Norcross Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident in Norcross, Georgia? If so, you’re likely dealing with unexpected financial strain on top of physical pain and emotional distress. As medical bills, repair costs, and income losses pile up, you might be in desperate need of financial resources to facilitate your recovery and put food on the table.

At Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP, we’re here to tell you that there is hope. If another party’s bad behavior contributed to the motorcycle accident that harmed you, you could demand money for your losses by filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.

Obtaining a fair settlement or trial award can be challenging after a motorcycle wreck, but having a team of skilled Norcross personal injury attorneys on your side can make all the difference. For more than two decades, our team has proudly served local individuals and families, protecting the rights and futures of motorcycle accident victims like you. We work hard to demand the money you’re entitled to, allowing you to concentrate on what matters most – getting better.

Contact us for a free consultation session. Call Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP at (404) 671-8488, and let us show you how we can put our experience to work for you.

Georgia Motorcycle Laws

If you get hurt in a Georgia motorcycle wreck caused by someone else, you should hire a lawyer who comprehends the following motorcycle laws in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.). An attorney with a deep understanding of these laws will be better equipped to build a strong case and pursue a fair outcome on your behalf:

• Traffic Laws Applicable to Motorcyclists (O.C.G.A §40-6-310) – All traffic laws that apply to other motorists also apply to motorcycles, except for special overriding regulations or certain provisions that cannot apply due to the nature of motorcycles.
• General Motorcycle Riding Laws (O.C.G.A §40-6-311) – A person must ride a motorcycle by sitting on a permanently attached seat, facing forward, and keeping both hands on the handlebars. Carrying other persons or items that obstruct the operator’s view or control is prohibited, as is operating or riding without proper footwear.
• Operating on Laned Roads (O.C.G.A §40-6-312) – Motorcyclists are entitled to the full use of a traffic lane but may not engage in behaviors like lane splitting or riding more than two abreast in one lane. Motorcyclists must keep their headlights and taillights lit at all times.
• Clinging to Other Vehicles (O.C.G.A §40-6-313) – Georgia motorcyclists may not attach themselves or their motorcycles to any other vehicles operating on state roads.
• Footrests and Handlebars (O.C.G.A §40-6-314) – Motorcycles carrying passengers must be equipped with footrests for said passengers. Additionally, motorcyclists may not operate motorcycles with handlebars above a certain height or with certain types of backrests.
• Headgear and Eye-Protective Devices (O.C.G.A §40-6-315) – Riders must wear protective helmets that meet specific standards and, if their motorcycles lack windshields, eye-protective devices. There are some exceptions, such as for those in enclosed cabs or those using three-wheeled motorcycles for agricultural purposes.

Determining Liability in Motorcycle Accident Cases

Determining and proving liability in a motorcycle accident case is a meticulous process that requires a keen understanding of the law and the ability to uncover and interpret useful evidence. Attorneys play an essential role in this process, as they have the knowledge and resources to gather the following types of evidence and construct compelling cases accordingly:

• Police reports – An official police report provides a documented account of a crash, including details about the scene, involved parties, and sometimes even preliminary assessments of fault.
• Witness statements – Eyewitnesses can offer impartial accounts of what occurred.
• Photographs or video footage – Pictures or videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage and any visible injuries, can provide strong visual evidence.
• Medical records – These document the extent of your injuries and connect them directly to the accident. They can indicate the severity of the wreck and establish the cost of your recovery.
• Expert testimony – Medical experts can testify about the nature and extent of your injuries, while economic experts can explain the financial impact of the accident. Accident reconstruction experts can recreate the collision to provide an unbiased view of the contributing factors.
• Vehicle damage reports – Detailed reports of the damage to your motorcycle could provide further proof of the nature of the impact and the potential causes of the accident.
• Helmet and safety gear – Your helmet and other safety gear could reveal important details about the force and angle of impact, which can be crucial in reconstructing an accident.
• Cell phone records – If investigators suspect distracted driving played a role, cell phone records could show whether the other driver was on the phone or texting at the time of the accident.
• Blood alcohol or toxicology reports – If impaired driving is suspected, these reports could establish that the other driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the incident.
• Road, weather, and traffic conditions – Data about road, weather, and traffic conditions from the time of the accident could indicate whether any of these external factors played a role.
• Vehicle maintenance and inspection records – These could show whether a mechanical failure contributed to the wreck, which might shift liability to a party like a mechanic or manufacturer.

The Role of Insurance in Georgia Motorcycle Accidents

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Georgia, both your own insurance policy and the at-fault driver’s could play a pivotal role in your financial recovery. However, negotiating the insurance claims process after a motorcycle crash is not always straightforward. Insurance companies, despite claiming to be there for you, are in the business of making profits. To that end, they commonly employ tactics to minimize payouts or even deny claims outright.

Georgia motorcycle accident victims commonly face difficulties like insurance companies questioning the severity of their injuries, shifting blame based on biased stereotypes, and complicating the claims process with red tape. Many insurers also push for quick settlements that don’t fully account for victims’ losses or long-term needs.

These challenges underscore the necessity of having an experienced motorcycle accident attorney on your side. Your lawyer can negotiate with insurance adjusters, counter unfair claims practices, and demand the comprehensive compensation you deserve. When you’re healing from a motorcycle accident, the peace of mind that comes with professional legal representation is priceless.

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Norcross

In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, it’s important to take certain steps to protect your rights and position you for a successful legal recovery. Here’s what you should do:

• Seek medical attention – Even if you believe you’re unharmed, it’s important to get checked out by a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Some injuries aren’t immediately apparent but could manifest symptoms later on. Having a medical record connecting your injuries to the accident is essential for any potential injury claims or lawsuits.
• Take your doctor’s advice – Follow your doctor’s treatment plan closely. Insurance companies could use it against you if you fail to do so, possibly arguing that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim or that you made them worse.
• Document everything – Write down everything you remember about the wreck as soon as you can. This includes details about the collision, your injuries, any conversations with other parties, and your medical care plan.
• Collect and organize records – Gather copies of all documents related to your case, including police reports, medical records, insurance correspondence, receipts for out-of-pocket expenses, and proof of missed work or lost income.
• Avoid discussing the accident publicly – Insurance companies and other parties could monitor your social media accounts in search of evidence to undermine your claim. This could include posts or photos that suggest you’re not as injured as you claim or even comments that could be misconstrued as admissions of fault. It’s best to avoid discussing the accident, your injuries, or any legal proceedings publicly until your case is resolved.
• Consult a motorcycle accident attorney – Timely legal advice could prevent costly mistakes. An attorney can guide you through the legal system, gather valuable evidence on your behalf, and advocate for your best interests against insurance companies and other parties.
• Report the accident to your insurance company – You’re typically required to report an accident to your insurer within a certain period. Consult your attorney before giving a recorded statement, signing any documents, or accepting any settlement offer.

How Much Can You Get for a Motorcycle Accident Case?

When you’re injured in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional behavior, you could seek compensation for a wide range of losses, such as:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical costs
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement
• Disability
• Property damage costs
• Out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident
• Loss of consortium

Get the Answers You Need from the Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP Team

Don’t wait any longer to seek the recovery you deserve. Your healing journey begins with asserting your rights, and Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP can help. Call (404) 671-8488 today for your free consultation. Let’s talk so you can learn more about how we can make a difference in your motorcycle accident case.