Motorcyclists are involved in 14.6% of all traffic fatalities and account for only 3% of all registered vehicles. You or your loved one are riding with far less safety equipment and protection than a passenger vehicle. As your Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers, we’ll fight for the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Even if you wear a helmet, follow traffic laws, and do your best to stay safe and visible, accidents happen.
We’ll help you:
- Understand your next steps in pursuing damages
- Negotiate with insurers who want you to settle for far less than you deserve
- Hold all parties involved liable for your injuries
At The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson, we bring decades of experience to the table and will fight to help you be made whole again.
Schedule a consultation with us to get the process started.
Case Illustration of Motorcycle Accident Claim
Michael is a 21-year-old motorcyclist riding along 16th Street in Midtown when, at the intersection of Spring Street, he is traveling through the green traffic light and a car hits him from the side, throwing him from his bike.
He hits the pavement hard and notices a sudden burning in his arm that he extended to try and break his fall.
Luckily, while he has to have his arm imaged to understand his injuries, he knows that things could have been much worse. He calls the police, and the opposing driver tries to blame the accident on Michael, who was smart enough to have a helmet cam and shows the footage to the police officer.
It was clear that the other driver didn’t stop at the red light and was at fault in the accident.
Michael should have an easier time coming to a settlement with the insurance company for:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical bills
- Lost work
- Repair or replacement of his motorcycle
Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers will use the footage that Michael has to show fault and come to a quick settlement with the insurance company.
Crash Statistics
Georgia Department of Transportation reports the following motorcycle-related stats:
- 188 total motorcycle accidents in 2023
- 49 of the accidents included “young drivers”
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcyclists are at a much higher risk of death in motorcycle accidents, but the injuries are often different than in an automobile crash and far more severe. Common injuries include:
- Brain injuries: Significant brain injuries can occur, including concussions, TBIs and other injuries that can impact memory, concentration, speech and movement.
- Back, neck and spine injuries: One study found 14% of all motorcycle injuries fall within this category of injuries. Motorcyclists can suffer from fractures, herniated discs, broken bones, whiplash and paralysis.
- Road rash: Skidding on the pavement can cause significant skin loss, burns and more.
Injuries can also include broken bones, loss of limbs, broken ribs, legs and arms, and internal injuries. Helmets can reduce the risk of head injuries, but they’re not 100% effective. Many motorcyclists die from injuries even when they take every safety precaution possible.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Like any other motor vehicle accident, motorcycle crashes can happen for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle collisions include:
Head-On Collisions
A large percentage of motorcycle accidents involve other drivers and head-on collisions. Another motorist hits the motorcycle from the front, leading to potentially serious or fatal injuries.
Lane-Splitting
Motorcyclists often engage in lane-splitting, or riding between traffic lanes, when traffic is backed up or slow.
Lane-splitting is illegal in Georgia, so riders may be considered liable in these types of accidents.
Bad Weather or Road Conditions
Rain, sleet, snow, ice and poor road conditions can all contribute to motorcycle accidents. These conditions are especially dangerous for motorcyclists, who have less protection than motorists.
What To Do After A Motorcycle Accident
The steps you take after a motorcycle accident can impact both your health and your personal injury claim. We understand how scary an accident can be, but it’s important to remain as calm as possible and follow the steps below.
Call 911 and Report the Accident
First and most importantly, seek medical care for your injuries. Call 911 if you are able to move and are conscious.
Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention anyway. Some injuries can take hours or days to present, especially those affecting the head or neck. Seeing a doctor will also start the documentation process for your injuries.
After calling 911, make sure that you report the accident to the police. Any accident involving injuries or death must be reported to police in the State of Georgia. Reporting the incident will also ensure that there’s a police report, which will serve as important evidence in your case.
Gather Evidence (If Possible)
If you are physically able, gather as much evidence as you can from the accident scene, including:
- Contact information for eyewitnesses
- Insurance information from the other driver
- Photos or video footage of the scene, vehicle damage and injuries
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
After you’ve reported the incident to the police and sought medical attention, contact your insurance company to report the accident.
Provide only relevant facts and information about the incident. Do not admit fault or speculate about fault. Stick to the facts only.
Contact an Attorney
Now that you’ve alerted your insurance company of the incident, you can start consulting with Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers.
If the accident and your injuries were caused by the other driver’s negligence, you may be able to pursue compensation for your losses.
An attorney can help you navigate the process, protect your rights, negotiate with the insurance company and fight for maximum compensation.
What is My Case Worth?
Calculating the value of your case on your own can be challenging, as there are several factors that will need to be considered. An attorney will know how to assess the true extent of the damages you’ve incurred and consider all losses, both present and future.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Decreased quality of life
- Property damage, including repairs to your motorcycle
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
The amount you recover will depend on:
- The severity of your injuries
- The other party’s percentage of liability
- Other factors relevant to your individual case
When calculating the value of your claim, your attorney will take into account any future medical costs that you may incur for your injuries.
How To Choose The Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyer For Me
Motorcycle accidents often cause serious and life-changing injuries. It is crucial to choose the right lawyer for your case to ensure you’re pursuing the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
There are several factors to consider when choosing your attorney, but some of the most important ones include:
- Experience handling motorcycle accident cases
- A track record of success
- A positive reputation among clients
- A client-first approach
- Transparent fee structure
- The resources to give your case the time and attention it deserves
At The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson, we know that motorcycle injuries are serious and can leave you feeling uncertain about the future. Over the last 2+ decades, attorney Darwin F. Johnson has handled more than 10,000 cases involving injured victims in Georgia.
When you work with our firm, you’re not just another number. We provide our clients with personalized attention and service to ensure the best possible outcome in their cases.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers.
