According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 5,000 motorcyclists suffered fatal accident injuries in the United States in 2019. Many of these accidents stemmed from f another driver’s negligent actions and were avoidable.
If you sustained physical harm in a motorcycle accident caused by another party’s negligence, you may be able to hold them liable for your injuries. A Savannah motorcycle accident attorney with Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can help you investigate your accident and pursue compensation when we represent you.
Our legal team knows how overwhelming it can be to think about taking legal action, especially if you are still healing from your injuries. We are a full-service law firm that can manage all tasks in your settlement negotiations or personal injury lawsuit when we represent you. Our team can be by your side every step of the way.
For a free, no-obligation consultation, contact a team member at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers today.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
There are numerous circumstances that can lead to a tragic motorcycle accident. Some of the most common include:
Left-Hand Turns
A negligent driver can turn left and strike an oncoming motorcyclist when the driver fails to yield. Drivers can also strike a motorcyclist when shifting lanes without checking their blind spots.
Alcohol or Drugs
It does not take much alcohol to impact a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. A drunk or intoxicated driver could easily strike a motorcyclist or force one into an evasive maneuver that results in a crash.
Traffic Law Violation
Any time a driver violates a traffic law, they may be liable for the damages they cause in the resulting accident with a motorcyclist. This may include:
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Illegal lane change
- Failure to yield
- Not using lights at night
- Not adjusting to inclement weather
Distracted Driving
Because of their smaller size, motorcycles may be less visible to passenger vehicle drivers. As always, all drivers must pay attention when behind the wheel. A distracted driver may bear responsibility for your crash if they made a driving error or failed to see your motorcycle because they were texting, grooming, eating, or engaged in another distracted driving behavior.
Vehicle or Equipment Problems
Engine trouble, blown tires, faulty brakes, and other vehicle issues (for the involved motorcyclist or passenger car driver) can lead to collisions. If a vehicle or auto parts defect contributed to your motorcycle accident, you may have a product liability case against a manufacturer.
If you believe another party’s negligence caused your accident, contact Bader Scott Injury Lawyers. A representative of our firm is standing by to provide you with a free consultation on your case.
For a free legal consultation with a motorcycle accidents lawyer serving Savannah, call (404) 888-8888
Savannah Motorcycle Accidents FAQs
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Motorcycle riders may be vulnerable to a wide range of injuries in an accident. These may include:
- Lower-extremity injuries: including broken leg bones, torn ligaments, dislocations, contusions and lacerations (road rash), and more.
- Upper-extremity injuries: these may include injuries to the shoulder girdle, broken ribs, and fractured forearms.
- Head injuries: traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and other head injuries are common motorcycle accident injuries, even for riders who are wearing a helmet. These injuries can vary in seriousness, but in severe cases, the victim can experience changes in personality and cognitive functioning.
- Back injuries: including injuries to the neck and spine that may result in paralysis or loss of mobility.
We recommend motorcycle accident victims receive medical treatment as soon as possible after their accident, no matter how severe your injuries are. A diagnosis and medical record of your injuries may be useful evidence for pursuing compensation.
Savannah Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Georgia Laws That Could Impact Your Claim
Two laws that could potentially impact your motorcycle claim in Savannah are the Georgia statute of limitations and the state’s modified comparative fault system.
Statute of Limitations
According to O.C.G.A § 9-3-33, Georgia has a general statute of limitations of two years for personal injury and wrongful death cases. This means that if you fail to file your claim within two years of the date of your accident or your loved one’s death, the court may bar you from any recovery via a lawsuit.
Even if you feel confident your case will settle through an insurance claim, do not wait too long to take action. If your time limit expires, the insurance company could use it as a reason to reduce or deny your settlement.
Modified Comparative Negligence
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system and has a fault threshold of 50 percent. In this system, outlined in O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33, you can still recover damages if you are partially at fault for the accident. However, the amount of compensation you can recover may be reduced by the degree to which you are at fault.
For example, if the court deems you 20 percent responsible for the accident and your damages amount to $200,000, your payout may be reduced by 20 percent to $160,000. If you are over 50 percent responsible for the accident, the court may bar you from any amount of recovery.
A Savannah motorcycle accident lawyer from Bader Scott Injury Lawyers may be able to defend you against any underhanded tactics that the defendant’s lawyer may use to try to assert that you were more responsible for the accident than you really are.
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Our Savannah Attorneys Will Pursue the Motorcycle Accident Damages Available to You
Treatment for a severe motorcycle accident injury can be invasive and costly. In fact, the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) reports that motorcycle accident hospitalization and emergency room charges cost Georgians more than $220 million in 2020. How much you can recover for your accident depends on factors unique to you, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical bills, and the extent of your pain and suffering.
While we cannot estimate your compensation without first reviewing your case, we can share some possible types of recoverable damages in motorcycle accident cases. These may include:
- Ambulance costs and hospitalization
- Mobility aids, including wheelchairs and walkers
- Surgical treatments
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Doctor’s examinations
- Follow-up care
- Long-term nursing services
- Physical pain and emotional and mental suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of wages
- Loss of household services (cooking, laundry, lawn care, etc.)
- Reduced future earning ability
- Motorcycle repair or replacement costs
- Damaged personal property, including watches, jewelry, or electronics
- Any other expenses incurred due to your accident and injuries
We Can Seek Awards on Behalf of a Loved One
According to the (DDS), nearly 180 motorcycle riders suffered fatal injuries in Georgia in 2020. If your loved one was in a fatal accident, our Savannah lawyers can help you seek awards for their wrongful death. Compensation may include:
- Your loved one’s lost wages (including income they would have earned had they lived)
- Medical bills and expenses related to your loved one’s fatal injury
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of your loved one’s care, companionship, and guidance
- Any other expenses stemming from your family member’s motorcycle accident and injury
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Bader Scott Injury Lawyers Is Here for You
If a negligent driver caused your motorcycle accident, we can fight to hold them responsible for your losses. A Savannah motorcycle accident attorney from Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can seek compensation for your injuries when we work together on your case.
Specific ways we can serve you include:
- Investigating your case: we can gather police reports, eyewitness statements, accident reconstruction expert testimony, and video surveillance if it is available.
- Calculating the value of your claim: we can review your bills, receipts, employment records, and medical records to determine the total value of your losses, including the cost of your pain and suffering. If required, we will work with medical professionals, vocational experts, and economists to gain a clear understanding of the long-term physical and financial impact of your injuries.
- Negotiating with the insurance company: we can negotiate with the insurance company to pursue a fair settlement. If they are unwilling to negotiate in good faith, we can take your case to trial.
- Providing regular updates: we will not leave you guessing about the status of your case. We know that securing awards as quickly and efficiently as possible is important to you and your family, so we make sure to keep you up to date.
Reach Out to Our Team Today!
We have assisted thousands of clients from across Georgia with recovering millions of dollars in successful settlements and verdicts. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a motorcycle crash, we can help you, too. For a free consultation with a member of our team, call Bader Scott Injury Lawyers.
Office Information
Address Bader Scott Injury Lawyers100 Bull St, Suite 231
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 417-8855
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form