to be very young. Supersport riders are often below the age of 30. Sport motorcyclists are typically younger than 34. Younger riders are more likely to take severe risks on Atlanta roads.
The younger the rider, the higher the accident risk. The same goes for car and truck drivers. Motorcyclists can help avoid crashes by being as careful as possible on the road.
When a rider is not careful, they can cause an accident. As an accident victim, you should not have to pay for the rider’s mistakes. Contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer today for help.
Damages in an Atlanta Negligent Motorcycle Rider Accident
The negligent party in an accident is liable for the damages. If you suffered injuries and were not at fault, you have rights. You can seek compensation through a personal injury claim.
Motorcyclists need auto insurance like other motorists. If a rider caused your accident, you can file a claim with their insurance company. Your claim will include damages like the following.
Medical Expenses
Medical costs make up the largest part of an injury claim. To even have a case in the first place, you must have physical injuries. You can claim the costs of your treatment like:
- Doctor bills
- Hospital bills
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
Your lawyer will also help determine future medical needs. If you need long-term treatment, you’ll need to consider that for your claim. If possible, wait until you’ve completed treatment to file your claim.
Lost Income
Your claim will include any missed work time. If you were working before the accident, you’ll claim any lost wages you couldn’t earn.
You can also claim lost earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work. Talk to a lawyer if you have to work less or take a lower-paying job.
Vehicle Repairs
Your claim can also include property damage. If your vehicle or motorcycle needs repairs, keep track of what they will be. In some cases, you might need to replace a totaled car.
Pain and Suffering
An accident can leave you with losses like:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Your Atlanta negligent motorcycle rider accident lawyer can help. They’ll know how to calculate these losses.
Talk to an Atlanta Negligent Motorcycle Rider Accident Lawyer for Free Today
If a negligent motorcycle rider caused your accident, call John Foy & Associates. We can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. We’re proud to bring 20-plus years of experience (and success) to the table.
To get a FREE, no-risk consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
