When it comes to motorcycle accidents, having an attorney with expertise in this specialized area of law can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At Monge & Associates, we have been representing clients injured in motorcycle accidents since 1993, and our track record speaks for itself. We have taken on big insurance companies and large corporations nationwide, recovering billions of dollars for our clients. Our extensive experience and deep understanding of motorcycle accident law enable us to fight for your rights and maximize your compensation. Contact us today for your free consultation.
Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Resources
To immediately access the resources at any point on this page, click the corresponding links below.
How Can an Attorney Help You?
Why Are Motorcycle Accidents So Devastating?
Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Determining Liability for a Motorcycle Accident
Potential Damages Available in Your Case
Timeline of a Georgia Motorcycle Accident Claim
What is the Statute of Limitations in Your Case?
Call a Lawyer Today
How Can an Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help You?
It can be overwhelming when you’re dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident. You may be facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Our Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
First and foremost, we will provide you with personalized attention and support. We understand that every case is unique, and we will take the time to listen to your story and understand the full extent of your injuries and damages. With this information, we can build a strong case tailored to your specific circumstances.
Next, we will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident. This may involve gathering evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and video footage. We leave no stone unturned in our quest for the truth and will use every resource at our disposal to establish liability and prove the at-fault party’s negligence.
Insurance companies are notorious for offering low settlements or denying claims altogether. However, with our experienced Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer by your side, you can level the playing field. Once we have built a solid case, we will negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf. We will aggressively advocate for your rights and ensure that you are not taken advantage of. Our goal is to secure a fair and just settlement that covers all your losses and expenses.
If necessary, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial. Our attorneys have extensive courtroom experience and are not afraid to go up against large insurance companies. Our Atlanta personal injury lawyer will present your case effectively and persuasively to a judge and jury, fighting tirelessly for the compensation you deserve.
Why Are Motorcycle Accidents So Devastating?
Riding a motorcycle can be a thrilling and liberating experience. The open road, the wind in your hair, the freedom to explore new horizons—a feeling like no other. However, when a ride takes a turn for the worse, and an accident occurs, it can feel like your world is crashing down around you.
The consequences of a motorcycle accident can be devastating. Due to a motorcycle’s lack of protection, a rider is more vulnerable to serious injuries. Broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and road rash are just a few of the common injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents. These injuries can result in significant pain, disability, and the need for long-term medical treatment.
Moreover, the financial impact of a motorcycle accident can be staggering. Medical expenses can quickly add up, especially if you require ongoing rehabilitation or specialized care. Additionally, you may be unable to work due to your injuries, resulting in lost wages and financial strain.
Amid the physical pain and financial turmoil, you shouldn’t have to bear the legal burden alone. Our compassionate and skilled Atlanta motorcycle accident attorneys are here to guide you through this difficult time and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists face a unique vulnerability on the road due to their limited physical protection compared to those inside vehicles. Consequently, they can experience severe injuries during accidents, such as the following:
- Internal Injuries: These are injuries to vital organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries can result from the force of impact, even if there’s no external wound, and can be life-threatening if not promptly addressed.
- Brain Injuries: Even with the protection of a helmet, motorcyclists are at risk for traumatic brain injuries. Concussions are common, and more severe cases can lead to long-term cognitive impairments
- Neck, Back, and Spine Injuries: Motorcycle accidents can cause whiplash, slipped discs, or even spinal cord injuries. These injuries can cause symptoms that range from mild discomfort to paralysis.
- Rib Injuries: A motorcyclist can suffer from broken or fractured ribs due to the direct impact of the collision or being thrown off the bike.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Atlanta
A motorcycle accident can happen for a variety of reasons, but some causes are more prevalent than others. Understanding these common causes can help you stay vigilant on the road and minimize your risk of being involved in an accident.
Here are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Atlanta:
- Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and extremely dangerous. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times and impaired judgment, making them more likely to cause accidents involving motorcycles.
- Blind spots: Motorcycles are smaller and more maneuverable than other vehicles, making them easier to miss in blind spots. When a driver fails to check their blind spots before changing lanes or making turns, they can collide with a motorcycle.
- Distracted drivers: In today’s digital age, distracted driving has become a significant problem. Drivers texting, talking on the phone, eating, or engaging in other distractions are not entirely focused on the road, increasing the risk of motorcycle accidents.
- Fatigued drivers: Fatigue can impair a driver’s ability to stay alert and react quickly to changing road conditions. When a driver is drowsy or fatigued, they may drift into other lanes or fail to notice a motorcycle, leading to an accident.
- Head-On Collisions: Head-on collisions are particularly dangerous for motorcyclists. When a driver crosses into the opposite lane and collides with a motorcycle, the results can be catastrophic.
- Motorists making left turns: Left-turn accidents are a common scenario for motorcycle accidents. When a driver fails to yield the right of way or misjudges the speed of an approaching motorcycle while making a left turn, a collision can occur.
- Lane splitting: Lane splitting refers to the practice of riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. Although legal in some states, lane splitting is illegal in Georgia. When motorcyclists engage in lane splitting, they increase the risk of accidents due to their close proximity to other vehicles.
