
Voted Best Personal Injury Law Firm By Georgia Lawyers
Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
TESTIMONIALS
I called Matt after several people recommended him. He was very kind and did a very good job on my son’s case. We are very thankful for the work he did. Most importantly, he was never hard to reach and answered every question we had while going through the process. Matt is the only attorney I will ever call in the future.
- Emily
My husband is a cyclist that did not fair well against an SUV recently. Matt and his team took phenomenal care of us, allowing us not to stress out (too much) about the little things. Matt and his team handled everything with professionalism. We know we made the right call.
- Jane
So glad I hired this firm after my rearend car accident. Matt embodies the skill set and values I was looking for. He treats every case like a mini war, and was a zealous advocate on my behalf. And he did so in the most competent and skillful manner. He listened, was empathetic and understood my legal and nonlegal problems.
- Jared
My 85-year old mom was in a motor vehicle accident with an uninsured motorist. His love, thoroughness and commitment to her case helped us through this accident and her cancer treatment. She underwent successful lobectomy and chemotherapy and is doing exceptionally well. We are immensely grateful.
- Lindy
It was important to me to get the maximum money I could for my broken neck and arm. After getting jerked around for months by State Farm, I interviewed several firms and chose Mr. Wetherington. I’m glad I did. He forced the insurance company to pay twenty times their last offer to me.
- Veronica
It is an honor to share my experience with Mr. Wetherington. He was able to get answers about what happened in my son’s wreck that other attorney’s were not able to do. I am so thankful for the work that he did and he was very thorough in his explanation of why the vehicle had a “defect.”
- Anonymous
My case did not settle. The person that hit me only had minimal policy limits. Fortunately, I had my own insurance, which should have provided more money. My insurance company, Allstate, treated me like garbage. We had to sue them and go all the way to trial, which we won.
- Jane Doe
Matt Wetherington is the attorney who is suing the booting companies. We need to do everything we can as a community to help him succeed. God bless you, Mr. Wetherington!
- Michael
The best! Great people and always friendly.
- Jamal
Our Locations
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in Atlanta? Our motorcycle accident lawyers fight for your maximum compensation.
In Atlanta, GA, motorcycle accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries like amputations, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and multiple fractures. Even a “minor” motorcycle accident can cause injuries that require a lifetime of medical treatment. These injuries carry staggering medical costs, compounded by lost income and the inability to return to work. Worse still, motorcycle riders are often unfairly blamed for accidents, even when they are not at fault.
At Wetherington Law Firm, we are committed to standing up for injured motorcyclists in Atlanta, GA. Our motorcycle accident lawyer helps clients recover full and fair compensation to avoid financial devastation and secure the care they need for the future. Our track record speaks for itself. After a truck driver cut off a motorcyclist at an intersection, leading to a devastating leg amputation, attorney Matt Wetherington secured an $8.6 million verdict for the injured rider. This record-setting result earned Wetherington a place in the Georgia Verdicts Hall of Fame.
Motorcycle accidents are far too common in Georgia. In 2023, there were 4,162 reported motorcycle crashes statewide, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation. Tragically, 210 of these crashes were fatal, and 3,398 caused serious injuries. Atlanta alone accounts for 42% of these incidents, making it one of the most dangerous cities for motorcyclists. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a motorcycle accident, you already know the physical pain, emotional toll, and financial hardships that follow. Finding a compassionate and aggressive Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer can make all the difference in your recovery.
You don’t have to face this journey alone. Our experienced Atlanta motorcycle accident attorneys will handle every part of your case, from investigating the crash to negotiating with insurance companies and fighting for you at trial if necessary. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact Wetherington Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you rebuild your life and hold negligent parties accountable. Call us now or fill out our online form to get started.
