Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Watkinsville, GA
If you or a loved one needs a motorcycle accident lawyer in Watkinsville, GA, you want to talk with Norris Law.
It’s an unfortunate fact, but motorcycle accidents are distressingly common and are on the increase. According to the Georgia Department of Driver Service, between 2017 and 2020 motorcycle fatalities increased some 22 percent. Injuries also increased over the same period.
If you drive a bike, your best bet is to slow down. Yes, you have an equal right to the road as a car, but car drivers often simply don’t see motorcycles and it’s up to you to protect yourself with extra save biking.
What, exactly, is a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
A motorcycle accident lawyer is one who has made a specialty of helping people who are in motorcycle accidents. It means, among other things, that they know and understand the laws that govern motorcycle riding in the state and community they serve.
Not only do they understand the laws, they have true local knowledge of law enforcement, how the jail actually operates, and how the courts function and how the various court officials really feel about motorcycle riders. That’s because they work with these professionals on an almost daily basis. This kind of experience is priceless and it’s something you’re unlikely to have access to without a motorcycle accident lawyer.
A motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to help you get compensated for your accident. Norris Law has the experience you want when you need a motorcycle accident lawyer in Watkinsville, GA
Some facts about motorcycle accidents
Road rash may be more serious than you think. As you probably know, road rash happens when your body slides across a road’s surface. It can happen even when you’re wearing protective gear. What’s usually unrecognized is that road rash can result in bacterial infections, edema and/or scars. In other words, the rash may be or become far worse than you expected.
Motorcycle accidents are usually caused by other people. If you’re surprised don’t feel alone. Most people think motorcycle drivers are the ones usually responsible for accidents, but it’s not true. The other drivers are the most likely to be negligent and cause an accident with a motorcycle.
Intersections are where most motorcycle accidents happen. Part of the reason for this is that other cars, buses, trees and tree branches and other plantings; even buildings can block a clear view of the cars approaching you. Get in the habit of being extra careful at intersections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Norris Law is happy to offer you a free initial consultation. Here you will get to tell your story to people who are knowledgeable about motorcycle accidents. They will also answer your questions and let you know what you can expect from the outstanding firm of motorcycle accident lawyers in Watkinsville, GA. Get started by filling out the form you’ll find on their contact page. You’ll also find their office address as well as their phone numbers. By all means get in touch. Not so incidentally they will charge you no fees at all unless they recover money for you.
Why do motorcycle accidents happen?
In most cases, as a Watkinsville, GA motorcycle accident lawyer from Norris Injury Law has seen, it was a car driver who was being reckless when they had hit a motorcyclist. The driver may not have seen the rider, or they chose to be reckless anyway. The most common causes of accidents involving motorcycles include drivers who were making left-hand turns ahead of a motorcyclist, drivers who didn’t see the rider, lane splitting, speeding, and alcohol use. A motorcyclist may also get seriously injured if a driver who has parked suddenly opens their door without looking first, causing a rider to make contact with the door itself.
What should I do if I am hit by a car driver?
Motorcyclists know that car drivers are one of the biggest risks to their safety when venturing out onto the road. After a motorcycle accident, get the driver’s information, seek medical attention immediately, avoid posting on social media about the accident, do not accept the initial insurance settlement offer, and hire a knowledgeable lawyer who has handled motorcycle accident cases before. Always put yourself first and consider recruiting help from a legal team for more guidance.
How many types of damages are available to me?
As the victim in a motorcycle crash, there are numerous types of damages that you could be entitled to receive. After a review of the accident facts during a consultation, your Watkinsville motorcycle accident lawyer can inform you if you are eligible for damages such as repayment for property damage, loss of earnings, medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment for life, and more. Ultimately, the best person to seek advice from about what damages to pursue will be your legal team.
Which injuries are most common for motorcycle accidents?
A motorcyclist is unlikely to get up completely unharmed if a crash between them and a car happens. In fact, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has discovered that the most prevalent injuries for motorcyclists are leg and foot injuries (33%), neck and head injuries (22%), extremity injury, hip and thigh injury, and chest or shoulder injury. However, it is not uncommon for motorcyclists to have anxiety, fears, depression, PTSD, and other mental health complications after being in a serious injury accident.
I need money fast, why shouldn’t I accept the insurance offer?
After being involved in a serious injury accident, victims are likely to endure physical and financial hardships. Insurance companies are driven by profit, and their initial settlement offer is usually a small percentage of the victim’s damages and losses. We understand you may be in need of money fast, especially if you have medical bills and loss of earnings. But with our help, we know how to intervene with legal know-how to maximize on how much our clients receive. For this reason, we urge you to contact a Watkinsville motorcycle accident lawyer from Norris Injury Law right away for help. We are only a call away.
What are the common causes of motorcycle accidents?
A Watkinsville, GA motorcycle accident lawyer from Norris Injury Law knows that driver negligence is a significant contributing factor in many motorcycle accidents. The failure of drivers to exercise proper care and attention on the road can have severe consequences for motorcyclists. Understanding how driver negligence can cause motorcycle accidents is crucial to promoting road safety and preventing future tragedies. Here are some key ways in which driver negligence can lead to motorcycle accidents:
- Failure to Check Blind Spots: Drivers have a responsibility to check their blind spots before changing lanes or making turns. However, if they neglect to do so or fail to adequately check for motorcycles, they can collide with motorcyclists who may be in their blind spots, resulting in serious accidents.
- Distracted Driving: When drivers engage in activities that divert their attention from the road, such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-vehicle technologies, they increase the risk of causing accidents. Their distraction may prevent them from noticing motorcycles on the road, leading to collisions.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers who make abrupt or unsafe lane changes without properly signaling or checking for nearby motorcycles can cause collisions. Your Watkinsville motorcycle accident lawyer knows that failing to give motorcyclists enough space or cutting them off can result in accidents and potentially serious injuries.
- Failure to Yield Right of Way: Motorcyclists have the same rights and privileges as other vehicles on the road. However, some drivers may fail to yield the right of way to motorcyclists at intersections or when making turns, leading to accidents and injuries.
- Speeding: Excessive speeding is a dangerous behavior that reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden situations. When drivers exceed the speed limit or drive at an unsafe speed for the given conditions, they increase the likelihood of causing accidents involving motorcycles.
- Driving Under the Influence: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and coordination. Impaired drivers pose a severe risk to motorcyclists on the road, as they may not be able to recognize or respond to motorcycles, leading to devastating accidents.
- Failing to Observe Traffic Signals: Disregarding traffic signals, such as running red lights or stop signs, can have disastrous consequences. When drivers fail to adhere to traffic signals, they may collide with motorcyclists who have the right of way, causing severe accidents.
- Tailgating: Following a motorcycle too closely, also known as tailgating, is extremely dangerous. Motorcycles have a shorter stopping distance than cars, and tailgating increases the risk of rear-end collisions. Additionally, tailgating reduces the motorcyclist’s ability to maneuver safely on the road.
- Aggressive Driving: Aggressive behaviors such as excessive speeding, abrupt lane changes, or tailgating pose a serious threat to motorcyclists. These actions increase the likelihood of accidents, especially when aggressive drivers fail to share the road safely with motorcycles.
It is crucial for drivers to be aware of these factors and to actively work towards preventing motorcycle accidents. Increased driver education, awareness campaigns, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws can help reduce the incidence of driver negligence and create safer road environments for both motorists and motorcyclists. If you were riding your motorcycle and were injured by another driver on the road, reach out to Norris Injury Law to speak with our trusted Watkinsville motorcycle accident lawyer to see how we can help with your claim.
