Motorcycle Accidents

Respected Savannah Personal Injury Lawyers Dedicated to Connecting Accident Victims with Meaningful Compensation for What They’ve Been Through

Motorcycle accidents often leave riders with severe injuries, costly medical bills, and emotional trauma. Due to the lack of protection that motorcycles provide compared to cars and trucks, even a minor collision can result in catastrophic injuries for both motorcyclists and their passengers. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and the steps you can take to seek compensation. At Suthers & Harper, our experienced Savannah motorcycle accident attorneys are here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Motorcyclists face significant risks on the road, and the statistics show just how dangerous riding can be. While state-specific data may vary from year to year, the national statistics paint a clear picture of the hazards motorcyclists face each time they hop on a bike. For example, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 5,000 motorcyclists were killed in crashes in 2022 across the United States.

In total, motorcycle riders are nearly 29 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants of passenger vehicles, per mile traveled. While there are many potential causes of motorcycle accidents, a large number of motorcycle accidents involve another driver failing to see the motorcyclist, especially in intersections or when the driver is changing lanes.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, an experienced Savannah motorcycle accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Georgia’s Helmet Laws

Georgia has some of the strictest helmet laws in the country, requiring all motorcyclists and their passengers to wear a helmet while riding. According to Georgia law, helmets must meet the safety standards established by the Department of Transportation. The use of a helmet significantly reduces the risk of head injuries and fatalities in the event of a crash.

However, there are legal complexities when it comes to helmet use in motorcycle accident cases. One common question is whether the fact that a motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident can be used against them in court. Georgia follows a comparative negligence standard, which means that a person’s compensation can be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to them.

While Georgia law requires helmet use, evidence of not wearing a helmet is generally not admissible in court to reduce your compensation for injuries unrelated to your head or neck. For instance, if you suffered a broken leg or back injury, the defense cannot argue that your nonuse of a helmet should reduce your compensation. That said, helmet nonuse could be relevant if you suffered head or neck injuries.

Given this legal landscape, it’s essential to have a knowledgeable Savannah motorcycle accident attorney to help you effectively navigate the system toward the compensation you need and deserve. 

Why Injured Motorcyclists Need an Experienced Attorney

Unfortunately, motorcyclists often face an unfair bias from insurance companies and juries. There’s a misconception that motorcyclists are reckless or negligent by nature, which can make it more difficult for injured riders to secure the compensation they deserve. Even when the motorcyclist was following all traffic laws and riding safely, insurance companies may attempt to place some or all of the blame on the rider.

An experienced attorney can help combat this bias by gathering evidence that demonstrates the other driver’s negligence and proving that the motorcyclist was not at fault. By building a strong case, a Savannah motorcycle accident lawyer can fight back against these misconceptions and ensure that you are not unfairly blamed for an accident that wasn’t your fault. In addition to proving liability, an attorney can also help calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, future medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

Have You Been Injured in a Georgia Motorcycle Accident?

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to have an experienced legal team on your side to ensure you recover the compensation you need to get your life back on track. At Suthers & Harper, our dedicated Savannah motorcycle accident lawyers are here to fight for your rights and ensure that you and your case receive the attention and consideration you deserve. We understand motorcycle accident cases and will work tirelessly to hold negligent drivers accountable on your behalf. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward recovery. You can reach us by calling 800-320-2384 or by filling out our secure online contact form. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we can recover compensation on your behalf.