Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Lawrenceville

Motorcycle riders in Lawrenceville, Georgia enjoy the exhilarating freedom of riding on the open road. Motorcycles can represent both a fun hobby and a way of life. Nevertheless, operating a bike in the greater Atlanta metro area means you have to contend with congested traffic and other challenges.

Operating a motorcycle can leave you vulnerable to the elements and any careless drivers who share the road with you. Even a minor motorcycle accident can change your life forever.

Insurance giants might be reluctant to pay you the just compensation you deserve and will use teams of lawyers to try to poke holes in your case. You shouldn’t have to deal with the added stress of battling insurers on top of unexpected bills and your recovery process. Where can you turn for support?

A motorcycle accident lawyer in Lawrenceville from The Scott Pryor Law Group can help you to explore the strength of your case, guide you through the legal process, and fight on your behalf.

Contact The Scott Pryor Law Group for a free consultation today

• What to know about motorcycle accidents in Georgia
  • Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program
  • Common causes of Lawrenceville motorcycle accidents
• What to expect during your motorcycle accident claim
• Georgia Laws that could impact your claim
  • Class M License Law
  • Comparative Fault    
  • Motorcycle Helmet Law
  • Motorcycle Lights Law
• Compensatory damages after a Lawrenceville motorcycle accident
  • Economic Damages
  • Non-Economic Damages
  • Punitive Damages  
• How The Scott Pryor Law Group can help

What to know about motorcycle accidents in Georgia

The majority of motorcycle accidents in Georgia tend to occur in urban areas. However, even if you’re riding on rural roads, it’s vital to follow state laws and use extreme caution. You can’t always control the circumstances of the road, but by taking safety measures, you may be able to avoid an accident.

If you’re involved in a collision, a personal injury lawyer from The Scott Pryor Law Group can help you navigate the legal path ahead. Here are some statistics on Georgia motorcycle accidents that you should know:

• Motorcycle riders account for 11% of all state traffic fatalities
• 42% of all motorcycle accidents occur in the Atlanta metro area (including Lawrenceville)
• 83% of riders involved in accidents were wearing a helmet
• 47% of riders involved in motorcycle accidents do not have a valid Class M license
• In 2023, motorcycle accidents accounted for over $252 million in state emergency room and hospital costs

Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program

Created in 2020 to help beginning riders of all ages remain safe as they share the roads, the Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program (GMSP) is run by the Georgia Department of Driver Services. 

The GMSP offers licensing courses and rider education to highlight the highway safety issues that impact motorcycle enthusiasts and can help you to increase your awareness and prevent avoidable accidents.

Common causes of Lawrenceville motorcycle accidents

Although the circumstances of your collision may be unique, our motorcycle accident lawyers in Lawrenceville see many of the following common causes in our clients’ cases:

• Dangerous road conditions
• Distracted driving
• Excessive Speed
• Impaired Driving
• Lane Splitting
• Quick stops
• Reckless driving
• Tailgating

What to expect during your motorcycle accident claim

Although you may choose to pursue an insurance claim or even file a personal injury lawsuit on your own, a motorcycle accident claim can be extremely complex and it may be challenging to prove liability without legal help.

A motorcycle accident lawyer in Lawrenceville can help you negotiate with insurance companies that are reluctant to pay you the compensation you’re rightfully owed. In the immediate aftermath of your accident, it’s important to seek medical treatment and meet with an attorney from The Scott Pryor Law Group for a free initial consultation.

The severity of your injuries and the nuances of your case may involve extra steps through the legal process, but once you’ve filed an insurance claim you can expect the following to occur:

• The insurance company will assign a claims agent to investigate your accident and the losses you’ve incurred.

• The at-fault party’s insurer will either offer you a settlement or deny your claim

• Your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of your motorcycle accident and collect evidence to bolster your claim. This evidence may include your filed police report, photographic and video evidence, medical expenses, and eyewitness testimony.

• Your motorcycle accident lawyer will advise you on whether or not to accept a claim. It’s important to remember that although it might be tempting to accept a lowball, lump sum payment to take care of your immediate expenses, you will not be able to pursue future compensation if you do so.

• Your lawyer will attempt to negotiate with the insurance company and will help you to calculate the compensatory damages you should include in your claim. 

• If the insurer refuses to pay just compensation, your motorcycle accident attorney may advise you to file a personal injury lawsuit.

• The defendant (s) in your lawsuit will have 30 days to respond to your claim.

• The Scott Pryor Law Group will work tirelessly and represent you in negotiations. If a settlement agreement cannot be reached, your case will go to trial. 

• Your trial might last anywhere from a day to several weeks, depending on factors including the severity of your injuries and the number of witnesses called to testify.       

