Rossville, Georgia, Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Motorcyclists and their passengers will remain vulnerable on the road as long as reckless, inattentive and law-breaking motorists exist. A leisurely motorcycle ride can lead to a severe collision. So can a day trip spent riding with a group of friends. If they are lucky enough to survive a motorcycle accident, victims are likely to sustain catastrophic and life-threatening injuries.

There’s no doubt that motorcyclists must be extra vigilant because of the negligent behavior of some motorists and the lack of protection that their vehicles provide in an accident. If you have been hurt in a road accident while on a motorcycle, then you need timely and targeted legal advice. Since 1972, the lawyers of Harriss and Hartman Law Firm, P.C., in Rossville, have assisted clients in the surrounding areas of Georgia and throughout the neighboring Chattanooga metro in Tennessee. Our attorneys are experienced, empathetic and assertive, and they have helped hundreds of clients secure the maximum compensation they deserve.

Common Motorcycle Accident Scenarios And Injuries

Our team has represented countless bikers injured in collisions with drivers of cars and trucks. Cases commonly include the following scenarios:

• Left-turn crashes, where a driver turns left across the path of an oncoming motorcyclist without checking that the path is clear
• Crashes caused by passing too closely and failing to leave a buffer for motorcyclists
• Run-off accidents, where bikers are forced to swerve off the road to avoid a collision
• Debris accidents, where bikers skid on parts, fluids and cargo that fall off or out of other vehicles

Our team of dedicated attorneys has more than a combined century of legal experience. They understand how to carefully investigate these crashes, assess fault and help clients maximize available compensation.

Work With Rossville Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Who Are Fierce Advocates For Clients

Our lawyers care about our clients who have been through difficult experiences. A motorcycle accident victim faces many physical and financial challenges. They may be unable to work as a result of their injuries and might face costly medical bills and lengthy rehabilitation along with pain and suffering. Their families suffer, too, especially if injuries from the accidents are fatal, leading to wrongful death claims.

The serious injuries that victims may receive include:

• Traumatic brain injuries that can have long-term effects on cognitive and motor skills
• Spinal cord injuries that could lead to paralysis
• Fractures and broken bones that may never heal properly
• Amputations of limbs, requiring victims to wear prosthetics
• Severe lacerations and abrasions
• Internal organ damage, leading to severe bleeding and death

Our attorneys provide one-on-one attention. They know the region, the people and how to get results. As skilled negotiators and experienced litigators, our lawyers get the job done right.

How Are Motorcycle Accidents Different From Regular Car Accidents?

As experienced attorneys serving northwest Georgia and southeast Tennessee, our lawyers understand the unique challenges that motorcycle riders face on the road. Key differences between motorcycle accidents and regular car accidents include the following:

• Severe injuries: Motorcycle accidents can be more serious than car accidents due to riders’ lack of protection and visibility on the road. Without the protection of airbags and seat belts, motorcyclists are more vulnerable to road hazards, and their injuries can be catastrophic. This can lead to long-term consequences and hefty medical expenses.
• Complex fault determination: In motorcycle accidents, fault can be more complicated to determine, and insurance companies may try to blame the motorcycle rider.
• Devastating consequences: Motorcycle accident injuries can have a profound impact on a person’s life. This can affect their ability to work, interact with loved ones and enjoy daily activities.

Our team helps motorcycle riders in Rossville, Georgia, and the surrounding areas, including Chattanooga, Tennessee, seek fair compensation for their injuries, which could be as severe as spinal cord trauma or brain damage. Since they understand the profound toll that these accidents can take, our lawyers are committed to providing legal counsel for the motorcycle accident claim process. If you have suffered a motorcycle accident injury, do not hesitate to reach out to our Rossville motorcycle accident lawyers.

What Are The Lane Splitting Laws In Georgia And Tennessee?

Lane splitting refers to the practice of a motorcyclist riding between two lanes of traffic, often at a higher speed than the surrounding vehicles. This practice can increase the risk of accidents, as motorcyclists are more vulnerable to collisions with cars and trucks and may not be visible to other drivers.

In Georgia and Tennessee, lane splitting is illegal, and motorcyclists can be ticketed for it. Our skilled attorneys are knowledgeable about the specific laws and regulations in both states and can provide guidance on how to manage these issues.

What Happens When Victims Are Partially Responsible For The Crash?

It is sometimes the case that both parties in a motorcycle crash share some fault for causing the accident or making it more severe. Thankfully, if this applies to you, then sharing fault isn’t necessarily a bar to financial recovery. This is due to very similar laws in both Georgia and Tennessee.

Both are considered “fault” states when it comes to auto accidents, which means that the costs of the crash must be paid by the insurance company representing the at-fault party. Tennessee and Georgia also follow a legal principle known as modified comparative negligence. Under this doctrine, a person who shares fault for an accident can still seek compensation so long as the other party is primarily to blame. This means that the victim’s share of fault is 49% or lower.

However, the victim’s total compensation will be reduced by their assigned percentage of fault. If you were in a motorcycle accident and were considered 15% at fault, for instance, you could still recover 85% of the total damages you were seeking.

Our Team Fights Back Against Anti-Motorcycle Bias

Although it is quite possible for both parties to share fault, this shouldn’t be the automatic assumption. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are too often blamed for their own injuries due to biases about the “kind of people” who ride. Bikers are often viewed as being reckless and unconcerned about their safety or the safety of others. In most cases, this perception is entirely false. Bikers understand how much is at stake in an accident, and most ride safely and defensively.

If insurance companies attempt to argue that you were primarily or significantly at fault for the crash, then our legal team is ready to fight back and keep the blame focused where it belongs: on the other driver.

We Offer Free Initial Consultations – Reach Out Today

Negligent car and truck drivers too often are the cause of motorcycle accidents that lead to severe injuries and even death. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, the team at Harriss and Hartman Law Firm, P.C., is prepared to represent you. Our seasoned attorneys understand personal injury law, and we serve clients in and around Rossville, Georgia, including those in Chattanooga, Tennessee. We offer free initial consultations, so please contact us online or call 706-406-1649 to get started.