Your Local Rome Attorneys

Car Wreck? We can Help

Helping Those Seriously Injured In Georgia Motorcycle Accidents

Every motorcyclist understands the risks of riding. Accidents can occur even while following all safety precautions due to other motorists’ unpredictable behavior. With limited reaction time, these crashes often result in life-altering injuries.

At Cromartie Law, in Rome, Georgia, we’re dedicated to supporting motorcyclists whose lives have been upended by accidents. Our nearly six decades of experience help us advocate for injured riders in northwestern Georgia. We strive to secure fair compensation to help you manage the impact of your injuries.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident in Floyd County or the surrounding areas, reach out for a free consultation.

Table of Contents

Common Causes Of Serious Motorcycle Crashes

Motorcycle accidents can result from various factors. Some of the most frequent causes include:

Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, adjusting GPS or otherwise not paying attention can easily miss seeing a motorcyclist until it’s too late.
Failure to yield right-of-way: Many crashes happen at intersections when a driver turns in front of a motorcycle or fails to give the rider the legal right-of-way.
Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the force of impact, leading to more severe injuries.
Unsafe lane changes: Drivers who fail to check their blind spots or use signals can sideswipe or cut off motorcyclists traveling beside them.
Drunk or impaired driving: Alcohol or drug use impairs judgment, slows reflexes and is a leading cause of catastrophic motorcycle collisions.
Road hazards or poor maintenance: Potholes, debris, uneven pavement and lack of signage can cause riders to lose control, especially when local authorities fail to maintain safe conditions.

While motorcyclists can take precautions, they can’t control the actions of other road users in cars or commercial trucks. Our experienced team can investigate your crash circumstances and build a strong case on your behalf.

Injuries Often Associated With Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the rider’s exposure. Common injuries include:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Even with a helmet, riders can suffer concussions or more serious brain trauma that affects memory, coordination and cognitive function.
Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine can cause partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain or long-term mobility issues.
Fractures and broken bones: Arms, legs, ribs and collarbones are especially vulnerable during impact or when a rider is thrown from the bike.
Road rash and severe abrasions: Sliding across pavement can remove layers of skin, leading to painful wounds, infections or permanent scarring.
Internal injuries: Blunt-force trauma can damage organs such as the liver, spleen or lungs, sometimes requiring emergency surgery.
Amputations: In high-impact crashes, severe limb injuries may lead to surgical amputation or permanent loss of function.

Our team at Cromartie Law understands the potentially devastating and long-lasting effects of these injuries. We recognize how they can impact your life for years to come. When building your case, we consider all your injuries, including ongoing medical needs and other related expenses. Your ultimate compensation claim must reflect your current and future needs resulting from the accident.

Compensation Available After A Motorcycle Accident

After a crash, it is important to understand your rights because the costs can pile up quickly. If you have been in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to:

Economic damages: These cover the financial losses you can easily put a dollar amount on. This includes medical expenses for hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy and any ongoing treatment you may need. It also covers lost wages if your injuries force you to miss work and loss of future earning potential if you cannot return to the same career. Property damage, such as the cost to repair or replace your motorcycle, is also included.
Noneconomic damages: These damages are meant to compensate you for losses that are not as easily measured. It includes pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish and loss of enjoyment of life. If your injuries have caused permanent disability or disfigurement, you can seek compensation for how those changes impact your daily life.
Punitive damages: These damages are not meant to compensate you but to punish the wrongdoer for especially reckless or malicious behavior. In motorcycle accident cases, punitive damages might be awarded if the at-fault driver was, for example, driving under the influence, racing or engaging in other extreme misconduct. While not awarded in every case, they can increase the total value of a claim when they apply.

Our experienced attorney can help you accurately assess all the damages you are entitled to and build a strong case for full compensation.

Who Can Be Held Liable For A Serious Motorcycle Accident?

Different parties could be responsible for motorcycle accidents, depending on the situation. The most common is another driver speeding, texting or failing to yield the right-of-way.

Other liability parties include:

The manufacturer might be held responsible if a defective motorcycle part caused the crash.
A government entity could potentially be liable if unsafe road conditions contributed to the accident.

In rare cases, a business could be at fault, such as when a commercial vehicle driver causes a crash while on the job.

