Taking a motorcycle ride on a beautiful, sunny day can be exhilarating. At McGahren Law, we understand that for some, traveling by motorcycle is a daily routine when the weather permits, as it is a cost-effective mode of transportation. Still, motorcycle riding comes with considerable risks. In fact, due to the increase in the occurrence of motorcycle accidents all across the country, a number of safety campaigns have been put in place by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other organizations who are working constantly to spread the word about biker safety and raise awareness of the fact that bikers enjoy all of the same roadway privileges and rights as all other motor vehicles.
Riders who are involved in accidents, whether they occur with an automobile, another motorcycle or even without interference from another vehicle, often sustain serious injuries that can lead to costly medical bills and lengthy recovery times, depending on the severity of the crash. A Duluth motorcycle accident lawyer at McGahren Law can help injured riders obtain the just compensation to which they may be entitled and help ensure the appropriate parties are held legally responsible for their injuries and losses.
The Seriousness of Motorcycle Crashes
Research has shown that in collisions involving motorcycles and other automobiles, many of them are caused by the operator of the automobile violating the motorcyclist’s right of way. Due to the openness of motorcycles, whenever there’s a collision with a vehicle, the risk of catastrophic injuries or death is substantially greater for the rider.
Catastrophic injuries, such as spinal injuries, brain injuries and paralysis, can require weeks or sometimes months of hospitalization, which can lead to major bills – even for those who carry insurance. At a time when you should be focusing on healing and getting back to your normal life, you will be forced to deal with insurers who may add further to your frustration.
Unfortunately, some individuals are prejudiced against bikers, and insurance companies will not hesitate to use that prejudice to deny a claim. All too often, we are contacted by injured motorcyclists who have been told that the accident was their fault or their policy will not cover the collision. This is where McGahren Law can step in to fight for your rights. You do not have to deal with insurance companies on your own – let us handle your case while you focus on what’s important – your health and recovery.
McGahren Law Can Help
There are various types of motorcycle accidents that can result in injury or death, including intersection or left turn collisions, broadside collisions, unsafe lane change crashes and limited visibility collisions. Given the potential tactics that can be used by insurers, as well as the complex nature of the law, it is crucial for injured motorcyclists to work with skilled attorneys who have experience in dealing with motorcycle cases.
We understand the personal, health and financial difficulties victims and their families may face after an accident and we are prepared to help them recover compensation from all at-fault parties. Call McGahren Law today to discuss your legal rights and options.
Throughout the United States, hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists have lost their lives in traffic crashes. When comparing automobiles with motorcycles, it is obvious that motorcycles provide far less protection than automobiles when a collision occurs. Nevertheless, many motorcyclists find riding to be beneficial and enjoyable for a variety of reasons.
Safety organizations, such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), have monitored the statistics related to motorcycle-related accident injuries and fatalities for many years. The data is released with hopes of raising awareness about motorcycle accidents, the fatalities stemming from those accidents and the risks factors leading to motorcycle crashes. The motorcycle accident attorneys at McGahren Law want all riders to stay safe. If you or someone you love has been hurt, do not hesitate to call our office to get the help you need to handle your case.
Motorcycle Accident Trends and Stats
According to the most recent data from the IIHS, almost 4,300 motorcyclists in the U.S. lost their lives in collisions in 2014. As a matter of fact, of all deaths resulting from automobile crashes in 2014, 13 percent of those were motorcycle deaths. The Institute noted an increase in motorcycle fatalities beginning in the late 1990s and unfortunately, such accidents were trending upward between 2010 and 2012 prior to declining in 2013 and 2014.
Another trend noted by the IIHS in 2014 was that 42 percent of motorcycle fatalities that occurred were single-vehicle crashes, while 58 percent were multiple-vehicle collisions. Additionally, Institute researchers found that the number of fatally-injured riders who were 50 years of age and older started to increase from the 1980s (with only 3 percent), to 13 percent in 1997 and 36 percent in 2014. On the other end of the spectrum, fatally-injured riders under 30 years of age decreased to 30 percent, which is significantly down from 80 percent in the mid-1970s.
