Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Cobb County, GA Fighting for Your Financial Compensation
In the public imagination, motorcyclists are often viewed as rebels who pay little heed to the law, but the reality is usually quite the opposite. For their own safety, most motorcyclists follow the general rules of the road as well as the specialized laws pertaining to motorcycles.
By contrast, the drivers of cars and other vehicles may not be aware of motorcycle laws and often operate in a manner that compromises the safety of motorcyclists. When a motorcycle collides with another vehicle, the rider is likely to suffer much more serious injuries.
If you have suffered harm in a motorcycle accident, it may be wise to consult a knowledgeable Cobb County motorcycle accident lawyer to learn if you may be entitled to compensation. A personal injury lawyer may be able to help you recover money to cover your pain and suffering as well as damage to your bike, medical bills, and wages lost due to time off work.
For several reasons, it is wise not to wait too long to consider legal options after a motorcycle accident. Often, an insurance company investigator may begin asking questions shortly after an accident. Without realizing it, the injured motorcyclist may make a statement that jeopardizes the right to recovery. Advice from a Cobb County motorcycle accident lawyer could prevent such a misstep.
In addition, an accident lawyer could work to ensure that appropriate actions are taken before the statute of limitations prevents recovery. Courts will dismiss claims filed more than two years after the date of an accident.
It is a good idea to take action long before the statute of limitations becomes an issue, however, because evidence to support a finding of liability should be collected as soon as possible after an accident. Video footage, for example, could play a key role in a motorcycle accident case, but the footage is often routinely deleted to save storage space. An attorney could specifically work to preserve an important piece of footage for use in litigation. A car accident can be a scary situation, but a motorcycle crash can be even scarier. For a free consultation, call our Cobb County personal injury law firm at (404) 474-7122 and get the dedicated and compassionate representation you deserve.
How Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Happen?
There are many ways a motorcycle accident can happen. One of the most common ways is when a car fails to see the motorcycle and turns in front of it. This can often be due to distracted driving or simply not paying attention. Other reasons for accidents include:
– Speeding
– Riding while impaired
– Road rage
– Mechanical failure
Motorcycles are small and often hard to see, which is why it is important for drivers to be aware of them and take steps to avoid accidents. Riders also need to be responsible and wear helmets and other protective gear, as well as ride safely. When all riders and drivers do their part, we can reduce the number of motorcycle accidents every year.
Laws Specific to Motorcycles
Because motorcycles are so different from other motorized vehicles on the road, lawmakers have enacted statutes providing specific responsibilities for riders as well as clarifying their rights. For instance, the Official Code of Georgia Annotated §40-6-312 specifies that:
- Motorcycles are entitled to the use of a full lane on the road
- Riders may not operate more than two abreast in a single lane
- Motorcycles may not pass other vehicles in the same lane
- Motorcycles may not be driven in between traffic lanes
- While in operation, all motorcycles must have headlights and taillights illuminated
Violation of these or other laws could provide grounds for a finding of negligence. For instance, if the driver of a truck crowds a motorcycle and deprives the rider of the use of a full lane, that conduct violates the statute and could provide the basis for proving negligence or even deliberate wrongdoing. Hire a Marietta motorcycle accident lawyer today who seeks fair compensation. Contact the law firm of Scott A. Pryor, Attorney at Law, LLC today to set up your free initial consultation.
What Compensation Can I Recover for My Motorcycle Accident?
Generally, motorcycle accident victims may seek compensation for:
Lost wages
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to lost wages. This is money that you would have earned if you had not been injured. In order to receive lost wages, you will need to file a claim with your insurance company. The amount of lost wages that you receive will depend on how long you are unable to work. It is important to keep track of all of your expenses and bank statements so that you can make a strong case for lost wages.
If you are unable to work due to your injuries, it is important to make sure that you file for disability benefits. These benefits can help replace a portion of your income while you are unable to work. Disability benefits can be a great help during a time of need.
Past medical expenses
If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, you can expect to face some hefty medical bills. But fortunately, there are a few ways to help offset those costs. First, if you have health insurance, your policy should cover most or all of your medical expenses. Additionally, many states have laws that protect motorcyclists from being held liable for damages resulting from an accident. This means that you may be able to recover some of your medical costs from the driver responsible for the crash.
So if you’re unfortunate enough to be involved in a motorcycle accident, don’t despair. There are ways to help offset the cost of your medical treatment. And with a little bit of luck, you’ll be back on your bike and cruising down the open road in no time. A personal injury attorney will go above and beyond to recover compensation, fight for wrongful death, and get compensation for lost wages you may have experienced while healing from your motorcycle accident.
Future medical costs
Motorcycle accidents can be extremely costly, both in terms of lives lost and future medical costs. In the United States, motorcycle accidents account for only about 3 percent of all traffic accidents, but they account for about 14 percent of all traffic fatalities.
Injured motorcyclists can face significant medical bills, especially if they require long-term care. So what can be done to reduce these costs? First, riders need to take precautions to reduce their risk of being injured in a crash. Wearing a helmet, for example, can dramatically reduce the chances of head injury in a crash. And states need to do more to improve safety for motorcyclists by implementing measures like lane splitting and requiring riders to wear helmets.
Loss of earning capacity
Motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries, including loss of earning capacity. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident and can no longer work, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost income. A personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim and seek the damages you deserve.
Pain and suffering
When a loved one is injured in a motorcycle accident, the whole family suffers. Not only is there the pain and suffering of the accident victim, but also the emotional stress and turmoil of dealing with the aftermath. Just trying to get information from the hospital can be a daunting task.
All of this can be overwhelming, and it is hard to know where to turn for help. Family and friends often pitch in to try to ease the burden, but it is a struggle that never really goes away. The pain and suffering caused by a loved one’s accident lasts long after the physical injuries have healed.
Emotional distress
When someone is involved in a motorcycle accident, it can be a very traumatic experience. For many people, the emotional distress that comes along with the accident can be just as bad as the physical injuries. This can include feelings of anxiety, fear, depression, and guilt. It can be difficult to cope with these emotions, and sometimes, they can be overwhelming. It is important to remember that you are not alone in this.
Contact a Cobb County Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today?
After suffering injuries in an accident, most people want to focus on regaining their health rather than worry about legal complications. When you work with an experienced Cobb County motorcycle accident lawyer, we can handle paperwork and questions from insurance companies so that you can put your energies toward healing. For a free consultation and to learn how a motorcycle accident lawyer could help in your case, call Scott A. Pryor, Attorney at Law, LLC at (404) 474-7122 today.
