Motorcycle wrecks can be devastating. This is because riders have little or no protection compared to vehicles, which have an enclosed space around passengers and safety features such as airbags and seat belts. This means you are more likely to suffer from the direct impact with other vehicles, the pavement, or other road users, which could leave you with catastrophic and possibly fatal injuries.
Our lawyers at Barrios Virguez Attorneys: Accident & Injury Law can assist you in seeking compensation for injuries from motorcycle accidents in Duluth. Our experienced motorcycle crash attorneys have successfully helped injured motorcyclists obtain adequate compensation to cover their losses. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with our intake specialist and learn how we could help you.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcyclists in Duluth can sustain several types of injuries from collisions. Some injuries can be mild to moderate, while others can be fatal. Some examples of common injuries include:
- Road rash, bruises, and lacerations
- Fractures and broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and torn ligaments, especially in the hands and legs
- Internal injuries, such as damage to the kidneys, spleen, or liver, as a result of blunt force trauma
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries, including skull fractures, traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and intracranial bleeding
The severity of these injuries is the reason why the state’s motorcycle laws, which are outlined in Georgia Code § 40-6-312, require riders to wear protective gear, such as helmets approved by the Department of Transportation, when operating a motorcycle. This gear can take the major brunt of the impact and protect the rider from suffering devastating injuries.
What Can an Injured Person Do To Recover Compensation?
Riders who are hurt in a motorbike wreck may require prolonged hospital stays to recover. During that time, they may be unable to work and may not earn an income. Their motorcycle may also be damaged and need repairs, or it may require replacement.
Paying for all these expenses can quickly become overwhelming, leading to possible financial ruin. To obtain compensation to cover all these expenses and other damages, an injured person should speak with a Duluth motorcycle accident attorney for help.
Our skilled lawyers can review your case, determine who is liable, calculate a commensurate settlement amount, and initiate contact with insurance providers. We can negotiate settlements and work toward reaching an agreement that is usually aimed at satisfying the injured motorcyclist.
Comparative Fault Doctrine and How It Affects Financial Recovery
Certain conditions can influence how much the plaintiff eventually receives as compensation for their injuries from a Duluth motorcycle crash. One of these conditions is their role in the crash, specifically if their actions somewhat contributed to the accident. For example, if the rider was lane splitting and the at-fault party crossed a double yellow line and sideswiped them, both parties can be held liable. In that scenario, the courts will assign a degree of fault to both parties after reviewing the evidence before it.
Georgia’s contributory fault law allows the injured motorcyclist to recover compensation, as long as they are less than 50 percent responsible for the crash. However, the claimant’s final payout will be the awarded amount minus the percentage of assigned fault. For instance, if the injured motorcyclist was awarded a $100,000 settlement but had an assigned fault of 20 percent, they will receive only $80,000.
Get Help Seeking Compensation for Your Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Duluth
Injuries from motorcycle accidents in Duluth can change your life. Our experienced lawyers at Barrios Virguez Attorneys: Accident & Injury Law can help you pursue compensation from the liable parties. Let our bilingual team, which has English and Spanish speakers, work with you to explore your legal options. Contact us to discuss your case for free today.