Motorcycles are chosen as the go-to method of transportation for many Americans both in Georgia and across the country. They offer greater fuel economy when compared to cars and other four-wheeled vehicles, are more compact, and many people find motorcycles a more enjoyable method of transportation. Unfortunately, motorcycles are not without their downsides. Because motorcycles are smaller and the rider is more exposed, motorcyclists involved in motor vehicle accidents often suffer severe injuries, which will require intensive medical care and long-term physical therapy, which can prove to be very expensive.
Fortunately, we can help. We know the stakes in motorcycle accident lawsuits, so we will represent you with the professionalism, drive, and attention to detail your case demands. We can gather evidence, communicate with adverse parties, and fight hard for you at trial so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries and moving on with your life.
Call our Marietta, GA motorcycle accident lawyers with Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 and get a free case review.
Injuries from Acworth, GA Motorcycle Accidents
Because motorcycle riders are more exposed than drivers of other motor vehicles, they often suffer very serious injuries in accidents. Some injuries you may receive in a motorcycle crash include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Even with the use of a helmet, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are frighteningly common in motorcycle accidents. TBIs are caused by hard impacts to the head that injure the brain. The most common kind of TBI caused by motorcycle accidents is a “mild TBI,” more commonly known as a concussion. Although these traumatic brain injuries are called “mild,” they can be anything but. Concussions can lead to mood swings, difficulty sleeping, sensitivity to light and sound, trouble remembering things, and more. More severe traumatic brain injuries have more severe consequences, like loss of basic bodily functions, partial or full paralysis, or even death due to complications.
Broken Bones
Getting hit by a heavy object like a car always has the chance to break bones. Broken arms, legs, ribs, and other body parts will almost always require a cast, sling, splint, or another immobilizing device to ensure proper healing. More serious breaks, like compound fractures, will likely require surgical procedures as well. Additionally, there is a good chance that a broken limb may have atrophied during the healing process because of lack of use, so you may need to go through physical therapy or make diet alterations to make a full recovery.
Burns
Fuel from your bike and other vehicles can ignite in a motorcycle crash and result in severe burns. Depending on the severity of the burns you experience, you may need to undergo unpleasant procedures like skin grafts or removal of burnt flesh.
Another type of burn you may experience in a motorcycle accident is a “friction burn.” These burns happen when the rider slides along a coarse surface, like the road, and gets abrasions as a result. While purpose-built clothing like motorcycle jackets and pants can help mitigate the chance of friction burns, they cannot prevent them entirely.
Cutting and Puncturing Wounds
When a motorcycle crashes, bits of glass and warped metal from the bike and other vehicles involved are going to go everywhere. Unfortunately, this means that there is a chance you could get badly cut up or “stabbed” in a motorcycle crash.
Cuts very frequently require stitches to heal and can leave permanent scars. Additionally, a “cut” across a small digit like a finger or toe could remove it entirely, resulting in permanent disfigurement. Puncture wounds, on the other hand, may not look as nasty on the surface but can be much more deadly because the penetration of only a couple of inches can hit vital organs and cause serious damage.
What Compensation Can I Be Awarded in Acworth, GA Motorcycle Collision Lawsuits?
When you file a lawsuit in court, you do so seeking damages for your injuries. Courts award plaintiffs damages to try and “turn back the clock” on the effects of an accident. Since doing so is often not literally possible because of the injuries plaintiffs often sustain, damages almost always take the form of financial compensation.
First, you can be awarded damages for medical bills, lost wages, and damage to your vehicle. You can also be awarded damages for less concrete things like physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish brought about by your motorcycle accident. Finally, in some cases, you may be able to get what is called “punitive damages” if the defendant did something particularly egregious.
Helmet Laws and Motorcycle Accidents in Acworth, GA
A helmet is the most important piece of safety equipment a motorcyclist can have. They allow motorcycle riders to survive otherwise fatal crashes and protect them from harm like serious brain damage. Therefore, there are laws in place that require motorcyclists to wear helmets while operating their vehicles. Under O.G.C.A. § 40-6-351, no person can ride a motorcycle without an approved helmet. Because it is against the law to ride a motorcycle without a helmet, many individuals may be worried about whether failure to wear a helmet can negatively impact a motorcycle accident claim.
Unfortunately, failure to wear a helmet can have an impact on your case. However, that does not mean you are barred from recovering anything. Georgia uses a comparative fault system to determine how damages are awarded. So, as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for your motorcycle accident, you can still get compensation for your injuries. And, of course, our motorcycle accident attorneys will work hard to give you the best chance of getting all the compensation you need when we represent you in court.
Chat with Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Now
Our motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to assist you with free case analysis when you call Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.
