Motorcycle Accidents Involving Road Defects
Riding a motorcycle in Georgia can be thrilling, but an exciting ride can become a nightmare when road defects cause an accident. Potholes, sand and gravel, cracked or uneven pavement, and other hazards can lead to severe injuries, significant financial losses, and emotional distress.
Who’s to blame for a motorcycle crash resulting from a road defect? What compensation can injured motorcycle riders recover? What does it take to hold someone liable for these crashes? The Georgia motorcycle accident lawyers at Geiger Legal Group have the answers to these questions.
Common Road Defects that Lead to Motorcycle Accidents
Some examples of road defects that can cause motorcycle crashes include:
- Potholes: When a motorcycle hits a pothole, the rider can lose their balance and crash.
- Loose Gravel: Gravel scattered on a paved road makes the surface a potential sliding hazard for a motorcycle.
- Uneven Pavement: Road construction can lead to uneven pavement surfaces on Georgia roads. Sudden changes in pavement height can destabilize a motorcycle and result in a collision.
- Debris: Objects on the road, such as large rocks or tree branches, can cause a motorcyclist to swerve, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Work Zone Hazards: Misplaced traffic cones or loose construction materials can force motorcyclists to make sudden maneuvers or cause tire punctures.
Legal Rights and Responsibilities After an Accident
If you sustained serious injuries in a motorcycle accident caused by a road defect, you have the right to seek compensation from the liable party. A motorcycle accident attorney in Georgia can help you identify the liable party or parties in your case and handle all the legal work in your claim.
Should you decide to file a personal injury claim after a motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to act within the legal deadlines. The standard deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date you sustained your injuries. However, motorcycle accidents caused by road defects often involve claims against government agencies responsible for road maintenance. Georgia law says you may have to file a notice of claim within as little as twelve months if you need to sue a local or state government agency. Because of this tight deadline, talking to an attorney immediately after an accident is vital for your motorcycle accident case.
Challenges in Proving Liability in Road Defect Cases
The first major challenge in motorcycle accident cases is identifying who’s liable for your injuries. For example, a government agency could be liable if it failed to properly maintain the road where the accident happened. Other commonly liable parties in these cases are construction companies hired to do road construction or maintenance, as they must take reasonable steps to minimize potential hazards in work zones.
Once you and your motorcycle accident lawyer have identified the liable parties, you need to gather evidence to support your case. Common types of evidence in these cases include:
- Police reports
- Medical bills and records
- Expert testimony
- Eyewitness accounts
- Surveillance footage
- Photos from the crash scene
A motorcycle accident attorney can handle these steps for you while you recover.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Motorcycle Wreck
After seeking treatment for your injuries, here’s how to protect your rights after a Georgia motorcycle accident:
- If you haven’t already done so, report the accident to the police.
- Keep copies of your medical records and all expenses related to the crash.
- Keep any evidence supporting your case, such as photos, clothing you wore, or eyewitness contact information.
- Tell your insurance company about the crash, but don’t give recorded statements.
- Talk to a knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney about the incident.
- Don’t discuss the case on social media or with anyone other than your lawyer.
Contact Our Georgia Motorcycle Accident Attorneys for Help
Our team is ready to take your case and help you fight to recover compensation. Call Geiger Legal Group, LLC now or complete our contact form for a free consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer.
