Many Americans choose to use motorcycles as transportation because of a number of reasons. People enjoy riding motorcycles because of the more visceral driving experience that one can get in an ordinary car. You feel the sensation of the wind moving against your body and might feel “closer” to the road and the driving experience. People often describe riding motorcycles as “thrilling” or “exciting.” Unfortunately, many motorcycle enthusiasts will be injured in motorcycle accidnets. Motorcycle accidents can be more dangerous for riders than car accidents because motorcycles leave the rider exposed in a way a car does not.
If you were involved in a motorcycle crash around Smyrna, our attorneys can help. We can work with the information you have about your motorcycle accident and build a strong case to bring to court.
Do not hesitate to reach out to our motorcycle accident attorneys from Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 for free case reviews.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Smyrna, GA
There are important steps to take after a motorcycle accident that can both keep you safe and maximize your chances of being successful in a motorcycle accident lawsuit. Our lawyers can go over the information you have recovered so far and add to it so that you have a strong case to bring to court.
Get Medical Attention
Before you do anything else after a motorcycle crash, you should look to get medical attention. Your health is more important than anything you could fight for in court.
Let first responders tend to your injuries. Also follow all of their instructions. If they are going to take you to the hospital or suggest that you go right away, that is what you should do. If first responders let you know that it is ok to stick around the accident and collect information, then that is what you should do. However, you should still get medical attention after the fact in that case since many injuries can take a few days to manifest after a motorcycle accident.
Collect Information
If you are able to stay at the scene of your accident, the next most important thing for you to do is collect information. First, get the name, license plate number, and insurance information of any other parties involved in the accident. Second, take many photographs and videos of the accident. It is a good idea to get photos of the extent of damage to your motorcycle and, if possible, any other vehicles involved in the accident. Other information about the vehicles involved can also be helpful in forming your case. This includes the make and model of your motorcycle as well as any other vehicles involved. Even the time of day or the weather could turn out to be important information when preparing a motorcycle accident lawsuit. No detail is too small.
Talk to Our Lawyers
If your intent is to file a lawsuit after your accident, you need to speak with legal counsel as soon as possible. Not only is it a good idea to give our lawyers more time to work on your case, but if you wait too long, you can bar yourself from bringing a lawsuit at all. There is a law called the statute of limitations that puts a time limit on how long you have to sue another party. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for motorcycle accidents is two years per O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. After that time, a court will not hear your case. Contact our motorcycle accident lawyers as soon as you can so that your lawsuit is filed in a timely fashion.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Smyrna, GA
Not all motorcycle crashes happen for the same reason. There are a multitude of factors that could cause a motorcycle accident to happen. Many people might wrongly attribute many crashes to inexperience on the part of the rider. However, that assumption creates a very narrow view of motorcycle accidents, and it is often flat-out incorrect. A significant number of motorcycle collisions are caused by factors completely out of the rider’s control.
Drug and Alcohol Use
Drunk driving, or driving under the influence, is incredibly dangerous. Intoxication makes it harder to react to sudden changes in the environment and frequently leads people to make riskier decisions. A drunk driver could easily not notice a motorcyclist and hit them or not be able to react fast enough and injure the rider in a crash.
Distracted Drivers
A great deal of focus is required when operating any motor vehicle on the road. There are now more distractions than ever available to drivers. Talking on the phone, texting, or even getting too engrossed in music playing on the radio can draw a driver’s attention away from what is happening around them. Since motorcycles are generally smaller than cars, this can make it even harder for an inattentive driver to spot a motorcyclist they should be taking care to safely avoid.
Opening a Car Door
So-called “dooring” accidents frequently happen to people riding bicycles but are also prone to happen to individuals riding a motorcycle, especially on a crowded street in a downtown area. A dooring accident is when a driver opens their car door into the path of an oncoming bike or motorcycle. The rider will often not have enough time to react to the driver’s actions and will crash into this sudden obstacle the inattentive motorist created at high speed. These accidents can easily be avoided if drivers check their rearview mirrors before opening their doors.
Talk With Our Smyrna, GA Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today
For a free initial discussion of your case, call Howe Law’s Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers at (844) 876-4357.
