Savannah Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

April 21, 2022 | Attorney, Matthew Dolman
Bike accidents seem to make the news. Many people are injured daily by a driver that doesn't see them or by a driver who isn't paying attention. As a motorcyclist, no matter how careful you are, you can do little to avoid an accident when someone behind the wheel fails to see you.  A motorcycle accident is usually considered within the same territory as a car wreck, but many people just don't realize how dangerous these two-wheeled vehicles can be. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), reports that there were 84,000 motorcyclists injured and 5,014 killed in 2019 from crashes. 

Why Hire a Savannah Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

If you've been in a serious or fatal accident involving a motorcycle, you might be considering your options in recovering damages from the negligent parties. A Savannah motorcycle accident lawyer could help determine your claim's value and pursue compensation through negotiations or litigation. An attorney will help you recover compensation for your injuries and damages, that may include medical bills, bike repair or replacement, pain and suffering, and other out-of-pocket expenses.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

The negligence of drivers causes motorcycle accidents that occur with another motor vehicle such as a car, truck, SUV or van. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
  • Driver Negligence: A negligent driver is careless, inattentive, or otherwise fails to pay attention to the road and traffic conditions. Driver negligence can cause serious car and motorcycle accidents.
  • Speeding and Aggressive Driving: Speeding drivers are more likely to cause severe accidents than drivers who obey speed limits. Aggressive driving like tailgating, weaving through traffic, cutting off other drivers, and failing to yield also frequently put motorcyclists in danger. 
  • Distracted Driving: This occurs when a driver is focused on something other than their surroundings while operating the vehicle. The most common distractions are cell phones, eating, changing radio stations, and talking with passengers.
  • Impaired Driving: Alcohol impairs a driver's judgment and reaction times behind the wheel. If a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they likely cannot react quickly enough to avoid a collision with a motorcycle.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accident injuries can be catastrophic because riders are not protected by airbags or seat belts like car or truck occupants. The most common injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident include: 

Road Rash

Road rash occurs when your skin contacts the road surface during an accident. It can occur when you fall off your bike or are dragged across the road. The severity of this injury depends on how fast you were traveling before the accident and how long your skin made contact with the road surface.

Broken Bones

Fractures are possible in any part of the body, and they can be extremely serious. The pain can be excruciating, and it may lead to additional complications, such as infection or even amputation if the fracture is severe enough.

Internal Organ Damage

During a crash, the risk of serious internal injury can be high. Internal bleeding can kill a victim quickly if it isn't treated, so it's important to get prompt medical care after any motorcycle accident.

Back and Neck Injuries

Injuries to these body parts happen in many car accidents, but they're much more common in motorcycle accidents because riders tend to land on their backs or necks when thrown from their bikes.

Concussions and Head Trauma

Because there's little protection for the head (if you were wearing a helmet) during a motorcycle accident, riders are at risk for brain injuries. Even minor concussions can lead to life-altering consequences if not treated properly, so it's important to seek immediate medical attention after any blow to the head.

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident

Victims who suffer injuries due to a motorcycle accident may be entitled to recover compensation for their medical bills and other losses. Therefore, here are some vital steps that you should take immediately after an accident to help protect your health and rights:
  • Ensure your safety: Immediately get your motorcycle and personal belongings to a place of safety. Do this before you ride home or call the police.
  • Call the police: Call 911 to report the accident to the police. You can do this by filling out a report at their office, but it must be done within 24 hours of the accident. If you don't report it within that period, your case will be dismissed as "unfounded" or "no crime committed."
  • Collect evidence at the scene: Take photos of your injuries and the damage to your bike if possible. Photographs are sometimes required to prove that the accident happened.
  • Seek medical attention: Get medical attention for yourself and any passengers on your motorcycle. Get a copy of their medical reports with the doctors' addresses and phone numbers. Ensure you keep copies in a safe place for future use.
  • Consult an attorney: Contact a motorcycle attorney and inform them about the accident. Your attorney will advise you on the actions to take in order to protect your rights and pursue a claim. 
Don't accept responsibility for the accident or provide any statement to an insurance adjuster until you can speak with an attorney. Although talking with your own insurance company seems helpful, you can inadvertently cause damage to your claim by saying things you may regret later. 

Contact Dolman Law Group for Legal Help

It's vital to seek legal representation after a motorcycle accident in Savannah. You'll want an attorney by your side to help you through the financial and emotional strain. During these trying times, the Dolman Law Group is ready to handle your claim and offer legal advice on your options. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

 

Matthew Dolman

Personal Injury Lawyer

This article was written and reviewed by Matthew Dolman. Matt has been a practicing civil trial, personal injury, products liability, and mass tort lawyer since 2004. He has successfully fought for more than 11,000 injured clients and acted as lead counsel in more than 1,000 lawsuits. Always on the cutting edge of personal injury law, Matt is actively engaged in complex legal matters, including Suboxone, AFFF, and Ozempic lawsuits.  Matt is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum for resolving individual cases in excess of $1 million and $2 million, respectively. He has also been selected by his colleagues as a Florida Superlawyer and as a member of Florida’s Legal Elite on multiple occasions. Further, Matt has been quoted in the media numerous times and is a sought-after speaker on a variety of legal issues and topics.

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