Schedule a free consultation with The Scott Pryor Law Group

Georgia Laws that could impact your claim

Georgia has specific motorcycle laws in place to increase the safety of riders and other vehicles on the road. Any of these laws may impact the outcome of your motorcycle accident case.       

Class M License Law

In order to operate a motorcycle in Georgia, the state requires that you have a specific Class M driver’s license or instructional permit. To qualify for this license, you must be at least 17 years old (with written consent from a legal guardian if you’re under 18), produce proof of U.S. citizenship, and pass vision, knowledge, and road skill tests.

If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident without a valid Class M license, you might not have a valid claim for compensation.

Comparative Fault

Georgia state law §51-12-33 requires the determination of comparative fault in a motorcycle accident. If you’re partially liable for your collision, it could impact your compensation. The comparative fault law mandates that:

• A plaintiff who’s liable for 50%-100% of their accident no longer has a valid claim for compensation.

• If a plaintiff is at fault for over 0% but less than 50% of their accident, the amount of compensation they could receive is decreased to reflect their percentage of fault.

For example, if you were lane-splitting (weaving in and out of traffic lanes, or sharing a lane with another vehicle) and were hit by another driver, you may be found partially liable for your accident.

A motorcycle accident lawyer in Lawrenceville from The Scott Pryor Law Group can help to determine whether or not you might hold comparative fault for your collision.

Motorcycle Helmet Law

In Georgia, all motorcycle riders and passengers must wear a helmet at all times. Your motorcycle helmet is required to meet the Department of Transportation (DoT) standards, and you could receive a hefty fine and face misdemeanor charges if you fail to adhere to this law.

If your motorcycle doesn’t have a windshield, you’re also required to wear eye protection. If you don’t follow these requirements, you could be found to hold comparative fault in your accident and your claim might even be dismissed.

Motorcycle Lights Law

Georgia also requires motorcycles to be equipped with headlights, taillights, and turn signal lights. Your headlight must be on the left side of your bike and visible from at least 300 feet away. Your taillight must be red and also visible from at least 300 feet away. 

If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident in Lawrenceville and your bike does not meet these standards, your case could be adversely impacted.  

Compensatory damages after a Lawrenceville motorcycle accident

The compensation you might receive after your motorcycle accident in Lawrenceville is categorized by the losses you’ve suffered. These categories are called damages. There are three types of damages, economic, non-economic, and punitive, and each covers different kinds of losses that have altered your life.

Economic Damages

Economic (or special) damages cover the losses you’ve experienced that have a set, immovable monetary value. For example, accident-related medical bills and auto service bills are considered economic damages.

Economic damages you might claim in a motorcycle accident include:

• Lost Wages (including bonuses and tips)
• Medical Expenses (all doctor’s appointments, hospital stays, prescriptions, and any other medical treatment related to your accident)
• Property Repair and Replacement Costs 
• Transportation Costs (if you’ve had to use public transportation, rental vehicles, or ride shares as a result of the accident) 

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages signify the traumatic losses you’ve experienced that don’t have a concrete monetary value, but have a tremendous impact on your emotional, mental, and physical well-being. 

Although no amount of money can heal these losses, financial compensation can allow you to focus on your healing process without worrying about making ends meet. 

Examples of non-economic damages in a motorcycle accident might include the following:  

• Chronic Pain
• Disfigurement
• Loss of consortium (companionship and intimacy)
• Pain and Suffering
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Wrongful Death

Punitive Damages

Georgia state code § 51-12-5.1 defines punitive damages as “vindictive damages” which signifies the use of punitive damages to punish a grossly negligent defendant. Typically, punitive damages are determined by a judge and/or jury and tacked on to an initial compensatory award.

However, if you’ve suffered severe or permanent injury in your accident or the defendant displayed obvious gross negligence, your motorcycle lawyer in Lawrenceville might suggest that you seek punitive damages.

For instance, if your motorcycle was struck by a driver who fell asleep behind the wheel and this resulted in significant injury, you might include punitive damages in your claim.

75% of a punitive damages award is automatically allocated to the Georgia state treasury and the plaintiff receives the remaining 25%.

How The Scott Pryor Law Group can help

At The Scott Pryor Law Group, your story and unique trauma matter. We’ll fight tirelessly against the insurance companies to achieve the best possible outcome in your case. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Lawrenceville understands how vital it is to find justice and receive the compensation you’re rightfully owed.

We’ll take your case on a contingency basis, which means that you won’t have to deal with ongoing, expensive legal fees. We don’t get paid unless you get paid. We’ll represent you in the legal process so that you can focus on your recovery.

We can’t guarantee a successful outcome, but we’ve recovered 7-figure settlements for many clients and are committed to beating an insurer’s final offer.

Your path to justice can begin today. Schedule your free consultation with The Scott Pryor Law Group.