Why You Should Hire a Lawyer After a Motorcycle Accident in Atlanta, GA
By necessity, motorcyclists are generally more cautious and aware of their surroundings. However, in most motorcycle accidents, there is a presumption that the motorcycle rider did something wrong. The motorcycle accident lawyers at our firm have handled countless cases where the wrong person was cited for a accident. Even an “obvious” case can quickly change to a $0 recovery based on a failure to preserve evidence or falling for a trick question from an insurance adjuster. An experienced motorcycle crash attorney can make a huge difference. Trying to handle a serious motorcycle accident claim on your own can not only get you much less than you deserve, but it is much more stressful than you may think.
Most motorcycle riders know that the insurance companies want to save money. But most riders and their families are unprepared for how well insurance adjusters are trained to minimize injuries and deny valid claims. Our motorcycle accident attorneys have the experience and financial resources needed to prove your case and get the maximum recovery possible for your injuries.
Every motorcycle case receives a dedicated team of lawyers and supporting staff who will do the heavy lifting so that you can focus on getting better.
When you hire us, you can expect us to take the following steps immediately:
- Document important evidence like the motorcycle, vehicles, and accident scene;
- Identify and interview all witnesses to your motorcycle accident;
- Identify all possible defendants in the motorcycle accident;
- Identify all insurance policies that may pay for your injuries;
- Develop the evidence necessary to determine the correct standard of care for each defendant;
- Fully understand and document your current medical condition;
- Work with your physicians to understand your future medical needs and how much they will cost;
- Negotiate your medical bills at the conclusion of your case; and
- Keep you informed every step of the way.
Every case receives a dedicated team of experience medical malpractice lawyers and supporting staff who will keep you informed throughout the case.
Who Can I Recover Money from After a Motorcycle Accident in Georgia?
After a motorcycle accident, there are several potential parties your attorney can help recover money from. Although the specifics vary by state and this is a complicated area of law, the following parties must be considered:
The Person That Hit You
When involved in a motorcycle accident with two or more vehicles, you can assert a claim against the driver of the responsible vehicle. In Georgia, all drivers, including motorcycle riders, are required to carry liability insurance. The minimum coverage limit in Georgia is set by a statute, O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11:
• $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in a motorcycle accident
• $50,000 for bodily injury or death of more than one person in a motorcycle accident
• $25,000 for injury or harm to the property of others in a single motorcycle accident
These coverages are the minimum amounts of coverage required in Georgia, and it is generally advisable to carry higher coverages. Under certain circumstances, if the damages to a motorcycle rider exceed the policy limits, the at-fault driver can be held personally responsible for the difference. In other circumstances, the insurance company can be responsible for the full value of the rider’s injuries.
The Owner of the Vehicle That Hit You
In many states, including Georgia, a person injured on a motorcycle may have a claim against the owner of an at-fault vehicle, even if the owner was not driving the car at the time of the accident. This is because of a legal theory called negligent entrustment. In a negligent entrustment claim, liability arises from the negligent act of the owner in lending his automobile to another to drive, with actual knowledge that the driver is incompetent or habitually reckless. This theory commonly arises in drunk driving cases where a person has a history of DUIs and tractor trailer accidents where the company knew that the driver was a bad driver.
Where the owner of the vehicle is a large corporation, there is generally no limit to the amount that can be recovered.
The Resident Relatives of the Person That Hit You
Some liability insurance policies provide liability coverage for all family members in the same home. This type of coverage is not common, but it is important to obtain all relevant liability policies to confirm that a potential insurance coverage is not missed.
The Employer of the Person That Hit You
If at the time of the motorcycle accident the employee was within the course and scope of his or her employment, the employer is liable for the employee’s negligence even if the employee was driving a personal vehicle. Where the at-fault driver was using his or her employer’s vehicle, there is a presumption that the person was working in the course and scope of their employment. However, this presumption can be rebutted by the employer. When an accident is caused by a person working for Uber or Lyft, this legal question can become very complicated.
