Motorcycle Accidents

“Injuries in motorcycle accident cases are always serious, always life-changing for everyone involved.” – Jason M. Ferguson

Recent statistics suggest that a person involved in a motorcycle accident is 27 times more likely to die from their injuries than an injury victim in a passenger car.  Increased highway speeds, dense traffic in certain areas and careless behavior on the part of other motorists contribute to most of these deaths and injuries.  We sincerely hope you or your loved ones do not need us for this type of case but if you do, please consider the following:

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

There are usually multiple causes of motorcycle accidents.  These may include:

Negligence of Other Driver

Careless conduct of other drivers accounts for most injuries and deaths in motorcycle accidents.  Motorcycles are obviously smaller than passenger cars and can be harder to see but this does not excuse behavior that is negligent.

Negligent Operation of a Motorcycle

Driving a motorcycle requires different skills than operating a passenger car.  It requires more attention to detail, a greater understanding of the physics in play while driving a motorcycle and more caution when operating around other vehicles.  Unfortunately, passengers on motorcycles are injured or killed when the careless, unqualified motorcycle drivers disregard the rules of the road.  Depending on where the accident occurred, you may have a claim against the driver if you or a loved one have been injured or killed while riding as a passenger on a motorcycle.

Defective Motorcycles

Given the frequency with which severe injuries occur in motorcycle cases, it is very important for a motorcycle injury lawyer to assess whether or not there may be a claim against the manufacturer of the motorcycle.  Defective braking systems, tires, engine components and balancing technology may give rise to a claim.  Only a skilled motorcycle injury lawyer who has worked closely with expert mechanics or engineers on motorcycle cases can assess this possibility.  Fortunately, our team stands ready to review these types of cases for free.  Simply call us 24/7 at the number above.

Injuries Associated with Motorcycle Accidents

Passengers and motorcycle drivers are naturally more exposed to injury than those who ride in or operate passenger cars. In addition to death, the injuries that we commonly see are:

• Brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Back and neck pain
• Knee, leg and hip injuries
• Catastrophic injuries
• Skull fractures
• Scarring and bruising
• Broken bones
• Severed limbs, fingers and toes
• Headaches
• Wrist and hand injuries
• Foot and ankle injuries
• Loss of vision
• Loss of memory
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

You may have a claim for monetary compensation if you have suffered any of these injuries as a result of a motorcycle accident.

Helmet Laws

Georgia

In Georgia the law is simple, all passengers and drivers of motorcycles must wear a helmet regardless of age.

Alabama

Alabama also requires all passengers and drivers to wear a helmet regardless of age but also has specific requirements for the helmets used including:

(a) the helmet to have a hard exterior shell of nonshatterable material that resists impact and penetration,

(b) the helmet must also have a firmly secured shock absorbent cradle for the head that is designed to support the helmet and maintain separation between the head and outer shell.

(c) the padding of the helmet must be impact-resistant, absorbent, and of substantial thickness in all areas where the head is in close proximity with or may contact the outer shell. The helmet must be made of durable materials that will not undergo appreciable alteration as the helmet ages. Materials known to cause skin irritation or disease are not to be used.

(d) the helmet must have a permanently attached adjustable chin strap that holds it securely in place. The law requires all drivers and passengers to have the chin strap secured while the bike is in motion.

(e) a helmet need not have a visor, but, if it does, the visor must be flexible or of the snap-on type, and it cannot be more than one-quarter inch above the surface or exterior shell.