According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 989 passenger vehicle accident fatalities and 170 motorcycle crash fatalities across Georgia in 2019. In Atlanta specifically, there were 45 vehicle accident fatalities and 22 motorcycle accident fatalities in the same year, according to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.
While the statistics for vehicle accident deaths decreased over the past two years, motorcycle accident fatalities increased. Despite the difference in the amount of fatalities resulting from each type of crash, both types cost victims dearly.
Crash Trends Across the Board
In both vehicle and motorcycle accidents, driver error was common. According to the NHTSA, two specific negligent actions stood out.
Speeding
Speeding accounted for 260 fatalities in 2019. Speeding is usually the catalyst for subsequent negligent driver behavior that can lead to accidents, such as the failure to yield the right-of-way or the failure to obey traffic lights. When drivers speed, they risk the lives of themselves and their passengers and other motorists on the road.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol caused 353 deaths in 2019. If a driver operates a vehicle or motorcycle while their blood-alcohol concentration level (BAC) is above 0.08, they break the law and endanger themselves and everyone around them. Alcohol impairs a person’s judgment, which can lead to accidents. They may overshoot a turn or cross an intersection when it is not safe, for example.
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Precautions That Can Save Lives
Georgia has taken measures in the past few years to reduce the number of accidents on the road. According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, the hands-free law may account for the decrease in passenger vehicle crash fatalities the state has seen over the past two years.
When it comes to motorcycle accidents, the state mandates that all riders wear helmets and enforce this law as much as possible. According to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS), the consequence for a motorcycle protective gear violation is three points on a rider’s license.
Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents vs. Car Accidents
Motorcycles do not afford a rider as much protection as a passenger vehicle does. So, when a crash occurs, injuries can be more severe. Regardless of the type of accident, though, several injuries can result.
Some injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Lacerations and scarring
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Widespread chronic pain
- Internal organ damage
- Severed limbs
- Blindness
If you experienced an accident in Atlanta, it is important to immediately seek medical attention, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Seeing a doctor can help you prevent further injury and prove your case for damages when you pursue the liable party.
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Damages a Victim May Receive
Regardless of how an accident starts, the result is often severe injury—or worse. When a victim of a negligent driver seeks compensation for their losses, different damages may apply to their case.
The following are some forms of compensation you may receive if you prove the liability of the negligent driver:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Property damage
If you lost a loved one due to a vehicle accident or motorcycle accident, you might qualify for other damages, such as:
- Burial and funeral expenses
- Your loved one’s medical bills from their injury
- Your loved one’s pain and suffering before their passing
- Loss of inheritance
- Loss of consortium
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How a Lawyer from Our Firm Can Help You after an Accident?
Motorcycle and car accident statistics illustrate the reality of the dangers on Atlanta’s roads. If you were injured in an accident, you have the right to legal representation whether you are filing an insurance claim or lawsuit.
A lawyer on our team can help you:
- Investigate the cause of your accident
- Identify a liable party
- File a claim and handle all of the associated paperwork
- Calculate fair compensation based on your losses
- Negotiate for an appropriate settlement
- File a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit
- Help you abide by the statute of limitations
- Represent you in a trial
If you wonder whether you have a case and how much it may be worth, you can speak to our firm during a free consultation.
Call Kaine Law for Help
Whether you experienced a motorcycle or car accident in Atlanta, you will likely face exorbitant medical bills and have to take time off of work. You may suffer physically and emotionally as a result of your injuries.
These are all damages you can seek from the liable party, and Kaine Law is here to help you do it. We do not charge for the initial consultation, and we operate on a contingency-fee-basis. Give us a call at (404) 214-2001. You focus on getting better; we can handle the legal process.
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