In Georgia alone, motorcycle accident fatalities cost the state an estimated 140 million dollars annually. Moreover, motorcycle accident fatalities have risen 26% from 2014 to 2016, and of the estimated 173 motorcycle accident fatalities that occurred in 2016, nearly 25% were riders under the age of 29.

Many government agencies believe that helmets will significantly reduce the number of motorcycle fatalities in each state and the number of head injuries experienced by motorcyclists involved in a non-fatal car crashes, but due to the fact that car crashes have increased by 26% in the state of Georgia from 2008 to 2015, it is safe to say that helmets will only solve part of the problem.

Georgia’s Insurance Requirement for Motorcycles

Unlike other states, Georgia law requires motorcycle owners to meet the normal state minimum insurance requirement, which is $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person, $50,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident, and $25,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident. However, given the fact that there are 1,028 motorcycle injuries per 100,000 registered motorcycles nationwide, you should give serious consideration to carrying medical payments insurance.

3 Thing You Should do After an Accident

Regardless of how careful a rider is, accidents can and will happen. More often than not, these accidents are due to the carelessness actions of another driver. If you are ever involved or have been involved in a motorcycle accident, there are three important things you should always do.

1. Get Evaluated by a Doctor

Due to the physical characteristics of a motorcycle, you are statistically more likely to have injuries after an accident. So, regardless of whether you had a major or minor accident, you should always get evaluated by a doctor. Some of the most common injuries sustained by motorcyclists after an accident are:

2. Preserve All Available Evidence

Under O.C.G.A. §40-6-315, motorcycle riders and their passengers are required to wear a helmet. As such, one of the growing trends among motorcyclists is to mount a camera such as a GoPro to their helmet, because many riders have realized that having this proof of what happens on the road can benefit them in the event of an accident or legal accusation.

Photo and Video Evidence

From a legal perspective, having video footage of an accident can be the critical piece of evidence needed to validate a rider’s account of how the accident occurred, and more importantly, photo and video evidence is some of the most compelling evidence that can be presented in a trial or to a insurance company. Therefore, you should always preserve any video evidence you have and take pictures at the accident scene if possible.

Witness Contact Information

In addition to any digital evidence you might have, obtaining witness statements is a critical piece of any motorcycle accident. Normally, the police will obtain the names and contact information for any witnesses, but in the case of minor accidents, you should always make sure you have the contact information for anyone who witnessed the accident occur.

3. Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Georgia is considered an “at fault” state, which means that the at-fault party and their insurance carrier are responsible for damages incurred by a motorcyclist as a result of an accident caused by the at-fault driver. The structure of Georgia’s legal system causes at-fault drivers and their insurance carriers to immediately start working on ways to minimize the value of your claim, which is why you should always consult with a motorcycle accident attorney after being involved in an accident.

Motorcycle Accidents in Atlanta, GA

The motorcycle accident attorneys at Cambre and Associates have been fighting for the rights of motorcyclists in Georgia for years. Our dedicated motorcycle attorneys will ensure that you are properly compensated for your injuries by providing aggressive quality legal representation. Don’t face the insurance company alone. If you or your loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, call our office today for a free consultation with motorcycle accident attorney that will fight for you.

These types of accidents can result in serious neck injuries, contact our team of neck injury attorneys today and get the representation and compensation you deserve.

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