Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Claims Hold Dangerous Drivers Accountable
It is an unfortunate fact that other drivers are often less aware of motorcycles than other vehicles on the road. This error does not diminish their liability when they cause a motorcycle accident. An Atlanta motorcycle accident attorney can hold negligent drivers accountable for the costs injured riders and their families incur after motorcycle wrecks.
These often-deadly crashes are commonly caused by drivers who:
- Fail to notice motorcycle riders
- Tailgate motorcycles
- Text while driving, which is illegal in Georgia
- Speed while driving
- Drive while intoxicated
According to one 2021 study from the Georgia Department of Drivers Services, motorcycles represent 2% of registered vehicles in the state, but motorcycle riders represent 21% of total driver fatalities, with rider fatalities increasing by 22% between 2017 and 2019. Holding dangerous drivers accountable helps keep our city’s streets safer for motorcycle riders.
Who Can Be Held Liable in an Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Claim?
There may be one or more liable parties in an Atlanta motorcycle accident claim. These could include:
- Drivers: Drivers of cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles can be held liable if improper actions, like distracted driving or violating traffic laws, directly caused the motorcycle collision.
- Government agencies: If unsafe road conditions, like unaddressed potholes or lack of proper intersection signage, contributed to the crash, the responsible government bodies overseeing roadways may carry liability.
- Vehicle manufacturers: Motorcycle makers can share liability if defective design or equipment like brakes were causational factors in bringing about the collision.
- Employers: Businesses with drivers operating their vehicles at the time of the incident may be liable for crash-related damages under the legal doctrine of vicarious liability.
- Bars & restaurants: Establishments that overserve impaired drivers who later cause motorcycle collisions may be found negligent under Georgia’s dram shop liability laws.
- Property owners: If factors like debris or poor visibility stemming from an adjacent property somehow contributed, you may hold the owner liable through a premises liability claim.
An Atlanta motorcycle accident attorney’s investigation will identify all potentially liable parties so we can recover the full value of your compensation.
How Much Is an Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Claim Worth?
There is no average value for a motorcycle injury claim. What each biker could get paid out really depends on how badly they were hurt and how it disrupts their life and ability to work. Cases can settle for a few thousand dollars for minor scrapes to totals much higher, involving long-lasting harm.
Figuring out what you may qualify for means looking at all costs, including medical, income loss, and pain and suffering. Our injury attorney will help motorcycle riders in Georgia work with the insurance companies and the courts. Our goal is to get you repaid for the losses from the wreck that were not your fault but rather were caused by others who were driving dangerously.
Recovering money never undoes the damage that was caused by a devastating motorcycle accident, but it can relieve burdens so victims can heal. Though no average motorcycle accident settlement amount exists, our motorcycle accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA, will fight to make sure you are properly compensated for what you are owed based on your unique situation.
The Deadline to File a Motorcycle Accident in Atlanta, GA
According to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Georgia is two years from the date of the injury or accident.
Specifically, Georgia law states that someone injured due to another party’s negligence has two years from the actual date that their accident and injuries occurred to formally take legal action by filing a lawsuit with the court. After the two-year mark passes, unfortunately, the injured party loses their right to sue and the chance to pursue financial compensation for their losses.
Don’t jeopardize the opportunity to cover costs by allowing Georgia’s two-year limit to expire. The clock starts ticking from the accident date—wise planning ensures the opportunity to get the fair compensation you are entitled to receive isn’t wasted. Call our team today or reach out to us online to protect your rights.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim When a Motorcycle Rider Is Killed in Atlanta?
If a motorcyclist is killed in a crash, Georgia law allows certain family members to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault parties. Those eligible typically include the decedent’s:
- Spouse: They can file a claim based on losing their husband/wife. The emotional and financial losses are huge when a partner dies.
- Children: Minor children especially face immense hardship growing up without their parent. Adult children may also file suits in some cases.
- Parents: If the deceased rider had no spouse or children but still assisted their parents in daily life, the parents can potentially bring legal action.
- Representatives of the rider’s estate: If there are no living family members, the estate administrator can file a case.
Successfully holding negligent parties fully accountable begins with a thorough investigation to determine fault and liability. A motorcycle crash attorney in Atlanta can advise which family members may be eligible for compensation given the unique circumstances. Seeking compensation can help offset the life-altering effects of losing a loved one to a fatal motorcycle accident.
