Riverdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcyclists ride with the understanding that they are more vulnerable to the impact of accidents, weather conditions, and roadway hazards. Still, that doesn’t deter millions of people who ride each year. Unfortunately, this knowledge also doesn’t deter millions of other drivers from behaving negligently or recklessly behind the wheel.

At The Dixon Firm, P.C., our Riverdale motorcycle accident lawyer has helped clients across Metro Atlanta with accident claims. We have worked with clients involved in a variety of accidents, and have witnessed just how devastating these accidents can be for the victim and his or her loved ones.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact The Dixon Firm, P.C. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries if they were caused by the actions of someone else.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents happen for many reasons. Some situations are far beyond our control, such as weather conditions or roadway hazards. Others, however, are within our control as drivers who are responsible for our actions. Along this line, the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

  • Head-on collisions – Drivers who are distracted, fatigued, intoxicated, or otherwise not paying attention are at risk of causing a head-on collision. Head-on collisions are particularly dangerous for motorcyclists, accounting for 56% of motorcycle accident-related deaths.
  • Left-hand turns – Left-hand turn accidents are common, especially in intersections. Often, the car making the left turn does not check around them or yield, which can result in their not seeing a motorcycle approaching. Left-hand turns are considered to be responsible for 42% of accidents involving a motorcycle and a passenger car.
  • Drunk driving – Drunk driving is considered a factor in about 50% of motorcycle accidents. This includes accidents involving just a motorcycle, as well as those involving other passenger vehicles.
  • Speeding – Speeding is considered a factor in at least 50% of motorcycle accidents. Speeding-related accidents may be caused by speeding on the part of any driver involved.
  • Fixed-object collisions – Accidents where a motorcycle strikes a fixed object account for 25% of all motorcycle accidents.
  • Roadway hazards – Construction zones, potholes, debris from storms, or debris from other vehicles are all hazards that can cause a motorcycle accident.
  • Defective parts – When a motorcycle is outfitted with a defective part, it can malfunction while in operation. This can cause the motorcycle to not perform properly, or even become dangerous on its own.

There are not necessarily more motorcycle accidents than there are any other type of auto accident. However, motorcycle accidents often cause far more injuries than auto accidents. They are also significantly more likely to result in death.

What Georgia Law Says about Motorcycles

  • Like most states, Georgia has strict laws for motorcycles and motorcyclists. State law requires that motorcyclists:
  • Wear a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet at all times (this includes the driver and passengers).
  • Motorcyclists must wear some form of protective eyewear, such as goggles, a helmet, visor, or have a windshield installed on the motorcycle.
  • Motorcyclists are not allowed to “lane split”, meaning they are not allowed to drive in-between lanes and other vehicles.
  • Motorcycles must be outfitted with proper head and rear lights, which must be operational at all times.
  • Motorcyclists must obtain proper licensing before riding on the road.
  • Motorcyclists must maintain proper registration and insurance on all motorcycles.

Even if you follow all of these rules to the letter, there is no guarantee that you will never experience a motorcycle accident. Unfortunately, even the most conscientious and experienced motorcyclists can become victims of the negligence of other drivers.

Filing a Riverdale Motorcycle Accident Claim

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation from the person(s) responsible for the accident. The best way to find out what compensation you may be entitled to is to contact a skilled accident lawyer.

If you are considering filing a claim, it is important to get started right away. In Georgia, there is a two-year statute of limitations in which to file a motorcycle accident claim. After that time, you may no longer be eligible to pursue legal action.

At The Dixon Firm, P.C., we can help you understand your situation and determine what the best options are to get you the compensation you deserve. We can help if you have questions or concerns about an insurance claim, have been denied, or you are interested in filing a lawsuit.

Filing a motorcycle accident claim is beneficial because you may be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other losses as applicable. In many cases, this compensation exceeds what an insurance company will offer in a settlement. Find out more about your legal options by scheduling a free consultation with the Riverdale motorcycle accident attorney at The Dixon Firm, P.C.