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Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Augusta GA

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In collisions between passenger vehicles and motorcycles, motorcyclists usually sustain far more harm than those inside the automobile protected by steel frame construction, seat belts, and airbags. No matter how much experience or training a motorcyclist may have, and even if all traffic rules have been obeyed, it is still possible for riders to become victims of devastating crashes on the roads. Sadly, far too many insurance carriers operate under the assumption that motorcyclists by nature are reckless drivers who are likely to blame for accidents of this type.

Every state has its laws when it comes to motorcycles. For instance, Georgia law provides that every rider must wear a helmet and eye protection while on the roads. Furthermore, DUI laws are strictly enforced in the state to lower the dangers of collisions. Even so, accidents still occur and carry with them the potential for catastrophic harm.

If the misfortune of a motorcycle crash has befallen you or someone close to you, The Eichholz Law Firm stands ready to help. Our motorcycle accident law professionals possess a great deal experience and have the resources necessary to pursue maximum compensation.

Motorcycle Accidents in Augusta GA

Augusta, Georgia’s second-largest city, is seeing fast growth in various types of businesses. There is construction almost everywhere you look, and with roadways always busy, you can believe this city has experienced its fair share of accidents. 

Accidents in Augusta that involve motorcycles are often fatal. In April 2020, a motorcyclist was killed while riding his bike south on Old Louisville Road after a car made a U-turn in front of him. On May 24, 2020, another fatal motorcycle accident occurred and took the life of a 46-year-old man. 

If you or a loved one were a victim in an accident, you can rely on The Eichholz Law Firm to find justice. Our Augusta GA motorcycle accident lawyers can provide legal representation to injured riders and the families of those killed in an accident. We are committed to getting you the compensation you deserve by negotiating with insurance companies or taking your case to court.

Motorcycle Laws

The laws on motorcyclists in Georgia are extensive, and they touch on subjects including protective eyewear, helmets, footwear, lighting, cargo, passengers, and more. First and foremost, riders must have a valid license to drive a motorized bike.

It is important to note that Georgia law requires riders to wear helmets while on motorcycles. Specifically, O.C.G.A. § 40-6-315 mandates that motorcycle helmets meet a particular set of standards. To comply with Georgia statutes, helmets must have a Snell or DOT certification. Motorcyclists must also wear protective eyewear if their bike does not have a windscreen, and this is something all riders must bear in mind before hitting the open road.

According to Georgia law, motorcyclists must have their headlights turned on while driving, whether it is day or night. If an accident occurs, and the rider’s headlights were not on, he or she may be deemed partially to blame for the accident and compensation may be reduced.

O.C.G.A. § 40-6-312 forbids lane-splitting, a technique used to drive between cars that are in parallel lanes. This is prohibited even when stopped at a red light. It should be noted, however, that two bikers are allowed to share a lane.

The law in Georgia does provide some critical protections for motorcyclists, including a prohibition on other motorists preventing a rider from having full access to a lane of traffic. Anyone who fails to heed this law, either on purpose or by making an ill-advised lane change, may ultimately be held liable if injuries result.

When the time comes to enlist the assistance of a Georgia motorcycle accident lawyer, seek out those who have a comprehensive understanding of Augusta GA’s motorcycle laws.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes

Negligent drivers of automobiles cause most motorcycle accidents. As such, riders have to go the extra mile to stay alert to potential dangers on roadways. Staying abreast of common hazards can help motorcyclists steer clear of them. Below are a few of the conditions and scenarios that regularly lead to motorcycle-involved accidents.

  • Intoxicated Drivers – Easily identifiable by excessive speed and erratic movements
  • Failure to Heed Blind Spots – When drivers neglect to check areas not viewable by mirrors
  • Faulty Road Conditions – Snow, ice, sleet, improper maintenance, or debris on the roads
  • Door-Opening Accidents – Vehicle drivers sometimes swing doors open without paying attention to oncoming cyclists
  • Overbraking – Drivers may brake suddenly ahead of a rider, causing them to be thrown from the cycle
  • Line Driving and Lane Splitting – The cutting back-and-forth between slower drivers or riding on lane lines

Damages in an Augusta GA Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit

Because motorcycle accidents routinely result in severe injuries, the costs of required treatments can be astronomical. Expenses related to surgical procedures, prescription drugs, physical therapy, and more can send entire families into dire economic straits. Further, lost lifestyles, lost wages, and mental pain and suffering stemming from such traumatic events can impose additional costs. Anyone who has been injured in an accident should seek skilled legal representation from a motorcycle accident lawyer in Augusta GA, as soon as possible.

Typical categories of losses sustained in motorcycle collisions include:

  • Costs of hospitalization, emergency care, and ongoing therapy
  • Lost wages
  • Reduced quality of life
  • Chronic pain from injuries
  • Rehabilitation expenses
  • Mental and emotional anguish
  • Loss of marital relationship

These are just a few of the numerous ways a motorcycle accident can permanently alter a victim’s life. Augusta GA, motorcycle accident lawyers with the Eichholz Law Firm have the skills and knowledge necessary to fight for compensation.

Settlement Negotiations with Insurance Carriers

It is essential for victims of motorcycle crashes to have strong legal representation, particularly when negotiating settlements with insurance carriers. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are often given unfair treatment by insurance companies that view riders as reckless individuals. Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers in Augusta GA, will assemble key evidence to gain leverage in such negotiations to maximize compensation. If these discussions do not prove successful, our attorneys will be ready and willing to take the matter to court.

Typically speaking, the insurance carrier for the at-fault party will dispatch a case investigator to examine and attempt to place a value on the damage sustained. The thing to remember is that these insurance company representatives are not on the side of the victim and will do everything they can to minimize the value of a claim and reduce the amount they must pay.

Investigators from insurance companies will attempt to extract information from victims when they are in a vulnerable state and will then use those details later on when it comes time to settle. These are the times when aggressive legal representation is crucial, and victims should channel all such queries through their attorney.

Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Augusta GA

Anytime two or more vehicles are involved in a crash, the party deemed to be at fault will be required to pay damages, and this most frequently happens through an insurance company. A lawyer must establish that the other driver caused the accident by failing to act as a reasonable driver would and failing to uphold his or her duty of care. According to the law in Georgia, an accident victim can recover compensation as long as they are less than 50% to blame for what occurred.

Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Augusta GA

Those who have been involved in motorcycle crashes often feel like they are being treated as second-class citizens by their insurance carriers. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Augusta GA, are known for fighting aggressively for each client’s rights and pursuing full and fair compensation in every case. 

The Eichholz Law Firm offers a free consultation to individuals who need legal assistance. Give us a call at (855)-551-1019 or complete our online contact form today.

Please seek the advice of a medical professional before making health care decisions.
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