Riding a motorcycle is an inherently dangerous activity. Although many drivers do not mind the personal risks, unexpected interactions with other drivers can lead to accidents. Usually, the best course of action is to contact a North Druid Hills motorcycle accident lawyer from a law firm like John Foy & Associates to initiate the process of recovering compensation from the at-fault party.
Motorcycle Accidents Often Result from Negligence
Negligence is a failure to act with the level of care that a reasonable person would have exercised in a given circumstance. Many accidents stem from careless drivers, especially motorcycle accidents. When someone is found negligent in an accident case, they can be held liable for damages.
Filing a legal claim is often necessary to hold someone accountable for negligence. The process involves gathering critical evidence and negotiating with insurance companies. If a fair settlement is not offered, a motorcycle accident attorney can represent your interests in court.
Get the strong arm
An Attorney Will Prove Essential
It is possible to file a motorcycle accident claim without a lawyer. However, acting independently may not result in the outcome you desire. Insurance companies often minimize claim payouts. An experienced North Druid Hills motorcycle accident lawyer can evaluate the details of your case and work to recover your full compensation.
When fighting for monetary damages through the claims process, you must prepare extensive paperwork and gather pertinent records. Missing a deadline is common for those who file their own motorcycle injury cases. If denied, you may have to face a complex system of appeals.
A personal injury lawyer can skillfully:
- Prepare and file the injury claim on your behalf
- Collect crucial evidence and supporting documentation
- Gather proof of negligence
- Negotiate with the liable party and their insurance agency
If a fair settlement is not offered, your motorcycle accident attorney in North Druid Hills can fight for the verdict you deserve at trial.
Motorcycle Accidents: Common Causes
Motorcycle accidents can occur for various reasons, but negligence is often the root cause. Careless motorists may be distracted or drive recklessly. A manufacturer or mechanic may have acted negligently and caused a motorcycle part to fail.
Distracted Drivers
Although roads are generally safe, other drivers’ decisions can easily cause severe accidents that injure motorcycle riders. For example, motorists may get distracted while they are driving. If they are not paying attention to the road, they will be less likely to react to hazards.
A split second is long enough for an inattentive driver to hit a motorcycle and cause devastating damage. Unlike the occupants of vehicles, motorcyclists are exposed to the elements. A biker has very little protection in an automobile accident, instead taking the full force of the crash.
Depending on the size and speed of the vehicle, the sustained injuries may be catastrophic or fatal. Even with a helmet, it is not uncommon for a motorcycle rider to sustain permanent brain damage, paralysis, or lose a limb.
Speeding Drivers
Drivers frequently operate their vehicles above the speed limit, especially on the highway. They may not find this behavior problematic, but it puts them and other road users at considerable risk. At high speeds, reaction times are significantly reduced.
Speeding is considered reckless driving and is a contributing factor to some of the most severe motorcycle accidents. For example, speeding is often cited as the cause of rear-end motorcycle crashes. If a biker must stop abruptly, the vehicle behind may be moving too fast to break effectively.
Defective Motorcycle Parts and Poor Maintenance
Although these occurrences are rare, sometimes motorcycle accidents are the result of defective parts or poor maintenance. Manufacturing defects can cause the brakes to fail or a tire to blow. Some defects can result in the complete failure of the motorcycle.
Finding out if your motorcycle’s design is to blame for your injuries is challenging. Bike manufacturers will fight hard to avoid providing the information you need to verify their negligence. An experienced North Druid Hills motorcycle accident attorney may be required to fight the battle for you. Someone with the necessary legal knowledge can get the information you need to levy a defective product claim against the manufacturer.
Claim the Compensation You Are Due
Motorcyclists are vulnerable to catastrophic injuries when they get into accidents. Even if their injuries are not debilitating, victims frequently face a range of accident-related expenses. The extent of the injuries and property damage will determine how much compensation is due, but victims can generally expect to recover economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages include recoverable damages for losses that have a tangible value. For example, if your motorcycle was damaged or destroyed in the accident, a part of your economic damages would be the repair costs. Beyond that, medical bills, physical therapy, and lost wages may be compensated in this category.
Non-Economic Damages
The losses you suffer may not be entirely tangible. Pain, suffering, and mental anguish are highly subjective. The value of your non-economic damages rests heavily on your lawyer’s ability to present pain in a manner that an otherwise healthy person can understand.
For example, suppose the father of a newborn suffers a severe back injury that prevents him from participating fully in the first months of the baby’s life. He cannot help the mother of his child with her recovery. He cannot hold, rock, or even feed his new baby.
A motorcycle accident lawyer in North Druid Hills may argue that the father has suffered pain and suffering. By not participating in parental duties, the father has been prevented from bonding with his child.
A healthy person may not be able to feel the pain in the same way. However, they may be able to relate to the sense of loss a new father may feel when he is unable to care for his newborn.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in North Druid Hills
Every motorcycle accident claim is unique. Damages depend on the circumstances of your case. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can properly evaluate your claim and the potential damages you can recover.
Working with an established law firm like John Foy & Associates can help you achieve the best results. We have the skills, talent, and resources to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact a North Druid Hills motorcycle accident attorney today to schedule a free consultation.
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