Georgia Motorcycle Accident Laws
According to Georgia Code: Low Speed Vehicles, motorcyclists are bound to certain rules and regulations.
These include, but are not limited to:
- A lane may be shared by two motorcyclists, but no other vehicles are allowed to do so
- It is not permitted to split lanes.
- Both the headlights and the taillights must always be on.
- Helmets are necessary
- Conversation is only authorized when speakers are present.
- Motorcycles must have mounted windshields; in the absence of a windshield, riders must wear safety goggles.
- If you plan to ride with passengers, you must have footrests.
In Georgia, motorcycle insurance is mandated for all riders. All motor vehicles in Georgia must have the same level of insurance.
At a minimum, this is:
- $50,000 in physical injury liability for everyone engaged in the accident
- $25,000 in property damage liability
- $25,000 in bodily injury liability for just one person
For a free legal consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer serving Duluth, call 404-951-3513
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
There are many reasons that someone may end up in a motorcycle accident.
- Driving when impaired by drink or drugs
- Faulty motorbike components
- Frontal collisions
- Collisions involving stationary objects
- Collisions that occur when a rider is turning left and hits a car
- Riding in inclement weather
- Riding under dangerous traffic conditions
- Driving when inattentive
Unlawful lane sharing or splitting
Common Injuries After Duluth Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be serious or even life-threatening.
Some common injuries after a motorcycle accident include:
- Road rash — Abrasions or lacerations caused by sliding across the pavement
- Fractures — Broken bones, such as hand injuries, feet, arms, legs, or ribs
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) — A brain injury caused by a blow to the head
- Spinal cord injuries — Damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis or loss of sensation
- Internal injuries — Damage to internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys
- Soft tissue injuries — Damage to muscles, tendons, or ligaments, which can result in sprains or strains
- Burns — Burns caused by hot metal, friction or chemicals
- Amputations — Loss of a limb or extremity
- Whiplash — Neck and spine injury caused by a sudden head-jerking motion
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) — Emotional trauma that may develop after a serious accident
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t feel any pain or discomfort immediately. Some injuries may not become apparent until hours or even days after the accident.
Additionally, speaking with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer is recommended to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Duluth Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 404-951-3513
Settlement Amounts
General Damages
General damages refer to any losses incurred by an injured party, including those less quantifiable. These types of damages can be broken down into the following categories:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental suffering
- Breakdown of a relationship with a partner
- Inconvenience
- Emotional angst
- The inability to enjoy life
In the State of Georgia, there is no cap on personal injury damages. You would think that this would mean that many accidents could result in a generous settlement for motorcycle accident cases. However, a rider’s level of negligence may lower the overall compensation they receive.
For instance, let’s say a jury panel determines that a motorcyclist should receive $100,000 in damages due to the motorcycle accident injuries they incurred. However, they were 30% to blame for the accident, which means the plaintiff might only be entitled to $30,000 in compensation.
Special Damages
While it is difficult to determine what you could potentially get in general damages, special damages are relatively easy to prove since they typically refer to direct monetary losses. These include:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost revenue
- Lost the ability to earn
- Damage to property
It is best to consult a motorcycle accident attorney to be advised of the potential damages you may be entitled to.
Retrieving Evidence
If you were in a motorcycle accident, as much as you are physically able, you should collect as much evidence as possible to bolster your case.
This includes taking photos or videos and paying close attention to the positions of the other vehicles. Take photos from varying angles and capture any relevant road or weather conditions. Also, take photos of visible injuries you may have sustained. accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be serious or even life-threatening.
Importance of Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Any negotiation with an insurance company can lead to an uneven power dynamic because these organizations conduct these types of discussions frequently. On the other hand, you likely don’t get into motorcycle accidents very frequently. Therefore, it’s unlikely that this is a straightforward dispute that you can handle on your own.
Experienced motorcycle accident lawyers will help you determine how much your motorcycle accident injury claims are worth and work to get you a fair settlement.
Contact an Experienced Duluth Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you sustained mild or serious injuries after a motorcycle accident, you might have a motorcycle accident claim. Schedule a consultation with an attorney at Slam Dunk Attorney. We can assess your matter and advise you of your steps going forward. We also offer representation in other areas of law.
- I was hit by an uninsured driver, what do I do?
- Duluth Truck Accident Lawyer
- Duluth Car Accident Attorney
We will fight on your behalf to secure a just settlement. Contact us today and talk to us about your case.
Call or text 404-951-3513 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
