Chamblee
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

No one expects to be in a motorcycle accident, but it is unfortunately very common in Chamblee. Motorcycle accidents, with or without injuries, can leave a lasting impact on individuals’ lives. The physical toll is only one factor because the stress and emotions of the aftermath of these accidents are also substantial. 

Returning to your daily routine is challenging. Our Chamblee motorcycle accident lawyer at John Foy & Associates is here to assist you through the legal process.

The Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents 

Motorcycle accidents happen within seconds, and the scene is chaotic. Victims are unsure of what happened or what to do next. A common misconception is that motorcyclists are responsible for collisions, but that is rarely true. 

Often another driver is liable for the crash and resulting losses. Leading causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Drunk driving: intoxication is a nationwide issue that often leads to harrowing collisions. Impaired drivers caused over 400 motorcycle crash fatalities in one year.  
• Drowsiness: motorists should not drive when tired as it impairs their cognitive reasoning. Drowsy driving accidents occur most often between 9 pm and 6 am, per the NHTSA.
• Distractions: applying makeup, texting, eating, grooming, and wrangling children are distractions that many drivers participate in. Using a cell phone is illegal in Georgia under the Hands-Free Act, which hopes to reduce distracted driving.  
• Speeding: driving too fast for road conditions or exceeding the posted speed limit can endanger others. Speeding is illegal and reckless,  
• Road hazards: motorcycles are sensitive to the road, which can mean a hazard can cause devastation. Some roadway hazards include uneven lanes, debris, and construction zones.  

Proving Liability in a Chamblee Motorcycle Accident

Immediately following a motorcycle accident, it is vital to establish liability to strengthen your case. Your motorcycle claim will be contingent on the evidence you present and if you can demonstrate that the defendant breached their duty to you. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Chamblee, GA, can help prove liability by providing evidence of these common breaches:

• The driver made unsafe lane changes
• Drivers participated in reckless behavior like speeding, distractions, etc
• Drunk driving 
• Impairment or fatigue 
• Manufacturers who produce and provide defective parts 

Injuries You Can Suffer

Knowing the facts is half the battle. Nearly 45% of motorcycle collisions result in injuries. The main reason is the size difference between motorcycles and other vehicles. While bikers wear protective gear, a motorcycle does not have as much protection as passenger vehicles. 

Motorcycle accident injuries in Chamblee can vary in severity but can include the following:

Road Rash 

Skin abrasions can happen when a biker’s skin scrapes against a rough surface like asphalt. Usually, this occurs when the bike collides with a vehicle, and your body continues moving forward. Other times you will slide on the pavement with the car. 

Fractures 

Hitting the ground can also lead to fractures from the bike falling on top of you. Your bike landing on your bones can make them break. These injuries can take months to recover from. 

Traumatic Brain Injuries 

A significant cause for concern is when a person’s head hits the pavement or another object. A traumatic brain injury is life-altering. A head injury can be severe even when the rider wears a helmet. 

TBis are not apparent, but some symptoms to look out for include:

• Headaches
• Confusion 
• Dizziness 
• Blurry vision 
• Ringing in the ears 
• Cognitive or physical impairments 

Internal Injuries 

Many motorcycle accidents result in external wounds, but some cause internal damage. These collisions cause trauma, leading to internal bleeding and organ damage. Another way to experience an internal injury is when something sharp pierces your skin and hits an internal organ. 

Spinal Cord Trauma 

The spine controls most of your body, which can lead to mobility issues when it sustains damage. Back pain is common, but there are other symptoms that you can experience. Motorcycle victims can suffer from paraplegia or quadriplegia. 

While these are common injuries, others can happen after a motorcycle accident, like nerve or muscle damage. Your medical team will evaluate you, diagnose your injuries, and provide a treatment plan. 

Compensation Available for Motorcycle Accidents 

It is crucial to seek fair compensation after a motorcycle accident. A motorcycle accident attorney in Chamblee, GA, can review your losses and determine which damages you can pursue. Examples of common motorcycle damages can include:

• Medical costs 
• Lost wages 
• Wrongful death damages
• Pain and suffering 
• Loss of future earnings 
• Emotional angst 
• Impact on relationships 

An individual approach is necessary for you to fight for fair compensation. Every case is unique and will have different challenges and compensation avenues. 

Insurance Issues That Can Arise 

The biggest challenge for motorcycle claims is insurance policies. You should know what is in your and the at-fault driver’s policy. 

One issue that sometimes arises is whether the other person has insurance. An uninsured or underinsured driver can significantly hinder your insurance claim. 

Another hurdle is policy limits because insurance companies cannot offer you more than their policy permits. Your Chamblee motorcycle accident attorney must take further action if your injuries and losses surpass these limits. 

Documentation

One final challenge is that insurance companies require documentation when processing a claim. Your insurer can require you to report the collision within a specific period. You need someone who can organize your documents and request additional records necessary per the insurance company and defense lawyers. 

The most vital documents you need are proof of liability and damages. It is easy to lose important documents, so make copies and keep them safe. 

Speak to a Chamblee Motorcycle Accident Lawyer 

Motorcycle accidents are tumultuous, and that can lead to many issues. Victims must focus on their recovery since injuries can lead to extensive treatment. Medical procedures and long-term treatment are expensive, and you must fight for compensation. 

You should get the Strong Arm in your corner when you are injured in a motorcycle accident. John Foy & Associates is here to help. Call us for an initial consultation today.