Motorcycle collisions can cause devastating harm, especially to riders who are unprotected compared to drivers or passengers of cars. Because these accidents can happen in a split second, it may be difficult for injured bikers to determine exactly what happened and who may have been at fault in causing the wreck.
If you were recently injured in a motorcycle crash that you suspect was caused by another person’s negligence, you could recover substantial compensation for your losses. Speak to an experienced attorney about the common causes of motorcycle accidents in Alpharetta to determine an effective strategy for a civil claim.
Factors in Alpharetta Motorcycle Collisions
There are many ways that a motorcycle collision could occur. Many of these wrecks involve driver error and negligence, such as the following behaviors:
- Dangerous or reckless maneuvering through traffic
- Inattentive or distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driving while under the influence
- Failing to stop or yield properly
Regardless of what specific behavior causes a motorcycle crash, the negligent party could be held liable for any damages resulting from the accident. A diligent lawyer in the area could analyze the facts of a motorcycle collision and gather evidence of traffic violations or negligence to pursue damages on behalf of an injured victim.
Determining Fault for a Motorbiking Crash
In Georgia, a motorcyclist’s ability to recover damages for a traffic accident is determined under § 51-12-33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.). Depending on the percentage of fault assigned to an injured party, the state's contributory negligence law can drastically impact their ability to recover financial compensation for their injuries and accident-related losses.
For example, O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33(a) states that if the court finds the plaintiff partially responsible for their own injuries, their damages award will be reduced to reflect their degree of fault. However, if the injured party's percentage of fault is 50 percent or more, they will not be permitted to recover any monetary damages, as provided under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33(g).
Recovery for motorcycle accident cases is highly dependent on the facts and specific causes of the collision. Many motorbiking crashes are caused by multiple factors or people. An injured biker may recover damages so long as they are not primarily at fault for the accident, but defendants may try to escape liability by shifting the blame. A skilled attorney with experience handling motorcycle crash cases in Alpharetta could help contest any allegations of fault to preserve an injured victim’s right to recovery.
Call an Alpharetta Attorney to Discuss Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
There are many ways in which a motorcycle accident can occur. The specific cause of the accident will be crucial in determining the apportion of liability among all those involved. The percentage of fault will also impact a victim’s ability to obtain the compensation they need to recover from their losses.
If you were recently involved in a traffic crash while riding, you may wish to pursue damages in a civil claim. Determining the cause of the accident will be the first step in establishing which parties may be held liable for your damages. To learn more about the common causes of motorcycle accidents in Alpharetta, schedule a consultation with one of our skilled attorneys today.