Researchers also found that, of the motorcycle fatalities that occurred in 2014, 30 percent of those drivers had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) either at or above the legal limit of .08 percent, while 19 percent had a BAC at or greater than .15 percent.
A Look at Statistics for Georgia
According to the 2012-2013 data gathered by the NHTSA, there were a little over 130 motorcycle fatalities in Georgia in 2012, which was slightly under the average of 152 deaths that occurred over the prior five years. The Administration also noted that eight of the fatalities that occurred in 2012 stemmed from the fact that the operator was not wearing a helmet. Under Georgia law, helmets are required; still, each year, the state sees numerous deaths that potentially could have been avoided had the rider been wearing a helmet. An average of almost 80 lives are saved each year in serious motorcycle accidents where the riders were wearing helmets.
The NHTSA also found that some of the causes contributing to motorcycle collisions include speeding, alcohol and negligence by automobile operators. In fact, the Administration noted that in 38 percent of the motorcycle accidents that involved multiple vehicles, the crash occurred due to the automobile operator making a left turn when the motorcyclist was either traveling straight, passing or overtaking another vehicle. In just about all the cases, the turning automobile was found to be at fault for the crashes. Additionally, most of the fatalities stemming from motorcycle crashes that occurred between 2012 and 2013 took place in Fulton County and DeKalb County, with the majority of those involving male victims between the ages of 20 and 39.
In a Motorcycle Accident? McGahren Law Can Help
The statistics are concerning, but there are ways to keep yourself and your loved ones safe when operating and/or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle. If you have sustained injuries from a motorcycle crash, or have lost a loved one in a collision, contact us today to discuss your legal rights and options.
A motorcycle accident can be one of the most devastating accidents a person can experience in his or her lifetime. The injuries are often quite severe or in some cases, such accidents can result in death. It is crucial for surviving motorcycle crash victims to understand their rights and legal options after an accident takes place.
We at McGahren Law understand that some accident victims become flustered and/or out of sorts after an accident, so we want to provide you with information regarding the appropriate steps to take after an accident occurs. If you would like to speak with a Peachtree Corners motorcycle accident attorney, give us a call today.
Steps You Should Take After a Motorcycle Accident
It is important for motorcycle accident victims to understand that the steps they take after an accident can have a profound effect for weeks, if not months or years to come. There is a great deal at stake, and the motorcycle attorneys at McGahren Law are here to ensure you understand your rights under the law and preserve them as we work to obtain justice for you and your family.
One of the first steps that should be taken after a motorcycle accident is to call the police. This should be done in all types of accidents, but especially in motorcycle vs. car crashes. It is important to make sure the police create an accident report that includes any witness statements or comments made by other drivers. This is particularly important because the more evidence you can provide (in the event of a court battle), the stronger your case will be.
Depending on the severity of the accident, the next step might actually be your first. You should seek medical attention right away, even if you believe you are only suffering from minor scrapes and bruises. Of course, if your injuries are severe, you (or someone nearby) will likely contact the ambulance shortly after the accident, which will result in not only the ambulance arriving, but also the police. Seeking medical attention is imperative, as you do not want to take chances with your health. Document your visits and be sure to follow doctor’s orders once you are released.
Another step that should be taken after an accident is to gather information from appropriate individuals. You should exchange insurance details with all drivers involved in the collision, and obtain the names and contact information of all witnesses. Additionally, if you are able, you should take photos of the scene and your injuries, and take notes about what occurred just before, during and after the accident. Also write down any comments made by other drivers – if someone admits fault, be sure to note what he or she says.
Finally, after your motorcycle accident, call us. The attorneys at McGahren Law are here to help you fight for justice. Not all accidents are clear-cut, and some aspects of the law may be tricky. However, you do not have to handle your case on your own – we are here to help you. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.