Marietta Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Georgia Motorcycle Laws

Licensing and Endorsement

In Georgia, anyone who operates a motorcycle must have a valid motorcycle license or endorsement. A standard driver’s license is not enough to legally ride a motorcycle. To obtain a motorcycle endorsement, riders must pass a skills test, or alternatively, they can complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) approved rider course. This course often waives the skills test if successfully completed. For individuals who do not have a driver’s license, a separate Motorcycle Only License can be obtained after passing the necessary written and road skills tests.

Helmet Law

Georgia has a universal helmet law for all motorcyclists. This means that both the rider and any passengers must wear a helmet while riding, regardless of age or experience. The helmet must meet the standards set by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for safety and be securely fastened. This law is in place to protect motorcyclists from head injuries, which are a leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents.

Eye Protection

In addition to wearing a helmet, Georgia law requires all motorcyclists to wear protective eyewear unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen that is high enough to shield the rider’s eyes. This law helps prevent eye injuries from debris, insects, and wind while riding.

Passenger Laws

Georgia also has specific rules regarding passengers on motorcycles. A motorcycle can carry a passenger as long as the bike is designed to do so and the passenger has a proper seat and footrests. Additionally, passengers are required by law to wear helmets and comply with other safety gear regulations, such as eye protection.

Lane Splitting and Lane Sharing

Lane splitting, which is when a motorcyclist rides between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, is illegal in Georgia. Riders are required to stay in their lane at all times. However, lane sharing, where two motorcyclists ride side by side within the same lane, is legal if both riders agree and it does not endanger safety.

Motorcycle Safety and Equipment

Motorcycles in Georgia must meet certain equipment standards to ensure safety. This includes functioning lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals), proper tires, and brakes. Motorcycles must also be properly registered and insured in accordance with state requirements.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Motorcyclists in Georgia must follow all posted speed limits, and violations such as speeding or reckless driving can result in fines or even criminal charges. Reckless driving, including performing stunts or dangerous maneuvers that endanger others, is illegal and can lead to severe penalties.

Insurance Requirements

Like all motor vehicles, motorcycles must be insured in Georgia. The state requires liability insurance to cover any damages or injuries caused by the rider in the event of an accident. The minimum required coverage includes bodily injury and property damage liability.

Right of Way and Traffic Laws

Motorcyclists in Georgia must obey all the same traffic laws as other vehicles. This includes stopping at red lights, yielding to pedestrians, signaling turns, and maintaining the right of way when necessary. Motorcyclists are also encouraged to practice defensive driving to stay aware of their surroundings, particularly at intersections and when sharing the road with larger vehicles.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, often due to a combination of human, environmental, and mechanical factors. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Failure to See Motorcycles: Other vehicle drivers may fail to notice motorcycles due to their smaller size, particularly at intersections where a significant number of accidents occur.
• Left-Turn Accidents: Drivers turning left at intersections often misjudge the speed or distance of an oncoming motorcycle, leading to collisions.
• Lane Changes: Blind spots in vehicles can result in drivers cutting off or hitting motorcycles while changing lanes.
• Following Too Closely: Tailgating reduces reaction time and increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions.
• Distracted Driving: Distractions like texting, eating, or using in-vehicle technologies by either the motorcyclist or other drivers contribute to many accidents.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a rider’s ability to react to sudden changes and increases the severity of accidents.
• Alcohol or Drug Impairment: Both riders and other drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs have diminished judgment, slower reaction times, and poor coordination, significantly increasing accident risk.
• Potholes: Sudden holes in the road can destabilize motorcycles.
• Debris: Objects on the road can cause loss of control.
• Wet or Slippery Surfaces: Rain, oil, or gravel can reduce tire traction and increase the risk of skidding.
• Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, or ice can impair visibility and make roads more dangerous for motorcyclists, who have less stability than cars.
• Mechanical Failure: Issues like tire blowouts, brake failure, or engine problems can lead to sudden loss of control.

Steps You Need to Take After a Motorcycle Crash

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident that is not your fault, there are several steps to take if you want to file a lawsuit with our motorcycle injury attorneys.

• Call the Police: It is crucial for your motorcycle accident claim to have the accident documented by a police officer. Having an officer complete an accident report that states the other party's negligence will be a substantial help when filing a lawsuit.
• Seek Medical Attention: It is crucial to your accident injury case to have your injuries properly documented following an accident that was not your fault. If you fail to have your injuries looked at by a professional you may be denied a substantial amount of compensation during the settlement process.
• Document the Details of the Accident: Depending on the severity of your injuries this may be a difficult step to follow. Often when someone is hurried to the hospital it is challenging to have photographs taken of the accident scene. However, it is important to take pictures of the damages to your bike as well as yourself. You do not want someone trying to minimize the damages that actually took place in the wreck.
• Contact The Roth Firm, LLC: It is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to handle the details of your case. It will be up to your attorney to gather the necessary evidence that proves the other driver's negligence. Trying to handle a lawsuit alone especially when you are suffering injuries is nearly impossible. This is why it is so crucial to contact our motorcycle accident lawyers to help you.

What Forms of Compensation Can You Expect After a Motorcycle Accident?

Your Marietta motorcycle accident attorney will take the following into account when evaluating your damages:

• Medical Expenses
• Lost Wages
• Property Damage
• Pain and Suffering
• Punitive Damages

The Roth Firm, LLC diligently works to ensure that your case is getting the attention it deserves. It is our goal to help you obtain the greatest level of compensation you deserve. We will explore the best options for your case and when you decide to proceed as a client, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you never pay us a dime until you are awarded a settlement.

The Importance of Acting Fast

When you are hurt in a motorcycle wreck that was not your fault, it is crucial to your lawsuit to act fast. Do not wait to seek medical attention, get treatment as soon as possible to protect your case.

Once you have taken this first step, our firm will go so far as to meet you at the hospital to begin our investigation and ensure that your case is in the right hands.

Our attorneys understand the frustration of being hurt because of negligence, and although we cannot change what happened, we can offer a means of compensation for everything that you had to go through as a result of recklessness.

The Marietta motorcycle accident lawyers at The Roth Firm, LLC can help you file a lawsuit and receive the compensation owed to you for injuries sustained.

Time is of the essence, so pick up the phone and call (404) 777-4899 or contact us today to schedule a free case review with our motorcycle accident injury attorneys now.