Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
We’re an experienced Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer who understands the complexity of motorcycle crashes and their aftermath. We recognize that motorcycle accidents differ significantly from car crashes — not only in their potential for severe injuries but also in the legal challenges they present. With millions recovered for injured clients, we have the expertise and dedication to fight for the compensation you deserve as a result of your injuries.
According to a recent study from the Insurance Information Institute, motorcycle crashes cost billions of dollars per year. From emergency services and medical bills to long-term rehabilitation and lost wages, the costs can add up and compound an already overwhelming situation.
Don’t navigate the challenging road to justice alone. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta, trust a lawyer at Weatherby Law Firm to protect your rights and secure your future. Let our specialized knowledge guide you along the path of recovery.
Why Choose Weatherby Law Firm for Your Motorcycle Accident Case?
At Weatherby Law Firm, we’re selective about the cases we handle. When choosing who to call for help after a motorcycle accident, you should be selective too.
Our success is a testament to our expertise. Our Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers have decades of combined experience. The award-winning Alex D. Weatherby is the lawyer other lawyers go to when they want to help strengthen cases for their clients.
Weatherby Law Firm doesn’t do it for the accolades, though. We fight for the justice of motorcycle accident victims because we know first-hand the basic human need for empathetic aid after suffering a personal injury.
What to Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident in Atlanta
The moments following a motorcycle accident can be chaotic and overwhelming. If you ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation, we hope the following guide will help you keep a cool head so you can take the first, most challenging steps towards recovery.
If you or a family member is involved in an Atlanta motorcycle accident, here’s what you need to do:
1. Safety First
Take a deep breath and assess the situation. Are you in a safe position, or do you need to move to avoid further danger? Check yourself and others for injuries. If you’re able, help anyone who needs immediate assistance.
2. Dial 911
Don’t hesitate — call emergency services right away. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to have police and medical professionals on the scene. Your health should be priority number one. Not to mention, unbiased reports from healthcare providers can prove invaluable later on.
3. Document, Document, Document
Your smartphone is your best friend here. Snap photos of everything: the vehicles, the road conditions, any visible injuries, and even the weather. These details might seem trivial now, but they could significantly benefit your case down the road.
4. Can You Get a Witness?
Did anyone see what happened? Politely ask for their contact information and an eyewitness account of the accident.
5. Keep Calm
It’s natural to want to discuss the accident…but resist the urge. Don’t admit fault or apologize, as these statements can come back to haunt you. Stick to exchanging insurance and contact information with other involved parties.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company
Give your insurance company a heads-up about the accident, keeping it brief and factual. Don’t give recorded statements or sign anything without consulting an Atlanta motorcycle injury lawyer first.
7. Call Weatherby Law
Before you get too deep into discussions with insurance companies or other parties, reach out to us. As experienced Atlanta motorcycle accident attorneys, we can guide you through the complex legal landscape and ensure your rights are protected from the beginning.
Remember: the steps you take immediately after a motorcycle accident can significantly impact your physical recovery and legal standing. By following these guidelines and reaching out to Weatherby Law, you’re setting yourself up for the best possible outcome in an otherwise challenging situation.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Atlanta
Understanding the root causes of motorcycle accidents in Atlanta is crucial for both accident prevention and strategic legal recourse. While each accident is unique, certain patterns emerge when you analyze the data over time as we have.
The most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Atlanta include:
1. Multiple Vehicles
Over half (57%) of fatal motorcycle accidents involve other vehicles. This highlights the critical need for drivers to be more aware of motorcyclists sharing the road.
2. Speeding
Speed kills. Plain and simple. Whether it’s the motorcyclist or other drivers pushing the limits, speeding significantly increases the risk of accidents and their severity.
3. Alcohol’s Dangerous Influence
Impaired riding or driving dramatically escalates the chances of a crash. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair judgment and slow down reaction times.
4. Weather
Interestingly, most motorcycle accidents (97%) occur in clear conditions. This suggests that riders are generally cautious in poor weather, but may let their guard down on seemingly “safer” days.
5. Distracted Driving
In our digitally-connected world, distracted driving has become a major threat. Drivers checking phones, adjusting GPS, or even eating behind the wheel pose significant risks to motorcyclists who can easily slip into a car’s blind spot.
6. Reckless Behavior
Aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, unsafe lane changes, or running red lights create dangerous situations for everyone on the road. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to these reckless maneuvers.
7. Road Hazards
Potholes, debris, or uneven road surfaces that might be minor annoyances for cars can be major hazards for motorcycles, potentially causing loss of motorcycle control.
At Weatherby Law, we’ve seen how these factors can lead to devastation. Our experience handling a wide range of motorcycle accident cases in Atlanta gives us unique insight into how to build strong legal arguments, regardless of the specific cause.
Types of Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal injuries, including organ damage
- Emotional and psychological trauma
Determining Fault in a Motorcycle Accident
Even if you think you might have been partially at fault (for instance, if you were speeding at the time of an accident), don’t assume your case will get thrown out. Georgia’s comparative negligence laws provide the opportunity for compensation to individuals who might have been partly responsible for motorcycle accidents resulting in injury.
