Stonecrest Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Motorcycle accidents can be devastating. According to data from the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, there were 192 motorcycle accident fatalities in the state in 2020 alone. Many more bikers suffered serious injuries in crashes.
Following a serious accident, motorcyclists need to know how to protect their legal rights ―  financial compensation may be available for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and disfiguring injuries. Unfortunately, in far too many cases, motorcycle accident victims have trouble getting the full and fair compensation that they deserve.
At MG Law, our aggressive Stonecrest motorcycle accident lawyers fight for the legal rights and financial interests of injured bikers. If you or your family member was hurt in a motorcycle wreck in Stonecrest, Georgia, we are here to help. For a free, no-obligation consultation with a Stonecrest motorcycle accident lawyer, please do not hesitate to contact our office today.
Typical Motorcycle Crash Injuries
Motorcycle accident injuries come in many different forms. In some cases, victims are able to escape collisions with only mild or moderate injuries. In other cases, motorcycle collisions can be truly catastrophic — resulting in long-lasting, even life-altering physical harm to the victim. At MG Law, our Stonecrest motorcycle accident lawyers have experience handling the full range of motorcycle crash claims. No matter the severity of your injuries, our legal team is here for you. Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Road rash;
- Deep cuts/lacerations;
- Biker’s arm;
- Fractured bones;
- Muscle or ligament damage;
- Soft tissue damage, including whiplash;
- Internal injuries, including organ damage;
- Concussions or TBIs;
- Amputations;
- Loss of limb;
- Spinal cord damage; and
- Paralysis.
Proving Liability in a Motorcycle Collision Case
Georgia is a fault-based motorcycle accident state. Under the law (Georgia Code § 51-12-33), negligent parties will be held legally liable for their share of the motor vehicle accident. For example, if another driver is deemed to be liable for 80 percent of your motorcycle accident, then that driver will be responsible for 80 percent of the resulting damages. This is known as comparative fault.
Proving liability can sometimes be challenging. Plaintiffs must produce evidence that the defendant (usually another driver) did something reckless or careless that contributed to causing the crash. This could include anything from speeding or distracted driving to an unsafe lane change or failure to yield.
If fault is disputed in your case, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced Stonecrest motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer will help you review and organize all relevant evidence — this includes photographs, witness statements, police reports, and much more — to ensure that you can prove liability and recover financial compensation for your damages.
The driver who hit me was DUI. Does that matter?
Yes. A DUI can come into play in a couple of ways.
First, it is much easier to argue that the driver is at fault for the accident. A careful driver would not get behind the wheel of a vehicle while intoxicated, and someone who does must pay compensation to injured victims. You can often use the state’s evidence, such as the results of blood or breath tests, to help you prove your case.
Second, a DUI can dramatically increase the amount of compensation you receive. Georgia law allows plaintiffs to sue for punitive damages. Not every car accident warrants punitive damages, but they are available when the defendant’s conduct was particularly bad. According to the statute, the defendant’s conduct must have shown:
- Malice,
- Fraud,
- Wantonness,
- willful misconduct,
- Oppression, or
- Conscious indifference to consequences.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol comfortably satisfies the standard for punitive damages. You will need clear and convincing evidence that the defendant’s conduct warrants punitive damages, but this is possible if you have a BAC reading that is very high.
However, you need to realize that punitive damages are capped in Georgia personal injury lawsuits, like those related to car accidents. The cap is currently $250,000, so if the jury awards more than this amount, the judge will reduce it.
Compensation Available to Injured Victims
Motorcycle accident victims deserve the maximum financial compensation available under the law. Unfortunately, the large insurance companies that frequently defend personal injury claims are notorious for undervaluing injuries. You should expect that they will try to settle your claim for the lowest amount possible. At MG Law, our aggressive Stonecrest, GA, motorcycle accident lawyers help our clients fight back. We will fight for every penny that you deserve. You may be eligible to recover money damages for:
- Emergency medical bills;
- Other medical expenses;
- Physical therapy;
- Lost current and future wages;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress;
- Disfigurement;
- Loss of limb;
- Reduced quality of life; and
- Wrongful death damages.
You may be eligible for other compensation depending on your circumstances.
Motorcycle Accidents and Wrongful Death
Sadly, Georgia motorcycle accidents sometimes result in a fatality. That leaves the deceased biker’s family and friends with a huge absence that is impossible to fill. However, if someone’s criminal behavior, recklessness, or negligence caused the death, the remaining family members may be able to seek recourse with a wrongful death claim.
Only specific people can bring a wrongful death lawsuit. Georgia law specifies who can bring a lawsuit in the following order:
- The deceased person’s spouse;
- If the deceased has no surviving spouse, then the deceased person’s children;
- If the deceased has no surviving children or spouse, then the deceased person’s parents;
- The administrator or executor, if the deceased has no surviving spouse, children or parents.
When an executor or administrator brings a wrongful death claim, the damages recovered are applied to the deceased person’s estate and distributed to their next of kin.
Compensation for a wrongful death claim includes the damages listed for other motorcycle claims. Surviving family members can also recover funeral and burial expenses and an amount that a court determines is the money equivalent to the deceased person’s full value of life. This is a complicated calculation. You should speak with a Stonecrest motorcycle accident attorney about wrongful death claims.
Why Choose MG Law
Motorcycle accident victims need the best legal representation. Sadly, motorcyclists face some unfair and inaccurate stereotypes. Too many people believe that bikers are risk-takers and thrill-seekers. This leads to the false assumption that motorcyclists are more likely to be at fault for their own accidents. The exact opposite is true: when multi-vehicle collisions occur, other motorists are more likely to be at fault than bikers.
At MG Law, our motorcycle accident attorneys in Stonecrest understand the challenges injured bikers face in the legal claims process. We know how to handle claims and ensure that our clients are treated fairly and get access to the maximum possible financial compensation. We handle most motorcycle accident claims on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing until we win or settle your case.
Were You Injured in a Motorcycle Crash in Stonecrest, Georgia?
We can help. At MG Law, our Georgia personal injury lawyers have extensive experience handling motorcycle crash claims. If you or your loved one was hurt in a motorcycle wreck, it is crucial that you seek immediate legal assistance.
In addition to motorcycle accidents, our highly-skilled legal team is always ready to assist with any injury cases, such as:
For a free, no-obligation review of your claim with a Stonecrest motorcycle accident lawyer, please do not hesitate to contact our law firm today. With an office in Atlanta and Conyers, we represent motorcycle accidents victims throughout DeKalb County, including Stonecrest.