Fort Oglethorpe Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Although motorcycle riders have the same rights on the road as all other vehicles, sometimes they are overlooked. The result of a misjudgment by another driver can result in a serious crash that causes both property damage as well as significant personal injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 80 percent of all motorcycle accidents result in injuries or are fatal.
If you are involved in an accident with an automobile due to the driver’s failure to be aware of his or her surroundings, you may want to contact a Fort Oglethorpe motorcycle accident lawyer. Our compassionate personal injury attorneys could help you hold the responsible party accountable, so you can get fair compensation for your injuries.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Most motorcycle accidents are caused by a driver’s failure to see a cyclist and, therefore, respond in time to avoid a crash. A driver’s unawareness can be the result of the motorcycle’s smaller size or can be caused by heavy traffic, reduced visibility, or distractions.
In addition to the failure of a driver to notice a motorcyclist, motorcycle accidents with an automobile could involve unsafe motorist behavior, such as:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failure to yield
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failure to obey traffic signs and signals
Any of these driver actions could serve as grounds for a case in which a claimant could receive compensation by proving the other party’s negligence.
Proving Negligence in a Fort Oglethorpe Motorcycle Wreck Case
In Fort Oglethorpe, a plaintiff bringing a personal injury lawsuit based on negligence must establish four elements:
- The defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff
- The defendant breached his or her duty
- The defendant’s breach caused the plaintiff’s injuries
- The plaintiff suffered damages
In an accident involving a motorcycle and a car, oftentimes both drivers are found partially at fault for the crash. When this occurs, a plaintiff who is also deemed negligent can still recover damages in the state of Georgia if he or she is less than 50 percent responsible for the accident. The amount the plaintiff can recover is simply reduced proportionately by the percentage of his or her fault. A skilled lawyer could help an injured victim prove negligence.
Available Damages in Motorcycle Accident Cases
Research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that motorcyclists are about five times more likely to be injured in an accident with an automobile than the car’s occupants. Among the most common injuries riders suffer in a crash are:
- Broken bones
- Cuts and lacerations
- Brain injury
- Paralysis
- Burns
- Amputations
Depending on the severity of his or her injuries, a plaintiff may need significant medical treatment and may be unable to return to work or normal everyday activities. If a motorcyclist suffers serious consequences after an accident someone else causes, they can sue to recover both economic and noneconomic damages from the defendant. This can include lost wages, healthcare bills, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. A Fort Oglethorpe motorcycle accident lawyer is experienced in assisting injured individuals to recover the damages he or she deserves.
How a Fort Oglethorpe Motorcycle Accident Attorney Could Help
When you are seriously injured in an accident with an automobile, you should be able to continue living your life without financial and physical burdens. To that end, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to recover damages from your accident.
An experienced Fort Oglethorpe motorcycle accident lawyer could ease your mind by fighting for your rights so you can move forward. We could also help you understand the specific laws governing motorcycle injuries and claims and represent you in court. Call today so you can start working to hold the other party accountable and receive fair compensation for your losses.
