Chamblee Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Chamblee, GA

Motorcycle accidents can be especially dangerous compared to crashes involving cars or trucks. Motorcyclists have fewer safety features protecting them, making comparable accidents much riskier for riders than passengers in cars. From traumatic brain injuries to spinal cord damage, motorcyclists can experience severe injuries in crashes. If you’ve been injured by someone else’s carelessness, a Chamblee motorcycle accident lawyer can help you recover compensation.

Establishing Negligence in Motorcycle Accidents

To recover damages in a motorcycle accident case, you need to prove that the other party is liable. This requires you to establish negligence. To establish negligence in a motorcycle accident case, you must prove the following four elements:

• Duty of care: First, you must show that the other party had a duty of care to prevent others from suffering harm. In motorcycle accident cases, this is particularly easy, as all motorists have a duty to drive safely.
• Breach of duty: Next, you have to prove the defendant breached that duty of care. A driver talking on the phone, driving under the influence of alcohol, or speeding far beyond the posted limit are all examples of breaches.
• Causation: It’s not enough for a breach to simply occur. You must also show how that breach caused the accident. For example, if a driver merged without signaling and hit you, that shows their breach led to the accident.
• Damages: Finally, you have to prove that you suffered damages because of the accident. You can use your medical bills, estimates from mechanics, and work logs to show your economic damages, and your attorney can present evidence to prove your non-economic damages.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Because motorcyclists lack the same safety features as drivers in passenger cars, they’re more susceptible to injuries. In 2022, over 218,000 motorcyclists were treated in emergency departments for injuries caused by crashes. Common motorcycle accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Burns
• Lacerations
• Soft tissue damage

Damages You Can Recover Following a Motorcycle Crash

Following a motorcycle crash, injury victims can pursue economic, non-economic, and sometimes punitive damages for their losses. Economic damages include the costs of medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and disfigurement. If the actions of the at-fault party were particularly egregious, a judge or jury may also award you punitive damages as a way to punish them and prevent similar behavior in the future.

Keep in mind that Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means you cannot recover compensation for your damages if you are more than 50% at fault for the accident. Similarly, your compensation award can be reduced by the percentage of fault you are assigned.

Why Choose Barnes Law Group

In 2019, 4,269 motorcyclists were involved in crashes, with DeKalb County being one of the top counties in motorcycle serious injuries and fatalities. Motorcycle riders in Chamblee, Georgia should know they can turn to the Barnes Law Group for the legal representation they need following an accident. With over 50 years of experience, our attorneys are here to guide you and answer all of your questions.

We can get to work quickly to investigate your crash and preserve key evidence to use in settlement negotiations or court proceedings. Above all, we’re dedicated to Making It Right for you after a crash, helping you secure the compensation you deserve for your motorcycle accident claim.

FAQs

Can I Recover Damages if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?

Yes, you can still recover damages for a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence even if you weren’t wearing a helmet. However, your compensation award may be significantly reduced, as the insurance company may argue your injuries might not have been as severe had you been wearing one. That said, compensation for injuries primarily affecting areas besides the head and neck likely won’t be impacted.

What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster After a Motorcycle Accident?

One thing you should not say to an insurance adjuster after a motorcycle accident is that you were at fault. First, you may not have all of the facts of the case to make that determination. The other driver may have been texting, driving under the influence, or engaging in another reckless behavior, leading to the crash. Second, taking blame severely limits your ability to recover any compensation.

How Long Do Motorcycle Accident Settlements Take?

Without knowing the facts of a case, it’s hard to say how long a motorcycle accident settlement may take. Straightforward cases with strong evidence typically settle faster than complicated cases with minimal proof of liability and damages. When you meet with your lawyer during your free initial consultation, they can give you a more realistic timeline for when you can expect the case to be resolved.

Can I Recover Compensation if I’m At Fault for the Accident?

Yes, you may be able to recover compensation if you were partially at fault for the accident. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system, meaning you can recover compensation for your injuries so long as your liability for the accident is less than 50%. However, your award can be reduced by your share of fault. For example, if you’re awarded $10,000 but receive 20% of the liability, you only recover $8,000.

Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

After a motorcycle crash, it’s wise to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to give you the support and guidance you need. An attorney knows the state’s motorcycle accident laws, and they can put that knowledge to work for you. Barnes Law Group is here to investigate your crash, collect evidence of your damages, and negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement agreement. If necessary, we’re not afraid to take your case to the DeKalb County Court.

Contact the Barnes Law Group today to set up a free consultation with a Chamblee motorcycle accident attorney from our firm. We can discuss your case, explain your options for pursuing compensation, and answer any of your questions about the process going forward.