Every situation is unique, which is why it’s crucial to consult with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney like Weatherby Law who can evaluate the specifics of your case. We gather and analyze evidence to substantiate and prove liability, ensuring that fault is accurately assigned.
Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim
Georgia’s statute of limitations dictates that you have two years from the date of your injury to file a claim seeking compensation, so don’t delay seeking legal assistance. After all, filing a claim is a critical — yet complicated — step in the recovery process, and Weatherby Law can help.
Here’s how:
1. Gather Evidence
An Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer will help you collect and preserve all relevant documents, including:
- Insurance policy details
- Proof of premium payments
- Information exchanged at the accident scene
- Police reports and any issued tickets
- Photographs of damages and the accident scene
- Statements given to insurance companies
- Medical records and bills
2. Notify Insurance Companies
Your attorney can handle communications with insurance companies, ensuring you don’t inadvertently say anything that could harm your case.
3. File the Claim
Your lawyer will prepare and file the necessary legal documents to initiate your claim within the required timeframes.
4. Negotiate
Most cases are settled out of court. Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf to secure fair compensation.
5. Litigation
If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your case may go to trial. Your attorney will represent you in court.
Types of Compensation Available for Motorcycle Accident Victims
At Weatherby Law Firm, we maximize financial recovery for our clients by working diligently to ensure all potential areas of compensation are explored. Since every case is unique, the types and amounts of compensation can vary significantly based on the specific circumstances of your motorcycle accident.
In Atlanta motorcycle accident cases, victims may be eligible for the following types of compensation.
1. Property Damage
This covers the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
2. Medical Expenses
All reasonable medical bills incurred as a result of the accident, including current treatments and estimated future medical costs.
3. Lost Wages
Compensation for any time missed from work due to the accident, including decreased earning capacity if the injury impacts your ability to work in the future.
4. Pain and Suffering
This non-economic damage is left to the “enlightened conscience of the jury” and often constitutes the largest portion of the award. It compensates for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
5. Punitive Damages
In cases involving extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, the court may award punitive damages to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.
Wrongful Death Claims in Motorcycle Accidents
According to another study conducted by the Insurance Information Institute, motorcycle fatalities reached an all-time high of 6,222 nationwide, marking a 23% increase since 2019. These deaths accounted for 15% of all motor vehicle crash fatalities, despite motorcycles comprising a much smaller percentage of vehicles on the road. The vulnerability of riders is stark: per mile traveled, motorcyclists are nearly 24 times more likely to die in a crash than passenger vehicle occupants.
When a loved one is lost due to someone else’s negligence in a motorcycle accident, surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Weatherby Law Firm understands that no amount of money can truly compensate for the loss of a loved one. However, a wrongful death claim can provide financial stability and a sense of justice for the family left behind, compensating them for expenses related to:
- Funeral and Burial Costs: Costs of laying your loved one to rest.
- Loss of Financial Support: Compensation for the deceased’s lost future income and benefits that would have supported the family.
- Loss of Companionship: Also known as loss of consortium, this compensates for the deprivation of the deceased’s love, comfort, and companionship.
- Loss of Services: The value of household services the deceased would have provided.
- Emotional Distress: Compensation for the grief and emotional trauma experienced by the surviving family members.
- Medical Expenses: Any medical bills incurred before the victim’s death as a result of the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for any pain and suffering the deceased experienced between the accident and their death.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a motorcycle accident settlement take?
Settlement times can vary. Factors influencing the timeline include the complexity of medical treatments, insurance company cooperation, and the accident’s location.
Will my motorcycle accident case be settled or go to trial?
While going to trial might seem appealing based on their portrayal in movies and television, it’s not always the best option. At Weatherby Law, we’ll advise you based on your case’s specifics. We only recommend a trial if we’re confident in a win. Our goal is to secure the largest possible settlement without the added time and expense of a trial.
Can I use car insurance for a motorcycle accident case?
In most cases, yes. Car insurance can cover motorcycle accident expenses, but securing it may not be straightforward. Our experienced team of motorcycle accident attorneys can guide you through this process, ensuring you receive the coverage to which you’re entitled.
What if the other driver is at fault in a motorcycle accident?
Contrary to popular belief, motorcyclists aren’t usually at fault in accidents. However, they have the same rights and responsibilities on the road as any other vehicle. Weatherby Law Firm understands Georgia’s stance on comparative negligence and will make every effort to establish fault — partial or full — and ensure that compensation is awarded accordingly.
Which insurance will cover a motorcycle accident in Georgia?
If another driver is at fault, their bodily injury liability insurance is the primary coverage source. However, Georgia’s minimum requirement is $25,000, which may not cover all expenses. If the at-fault driver’s coverage is inadequate, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (if you have it) can fill the gap. This coverage also applies to hit-and-run incidents.
Contact an Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
Your road to justice starts with a free case evaluation at Weatherby Law.