Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries and significant legal complexities, particularly in Georgia, where specific laws govern motorcyclists’ rights and responsibilities on the road. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, understanding these laws is crucial to protecting your rights and seeking compensation.

Georgia Motorcycle Laws

O.C.G.A. § 40-6-310 dictates that all motorcycle operators follow the rules of the road, making their duties the same as drivers of other vehicles in Georgia.  In addition, Georgia law imposes additional rules for motorcycle operators as follows:

• Helmet Law: In Georgia, all motorcycle operators and passengers must wear helmets that meet Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. This law applies to all riders, regardless of age or experience level. According to O.C.G.A. § 40-6-315, failure to wear a helmet can impact liability in a personal injury claim.
• Seats: A person operating a motorcycle shall ride only upon the permanent and regular seat attached thereto; and such operator shall not carry any other person nor shall any other person ride on a motorcycle unless such motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person, in which event a passenger may ride upon the permanent and regular seat if designed for two persons or upon another seat firmly attached to the motorcycle at the rear or side of the operator.  O.C.G.A. §  40-6-311(a)
• Footwear:  No person shall operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless he shall wear some type of footwear in addition to or other than socks. O.C.G.A. §  40-6-311(e)
• Lane Splitting: Lane splitting, where motorcycles ride between lanes of traffic or between rows of vehicles moving in the same direction, is illegal in Georgia. This practice is not only dangerous but also violates Georgia traffic laws (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-312).
• Insurance Requirements: Georgia requires motorcycle operators to carry liability insurance coverage, just like other motor vehicles.
• Motorcycle Equipment: Motorcycles must meet specific equipment requirements under Georgia law, including headlights, turn signals, mirrors, and more (O.C.G.A. § 40-8-1).

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Negligent Drivers: Many motorcycle accidents are caused by drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way, follow too closely, or are distracted.

Road Conditions/Faulty Design: Poorly maintained or designed roads, debris, or uneven surfaces can pose significant hazards to motorcyclists. 

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Georgia:

1. Report the Accident: Contact local law enforcement to report the accident. A police report will document the incident and may be crucial for insurance claims or legal actions.

2.  Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety should be the top priority. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Seeking medical treatment quickly helps document pain and injuries.

3. Gather Evidence: Safely collect information from the scene, including witness contact information, photographs, and the insurance information of the other involved parties, if it is safe and possible to do.

4. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney who understands Georgia motorcycle laws can help protect your rights and maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation.

At the Davis Injury Firm, we focus our practice exclusively on personal injury cases and have taken cases through litigation and to trial, giving us the opportunity to become experts in the area.

What sets us apart from some law firms:

• We do not handle any other types of cases.
• We are not afraid of litigating cases, giving us the ability to acquire the experience and knowledge vital to maximizing results in personal injury cases.
• We pride ourselves in using creative lawyering and strategy to maximize results.
• We use clear communication with our clients to keep them informed every step of the way. 
• We give individualized attention to each and every client’s case by keeping our case volume low and curating specific legal strategies to the unique circumstances of that case. 

If you have been involved in a motorcycle crash, our experienced team will thoroughly investigate your case, advocate for your rights, and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Perhaps more importantly, we will represent you with patience, respect, and compassion by doing our very best to listen to your needs. 

What sets us apart from some law firms:

• We do not handle any other types of cases. 
• We are not afraid of litigating cases, giving us the ability to acquire the experience and knowledge vital to maximizing results in personal injury cases.
• We pride ourselves in using creative lawyering and strategy to maximize results. 
• We use clear communication with our clients to keep them informed every step of the way.  
• We give individualized attention to each and every client’s case by keeping our case volume low and curating specific legal strategies to the unique circumstances of that case.  

Call us at 404-593-2620 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with our Atlanta bicycle accident attorney.