Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Decatur, Georgia 

Motorcycle drivers are often some of the best drivers on the road, but when they’re involved in a traffic accident, the aftermath can be devastating. Filing an accident claim against the at-fault party involves emotions, paperwork, insurance companies, and, in worst-case scenarios, catastrophic injuries. Put together, all of these issues can become quite an overwhelming experience. That is why knowing what to do and where to turn can help motorcycle accident victims get the compensation they deserve.   

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in or near Decatur, Georgia, turn to our personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Chambers & Aholt, LLC. With our knowledge and experience in handling motorcyle accident cases, we will help you establish your rights. We proudly serve those in the nearby areas of DeKalb County, Gwinnett County, Floyd County, Clayton County, Fulton County, Cobb County, Douglas County, and Polk County. 

Steps to Take Following a Motorcycle Accident 

After being involved in a motorcycle accident, it is crucial to do the following: 

• Seek medical attention. Following a motorcycle accident, your primary focus should be on getting any injuries properly assessed and treated. Too many motorcycle accident victims fail to follow up with their medical treatment with the hope that they are not really injured. However, it is crucial to do so as follow-up evaluations are necessary to determine the extent of injuries sustained in the accident so that you hopefully return to the life you had before the accident. 

• Document the accident. Documenting the accident refers to collecting as much evidence as possible. Documentation, such as pictures and video collected at the accident scene, medical bills, paid receipts, canceled checks, security camera footage, eyewitness testimony, police reports, and so on, can all help to document a future personal injury claim. 

• Beware of the insurance company. The insurance company for the other motorist who you believe caused the accident is not your friend. The representative of the insurance company is a trained professional who is focused on blaming you for the accident, or to minimize what compensation you may be entitled to for your injuries. Giving a recorded statement or any information to the insurance company is seldom in your interest without having your own trained professional in your corner.

• Hire a personal injury lawyer. Personal injury attorneys work with clients to determine the extent of injuries and negotiate fair compensation with insurance companies. Moreover, a trusted personal injury lawyer helps accident victims become aware of their rights while letting them focus on their health and physical recovery. Our motorcycle accident attorneys at Chambers & Aholt, LLC know what must be investigated and proven to establish fault, and to document the extent of your injuries.

Georgia Motorcycle Laws 

The following laws apply to motorcycle owners and drivers in Georgia: 

• Operators must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid M-class license. 

• “Lane splitting” is illegal. Lane splitting refers to sharing the same lane as a passenger vehicle or driving between 2 passenger vehicles. However, two motorcycles may ride abreast in a lane if it is wide enough to accommodate both vehicles safely. 

• Clinging to other vehicles is illegal. 

• Motorcycle operators and passengers must wear a Department of Transportation-approved helmet at all times. 

• All motorcycles must contain fully functioning equipment, including side mirrors and brake lights.  

Failure to comply with these laws can lead to traffic fines or potential liability for an accident. Insurance companies will endeavor to blame you for the accident, and you will want an attorney in your corner to fight for your rights.

Determining Fault in Georgia  

Fault for a motorcycle accident depends on negligence. Negligence refers to failing to perform one’s duty as required by law. Negligence also involves disregarding safety precautions. For instance, using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle is a classic example of negligence. 

Georgia also recognizes comparative negligence. This concept means that the negligent party and the victim (plaintiff) in an accident can share responsibility, and the compensation that you may be entitled to will be reduced according to your percentage of fault. Our motorcycle attorneys at Chambers & Aholt, LLC will work hard to contest any allegation of fault on your part.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Georgia  

In Georgia, motorcycle accident victims can file a personal injury claim to receive fair compensation for injuries sustained in an accident. In case of death, relatives may file a wrongful death claim.  There are time limits as to when such claims must be filed, and our attorneys at Chambers & Aholt, LLC can make sure your claims are timely pursued.

Please remember that negligence is the basis of a successful personal injury or wrongful death claim. Therefore, accident victims must strive to have the necessary evidence to clearly demonstrate the presence of negligence as the accident cause. Failing to prove negligence can result in your case being dismissed. The burden of proof falls on the claimant in this type of claim. As a result, documenting an accident as much as possible is crucial in filing a successful claim.  

Pursuing a successful claim starts with seeking the help of our detail-oriented personal injury attorneys who can effectively guide you and/or your family in the fight for fair compensation.