The Manufacturer of the Motorcycle
If a motorcycle component causes an accident, such as a brake failure, you may be able to assert a claim against the motorcycle manufacturer. This is commonly referred to as a defective vehicle claim. Our firm is trusted by attorneys all over the country to handle defective motorcycle claims after an accident. We are currently accepting defective motorcycle claims involving:
- BMW R1200GS
- Yamaha YS125
- Yamaha MT-07
- Yamaha GPD125-A
- Triumph Street Triple RS
- Kawasaki Ninja 250
- Ducati M900
- Zero SR
- Honda CBF125
- Honda NSC110
- Honda Super Cub
- Honda NM4
- All Harley Davidson Motorcycles
The Motorcycle Helmet Manufacturer
Even if the accident was caused by a negligent driver, you may still be able to assert a claim against the helmet manufacturer if the injuries in the accident were made worse by the failure of the helmet to protect the rider. There is generally no limit to the amount that can be recovered from a defective motorcycle helmet manufacturer in Georgia. We are current accepting defective helmet claims involving the following manufacturers:
- Bell
- Shoei
- HJC
- ARAI
- Schuberth
- Nolan
The Repair Shops That Serviced the Motorcycle
Motorcycles requires regular maintenance. Most riders trust motorcycle repair shops to keep their motorcycle safe. Unfortunately, some motorcycle repair shops cut corners to save time or money and rider’s lives are placed at risk. When a service center agrees to service a motorcycle, the service center assumes a duty to identify and warn of dangerous conditions and to perform repairs and maintenance on the motorcycle in a safe and professional manner. The failure to do so can subject the retailer to liability.
The Contractor Responsible for the Design or Maintenance of the Road
If the accident was caused by a hazardous condition on the roadway, such as a large pothole, the contractor responsible for repairing the roadway may be responsible for the injuries and damages caused by the accident. Similarly, if the design of the roadway makes it more prone to accidents or serious injuries, such as failing to install a guardrail on a sharp curve, the manufacturer may be responsible for the accident. The Wetherington Law Firm has handled several of these cases, including incidents where roadway contractors failed to remove loose aggregate from the roadway after a paving project.
Your Insurance Carrier – Uninsured/Underinsured Motorcycle Rider Coverage
If the person that hit you does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover your injuries, it may be possible to recover from your own insurance coverage through underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage. This is a complicated area that generally requires an attorney to confirm that you are receiving the full benefit of the coverage that you have purchased.
Your Resident Relative’s Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
In Georgia, all underinsured/uninsured insurance policies provide liability coverage for all resident relatives of a household. If you live in the same house as a family member, but have different insurance policies for your vehicles, you may be able to recover some insurance benefits from your relative’s carrier after you have exhausted all coverage on your own uninsured/underinsured policy. It is relatively common for a motorcycle to be on a separate policy from everyday vehicles.
Why Choose Wetherington Law Firm as Your Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Here’s why motorcyclists in Atlanta trust Wetherington Law Firm to handle their cases:
- We’re Local: We know Atlanta’s streets, neighborhoods, and risky intersections.
- We’re Experienced: We’ve successfully handled countless motorcycle accident claims.
- We’re Available 24/7: Accidents don’t wait for business hours, and neither do we.
- We Work on Contingency: You don’t pay us a cent unless we win your case.
If you’re searching for a motorcycle accident lawyer in Atlanta, it means you need help right now. Wetherington Law Firm is here to provide it. Our attorneys know the local roads, the insurance companies, and the best ways to win your case.
Don’t let an insurance company decide what your case is worth. Fill out our quick contact form online or Call (404) 888-4444 for a free consultation. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and start building your case.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Atlanta, GA
A motorcycle accident often comes with serious injuries leaving victims confused and scared. In the moments and days that follow, the steps you take can make a critical difference in protecting your health, your legal rights, and your financial future. Here’s what you should do if you’re involved in a motorcycle crash in Atlanta:
1. Prioritize Your Safety
First and foremost, check yourself and others for injuries. Move to a safe location if possible, but do not leave the scene of the accident. Call 911 immediately to report the crash and request medical assistance. Even if you feel “okay,” adrenaline can mask serious injuries — it’s vital to be evaluated by medical professionals right away.
