Riding a motorcycle is thrilling since it’s a small but fast form of transportation. When you get on a motorcycle, there is always the possibility that you’ll be involved in a car accident with another motorist. Unfortunately, motorcycles do not have much physical protection if impacted, so it is very probable that you could become injured. Those on motorcycles are treated just as any motorists on the road and are expected to follow the same laws. If you find yourself in a situation where you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident, Benton & Benton is here to help you navigate the next steps.

When riding a motorcycle versus a vehicle, there is a drastic difference in the amount of protection provided. In vehicles, you are surrounded by a steel frame, seatbelts, and airbags that are there to protect you in the event of an accident. Motorcycles do not have seatbelts, airbags, or steel framing to act as a buffer upon impact. If you get into an accident while on a motorcycle, your body will take a lot of the impact and could cause you to be thrown off your motorcycle. There is a very low chance that if you are in a motorcycle accident that you will walk away without a scratch. Common motorcycle accident injuries are:

• Lacerations
• Spinal injuries
• Broken ribs
• Broken or amputated limbs
• Organ damage
• Internal bleeding
• Traumatic brain injury

Whenever you get on a motorcycle, be sure to always wear a helmet. In the state of Georgia, the law states that all motorcycle riders are to wear a helmet at all times while riding a motorcycle. If you choose not to wear a helmet and happen to get in an accident, you are about 3 times more likely to sustain traumatic brain injuries. It is crucial that you always wear a helmet while on a motorcycle, regardless of the distance, speed, or location you are riding. Wearing a helmet is always the best choice you can make for yourself to keep you safe. It could save your life.

If you find yourself in a motorcycle accident, your injuries could be pretty severe. For most, the injuries that are sustained will cause a disruption to your everyday life. There are two different types of damage that happen to those in the accident: economic and non-economic. 

Economic

This form of damage is one that can be calculated easily. It will include medical bills, physical therapy, lost wages, and any surgeries if needed. These types of damages are easily given a numerical value, as it is typically in the form of money. An example of this is the cost of treatment and the loss of the money you would have earned with your job. If you have serious injuries, you will not be able to go to work for the next while. This can be a major concern for those that support their families.

Non-Economic

This form of damage is for the aspects that affect your life but are not as easily calculated. It will include emotional distress, physical pain, and suffering from your injuries, and if it has caused a decrease in your quality of life. There is not an easy way to measure the amount of damage in terms of a dollar amount but it has had a large impact on your life. 

Either of these types of damages can have a long lasting effect on your life. It is important that you know that you can get compensation for the damages that are happening in your life after your accident. We want to help you get back what you deserve. 

While on a motorcycle, you may be an extremely proactive and cautious driver but still find yourself in an accident. More than half of motorcycle accidents with another motorist were caused by a vehicle. Vehicle motorists do not pay as much attention or respect to those on motorcycles. 

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

• Lane changes: Those on motorcycles are harder to see as they take up less space on the road. It is crucial that you check your blindspots and signal before changing lanes.
• Intoxicated driving: Do not drive while under the influence, no matter the situation. If you drive while intoxicated, you will not be able to drive and react as needed while on the road. Remember that it’s not only your life that will be in danger.
• Left turns: These are the most common cause of accidents. It is vital that you check before you turn, not just for a vehicle but for others on the roads. 
• Following too close: Do not follow motorcycles too closely. There should be at least a four-second distance between you and them. Give adequate space so you have enough time to stop. 
• Speeding: Speed limits are chosen with care. It is in the best interest of those on the road to follow them for everyone’s safety. 

You could do everything correctly, but accidents still happen. If everyone does their part, the number of accidents that happen with motorcycles would significantly decrease. Once again, the importance of a helmet can be life-changing; be sure you are wearing one to decrease the likelihood of injury if you find yourself in one of the situations mentioned above.

At Benton & Benton, we want to help you. We know that for those that ride motorcycles, it’s a lifestyle and something that you truly enjoy. We can’t heal you back to perfection, but you deserve to be compensated for the damages caused to you. There is no accident too big or too small, all deserve to be intently looked at. Contact us with any questions or concerns, at Benton & Benton we are happy to help. We want to deliver big-time results for you.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Georgia, please call us at 770-365-6414 for a free case evaluation.