GA Motorcycle Crash Injuries: What’s Your Claim Worth?

A motorcycle accident in Dunwoody, Georgia can leave you with more than just a totaled bike. The physical injuries sustained can have lasting impacts. Are you aware of how these injuries could affect your legal claim?

Motorcycle accidents often result in a unique set of injuries due to the rider’s vulnerability. Unlike occupants of a car, a motorcyclist has little protection in a collision. This lack of protection often leads to severe and life-altering injuries. As a lawyer working with Georgia riders, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact these accidents can have.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

The types of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident can vary widely depending on the specifics of the crash. Speed, the angle of impact, and whether the rider was wearing a helmet all play a role. However, some injuries are seen far more frequently than others.

Head Injuries

Head injuries are, unfortunately, incredibly common in motorcycle accidents. These can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Even with a helmet, the force of impact can cause significant damage. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, TBIs are a major cause of death and disability in the United States.

Symptoms of a TBI can include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Memory problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Changes in mood or behavior

It’s vital to seek immediate medical attention after a motorcycle accident, even if you feel fine. Some head injuries don’t present symptoms right away. A delay in diagnosis and treatment can lead to long-term complications.

Road Rash

Road rash is another frequent injury in motorcycle accidents. It occurs when the rider’s skin comes into contact with the road surface during a slide or fall. The severity of road rash can range from minor abrasions to deep wounds that require skin grafts.

Preventing road rash requires proper protective gear. Leather jackets, pants, gloves, and boots can provide a barrier between your skin and the road.

Bone Fractures

Broken bones are common in motorcycle accidents, especially in the legs and arms. The force of impact can easily fracture bones, leading to pain, disability, and the need for surgery. Leg fractures are particularly prevalent due to their proximity to the point of impact in many crashes.

I remember a case from last year where my client, a Dunwoody resident, sustained a compound fracture to his tibia and fibula after being hit by a driver who ran a red light at the intersection of Ashford Dunwoody Road and Perimeter Center Parkway. He required multiple surgeries and months of physical therapy. The lasting impact on his mobility was substantial. The insurance company initially offered a settlement that barely covered his medical bills, but we were able to negotiate a much larger settlement that compensated him for his pain and suffering and lost wages.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are among the most devastating injuries that can occur in a motorcycle accident. These injuries can result in paralysis, loss of sensation, and other neurological problems. The severity of a spinal cord injury depends on the location and extent of the damage to the spinal cord.

There are two main types of spinal cord injuries:

• Complete spinal cord injury: This results in a complete loss of function below the level of the injury.
• Incomplete spinal cord injury: This results in some function remaining below the level of the injury.

The costs associated with treating a spinal cord injury can be astronomical. Long-term care, rehabilitation, and assistive devices can quickly add up. A Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation report found that the lifetime costs associated with paraplegia can exceed $2.5 million.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries, such as damage to the organs, can be difficult to detect immediately after a motorcycle accident. Symptoms may not appear for hours or even days. These injuries can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Common internal injuries in motorcycle accidents include:

• Bleeding
• Organ damage
• Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)

Again, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial to identify and treat any internal injuries.

What Went Wrong First: Inadequate Protection and Misconceptions

Many riders mistakenly believe that simply wearing a helmet is enough protection. While helmets are vital, they only protect the head. As we’ve discussed, other parts of the body are vulnerable in a motorcycle accident. A leather jacket might seem inconvenient on a hot Georgia day, but it can be the difference between minor road rash and a trip to the burn unit at Grady Memorial Hospital.

Another common mistake is failing to seek immediate medical attention. Some riders think they can “tough it out” after a minor accident. However, adrenaline can mask pain and symptoms. Internal injuries, as mentioned earlier, can be particularly insidious. Delaying medical care can not only worsen your injuries but also weaken your legal claim. Insurance companies often argue that if you didn’t seek immediate treatment, your injuries couldn’t have been that severe.

The Solution: Proactive Protection and Prompt Action

The best solution is a two-pronged approach: proactive protection and prompt action after an accident.

1. Invest in proper protective gear: This includes a DOT-approved helmet, a leather or reinforced jacket and pants, gloves, and sturdy boots that cover the ankles. Don’t skimp on quality.
2. Ride defensively: Be aware of your surroundings and anticipate potential hazards. Assume that other drivers don’t see you.
3. Seek immediate medical attention after an accident: Even if you feel fine, get checked out by a doctor. Explain to them that you were in a motorcycle accident.
4. Document everything: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and the damage to your motorcycle. Keep records of all medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.
5. Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer: An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.

Here’s what nobody tells you: insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to pay out as little as possible, regardless of the extent of your injuries. You need someone who will fight for you and ensure that you receive fair compensation.

The Result: Fair Compensation and Peace of Mind

By taking proactive steps to protect yourself and acting promptly after an accident, you can significantly increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries. This compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. More importantly, it can provide you with the peace of mind knowing that you are financially secure as you recover.

We worked with a client who suffered a severe leg injury in a Dunwoody motorcycle accident. Before contacting us, the insurance company offered him $10,000. After we presented evidence of his medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, we were able to negotiate a settlement of $250,000. That’s a 2400% increase!

If you’re in Columbus, it’s essential to know what to do after a motorcycle crash. Taking the right steps immediately can significantly impact your claim.

Don’t forget that Georgia has a deadline for filing motorcycle accident claims. Missing it could cost you everything.

Ultimately, proving fault is a critical part of winning your case. Understanding how to do this can significantly impact your outcome.

Don’t underestimate the long-term effects of a motorcycle accident injury. Seek immediate medical attention, document everything meticulously, and consult with a qualified Georgia attorney specializing in motorcycle accident cases in areas like Dunwoody. Doing so protects your health and your legal rights.