2. Document the Accident Scene
If you’re able, take photos and videos of the scene, including your motorcycle, other vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. This evidence can be crucial later when determining fault and negotiating with insurance companies.
3. Exchange Information But Limit Conversation
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, but avoid discussing fault or making any statements that could be used against you later. Stick to the basics. When the police arrive, provide an honest and factual account of what happened.
4. Seek Medical Care Immediately
Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away. Get a full medical evaluation as soon as possible, even if you think your injuries are minor. Follow all treatment plans and keep copies of your medical records they’ll serve as vital evidence in your case.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company, but be careful about providing a recorded statement before speaking with a lawyer. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, even from your own insurer.
6. Consult an Experienced Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Before accepting any settlement offer, talk to a lawyer who specializes in motorcycle accident cases. At Wetherington Law Firm, we can help you understand the true value of your claim, protect your rights, and handle negotiations with the insurance companies while you focus on healing. We have the experience and proven results to fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.
Remember: After a motorcycle accident, time is not on your side. Critical evidence can disappear, and insurance companies may act quickly to protect their interests. Contact Wetherington Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation and let us stand up for you.
How to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Georgia
Filing a motorcycle accident claim after a crash in Georgia can be a serious challenge, especially when you’re trying to heal from serious injuries. At Wetherington Law Firm, we’re here to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here’s a simple breakdown of how to file a claim and protect your right to full compensation:
1. Gather All Necessary Evidence
Strong claims are built on strong evidence. After your accident, collect all documentation related to the crash, including:
- Police reports
- Medical records and bills
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- Witness names and contact information
- Repair estimates for your motorcycle
The more evidence you have, the better we can prove fault and demonstrate the extent of your losses.
2. Notify the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company
In Georgia, the at-fault party’s insurance company is generally responsible for covering your damages. You or your attorney will need to notify them that you intend to file a claim. Be cautious: insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but their goal is to minimize the payout. Avoid giving recorded statements or accepting quick settlement offers without legal advice.
3. Calculate the Full Value of Your Claim
Motorcycle accidents often cause long-term harm that isn’t immediately obvious. Your claim should account for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Permanent disabilities or disfigurement
Our motorcycle accident attorneys work with medical experts, economists, and accident reconstructionists to ensure every dollar you’re owed is included.
4. File a Demand Letter
Once your damages are fully documented, your lawyer will draft and send a demand letter to the insurance company, outlining the facts of the case, the evidence supporting your claim, and the compensation you are seeking. This often opens the door for settlement negotiations.
5. Negotiate or Prepare to File a Lawsuit
Most motorcycle accident claims are settled without going to court. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial. In Georgia, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit, so it’s important to act quickly.
The Bottom Line: You have one shot at securing the financial recovery you need for your future. Don’t leave it to chance. Let Wetherington Law Firm handle your claim with the skill, experience, and dedication you deserve. Contact our Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers today for a free consultation and start your path to justice.
What Must I Prove to Recover Compensations After a Motorcycle Accident?
Although the application of the law in each type of case is very different, all motorcycle accident cases use the same laws. To recover for personal injuries after a motorcycle accident, you must establish the basic elements of a tort:
1. The existence of a duty on the part of the other driver to act a certain way;
2. The failure of the driver to perform that duty;
3. Actual injuries; and
4. Proof that the injuries were proximately caused by the driver’s negligence.
These elements can be confusing. That is why we have written detailed articles on each of these elements that you can read here. The important thing for you to know is that the first element, duty, is very import in winning a motorcycle accident case. Another good word for duty is responsibility. In Georgia, all drivers have the responsibility to drive in a safe manner and avoid causing harm to others. “Driving safely” generally means driving in a manner that a reasonable person would under like or similar circumstances. Under most circumstances, a reasonably prudent driver will:
- Drive at a reasonable speed;
- Keep a lookout for motorcycle riders;
- Yield to motorcycle riders when necessary;
- Stop or slow when appropriate; and
- Maintain their car or truck in a safe condition.
