Georgia is a great state for motorcyclists. However, unfortunately, riders do face some disproportionate safety risks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that around 8 in 10 motorcycle crashes lead to injuries to the rider. While there are some legal similarities between motorcycle accidents and car accidents, there are also some very important differences. At Griffin Law Firm, P.C., we have the legal expertise to handle all types of motor vehicle collisions. Riders need to know how to protect their rights. Here, our Warner Robins motorcycle accident lawyer provides a more detailed overview of how these crashes are different.
Motorcycle Accidents vs Car Accidents (Key Differences)
Motorcycle Crashes Often Cause More Severe Injuries
Motorcycle vs car accident statistics tell the story. Motorcycle accidents in Georgia produce far more catastrophic injuries than most car collisions. According to official highway safety data, motorcyclists are nearly 25 times more likely to be severely injured or killed in an accident than are the occupants of cars. Motorcyclists are vulnerable for a number of different reasons. Riders do not have airbags, seatbelts, or steel frames absorbing the force of impact. When a vehicle strikes a motorcycle, the rider’s body absorbs the energy directly. In fact, even a relatively low-speed crash can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord damage, complex fractures, and/or permanent disabilities. The difference in physical protection can change everything about the value and complexity of the claim. All motorcycle accident injuries should be treated by a doctor. Without medical records, injured motorcyclists will not be able to pursue a claim for compensation.
Insurance Coverage Can Become a Bigger Problem in Motorcycle Accident Injury Cases
Georgia requires minimum liability insurance for drivers under O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11. Many passenger vehicles carry coverage that meets or exceeds those limits. On the other hand, motorcycle accident injury claims frequently exhaust policy limits quickly because injury severity drives more serious damages. Riders do not always carry substantial uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. When a driver with minimum limits causes catastrophic harm, available insurance may fall far short of total losses. As a result, motorcycle litigation often requires aggressive coverage investigation, umbrella policy analysis, and asset discovery. If you have any questions about concerns about how insurance coverage works in your case, an experienced Warner Robins, GA motorcycle accident attorney can help.
Defendants and Insurers are Often More Aggressive in Blaming Riders
Georgia is a fault-based state for all types of motor vehicle collisions. The standard applies to both motorcycle accidents and car accidents. Beyond that, Georgia follows modified comparative negligence (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33). A plaintiff who is 50 percent or more at fault cannot recover damages. Defense counsel routinely target motorcyclists with fault-shifting arguments. They allege speeding, reckless riding, unsafe lane positioning, or risk-taking behavior, even when the driver violated right-of-way laws. Indeed, one of the big differences between motorcycle accidents and car accidents is the unfair stereotypes that riders often face. Every motorcycle crash in our region should be investigated by an experienced Warner Robins attorney.
Personal Injury Tip: Do not take on an insurance company alone. You should not give a statement to an insurance company without legal representation. The sooner that you consult with a top-rated Warner Robins, GA motorcycle accident attorney, the better.
Road Hazard Liability Arises More Often in Motorcycle Accident Claims
Motorcycles respond differently to roadway defects. Loose gravel, uneven pavement, potholes, or construction debris may cause a rider to lose control. A condition that poses a minor risk to a car can cause a serious motorcycle crash. These cases sometimes implicate governmental entities under Georgia’s sovereign immunity statutes. Plaintiffs must comply with strict ante litem notice requirements under Georgia law. Car accident cases less frequently involve roadway defect liability analysis. Though there are certainly still road hazard cases involving passenger vehicles. If you were involved in a motorcycle crash caused by a highway road hazard, our Warner Robins, GA motorcycle accident attorney is more than ready to help.
What to Know About Motorcycle and Car Accident Compensation in Georgia
A big similarity between motorcycle accident claims and car accident claims is that both types of cases allow victims to pursue compensation for the full extent of their damages. Following either type of crash in Georgia, you can pursue a settlement that includes both economic losses and non-economic losses. Never trust any insurance company to willingly step forward to offer the full financial compensation that you are entitled to under the law. We can help. Our Warner Robins personal injury lawyers are prepared to seek financial compensation for:
- Property damage;
- Ambulance costs;
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Other medical expenses;
- Physical therapy;
- Loss of wages;
- Loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental anguish;
- Long-term disability;
- Permanent physical scarring;
- Reduced quality of life; and
- Wrongful death.
How Our Warner Robins Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Help
Motorcycle accident claims are complicated. Injured motorcyclists may face a number of different challenges in the claims process. At Griffin Law Firm, P.C., we have the specialized legal expertise that you can trust when it matters most. Our client testimonials and case results tell the story best. Do not trust any insurance company to look out for your best interests after a motorcycle crash. Contact our Warner Robins motorcycle accident attorney today for a free case evaluation. With an office in the heart of Warner Robins, we are committed to fighting for justice for injured motorcyclists throughout the community.
Contact Our Warner Robins Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
At Griffin Law Firm, P.C., our Warner Robins motorcycle accident attorney is an aggressive, experienced advocate for justice. If you or your loved one was hurt in a serious motorcycle wreck, we have the expertise you can count on. Contact us today for a free, completely confidential consultation. With an office in Warner Robins, we handle motorcycle accident claims throughout the region, including the zip codes of 31088, 31093, 31095, and 31099.