Riding a motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience, but unfortunately, it can also be dangerous. Motorcyclists are at a higher risk of injury or death in an accident than other motorists due to their lack of protection. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Savannah, Georgia, it is important to seek the help of an experienced attorney who specializes in motorcycle accident cases.
Why Hire a Savannah Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
After a motorcycle accident, you may be dealing with serious injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. The insurance company may offer you a settlement, but it is important to remember that their goal is to pay out as little as possible. Hiring a Savannah motorcycle accident attorney can help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries, damages, and losses. Your attorney can:
- Investigate the accident: Your attorney can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the accident to determine who was at fault.
- Negotiate with the insurance company: Your attorney can negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive a fair settlement that covers your damages and losses.
- File a lawsuit: If the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, your attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf and fight for your rights in court.
Georgia Motorcycle Laws
In Georgia, motorcyclists are required to follow the same traffic laws as other motorists. However, there are some additional laws that apply specifically to motorcycles:
- Helmet law: All riders and passengers on motorcycles are required to wear a helmet that meets certain safety standards.
- Lane splitting: Lane splitting, or riding between two lanes of traffic, is illegal in Georgia.
- Passenger age: Passengers on motorcycles must be at least eight years old.
- Eye protection: Riders are required to wear eye protection unless their motorcycle has a windshield.
- Handlebar height: Handlebars cannot be higher than the rider’s shoulders.
- Footrests: Motorcycles must have footrests for passengers.
It is important for motorcyclists to be aware of these laws and follow them to avoid accidents and citations.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, eating, or engaging in other distracting activities are more likely to cause accidents.
- Speeding: Excessive speed is a common factor in motorcycle accidents.
- Lane changes: Drivers who fail to check their blind spots or signal before changing lanes can collide with motorcycles.
- Left turns: Drivers making left turns at intersections are often unable to see motorcycles and may turn in front of them.
- Impaired driving: Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are more likely to cause accidents.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important to determine the cause of the accident so that liability can be established.
Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes and bruises to severe injuries that require long-term medical care. Common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Head injuries: Traumatic brain injuries can result from a blow to the head, and can have long-term effects on a person’s cognitive abilities and quality of life.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis or loss of sensation and motor function in the affected area.
- Road rash: When a rider is thrown from their motorcycle and skids along the pavement, they can suffer serious abrasions and cuts, which can lead to infection and scarring.
- Broken bones: The force of impact in a motorcycle accident can cause fractures or breaks in the bones of the arms, legs, or other parts of the body.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to have a Savannah motorcycle accident attorney on your side. It is difficult to get the proper, deserved compensation without legal representation. Having an attorney also means you can focus on your own needs, like healing and recovering from your injuries, while your lawyer works on your case. At the Law Firm of Kass & Moses, we have over 30 years of experience representing injured motorcyclists. Our firm specializes in motorcycle law, so you can rest assured in the knowledge that we have handled thousands of motorcycle accident cases.
For a free consultation, contact us now at 1-800-MOTORCYCLE. We are always eager and ready to take your call and put you on the path to financial recovery.