Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Augusta

From riverside drives to historic neighborhoods, Augusta provides motorcyclists with great scenic routes to explore. However, even if you take every possible precaution to stay safe and ride responsibly, you may still be involved in a motorcycle accident.

Unfortunately, motorcycle riders face significant risks from careless drivers who fail to watch for bikes on the road. When motorcycles collide with larger vehicles, the consequences are often devastating for the rider. If you’ve suffered injuries in a motorcycle crash, an Augusta motorcycle accident attorney can help ensure that negligent drivers are held accountable for your injuries and damages.

Have you been hurt in a motorcycle accident? Don’t wait to reach out to experienced motorcycle accident attorney Scott Pryor. Contact our Augusta office today for a free consultation and receive the skilled and personalized legal guidance you need.

• How do most motorcycle accidents happen? 
• Establishing liability in a motorcycle accident case 
  • Can multiple parties be responsible for a motorcycle accident?
• Common motorcycle accident injuries 
• What compensation can I recover for my motorcycle accident? 
  • Lost wages 
  • Medical expenses 
  • Pain and suffering 
  • Emotional distress 
• Steps to take after an accident 
• Contact an Augusta Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today 

How do most motorcycle accidents happen? 

The frequency of motorcycle accidents in Georgia is an issue of growing concern.

Based on Georgia Department of Driver Services data, while motorcycles represent only 2% of registered vehicles statewide, they account for 11% of all traffic deaths and 21% of driver fatalities.

These crashes often result in devastating consequences for riders. Without the protective shell that other vehicles provide, motorcyclists face a much higher risk of severe injury or death in accidents. Even when riders survive, they often face extensive recovery from serious injuries. 

Common causes of motorcycle crashes include:

Distracted driving: Modern distractions, from smartphones to navigation systems, lead many drivers to take their attention off the road. This reduced awareness puts motorcyclists at particular risk since they’re already less visible than other vehicles.

Excessive speed: Speed plays a major role in motorcycle accidents. Fast-moving vehicles have less time to react when they notice a motorcycle, and the impact force increases dramatically with speed.

Aggressive driving: Some motorists engage in dangerous behaviors like unsafe lane changes, following too closely, or cutting off other vehicles. These actions become especially hazardous when motorcycles are nearby.

Impaired driving:  It’s widely known that alcohol and drugs severely impair judgment and reaction time. When intoxicated drivers share the road with motorcyclists, the results can be catastrophic.

Unsafe road conditions: Motorcycles are particularly vulnerable to road hazards that might only be minor inconveniences for cars. Cracked pavement, loose gravel, and wet surfaces can cause riders to lose control.

Understanding what causes these accidents is crucial. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, consulting with a qualified motorcycle accident attorney promptly can help protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.

Establishing liability in a motorcycle accident case 

Under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence law OCGA §51-12-33, accident victims cannot receive compensation if they are found to be more than 50% at fault. If the victim shares less than half the blame, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault.

This makes it vital to present strong evidence showing the defendant was primarily responsible. Key evidence in motorcycle accident claims may include:

• accident scene photographs
• police accident reports
• surveillance video footage
• dashcam recordings
• statements from witnesses
• testimony from accident reconstruction experts
• medical documentation

An Augusta motorcycle accident attorney knows how to collect and present this evidence effectively to establish the defendant’s liability.

Can multiple parties be responsible for a motorcycle accident?

Many accidents involve more complicated liability than a single person causing another’s injuries. Often, several parties may share responsibility for a crash.

Consider this scenario: A driver who was texting caused a motorcycle to crash. While the distracted driver appears clearly at fault, other liable parties might include:

• A contractor who left debris in the road that prevented the rider from safely maneuvering
• The motorcycle’s manufacturer if faulty parts contributed to the crash
• The City of Augusta, if inadequate road maintenance or missing signage played a role in the accident
• The driver’s employer if they were on duty at the time

Common motorcycle accident injuries 

A motorcycle crash can result in severe injuries even at low speeds. A slight impact can destabilize a rider and cause a fall, and this includes accidents where no direct vehicle contact occurs. High-speed collisions often produce catastrophic or fatal injuries.

