Albany, GA Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle Accident Attorney Serving Albany, GA
Motorcycle statistics in Albany, Georgia, are both concerning and enlightening. Motorcycles represent just 2% of registered vehicles in Georgia, yet motorcycle accidents are more common than one might think. In 2019, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that there were 154 motorcycle fatalities in the state of Georgia. Between 2006 and 2015, the number of registered motorcycles in the United States increased by more than 28%, taking the number from 6.6 million motorcycles to 8.6 million. The increase in the number of cyclists on the roads, unfortunately, leads to an increase in motorcycle accidents. No matter how careful you are when operating a speedy bike, getting behind the wheel of a motorcycle puts you at a higher risk for injuries. It only takes one driver being impaired or distracted to create a collision causing head trauma or spinal cord injuries. When your body leaves a motorcycle following a collision, catastrophic injury, and even death can occur in a split second. This is when you need to call our Albany motorcycle accident lawyer at The Rodd Firm.
It is very common for people to stereotype motorcycle accidents. Many assume the wreck is caused by the cyclist splitting lanes or driving in an aggressive manner when the truth is, most accidents occur because the motorcyclist is hidden in a blind spot of a car or truck or the vehicle was simply not taking the right precautions and checking for motorcycles in their surroundings. A mistake as severe as this one can cause serious and life-threatening injuries. Injuries after a motorcycle accident may include the following:
- Paralysis
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Traumatic brain injury
- Emotional trauma
The injuries you sustain from a motorcycle accident will take time to heal and you may even have to take a leave of absence from work. The possible expenses incurred with treatment and taking time off of work will add up, making it important to bring a claim for damages as soon as possible. Attorney Christopher K. Rodd and his team can help you understand the process and assist you with getting started.
Motorcycle Accidents and Personal Injury Claims
You may be entitled to compensation for the damages that you or a loved one incurred from a motorcycle accident. Sometimes, insurance companies will try to contact you shortly after the accident in hopes to make as much money as they can on their end. This is why it is very important to discuss your accident with a skilled Albany personal injury attorney prior to settling any claim with the insurance company. They often do not take into consideration all future accounts and tend to only estimate the current costs associated with the accident. Accidents as severe as motorcycle collisions can take years to resolve and may require ongoing medical care and treatment. A claim for damages must, therefore, take all of this into account when calculating the full damages.
As a victim of a motorcycle accident, you are entitled to include the following in your claim:
- Medical expenses
- Future earnings
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
Georgia is a comparative negligence state, which means that even if you are at fault for the accident, Georgia law allows you to recover the full amount of damages. However, if it is determined that your fault exceeds 50 percent, you will not be able to recover anything. An accomplished personal injury lawyer will work with and on your behalf to discover the facts and determine if there are whether there are any issues with the accident report that could impact your total amount of damages.
Contact Our Albany Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
Motorcycles are an escape for those who love them. This fun pastime and mode of transportation can quickly become a serious injury or death for those who use them due to the negligence of others on the roadways. If you have a loved one involved in a motorcycle accident, you are entitled to bring a claim for damages against the driver. Contact our Albany motorcycle accident lawyer today for your initial free consultation.