Columbus Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Bikers place themselves in unique positions. By the very nature of their choice of transportation, they are more vulnerable to injury in the event of an accident. However, motorcycle riders have exactly the same rights and protections as all other people on the road.

Drivers who are found to be at-fault in collisions with bikers are just as liable for any injuries caused as they would be for any other type of motorist.

Columbus motorcycle accident lawyers represent bikers who have been hurt in collisions with other motorists to obtain the compensation that they deserve. Contact an experienced accident attorney for help pursuing necessary damages.

Georgia Laws Regarding Motorcycle Accidents

Most accidents are caused by people who are driving while not taking proper care. While there may be some incidents where a driver intentionally causes a collision, most accidents are exactly that � accidental.

Because of this, the law has created a cause of action known as negligence. This allows people who have been harmed due to another person�s carelessness to seek damages for their injuries.

Proving Negligence

In short, negligence is when the law places a responsibility on a person to protect others. When that responsibility is broken, and a person becomes hurt, the party with the responsibility is liable. More specifically, there are five parts, or elements, that a plaintiff must be able to prove in a case alleging negligence. These are:

• Duty- In certain situations, the law places a responsibility on people to protect others. This is known as the duty of care. All drivers have this duty to protect other drivers, passengers, and motorcyclists. Because of this, the element of duty will not often be contested in a motorcycle accident case.
• Breach- When the person with the duty of care takes an action that causes harm, the duty of care is said to be breached. This can be achieved by actively doing something, speeding for example, or by failing to act, such as ignoring a stop sign. Whether the duty was breached is often the crux of a motorcycle accident case.
• Cause � The plaintiff must be able to show that but for the breach of the duty of care by the defendant, the injuries would not have occurred. This can be as simple as having medical records outlining the reasons for the injury.
• Scope- The injuries suffered by the plaintiff must have been foreseeable given the facts of the case. Since motorcycle accidents can commonly cause severe injuries, this element is not often in dispute.
• Damages- A plaintiff must have suffered a physical harm. While other losses, such as lost wages and mental anguish can certainly be added on, they must have a foundation based on a physical injury.

Statute of Limitations

One other aspect of motorcycle accident law in Georgia to remember is the statute of limitations. This is a time limit created by law that a plaintiff must meet in order to win their case.

For cases involving only property damage, the case must be filed no more than four years after the accident under GA Code 9-3-32.

However, if the case involves any type of personal injury, the case must be initiated no more than two years from the underlying event according to GA Code 9-3-33. Time is of the essence in these cases, so do not delay in contacting a Columbus motorcycle accident lawyer.

How a Columbus Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help

If you have been involved in an accident while riding your motorcycle, Columbus motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help. Your focus should be on your recovery and on getting your life back to normal. Unfortunately, mounting medical bills, rehabilitation sessions, and missed time at work can make this difficult.

Let them handle the details and deal with the insurance companies. By gathering the evidence, analyzing every aspect of your case, and preparing a thorough demand package, many cases settle short of trial and for full compensation.

In the rare event that a trial is necessary, experienced Columbus litigators will be at your side from the initial filing through the trial date. Take a step towards the fair compensation that you deserve; contact today.