Motorcycles are dangerous vehicles. In fact, motorcyclists are nearly 30 times more likely than other motorists (per mile traveled) to die in a road accident.

Although statistically, Georgia sits in about the middle of the pack when comparing its traffic accident death rate to other states,  the Atlanta Journal-Constitution identified Atlanta’s Interstate 285 as the deadliest stretch of road in the nation as recently as 2015. 

Alabama is the 10th deadliest state in the nation for motorcyclists according to a recent study. In 2019 there were 5,014 motorcycle fatalities nationally with 93 of those occurring in Alabama. In 2020 the number of fatalities nationally was even higher and made last year the deadliest ever for motorcyclists.

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you are going to need an Atlanta, Georgia and Mobile, Alabama motorcycle accident lawyer. It’s not only whether you win or lose, howeverーit’s If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you are going to need an Atlanta or Mobile motorcycle accident lawyer. It’s not only whether you win or loseーit’s how much you win. Foster counts the money, and we win BIG.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

  • Changing lanes without checking blind spots;
  • Turning left in front of a motorcyclist;
  • Lane splitting by the motorcyclist (which is illegal in Georgia);
  • Debris in the road; and
  • Manufacturing defects in the motorcycle.

In general, the number one cause for motorcycle accidents is the fact that US drivers are simply not watching out for motorcycles.

Beware the Insurance Company

The insurance company has one goal—to pay out as little as possible. Observe the following principles when dealing with them.

Understand Georgia & Alabama’s Fault Principles 

The more fault for the accident that the insurance company can pin on you, the less they will have to pay.

In Georgia, if the other side can pin 50% or more of the blame on you, they won’t have to pay you a dime.

In Alabama, even if you are 1% responsible for causing your injuries, you cannot recover.

Regardless of where the accident occurred, you can be sure they are going to try to blame you for the accident. Expect and prepare for this.

Stay off Social Media

The insurance company will try to gain access to your social media accounts, looking for something they can use against you. If you absolutely cannot live without social media during this time, avoid discussing your accident or uploading any photos. 

Don’t Speak to the Insurance Company: Direct Them to Your Lawyer Instead

“How are you today?” “I’m fine.” “Well if you’re fine, then you must not be as seriously injured as you say you are.” That’s how careful you have to be when speaking with the insurance company. You can be sure that they have a thousand more tricks up their sleeve to avoid paying your claim.

Wrongful Death Claims in Georgia and Alabama

Since fatalities occur in about a disproportionate number of motorcycle accidents, no discussion of motorcycle accident compensation would be complete without mentioning wrongful death. If the victim dies in the accident, certain close relatives are eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Georgia law determines the priority (a surviving spouse is first in line). 

The court will split damages among close relatives, award them to the deceased’s probate estate, or (most likely) both. Damages include:

  • Funeral expenses;
  • Lost earnings;
  • Lost care, companionship, counsel, and advice;
  • Medical expenses prior to death; and
  • Any other expenses that arise from the death.

In Alabama, only punitive damages may be recovered for a wrongful death claim. Punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer. These damages are highly subjective and must be determined on a case-by-case basis, which is one of many reasons why it is imperative to have an experienced wrongful death lawyer on your side.

The Sooner You Begin, the Better Your Chances Will Be

The Atlanta and Mobile civil claims systems are a maze to the uninitiated, and are brutally competitive. You are going to need an experienced and dedicated Alabama or Georgia personal injury lawyer to guide you through it. It’s not just whether you win or lose—it’s now much you end up with when all is set and done. Contact Foster Law LLC, to speak with an Atlanta or Mobile motorcycle attorney today. Nobody messes with our clients. much you end up with. Contact Foster Law LLC, to speak with an Atlanta or Mobile motorcycle attorney today. Nobody messes with our clients.