Jonesboro and the surrounding areas of Georgia are great places to explore on a motorcycle, but riders are as at risk of being severely injured in an accident here as anywhere else in the nation. Nearly 5,000 U.S. motorcycle drivers die each year in traffic accidents and thousands more are injured, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

What makes motorcycles so enjoyable to ride also makes them far more dangerous if a crash occurs. Unlike cars, motorcycles don’t have airbags, seat belts, and other safety equipment. Motorcycles even lack a structural frame to enclose and protect riders.

When this inherent lack of safety equipment meets another motorist’s lack of concern for sharing the road with bikers, a serious collision can occur. In almost every case, the motorcyclist ends up with far more serious injuries. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact one of our motorcycle accident lawyers today.

One of the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Jonesboro

Butler Kahn helps people in Jonesboro deal with the fallout from motorcycle crashes. Victims only get one shot at justice. Make it count. Contact the Jonesboro motorcycle accident attorneys for a free discussion about your situation. Our lawyers are ready to review your case and explain your options for seeking compensation.

Do You Have a Motorcycle Accident Case?

If you were harmed in a collision that was someone else’s fault, then you might have a motorcycle accident case. Our Jonesboro motorcycle accident attorneys can review the specifics of your accident and help you understand the legal options that may be available to you.

Why Motorcycle Accident Claims Are Often More Complicated

Motorcyclists are more likely to suffer life-threatening injuries in traffic accidents because motorcycles are much smaller than cars and trucks, plus they don’t have the same safety equipment as other vehicles on the road.

When motorcycle drivers try to pursue a claim, it can be more challenging for them to get the full compensation they deserve for these devastating injuries.

Motorcycle accident claims are sometimes complicated because of the bias that some insurers and juries have against motorcyclists. Some people unfairly see these motorcyclists as dangerous risk-takers, so they automatically assume that a motorcyclist must be at fault for their wreck – even if the rider actually did nothing wrong.

If you work with our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys, we can help you overcome this unfair prejudice and fight for the maximum compensation you’re owed.

How Our Jonesboro Motorcycle Lawyer Can Make a Difference in Your Case

At Butler Kahn, our motorcycle accident attorneys are prepared to handle all the details of your motorcycle accident claim, so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Our motorcycle accident attorneys will meet with you for free, learn what happened, and help you understand your legal options.

Once we decide to work together, we’ll build a legal strategy customized to your specific needs. We’ll also launch an independent investigation into your accident and gather the evidence needed to prove your case. Our experienced lawyers will also represent your interests in any conversations with insurance representatives, so you don’t have to deal with them. We’ll negotiate on your behalf to pursue the full compensation you deserve.

If the insurance company won’t agree to a fair settlement, then we will be prepared to file a lawsuit to fight for the full amount you’re owed in court. We’ll handle any paperwork for your claim, and we’ll help make sure it’s complete and convincing. If necessary, our personal injury lawyers will stand up for your rights in court and seek the best possible results in your case.

How We Prove Fault in a Motorcycle Wreck Case

Some types of evidence we use to prove fault in motorcycle wreck cases may include:

  • Pictures of the accident scene, such as photos of debris from the wreck, skid marks, traffic signals, and weather conditions
  • Video footage from dash cams, traffic cameras, or security cameras near the accident
  • Testimony from witnesses to the crash
  • Medical records, pay stubs, and financial records to help prove a victim’s losses caused by the wreck
  • Expert testimony from traffic reconstruction specialists, medical consultants, and other experts who can help support the victim’s claim

What Can You Be Compensated for After a Crash?

Some types of compensation that motorcycle accident victims may be entitled to after a crash include coverage for:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Medical bills
  • Wages lost during recovery from the wreck
  • Future medical expenses
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Disability or disfigurement
  • Specialized medical equipment or devices
  • Reduced ability to work in the future or earn the same income as before the crash
  • Property damage

Some motorcycle accidents leave victims with fatal injuries. In these tragic situations, the victim’s surviving family members often have a legal right to wrongful death compensation. This type of claim can provide the victim’s loved ones with compensation to cover some of the costs of this devastating loss, such as funeral and burial expenses, loss of parental support, and loss of the deceased victim’s income. Contact one of our motorcycle accident lawyers today.

Understanding Georgia Motorcycle Laws

Georgia has several laws specifically for motorcyclists. Some of these laws include:

  • License laws – Georgia law requires motorcycle operators to obtain either a Class M license or a Class M Instructional Permit (MP). For either type of license, applicants must show proof of identity, Georgia residency, and U.S. citizenship or lawful status, as well as their full Social Security number.

To get a Class M license, drivers must be 17 or older, they must pass a vision exam, and they must pass either a motorcycle safety program or knowledge and road skills tests. Additionally, applicants who are under 18 must provide proof of high school enrollment or graduation, as well as a signature from a parent or guardian.

To get a Class MP permit, drivers must be 16 or older and pass motorcycle knowledge and vision exams. If they are under 18, they must also complete an alcohol and drug awareness program and provide proof of high school enrollment or graduation, as well as a signature from a parent or guardian. Applicants under 17 must also complete a certified Georgia driver education course, as well as a certified Georgia “Behind the Wheel” program.

  • Safety laws – Motorcyclists must follow the same traffic laws as other motorists in Georgia. For example, motorcycle drivers aren’t allowed to “lane split” or pass vehicles by driving on the dotted line between lanes instead of in a full lane.

They must also follow the same parking rules as other vehicles unless there are special rules for motorcycles posted, which means they can’t park in places such as on a sidewalk. In addition, motorcycle drivers are required to wear proper eye protection, plus it’s recommended that they also wear other protective equipment, such as pants, a jacket, boots, and gloves.

  • Helmet laws – Georgia has universal rules on helmets, which means that drivers and passengers of any age must wear a helmet that meets standards set by the Georgia Department of Public Safety.

Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Injury Claims in Georgia

Under Georgia’s statute of limitations, motorcycle accident victims usually have only two years to file a claim for their injuries. After the deadline expires, victims typically can’t bring a claim for compensation. Only very narrow exceptions may extend the deadline.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Jonesboro

Your health is your first priority after a motorcycle accident in Jonesboro. If you didn’t receive emergency medical attention at the scene of the crash, see a doctor as soon as possible for a full examination. Some potentially serious injuries do not show immediate symptoms.

It’s also important to collect evidence to support your case, such as medical records and pictures of the accident scene. Get a copy of the police accident report as well. Jonesboro personal injury lawyer.

Whenever you are ready to discuss your case, contact Butler Kahn. Talking to us is free and comes with no strings attached.