When a person fails to drive in a reasonable manner and hits someone on a motorcycle, the person is considered “negligent.” Simply driving in a negligent manner does not allow someone to file suit against the negligent driver. For example, if someone is speeding, runs a red light, and almost hits your motorcycle – you would not have a valid claim against the negligent driver.
However, if a negligent driver causes an accident, the negligent driver will be liable for damages and injuries he or she causes. Whether a person has operated a vehicle in a negligent manner is generally a question that is submitted to a jury.
In addition to the general rule that a driver must act reasonably, there are rules of the road that every driver must comply with. Unlike ordinary negligence, when a driver violates one of these rules and causes injuries to a motorcycle rider, the lawyer does not prove that a reasonable person should have acted differently — the conduct is automatically considered negligent. In Georgia, these rules include the following:
Driving While Intoxicated
OCGA 40-6-253 and OCGA 40-6-391
Speeding
OCGA 40-6-181
Using a Phone While Driving
OCGA 40-6-241
Failing to Yield to Pedestrians
OCGA 40-6-91, OCGA 40-6-92, OCGA 40-6-93, and OCGA 40-6-96
Failing to Obey a Traffic Official
OCGA 40-6-2
Conducting a Police Chase in a Reckless Manner
OCGA 40-6-6
Failing to Change Lanes to Give Space for Parked Emergency Vehicles and Construction Workers
OCGA 40-6-16 and OCGA 40-6-75
Tampering with or Stealing Road Signs
OCGA 40-6-26
Failing to Maintain One Lane
OCGA 40-6-40 and OCGA 40-6-48
Going the Wrong Way on a One-Way Road
OCGA 40-6-47 and OCGA 40-6-240
Driving a Tractor-Trailer or Bus in the Far-Left Lane(s)
OCGA 40-6-52
Failing to Yield to Emergency Vehicles
OCGA 40-6-74
Making an Improper U-Turn
OCGA 40-6-121
Failing to Exercise Due Caution Near Railroad Crossings
OCGA 40-6-140 and OCGA 40-6-142
Driving Too Slow in the Fast Lane
OCGA 40-6-184
Failing to Slow and Exercise Caution in Construction Zones
OCGA 40-6-188
Obstructing an Intersection
OCGA 40-6-205
Failing to Secure all Loads
OCGA 40-6-248.1 and OCGA 40-6-254
Driving Recklessly
OCGA 40-6-390
Causing Serious Injury by Vehicle
OCGA 40-6-394
Running a Red or Yellow Traffic Light
OCGA 40-6-20, OCGA 40-6-21, and OCGA 40-6-23
Traveling Too Close to Other Vehicles
OCGA 40-6-49
Running Stop and Yield Signs
OCGA 40-6-72
Failing to Yield to Other Vehicles
OCGA 40-6-70 and OCGA 40-6-73
Driving on the Shoulder, Gore, or Other Prohibited Areas
OCGA 40-6-50
Fleeing Police Officers
OCGA 40-6-395
Road Rage
OCGA 40-6-397
Tampering with Traffic Signals
OCGA 40-6-25, OCGA 40-6-17, and OCGA 40-6-396
Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road
OCGA 40-6-40 and OCGA 40-6-45
Passing Another Vehicle Improperly
OCGA 40-6-42, OCGA 40-6-43, OCGA 40-6-44, and OCGA 40-6-46
Going the Wrong Way in a Roundabout
OCGA 40-6-47
Turning the Wrong Way at an Intersection
OCGA 40-6-71 and OCGA 40-6-120
Failing to Yield to Funeral Processions
OCGA 40-6-76
Failing to Use Turn Signals
OCGA 40-6-123
Failing to Stop First Before Exiting a Parking Lot
OCGA 40-6-144
Drag Racing
OCGA 40-6-186
Parking a Vehicle in an Unsafe Place
OCGA 40-6-202
Driving a Vehicle with an Obstructed View
OCGA 40-6-242
Laying Drags or Intentionally Making Skid Marks
OCGA 40-6-251
Intentionally Striking and Killing a Person with a Vehicle
OCGA 40-6-393
Failing to Follow Pedestrian Traffic Signals
OCGA 40-6-22
Failing to Drive Motorcycles Safely
OCGA 40-6-310 and OCGA 40-6-311
If there is evidence that an at-fault driver committed one of the above violations, the jury will likely be read the following instruction:
The plaintiff contends that the defendant violated certain laws or ordinances. Such violation is called negligence per se, which means negligence as a matter of law. It is your duty to decide whether such violation took place or not.
