When motorcycle accidents happen in Calhoun, GA, they can be devastating. There is next to nothing protecting you from the road in a crash, and even the bike itself can land on you in a way that can cause severe injuries. Because motorcycles are much smaller than the average car, many drivers aren’t on the lookout for them. They may pull out in front of a motorcyclist, merge into them, or even rear-end them. When this type of accident happens, a motorcyclist can easily lose control and suffer severe injuries. In those circumstances, you may need to call in a Calhoun motorcycle accident lawyer to help you get the money damages you deserve to get back on your feet.
John Foy & Associates has been helping car accident victims for over 20 years. We have also seen hundreds of motorcycle crashes as well. We are very familiar with some of the most common types of motorcycle accidents, and we know how to prepare your case to present it in the best light possible to an insurance company, judge, or jury. We settle a lot of cases, but we are also prepared to take them to court, too. Let us give you a free consultation. Call us at 404-400-4000, and get your free consultation today.
Speak with our Calhoun personal injury lawyer today for more information about your claim.
What Are Some of the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents that Lead to Personal Injury Cases?
Not every motorcycle accident will trigger the need for a legal case. For example; if you lose control of your bike and it’s no one’s fault but your own, then starting a lawsuit likely won’t be an option for you. But, some of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes are actually because someone else wasn’t paying attention or they were being careless. In those situations, legal responsibility is triggered, and you may be entitled to receive money damages. Below are just a few examples of these circumstances.
1. Left-Hand Turns
When cars make left-hand turns into the path of a motorcycle, the resulting collision can be fatal. A motorcycle may hit the side of the vehicle going very quickly. Even though the motorcycle actually hit the car, the motorcycle has the right of way when going straight through an intersection under most circumstances. Cars need to be on the lookout for motorcycles (and any other vehicles) before they make their turn.
In some circumstances, other drivers miss motorcyclists because the biker is attempting to overtake another car or is behind a car that has already passed through the intersection. While drivers should still be careful about turning into an oncoming vehicle, motorcyclists should also avoid overtaking or passing cars in or just before intersections because of the potential for decreased visibility.
2. Cars Merging Into Motorcyclists
It’s no secret that motorcycles are smaller than the average passenger vehicle, and that makes them harder to see. When switching lanes, other drivers often forget to check their blind spots. They also may only glance at the other lane before merging and might miss a biker, even if they aren’t in a blind spot. In those situations, motorcycles may be hit, or the biker could also try to avoid the accident and lose control of their bike in the process. In either circumstance, legal responsibility is likely on the driver of the car, who should have checked the other lane more thoroughly before trying to merge.
3. Road Hazards
A pothole or debris in the road may not do much to a car or truck, but it can be very dangerous to a motorcyclist. Even loose gravel can cause a biker to lose control very quickly. While road hazards may not be anyone’s fault, they can trigger legal liability in some situations. For example; if a car drops debris in front of a motorcyclist and they hit it and lose control, the driver could be responsible for causing the crash, even if there was no collision. Those responsible for road maintenance and upkeep can also sometimes be held accountable if their failure to maintain the road causes a crash.
4. Driving Under the Influence
Drunk driving causes accidents on a regular basis. But, those driving drunk are particularly dangerous for motorcyclists. It takes a lot of focus and attention to driving safely, and those skills are reduced when a driver is impaired. It’s hard enough to see a motorcyclist when a driver is sober, but it gets even more difficult if the driver is drunk.
Drunk driving accidents may also occur at higher speeds, as well. This increases the chances that injuries and damage are severe after this type of crash.
5. Speeding and Other Careless Driving
The faster you go, the harder it is to see what’s going on around you and react to it appropriately. Drivers who speed are less likely to see a motorcycle and cause a crash.
Inattention because of distractions like cell phones, passengers, and navigation systems can also lead to accidents. Careless driving like this makes it harder to spot motorcycles and avoid crashes.
How do I Know If I Have a Motorcycle Accident Case?
Some motorcycle accident victims make the mistake of assuming that they don’t have a legal claim if they were in any way at fault for the crash. This type of thinking simply isn’t accurate. You can still have options to get money damages for your losses and injuries even if you were partially at fault for the crash.
As long as someone else was at least partially responsible for the accident, you should speak with an experienced Calhoun motorcycle accident attorney to learn about your legal options. The only real way to know if you have a case and should be attempting to get money damages is by having an attorney run through the unique facts of your case with you.
If an insurance company is contacting you about getting a statement and wants to discuss settlement, it’s even more important that you speak to an attorney so you can fully understand how much your case is worth before you settle with an insurance company.
Talk to a Calhoun Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
A motorcycle accident can change your life or the lives of your loved ones. You don’t have to deal with an insurance company or at-fault driver on your own. John Foy & Associates has the experience you need to be a helpful guide and advocate through this process. Let us give you a FREE consultation. Call us at 404-400-4000, or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.
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