Motorcycle accidents frequently cause injuries such as:

• Fractured bones
• Deep lacerations, abrasions, and contusions
• Brain trauma
• Joint dislocations
• Loss of limbs
• Spinal damage and potential paralysis
• Severe road rash
• Damage to internal organs
• Facial trauma and scarring
• Cervical injuries
• Burns from motorcycle parts or pavement
• Muscle, tendon, and ligament damage
• Ribcage injuries
• Knee trauma
• Shoulder damage
• Lower extremity injuries
• Hip and pelvis trauma
• Vision damage
• Broken or lost teeth
• Emotional trauma and PTSD

Note that both physical and psychological injuries are included here. The mental health impact of a motorcycle crash can be significant, with many victims experiencing anxiety, depression, and severe emotional distress.

These injuries often lead to extended periods away from work, and some victims face permanent disability. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will help assess the full extent of your losses – both immediate and long-term – to pursue appropriate compensation for all damages.

What compensation can I recover for my motorcycle accident? 

After a motorcycle crash, victims often wonder about potential compensation. While every case is unique, there are several main categories of damages available through a personal injury claim.

Lost wages 

Many motorcycle accident victims miss significant time from work during recovery. You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Wages lost during recovery
• Reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous role
• Lost benefits and opportunities
• Future income losses if you’re permanently disabled

Medical expenses 

Motorcycle accidents typically result in substantial medical costs. Victims may recover compensation for:

• Emergency treatment and hospitalization
• Ongoing medical care
• Physical rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment
• Medical equipment and devices
• Future anticipated medical needs
• Prescription medications
• Home care services

Pain and suffering 

The physical pain from motorcycle injuries can be severe and long-lasting. You may receive compensation for:

• Physical discomfort and pain
• Reduced quality of life
• Loss of enjoyment in activities
• Physical limitations and disabilities
• Permanent impairments

Emotional distress 

The psychological impact of a motorcycle crash can be just as devastating as physical injuries. Compensation may cover:

• Anxiety and depression
• Post-traumatic stress
• Sleep disturbances
• Fear of riding or driving
• Impact on relationships
• Mental anguish

Contact our Atlanta motorcycle accident law firm today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you pursue full compensation for your injuries.

Steps to take after an accident 

After a motorcycle crash, your first priority should be seeking medical care. Even if your injuries seem minor, getting thoroughly examined by a healthcare provider is crucial. Some serious injuries, particularly head trauma, may not show immediate symptoms but can have severe long-term consequences. A medical evaluation creates documentation that will be vital for your claim.

Your next important step is to speak with an attorney who specializes in motorcycle accident cases. Your lawyer will help you collect essential evidence to build your case, including accident reports, witness accounts, medical records, and accident scene documentation.

Once the evidence is gathered, your attorney will handle insurance negotiations on your behalf. Having skilled legal representation during this process ensures that insurance companies don’t pressure you into accepting an inadequate settlement. If negotiations don’t result in a fair offer, your attorney can file a lawsuit to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Contact an Augusta Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today 

Augusta motorcycle accident victims trust the Scott Pryor Law Group to protect their rights and interests. With years of experience representing injured clients, Scott Pryor understands that each case is unique and requires personalized attention. We develop customized legal strategies based on your specific circumstances and needs.

A motorcycle accident can impact every aspect of your life – from physical pain and emotional trauma to financial hardship. When your world has been turned upside down by a motorcycle crash, you need strong legal advocacy to help you recover.

An Augusta motorcycle accident attorney can help safeguard your right to compensation. Our team will work diligently to build your case and pursue the damages you deserve, often without the need for a trial.

Contact The Scott Pryor Law Group today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story and help guide you toward recovery.