Riding on a motorcycle can be a freeing experience, a cost-effective way to get around, and a convenient way to travel. But, it can also be very dangerous. Motorcycle accidents happen frequently in McDonough, GA, and they can cause very serious injuries and damage that can last for the rest of your life. Motorcycle crashes are often the result of someone else’s carelessness or recklessness. When that happens, you need to contact a McDonough motorcycle accident lawyer.
John Foy & Associates has been using their talents to help accident victims for over 20 years. We have seen injuries and damages that have altered individuals, families, work life, and more. We know how to help those who are going through this difficult time—we have the experience you need to present your case to an insurance company or a jury. Give us a call at 404-400-4000, or fill out the form to the right to get your free consultation today.
What Are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents can happen at any time. But, they are often the result of another driver simply not watching for motorcyclists. Other drivers should make efforts to keep an eye out for motorcyclists, and when they fail to do that, they will often be found legally liable for your damages and injuries from the accident.
Some of the most common causes of a motorcycle accident include:
Failure to check blind spots
Motorcycles are much smaller than the average car or truck, which means they are easier to miss. Everyone should check their blind spots when they change lanes, turn, etc., but many people don’t do that. Because motorcycles are smaller, they may be in blind spots longer, and they end up being harder to see generally.
Door accidents
Both motorcyclists and bicyclists are susceptible to door accidents. These occur when a parked car opens the door right before a motorcycle or bicycle passes by. Although this type of incident wouldn’t do serious damage to a car or truck, it could harm a motorcyclist or bike rider a great deal.
Braking too quickly
When a driver in a car or truck slams on their brakes, their body may jolt, but it often won’t cause any severe damage. But, when a motorcyclist slams on their brakes, they run the risk of being thrown completely from the motorcycle. That type of movement can cause head injuries, broken bones, lacerations, and more. When a motorcyclist has to take this type of action to avoid a crash because of another person’s carelessness, legal responsibility may result.
Drunk drivers
Drivers who are drunk don’t pay as much attention to what is going on around them. Motorcycles are hard to spot even for sober drivers—drunk drivers are much worse. They often don’t see the motorcyclist, or, if they do, they can’t react quickly enough to avoid an accident. Keep an eye out for swerving, drifting into another lane, or other delayed reactions. If possible, try to avoid getting too close to a driver that you suspect is intoxicated.
Poor road conditions
On a motorcycle, you can feel virtually every bump in the road. That means that larger potholes that wouldn’t be an issue in a car or truck could actually cause you to lose control of your bike. Other hazards like debris, standing water, and frost can also be an issue for motorcyclists as well.
How Does Wearing a Helmet Affect Your Motorcycle Accident Case?
Georgia law requires that you wear a helmet and eye protection while on a motorcycle. This safety gear helps to decrease the occurrence of head and neck injuries that can lead to debilitating long-term conditions. Helmets have been proven to save lives, and it’s a good idea to wear your helmet every time you get on your bike. Georgia law requires that a specific DOT-approved helmet is used when you’re driving or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle.
If you weren’t wearing your helmet just before a motorcycle accident in McDonough, that would likely have an effect on your motorcycle accident case. First, it may increase the injuries and damages that you suffered. Second, it could also decrease the total amount of money damages that you can receive for your case. Of course, not wearing your helmet will also trigger a fine and potentially even jail time as well.
In your personal injury case, the other driver or whoever was responsible for your accident will likely make a claim that you are at least partially to blame for your injuries because you weren’t wearing a helmet. Depending on the type of injuries you have from the accident, you may not be able to get payments for medical bills, pain and suffering, or other costs associated with the crash. For example; if your injury was a broken arm, then having a helmet on likely wouldn’t have any effect on the severity of your injury. On the other hand, if you have a traumatic brain injury, they may try to argue that they are only partially at fault for the effects of the head injury or that the entire injury was really your fault because you weren’t wearing your helmet as required by law.
McDonough Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 404-400-4000
How Long Do I Have to Start a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
In general, you have two years from the date of the motorcycle accident to start your lawsuit in court. But, you should keep in mind that the two-year limitation is to actually begin your legal claim—not talk to an attorney or start an investigation. In many situations, your attorney will need to do some initial research and preparation to get your lawsuit ready to be filed. Sometimes you can settle before you even have to go through the time and expense of starting an official legal claim.
Your attorney needs time to consider all of the aspects of your claim without having to worry about that deadline. It’s a good idea to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as you can after a motorcycle accident.
Talk to a McDonough Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Free
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, you may have legal options. Explore those with our experienced, professional team. Let us put our experience to work for you. Call us at 404-400-4000, or fill out the form to the right to schedule your free consultation today.
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