LaGrange Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
All too often, motorcycle riders suffer serious injuries in accidents that are not their fault. Instead, negligent car and truck drivers or unfavorable road conditions are to blame. If you suffered an injury in such an incident, a LaGrange motorcycle accident lawyer could advise you about pursuing a claim for your injuries. An accomplished attorney can also provide experienced guidance throughout the legal process.
Laws in LaGrange Affecting Motorcyclists
As a motorcyclist, it is important to be aware of the laws that affect riders and their bikes. In addition to the general laws applying to all motorists, there are numerous laws that apply specifically to motorcycles and motorcyclists. Many of these are found in Title 40, Chapter 6 of the Georgia Code which includes regulations such as:
- All motorcycle riders are required to wear a helmet
- A windshield is required on all motorcycles unless approved eyewear is worn
- Speakers are allowed only for communication
- Handlebars must not be more than 15 inches above the seat
- A muffler is required on every motorcycle, but there is no maximum allowable sound level
Georgia state law also gives motorcyclists certain rights and responsibilities while driving. Some of these are found in O.C.G.A. §40-6-312, which provides that:
- A motorcycle is entitled to use a full lane, and no other vehicle can deprive a motorcyclist of their use of the lane
- Motorcycles cannot pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being passed
- Motorcycles can be driven two abreast in a single lane, but no more than two
- Driving between lanes of traffic is prohibited
- Headlights and taillights must be on at all times while operating a motorcycle
Also, motorcyclists must have a proper Class M license, the motorcycle must be registered, and liability insurance is required.
Injury Claims
After a motorcycle crash in which a biker suffers injury, a motorcycle accident lawyer in LaGrange could advise them on how to file a claim and help them pursue the recovery the law allows. Georgia has a fault system for vehicle accident claims, which means the law determines who is at fault for an accident and makes them liable for losses. This also means that anyone injured in an accident is not required to use their own insurance if they did not cause the accident.
Comparative Negligence
In addition to the fault system, Georgia also follows the law of comparative negligence. This means that if a person is partly to blame for an accident, their recovery will be reduced by their degree of fault if they were less than 50 percent negligent, and they will lose their right to recovery entirely if they were 50 percent or more at fault. The effect of this is often that a defendant in an injury case will try to shift blame away from themselves to reduce or eliminate their liability for damages.
A LaGrange Motorcycle Accident Attorney Could Help
If you suffer an injury in an accident, do not wait to hear from the other driver’s insurance company. Call a LaGrange motorcycle accident lawyer for experienced professional advice. An attorney will work tirelessly to protect your rights and help you get the maximum recovery the law allows. Schedule a consultation today to start discovering the possibilities in your case.
