Motorcycle helmet laws in Georgia are nothing if not strict. They require all riders and passengers to wear an approved helmet, and unlike many other states, no exceptions are provided.
As a result, over 90% of motorcycle accidents in Columbus, GA, in 2023 involved riders wearing protective headgear, according to data provided by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). Nevertheless, motorcycle accidents can still result in severe trauma even if the rider wears a helmet.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact the Columbus motorcycle accident lawyers at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm for help. Our attorneys help injured motorcyclists pursue fair compensation after they get hit by careless drivers. Schedule a free consultation at (706) 940-4030.
How Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm Can Help After An Accident In Columbus, GA
Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm was established in 2016 with the mission of serving injured people in Columbus, Georgia.
Our founder has over 25 years of legal experience as a Columbus motorcycle accident lawyer, and he will provide the following services after you suffer a preventable injury:
- An evaluation of your legal claims and an explanation of your legal rights
- Evidence gathering to support your case
- Filing a claim and handling negotiations with the insurer for a fair settlement
- The preparation of a lawsuit if settlement terms cannot be reached with the insurer
A motorcycle accident can cause life-threatening injuries that require expensive medical treatment. Contact Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm as soon as possible to schedule a free consultation with a Colombus personal injury attorney and learn how we can help you pursue financial compensation for your losses.
What Affects The Value Of A Motorcycle Accident Case?
The primary factors that determine the value of a motorcycle accident claim are fault and loss. To win your case, your motorcycle accident attorney must show the other driver was negligent and thus caused the crash. That most often means they violated a traffic law, though it can also mean they did something legal but unreasonably dangerous, like driving while distracted.
The injury you suffer determines the extent of your losses. As mentioned, Georgia’s universal helmet law requires all riders to wear helmets. And though they are highly effective, they cannot prevent every head injury. Moreover, they do not protect other parts of your body, such as your neck and back. Harm to these areas will incur large losses and raise the value of your claim.
What Kind Of Compensation Can I Recover?
Injury compensation covers the economic and non-economic losses you incur. Economic losses include the financial costs of the crash, such as past and future medical expenses and missed income opportunities. Non-economic losses regard the impact of your injuries on your quality of life, such as mental anguish.
The compensation you may receive for a head injury can be significant, seeing as you may be permanently disabled or disfigured due to facial trauma or brain injuries. These injuries could require expensive treatment and therapy and significantly reduce your quality of life as well.
How Much Does A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Cost?
Injury attorneys charge a contingency fee based on the compensation recovered. You only pay this fee if the lawyer wins or settles the injury claim.
Can I Get Compensated In Georgia If The Other Driver Blames Me For The Motorcycle Accident?
Riding without a helmet may not only result in receiving a traffic citation; it could also affect the compensation they can recover in an injury claim.
Georgia uses comparative fault to assign blame after a crash. A motorcyclist who violates the state’s helmet law and suffers a head injury can be assigned a share of the blame, even if the other driver caused the crash. If the victim is assigned 50% or more of the blame, they cannot recover anything.
The victim’s compensation is reduced in proportion to their share of the blame if they are found to be less than 50% responsible. For instance, they would only receive 80% of their losses if they were found to be 20% at fault as a result of riding helmetless.
What Injuries Are Common In Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle crashes can cause a wide range of injuries, varying in severity. These might include:
- Head trauma, such as TBIs or CTE
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Road rash
- Internal injuries
- Bruises and contusions
- Burns
- Scarring and disfigurement
- PTSD and other mental conditions
Regardless of what injuries you sustained in your accident, our motorcycle accident attorneys can help. Let us handle the legal complications while you focus on recovering.
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents In Columbus, GA?
Crashes in Georgia frequently occur when automobile drivers do the following:
- Fail to yield at intersections
- Tailgate motorcycles
- Drive while distracted
- Change lanes unsafely
Intersection collisions are both common and very dangerous. Since motorcycles have no passenger compartment, the rider can get slammed to the ground when hit from the side. Similarly, if a vehicle turns in front of a motorcycle, a side collision can eject the rider.
What Is The Deadline For Filing A Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit In Georgia?
Georgia’s statute of limitations sets a two-year deadline for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit. It is a short period that can pass quickly, so you should act promptly after your crash to start your injury claim.
Contact Our Columbus Motorcycle Accident Lawyers For a Free Consultation
A head injury from a motorcycle accident can leave you with permanent disabilities that prevent you from earning a living. Contact Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm to schedule a free consultation to discuss your injuries and the compensation we can seek for you.