What this means is that if the you successfully prove that the alleged violation took place, then negligence is established and you only have to prove that your injuries were caused by the negligent act.
How Can You Lose a Motorcycle Accident Case?
After a motorcycle accident in Georgia, proof of an injury does not automatically create liability on the other driver. Motorcycle riders are injured in car accidents every day and do not receive any compensation. Sometimes, a motorcycle wreck can result in less money than the injured rider expects. There are many reasons why people lose car accident claims or the amount they receive is low. Here are the most common ways that a case is lost.
Failing to Bring a Claim in Time Can Result in a Complete Bar of Your Motorcycle Injury Claim
Georgia has a two-year statute of limitation for most personal injury lawsuits after a motorcycle accident. A statute of limitation provides the maximum period of time in which a civil lawsuit must be started or it is forever barred. The purpose of a statute of limitation is to prevent an injured party from delaying the commencement of an action. Over time, evidence is lost, memories fade, and witnesses move away or die. This is why it is important to bring a personal injury claim as soon as possible. The Atlanta motorcycle injury lawyers at the Wetherington Law Firm have NEVER missed a deadline to file a motorcycle injury lawsuit.
The Doctrines of Contributory Negligence and Comparative Fault Can Limit Recovery After a Motorcycle Accident
Contributory negligence is a common defense used in motorcycle accident lawsuits. The defense of contributory negligence claims that you failed to keep an adequate lookout of your surroundings or otherwise did something that contributed to the accident, and you should be disqualified from recovering. This defense is particularly used in motorcycle injury lawsuits. This is because there is a stigma against motorcycle riders and the insurance companies hope to exploit it. If a defendant is successful in a contributory negligence defense, you will not recover any damages for your motorcycle wreck injuries. The contributory negligence doctrine is extremely harsh and intended to be cruel to injured people. It is currently only used in North Carolina, Alabama, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C.
A majority of states, including Georgia, have adopted a “comparative negligence” system. For states that have adopted comparative negligence, the jury compares the motorcycle rider’s negligence to the negligence of the person that hit him or her and applies percentages to each. Depending on the state, the Court either reduces the total recovery by the percentage assigned to the Plaintiff or rules in favor of the Defendant if the percentage assigned to the Plaintiff is over a certain amount.
Government Entities are Sometimes Immune from Liability
This is an area of law that is too broad to be covered in this article. However, please know that where there is a possibility that a government employee or entity was partially responsible for an accident, special rules apply. There are different deadlines for presenting claims, different rules for filing suit, and limits on who can be sued.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Motorcycle Accident?
The main public policy purpose for tort law is compensation. Compensatory damages are money damages awarded to compensate the plaintiff and make the plaintiff whole. The system is not perfect. Life, limb, and freedom from pain cannot be restored. However, compensatory damages are a means of attempting to place the plaintiff in the same relative position that he or she was in before the loss by way of monetary compensation. Compensatory damages are categorized as either general damages or special damages.