Attacking The Bias Against Motorcycle Riders

We approach each case with a trial-ready mindset from the start. This preparation is crucial, as insurers often resist fair settlements in cases involving severe injuries. When necessary, we’re prepared to present your case in court.

However, courtroom proceedings present unique challenges. Jurors, typically nonriders, may harbor unconscious biases against motorcyclists. Our role extends beyond presenting facts; we educate juries about motorcyclists’ rights and foster empathy for accident victims, and we do this job well.

How Long Do You Have To File A Motorcycle Accident Claim In Georgia?

If you have been in a motorcycle accident, you must meet key deadlines for a successful personal injury claim. In Georgia, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit (with rare exceptions). If you miss this important deadline, your chance to recover your financial losses will be gone.

It is important to begin your personal injury claim as quickly as possible after your motorcycle accident, however. Just days after an accident, the evidence to support your claim could be much more difficult to recover. Our experienced attorneys at Cromartie Law can help you begin your motorcycle accident claim and file crucial documents within the applicable deadlines.

What Steps Should You Take After A Motorcycle Accident?

Here are the steps you should take following a motorcycle accident to protect your rights and recover the compensation you need:

Call 911 for emergency assistance: The police will evaluate the scene, make a report and document important facts about your case. You should also have your injuries examined by paramedics. This protects your health and starts a paper trail of evidence to support your claim for financial compensation for hospital stays, surgeries and other losses.
Collect evidence: It is important to have strong supporting evidence. Our attorneys can help you gather police reports, medical reports, video evidence and eyewitness statements for a successful personal injury claim. Begin documenting your recovery as soon as you can.
Talk to an experienced attorney: Insurance companies exist to make money, not pay claims – and there is a serious bias against motorcycle accident victims. Do not speak to an insurance company on your own, or you may find that your words are twisted around and used to unfairly blame you for the wreck. Let an attorney protect your interests.

Our attorneys can help you file your motorcycle accident claim. Through our compassionate strategies, we can help you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents

Do you have questions after a motorcycle accident? Here are some answers to frequently asked questions:

What is the statute of limitations for motorcycle accidents in Georgia?

In general, you must file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Georgia within two years of the date of the accident. Failure to meet this deadline can entirely prevent you from recovering damages for your injuries and other losses.

Why do I need to hire an attorney after my motorcycle accident?

Insurance companies know exactly how to minimize claims and pressure injury victims to accept lowball settlements. It takes an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to understand the full value of your claim and how to build a solid case with evidence that illustrates your losses and the defendant’s negligence. Our attorneys at Cromartie Law can insulate you against the insurance company’s mechanisms, negotiate a fair settlement (or take your case to court if a fair agreement cannot be made).

Is lane splitting legal in Georgia?

Lane splitting or riding a motorcycle between the lines of traffic, is illegal in Georgia per O.C.G.A. § 40-6-312. This can affect a personal injury claim, since Georgia’s modified comparative fault rules bar anyone who is 50% or more at fault for their own injuries from recovering any compensation and reduce the compensation of others according to their percentage of liability.

Can a passenger on a motorcycle sue the motorcycle driver if the passenger is injured?

Yes. A passenger may be entitled to damages and losses through the motorcyclist’s insurance. A passenger can file a claim against the motorcycle driver’s insurance to recover compensation if the driver was at fault (or even partially so). The passenger may also be entitled to compensation from any other at-fault drivers involved in the crash.

Do I have to wear a helmet at all times on a motorcycle?

Yes. Motorcyclists and their passengers are required to wear helmets in Georgia, regardless of their age or experience. In addition, the helmets must be approved by the Department of Transportation and properly fastened. If a victim was not wearing a helmet during an accident, it may negatively impact their claim.

Talk To Us About Your Options

Understanding your legal rights and options after a motorcycle accident is crucial. Our lead attorney, Rick Cromartie, can clarify your situation, explain potential compensation avenues and guide you through the legal process. Without legal help, you may risk accepting an inadequate settlement or missing out on the compensation you deserve.

Complete our online form or call our office at 706-622-4853 to schedule your free initial consultation with our motorcycle accident lawyer. We handle most personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs; we only get paid if we win your case.

Ensure you, your family and other passengers are protected by buying add-on insurance with your motorcycle insurance. Click here to learn more about it.