Why Motorcycle Accidents Are Unique

You are not as protected on a motorcycle as you would be if you were involved in another type of vehicle crash. When you are not protected, That means that if you fall sideways, your shoulder will hit the ground and not an airbag, and if you are jolted forward, you may be thrown off the bike. Motorcycles are quite a bit smaller than cars, and therefore, they are harder to see on the road, especially in thick traffic. Because they are smaller, they can come to a faster stop than other vehicles. This makes them more susceptible to rear-end collisions. A biker should always wear a helmet. Head injuries, permanent brain damage, and disfigurement can often be avoided by taking this simple precaution.

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Common types of Motorcycle Accidents

As you may have noticed, motorcycle accident insurance is expensive and, contrary to popular belief, motorcycle accidents are not always the biker’s fault. There are careless drivers behind the wheels of many different vehicles, and when you are on a motorcycle, it is imperative to drive defensively.

Head-on Collisions

Head-on collisions are generally one of the less common accidents. If a car or truck were coming directly at you on the street or highway, you would probably notice and stop in time to avoid hitting the other vehicle. When they do happen, they tend to take place on winding two-lane highways. If you are riding a motorcycle down a dark street or highway, a driver who is not expecting you or not paying careful attention may hit you.

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Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions are one of the most common accidents, period. You should always exercise caution when you change lanes. If a person driving behind you is not paying attention or following the car in front of them too closely, they may run into you.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving has been a growing problem for the last decade. The smartphone dangerously takes a driver’s attention away from the road. A driver is much more likely to become distracted by a cell phone, radio, or road map than a biker would be. You should always try to observe what the drivers around you are up to.

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Drunken Driving

When a person is drunk, their vision is not very sharp, and their reflexes slow considerably. You should never ride a bike after you have been drinking. A car, truck, or SUV is a piece of heavy equipment, and if a drunk person tries to operate it, they may easily crash into another car. The chance of hitting a motorcycle is even greater because they are harder to see. A very fatigued person may have similar problems operating a car. They may even fall asleep at the wheel.

Motorcycle Accidents FAQ

Who is Responsible for Paying the Bills?

There are two kinds of insurance rules in the United States; fault and no-fault. In a fault state, the person who caused the accident is responsible for paying their bills. In a no-fault state, a person’s own insurance company is responsible for the accident. Georgia is a fault state. If a driver is more than 50% responsible for an accident, they will be considered liable for the bills.

When can I Sue for Damages?

Motorists in the Peach State are required to carry $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, $25,000 per accident, $25,000 per person, and $50,000 per accident. If your medical bills exceed the amount for which the other driver is covered, you may be able to sue. You may also be able to file a suit for pain and suffering caused by your injuries. If a driver was killed in an accident, their immediate family can sue the negligent driver for wrongful death.

What if the Insurance company denies my claim?

It is not uncommon for an insurance company to deny your claim. They may try to argue that your injuries were your fault simply because you were on a motorcycle. They might try to ignore the negligence of the other driver completely. This is where we come in. Our team of trained motorcycle accident attorneys knows that the only thing that should matter on an insurance claim is what the policy says and the evidence that the injured party provided. We will work diligently to discover why your claim was denied and prove that your bills should be paid. Whether you had an accident on a motorcycle or a different type of vehicle, insurance companies are notoriously tight-fisted. Before accepting an insurance companies settlement offer, you should give us a call. We can tell you if it is fair or if you should fight for more. We can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and get you the money you deserve. Call Pendergrass Law Firm today!

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