Motorcycles bring freedom to Georgia roads. Riders often describe the experience as unlike anything else, but they also face some of the greatest risks. Even the most cautious motorcyclist can suffer life-altering injuries when a careless driver fails to see them. Recovering from a crash involves more than medical care. Victims face financial pressure, lengthy rehabilitation, and the emotional burden of dealing with a difficult legal process.
A knowledgeable attorney can help protect your rights, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced Marietta motorcycle accident lawyers today.
Motorcycle Accidents in Marietta
Cobb County has busy roads that mix cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Riders frequently travel through intersections on Roswell Street, South Marietta Parkway, and Powder Springs Street. Heavy traffic near I-75 and Highway 41 increases the likelihood of drivers overlooking motorcycles. Georgia’s weather also keeps motorcycles on the road almost year-round, which adds to the number of crashes seen in the area.
Reports from the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety show that motorcycle fatalities account for a significant percentage of traffic deaths in the state. Even when a collision is not fatal, riders are left with serious injuries that may require months of care. Families in Marietta often turn to legal support during these challenging times.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Are So Severe
Unlike car passengers, motorcyclists do not have airbags, seat belts, or the structure of a vehicle around them. Their bodies absorb the full impact of a crash. A collision at even low speeds can lead to broken bones or spinal trauma. When high speeds are involved, the damage can be catastrophic.
The severity of these accidents is linked to several common factors:
- The lack of physical protection on a motorcycle
- The greater impact from collisions with larger vehicles
- The higher chance of being ejected from the motorcycle
- The exposure to road hazards like potholes or debris
These risks make it crucial for victims to have legal advocates who recognize the unique challenges motorcycle riders face.
Georgia Motorcycle Laws You Should Know
State law places specific responsibilities on motorcyclists. Riders are required to wear helmets that comply with federal safety standards. In addition, motorcycles must have working headlights, even during the day. Lane splitting, which is riding between cars in traffic, is not legal in Georgia.
Injury claims after a motorcycle crash also fall under state laws on negligence. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33, a victim can be compensated for damages if they account for less than 50 percent of fault. However, their compensation will be impacted by the level of their percentage of fault. For instance, if you are found 20 percent at fault, your damages award will be reduced by 20 percent.
Having a Marietta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer review the details of your crash is critical in making sure that fault is fairly assigned and that your rights are not ignored.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Many motorcycle crashes are caused by the actions of other drivers rather than the motorcyclist. Drivers often fail to look for motorcycles before changing lanes or turning. Distractions also play a role, with cell phone use continuing to be a major problem in Georgia.
Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Drivers making unsafe left turns in front of motorcycles
- Vehicles merging into a rider’s lane without checking blind spots
- Distracted driving, such as texting or adjusting the GPS
- Drivers following too closely behind a motorcycle
Identifying the cause is one of the first steps in building a strong injury claim.
Injuries Often Seen in Motorcycle Accidents
The injuries sustained in these crashes are often severe and long-lasting. Even with protective gear, riders are exposed to the road and to larger vehicles. The recovery process can take years, and some victims never fully return to their previous health.
Injuries commonly seen include:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries leading to partial or complete paralysis
- Broken bones and complex fractures
- Severe road rash and permanent scarring
Medical bills for these types of injuries often reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. A skilled Marietta motorcycle accident lawyer can help pursue damages that cover not just medical expenses, but also lost wages and long-term care needs.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
The aftermath of a crash is overwhelming, but certain steps can strengthen a potential injury claim. Victims and their families should focus on safety first, but they should also take practical measures when possible.
Key steps include:
- Call emergency services to report the accident
- Seeking immediate medical attention for all injuries
- Taking photographs of the accident scene and the vehicles involved
- Gathering contact details from witnesses and drivers
A Marietta motorcycle accident attorney can use this information to build a case and advocate for fair compensation.
Compensation Available in Motorcycle Accident Claims
Victims often face financial hardship after a crash. Georgia law allows injured riders to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover measurable costs, while non-economic damages recognize the personal toll of the accident.
Potential compensation may include:
- Medical expenses for current and future care
- Lost income and loss of future earning ability
- Pain and suffering related to the injuries
- Property damage to the motorcycle and gear
Each case is unique, so the exact damages depend on the circumstances of the accident and the impact on the victim’s life.
How The Persons Firm Can Help
Legal claims involving motorcycles require detailed investigation and strong advocacy. Insurance companies often try to blame the motorcyclist, even when evidence shows the other driver was negligent. The Persons Firm works to counter these tactics by collecting medical records, reviewing police reports, and working with experts to recreate accidents when necessary.
Our Marietta motorcycle accident attorneys guide clients through every step, from filing insurance claims to negotiating settlements and preparing for trial if needed. Having a Marietta motorcycle accident lawyer from our team means you have someone standing with you to protect your rights against powerful insurance companies.
Areas We Serve
The Persons Firm represents injured motorcyclists throughout Cobb County and surrounding areas. Our office is located in Marietta, but we regularly assist clients from nearby communities, including Kennesaw, Smyrna, Powder Springs, and Austell.
We also serve clients in these Marietta zip codes:
- 30008
- 30060
- 30062
- 30064
Local knowledge helps us provide focused representation for those injured on Georgia roads. Choosing a lawyer familiar with Marietta and Cobb County courts is an advantage. Local representation means your lawyer understands the traffic patterns on roads like Barrett Parkway and Delk Road, as well as the approach local insurers and judges often take. This experience can play a major role in how a case develops.
Marietta residents should not have to face insurance companies alone. With The Persons Firm, you have a local advocate who knows the area and who can connect the details of your case with the realities of driving in and around Marietta.
Call The Persons Firm Today
Motorcycle accidents change lives in profound ways, and the path to recovery is rarely simple. Victims in Marietta deserve strong advocates who fight for their best interests every step of the way. The Persons Firm has the experience and the dedication to guide you through the legal process and work for the outcome you need.
Contact our experienced Marietta motorcycle accident lawyer team today to schedule a consultation.