Macon, GA Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Macon is one of the most dangerous places for motorcycle riders in the state. Even the safest riders face serious hazards from drivers and dangerous roads in Macon.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, our lawyers can help you file a claim. Macon is crisscrossed with major interstates and highways that are notorious for motorcycle accidents. Many intersections throughout Macon have also made headlines for their deadly potential for riders. Our lawyers believe that riders deserve to be safe on the road, which is why drivers need to be held accountable for their negligence. Our team will get evidence that shows your injuries were caused because the defendant did not pay the care they should have and not because it is simply dangerous to ride.

For a free review of your case with our motorcycle accident attorneys, call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (470) 287-3070.

Where Motorcycle Accidents Are More Likely to Happen in Macon, GA

Some people assume that motorcyclists are responsible for accidents in Macon since they are dangerous. The truth is that the majority of riders take extensive precautions when riding. Most riders are injured by a combination of driver negligence and the dangerous highways and intersections running through Macon. Fortunately, our motorcycle accident lawyers can help you get compensation no matter where your accident occurred and who caused it. Our team will go to the crash site itself so we can investigate.

Motorcycle riders need to be aware of the complex traffic patterns in Macon. Speeding drivers, commercial trucks, and numerous other factors make the roads around Macon some of the most dangerous for motorcyclists in the state. The city often sees more traffic than others as Macon sits in the middle of Georgia, with thousands of people passing to and from Atlanta. The following areas in Macon are where motorcycle riders should exercise the most caution:

Dangerous Highways

Macon has several major interstates running through it, including I-75, I-475. And I-16. Speeding and aggressive drivers are notorious on these roads, making them extremely dangerous for riders. A deadly accident can easily occur with drivers weaving in and out of traffic.

These interstates are made even more hazardous by distracted drivers, as some are occupied by their phones while doing speeds of up to 80 m.p.h. Whether your accident was minor or much more serious, our team can help you hold the negligent driver accountable. Some stretches of these interstates have cameras installed. Our lawyers can see if there is any footage of your crash that can be used in your lawsuit.

Dangerous Intersections

Macon arguably has some of the most perilous intersections in the state for riders. In fact, a local rider, unfortunately, recently passed away after being struck at the intersection of Sherry Drive and Pio Nono Avenue. Also known as Highway 247, Pio Nono Avenue is a known problem for motorcycle riders in the city. If your accident happened on any stretch of this road, our team can help you get damages.

Eisenhower Parkway is another major thoroughfare in Macon. It has several dangerous intersections at which riders should be extra cautious. Perhaps the riskiest intersection is at Log Cabin Drive, where accidents are common.

The intersection of Shurling Drive and Gray Highway has seen countless accidents and fatalities over the years. The massive multi-lane Gray Highway is dangerous for riders as traffic patterns change rapidly and intersections are staggered throughout the road. With numerous shopping centers and stores lining the highway, negligent drivers often pull out into traffic without checking for motorcycles. If this happens to you while on your motorcycle, our team can help hold the negligent driver accountable.

Middle Georgia State University

Macon is also home to Middle Georgia State University’s campus. This area can be hazardous for riders, as many students communicate to and from campus. Some drivers in the area might not be paying as much attention to motorcycles since they will be looking for parking or what building their classes are in. Younger drivers are less experienced, only increasing the chances of a catastrophic motorcycle accident.

Will I Lose Compensation if I Am Found at Fault for My Motorcycle Accident in Macon, GA

If you are found partially at fault for causing your motorcycle accident or causing your injuries to be more extensive, you could lose out on some of the vital compensation you need to see you through recovery. This is because a modified comparative standard is used under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33(a) to assess negligence between those involved in the accident.

However, being partially to blame will not prevent you from filing a lawsuit and recovering some compensation. As long as your share of liability is less than 50%, you can still recover damages, as per O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33(g). Unfortunately, though, you will be denied compensation in proportion to the share of liability you were assigned. For example, if you won $100,000 for your injuries but found 10% at fault, $10,000 would be subtracted, leaving you with a $90,000 award.

This can be a problem for riders pursuing justice through a lawsuit. Defense attorneys and insurance companies often rely on negative biases against motorcycles and their culture to deny victims what they fairly deserve. Our lawyers’ job is to make sure stereotypes do not influence how much compensation you get.

That is why you should take every precaution when riding your motorcycle in Macon, including wearing your helmet. Wearing a helmet is the law under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-315(a). Not wearing one will likely be used to lower your compensation, especially if it can be shown that your injuries would have been lessened or prevented if you had been wearing a helmet.

You could also get less compensation if your accident happened because you were “lane splitting.” Some riders try to save time by cutting through traffic, riding the middle line between slowly moving cars. However, O.C.G.A. § 40-6-315(a) makes this practice illegal and can be used as evidence of your negligence. Our team can fight your case if claims of negligence are unfounded.

Damages You Can Recover After a Motorcycle Accident in Macon, GA

By filing a lawsuit, you can recover both economic and non-economic damages. For instance, you will likely incur medical expenses from treatment after the accident. You might also have future medical treatment you will need to cover. Additionally, you will need damages for missed time at work. Our team can calculate your financial losses and get the records to prove them.

We will also help evaluate and claim your non-economic damages, or “pain and suffering.” These damages can be difficult to assess since they are based on your subjective feelings, but we have the experience to make sure they are included in your claim.