Common Car and Motorcycle Collisions
Accidents involving motorcycles are all too common and wreak terrible damage to the lives of motorcycle riders and their families. In order to prevent such accidents, it is necessary to understand the causes and take steps to minimize risks. When riding a motorcycle, you should always adhere to all traffic rules, watch for other vehicles, and anticipate possible hazards.
Wearing protective equipment like helmets and eye protection is also essential to reduce injury severity if a motorcycle accident does occur. If you are injured due to someone else’s negligence while riding your motorcycle, it is essential that you understand the legal requirements involved.
Understand the Vulnerabilities of Motorcycles
Motorcycles may be thrilling and convenient modes of transportation, but their size and visibility can present serious safety risks. Unfortunately, some drivers may be unaware of your presence on the road and turn or cut you off without warning.
Additionally, motorcyclists should always be mindful of the risks of riding in different weather conditions. Wind, rain, and gravel on the road can increase the danger of riding a motorcycle, so riders should take extra precautions when driving in such conditions.
Be Aware of Blind Spots
One of the biggest dangers for motorcycles is being in a driver’s blind spot. If you’re riding on a motorcycle, always be aware of where another driver’s blind spot is – never assume that they see you. Instead, you should actually assume they don’t see you and always drive defensively. Remember, motorcycles are much smaller than cars and can easily be hidden in a driver’s blind spot, so it’s crucial to double-check before making a move.
Always Use Signals
Using your turn signals can help prevent accidents by communicating your intentions to other drivers. Always signal before changing lanes, merging, or making a turn. This will give drivers time to react and avoid a collision.
Recovering Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident: What You Need to Know
A motorcycle accident can be a traumatizing event, resulting in physical injury and financial hardship. You may be eligible to receive economic damages if you have been hurt or suffered a loss due to someone else’s negligence in a motorcycle accident. These damages could include:
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to costs that can be precisely calculated, including medical costs, lost income, and destruction of possessions.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic losses refer to damages that cannot be objectively measured, such as physical suffering, loss of relationships, emotional anguish, and the inability to engage in activities or hobbies you once enjoyed.
Punitive Damages
To be awarded punitive damages in Georgia, a claimant must demonstrate the defendant’s actions were especially egregious and showed disregard for other drivers. You can show this by presenting evidence of intoxication, carelessness, or aggressive behavior behind the wheel.
Punitive damages serve as a form of punishment for the defendant to demonstrate their behavior was unacceptable and discourage others from engaging in similar conduct.
When You Share Blame For The Accident
Modified comparative negligence is a legal principle that applies to motorcycle accidents where you are partially at fault. This principle holds that each party involved in an accident can recover damages even if they are partially at fault, so long as it is less than 50%. Each party will be assigned a percentage of fault for causing the accident, and damages will be awarded accordingly.
For example, if an injured party is found to be 25% at fault for the accident, their compensation award will be reduced by 25%. On the other hand, if you are found to be 50% or more at fault for the accident, you cannot recover any damages.
If you were involved in an accident, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.