- Taking curves or turning corners too quickly: Motorcycles are designed for agility and maneuverability, but excessive speed when taking curves or turning corners can lead to loss of control and accidents.
- Speeding: Speeding is a common factor in many accidents, including motorcycle accidents. Higher speeds reduce the time available for drivers to react to changing situations, making it more likely for them to collide with motorcycles.
Determining Liability for a Motorcycle Accident
Establishing fault in a motorcycle accident is crucial for seeking compensation. Depending on the cause of your accident, different parties could be at fault:
- Another Driver: If the driver acted negligently or recklessly, causing the accident, they would be the primary party responsible.
- Product Manufacturer: If a motorcycle or its parts were defectively designed or manufactured, the company producing them might be liable.
- Government Entity: Poor road conditions, lack of signage, or other infrastructure issues caused by government negligence can lead to accidents. The entity in charge of this particular issue would be liable.
Potential Damages Available in Your Case
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, there are several potential damages you may be eligible to claim. These are divided into two broad categories: economic damages, which involve your financial losses, and non-economic damages, which refer to the physical and emotional trauma that you sustained. You could also recover a third category, known as punitive damages, depending on the specifics of your case.
Your attorney from Monge & Associates can help you explore all potential avenues of compensation, which may include:
- Medical Expenses: These cover the cost of hospital bills, medication, therapy sessions, and any future medical needs stemming from the accident.
- Lost Wages: If the injury has caused an inability to work, you can claim compensation for the wages lost during that period.
- Loss of Future Earnings: If the injury leads to long-term or permanent disability affecting earning capacity, you could claim compensation for the loss of any earnings that you would have made otherwise.
- Pain and Suffering: This relates to the physical and emotional distress resulting from the accident, including depression, anxiety, mental anguish, chronic pain, and permanent disabilities.
- Disability Accommodations: If modifications to a home or vehicle are needed due to the motorcycle accident, these costs can be covered via an insurance claim or personal injury settlement.
- Property Damage: You can claim compensation to repair or replace your motorcycle, electronic devices, and any other personal property that was damaged in the collision.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly reckless or grossly negligent, additional damages might be awarded to deter similar behavior from occurring in the future.
Timeline of a Georgia Motorcycle Accident Claim
The process of filing a motorcycle accident claim in Georgia can be as short as a few months to as long as a few years, depending on the complexities involved. Several stages are involved, which begin with scheduling a free consultation with an attorney. Your lawyer from Monge & Associates can guide you through your motorcycle accident claim, providing valuable support and advice during each of the following steps.
Receiving Medical Treatment
Immediately after a motorcycle accident, your priority should be to seek medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor, some conditions may manifest later and may cause complications. Your medical records will serve as valuable evidence in your case, helping prove the nature and extent of the damages that you suffered. Additionally, your lawyer will want to wait until you reach maximum medical improvement so that you have a clearer picture of your medical and financial needs.
Investigating and Preparing Your Case
Once you’re medically stable, the next step involves gathering evidence. This might include photographs from the accident scene, witness testimonies, and police reports. A thorough investigation can strengthen your case and provide a clear picture of the events leading to the accident.
Filing an Insurance Claim
Before a personal injury lawsuit, an insurance claim is typically filed. This process involves notifying the at-fault party’s insurance provider about the accident and your intention to claim damages. The insurer will assess and investigate the claim, which might involve evaluating medical reports, repair costs, and other related expenses. The company may offer a settlement, and your attorney may need to negotiate with the insurer to ensure that it meets your needs.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit and Discovery
If the insurance company refuses to pay a fair settlement, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court. After filing, both parties gather information in a phase called ‘discovery’. This involves exchanging evidence, taking depositions, and understanding the opponent’s strategy.
Pre-Trial Negotiations
Before heading to trial, both parties may engage in negotiations in an attempt to reach a mutual agreement. During these discussions, your attorney and the defendant’s lawyer exchange evidence, evaluate the strength of each other’s cases, and consider potential settlement amounts.
Trial and Verdict
If a settlement isn’t achieved, the case proceeds to trial. Here, both parties present their arguments, witnesses are cross-examined, and evidence is reviewed. Once all arguments are presented, a judge or jury delivers a verdict. Depending on the decision, you may recover compensation at this stage.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Atlanta Motorcycle Crash Claims?
In Georgia, you typically have two years after an accident to file a motorcycle accident claim, as stated by Georgia Code § 9-3-33. If you file your claim after the statute of limitations passes, the court will most likely dismiss your case unless you qualify for a rare exception. Additionally, if your claim involves a government entity, you may have a shorter period to file.
To protect your right to a fair settlement, it is important to act swiftly after a motorcycle accident. In addition to court rules, witnesses might become unreachable over time, memories can fade, and vital evidence can get lost. An Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer can help determine your filing deadline and initiate your case as soon as possible, helping you comply with this critical statute.
Contact an Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Monge & Associates
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is crucial to seek legal representation as soon as possible. The liable insurance companies may try to minimize your claim or shift the blame onto you. Our motorcycle and truck accident lawyer in Atlanta is here to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Don’t delay. Contact Monge & Associates today at 888-653-0605 for a free consultation. We will evaluate your case, answer your questions, and provide the guidance and support you need during this challenging time. We are here to fight for you and help you move forward toward a brighter future.