You Can Recover “General” Damages After a Motorcycle Accident
General damages are “non-economic” losses, such as pain and suffering, disfigurement, or mental anguish, all of which have no specific, itemized value. The monetary value of general damage is determined by the jury, and jury verdicts are not consistent. A broken ankle in one courtroom could be worth $10,000 in pain and suffering. In another courtroom, it could be worth $100,000. Matt Wetherington tried a case in Fulton County that resulted in a $2.8 million verdict for a broken ankle. You can read about that case here. However, it is important to know that jury verdicts and settlements vary widely, even for the exact same injury. The variance is due to the individual plaintiff, the jurors at the trial, and the effectiveness of the injured person’s attorney. Here is an example of a verdict form from one of Matt Wetherington’s cases where a motorcycle accident resulted in a jury trial, which details the various “general” damages a motorcycle rider can recover:
You Can Recover “Special” Damages After a Motorcycle Accident
Special damages are “economic” losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or the cost of hiring household help, all of which do have a specific itemized value and can be more easily determined or calculated on a simple mathematical basis – once you have obtained the necessary records to prove that the expenses were incurred. It is important to note that only medical expenses “proximately caused” by the accident itself can be recovered. If you would like to learn more about how proximate cause is determined, click here. For simplicity sake, you should know that proximate cause is often highly contested.
If a Motorcycle Accident Results in a Death, Special Rules Apply
When a car accident results in a death, the case turns into a wrongful death claim, instead of a personal injury claim. To learn more about wrongful death claims, click here.
The Wetherington Law Firm Has Recovered Millions for Clients Involved in Motorcycle Accidents
Our attorneys are highly skilled in motorcycle accident laws. In many cases, settlement is not possible until a judge rules that the proper defendants have been named, the claims asserted are valid, and there is enough evidence to proceed forward to a jury trial. By that point, it is too late to fix problems in the case. It is important that you start with an attorney that has the experience and resources necessary to put your case in the best position possible. Our motorcycle accident attorneys have literally spent months in the court room presenting personal injury cases and obtaining record breaking verdicts. We also have attorneys that have spent years working for defense firms and know the traps that are set by corporations and their insurance companies.
10 Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Georgia
Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable on the roads due to their smaller visible size and lack of physical protection compared to cars. Awareness and defensive driving can help mitigate some of these risks. Here are 10 common causes of motorcycle accidents:
- Left-Turning Cars: One of the most dangerous situations for motorcyclists occurs when a car makes a left turn in front of a motorcycle, often because the car does not see the motorcycle or misjudges its speed.
- Lane Splitting: Accidents can occur when motorcycles drive between two lanes of stopped or slowly moving cars, a practice known as lane splitting. The close proximity of the cars and the limited space to maneuver increases the risk.
- Speeding: Both motorcyclists and car drivers driving at high speeds reduce their own ability to react in time to a hazard, leading to higher-impact crashes.
- Driving Under the Influence: Impairment due to alcohol or drugs is a major factor in motorcycle accidents, affecting judgment, coordination, and reaction times.
- Sudden Stops: Rear-end accidents can be a result of a sudden stop by the vehicle in front, which can be particularly dangerous for motorcyclists who might fly forward off their bikes.
- Inexperienced Drivers: Inexperienced motorcyclists are more prone to accidents as they might not have the skills or reflexes to cope with challenging road conditions or emergency situations.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, railroad tracks, and uneven lanes can be much more dangerous for motorcycles than for cars, as these hazards can easily cause a biker to lose control.
- Motorcycle Defects: Manufacturer defects or poorly maintained motorcycles can lead to breakdowns or malfunctions that might lead to accidents.
- Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, and ice can reduce traction, visibility, and overall stability for motorcyclists.
- Dangerous Lane Changes: When cars or motorcycles make abrupt or dangerously executed lane changes without proper signaling or checking blind spots, it can lead to collisions.
How to Hire the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Atlanta
Hiring an attorney is one of the most important financial decisions you can ever make. You have to get it right. There are a number of attorneys who hold themselves out as “experts” who have never tried a case or even settled a case involving a motorcycle wreck. It is important that you ask any prospective attorney about his or her experience with motorcycle lawsuits, specifically with regard to the injuries at issue in your case.
Contact us today for a free consultation. If we accept your case, it will be on contingency. That means that you do not pay anything up front and only pay us if we win your case. If we do not accept your case, we will help you find a lawyer who can. We generally only accept cases involving significant injuries. However, we know many good personal injury attorneys and will make sure that you do not have to search around for someone to accept your case.