Motorcyclists injured in an accident often turn to the counsel of a motorcycle accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA from Butler Kahn.
We opened our law firm more than three decades ago, and during that time we have protected the rights of individuals and families while they heal from motorcycle injuries caused by the poor judgment of others.
Motorcycle drivers are more at risk for injuries than drivers of trucks or automobiles. Your motorcycle wreck injuries may range from mild cuts and bruises to more severe injuries, such as internal bleeding or broken bones. You could even suffer a spinal injury or Atlanta traumatic brain injury after a motorcycle crash. Wrongful death cases can also result from motorcycle crashes. The motorcycle accident lawyers at Butler Kahn are here to fight for your financial and physical losses after a motorcycle accident.
You may be entitled to receive compensation for the cost of hospital visits, medical treatments, and loss of pay due to the accident. Seeking the legal assistance of an Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer from Butler Kahn after the incident is key to being awarded a fair settlement.
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash in Atlanta caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Butler Kahn represents motorcycle accident victims throughout Atlanta and the surrounding metro area on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover money for you. Call (678) 940-1444 for a free consultation with an Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer.
What’s on this page
After handling thousands of Atlanta personal injury cases, Butler Kahn has found that motorcycle accident victims often have common questions when they come in for a claim evaluation. We are listing them here so you can get a head start knowing what is to come in the claim process. During your consultation with an Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer from Butler Kahn, we can discuss additional questions or concerns that you may have. We want you to leave our offices feeling confident in what we can do to assist you. We understand that each motorcycle accident victim has different needs depending on their injuries, and our law firm handles each motorcycle accident claim uniquely.
What Makes Motorcycle Accidents Different from Other Vehicle Crashes?
Motorcycle accidents cause more severe injuries than typical car crashes because riders lack the protective metal frame, airbags, and seatbelts that shield occupants in enclosed vehicles. When a motorcycle collides with a car or truck, the rider absorbs the full force of impact directly. This often results in catastrophic injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and severe road rash that may require skin grafts.
Georgia’s comparative negligence laws also create unique challenges for motorcycle accident claims. Insurance companies frequently try to shift blame to motorcyclists by citing lane splitting, speed, or visibility issues—even when the other driver clearly caused the crash. An experienced Georgia motorcycle accident lawyer understands these tactics and knows how to counter them with evidence from the crash scene, witness statements, and expert testimony.
What Should I Do at the Scene of a Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycle riders face a different set of risks than drivers and passengers in traditional four-wheeled vehicles. Even experienced riders may face challenging circumstances with road debris, and car and truck drivers who may suddenly change lanes, fail to yield, or engage in distracted driving or reckless driving. A motorcycle accident can be more deadly than a car accident or truck accident, simply because the rider is more exposed than drivers of traditional vehicles.
When this happens, the resulting accident can be devastating for a motorcycle rider. Butler Kahn has seen firsthand how these types of crashes can have lasting effects on the victim’s life. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash that was not your fault, call a motorcycle accident attorney at Butler Kahn for help. We’ve been helping victims of motorcycle accidents in Georgia for years.
Steps to Take at the Scene of a Motorcycle Crash
Check for injuries on all parties involved. Call 911 for help.
Assess the crash scene and move to a safer location if needed and if possible. This includes moving all vehicles off the road as well if you can.
Take cell phone pictures of everything and everyone. If safe to do so, take these photos before moving to a different location. You’ll want to capture damage to the vehicles, injuries, the location of the crash, and weather conditions at the time.
Exchange information with the other parties involved. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance information. Don’t forget about the vehicles involved too—write down the make, model, color, and license plate number.
If injuries are not severe and you did not call 911, then don’t forget to call the police. Regardless of injuries and property damage, the police report will be vital in the claims process.
Talk to witnesses. Ask if you can record their statements on your cell phone, either by video or voice only. Don’t pressure them if they don’t want to speak to you. Instead, try to find other ways to involve them—maybe you can pass their name and number to the police, or maybe they are willing to stay at the scene until police arrive.
What Should I Do After an Atlanta Motorcycle Crash?
After the crash, you’ll want to get a medical assessment. Even if your injuries were not severe enough to warrant a trip to the emergency room, you’ll still want to see your doctor. Some injuries, like whiplash, may take days to develop and surface. The longer you wait, the higher the likelihood that insurance companies will try to blame your injury on something other than the accident.
Remember, if the crash wasn’t your fault then you shouldn’t have to pay. These medical bills can get reimbursed through the settlement process, and a motorcycle lawyer can help.
The insurance company for the at-fault driver will attempt to get you to settle right away, but you deserve more than they offer. It’s expected they will lowball you, and not consider the full financial impact of your injuries. Working with an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney like the ones at Butler Kahn can secure the settlement amount you deserve.
Don’t delay calling Butler Kahn. Our motorcycle injury attorneys are ready to start investigating your case and help you rebuild your life. You deserve compensation for your lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. Your initial consultation is free, and we won’t collect any fees unless we help you to win.
If You’ve Been in an Accident, We Recommend the Following:
Call the police to ensure the accident has been properly documented.
Exchange insurance information and get the full contact details of everyone involved.
Take pictures of the scene and document the details of the accident.
Seek medical attention immediately. You may not know the full extent of your injuries until days later.
What Are My Rights While Riding a Motorcycle in Georgia?
You are entitled to feel safe when riding your bike. Because many drivers have difficulty noticing motorcyclists, it is in your best interests to ride defensively. However, this does not negate the responsibility of other motorists to obey traffic rules. As motorcycle attorneys can tell you, just because they didn’t see you doesn’t mean they weren’t at fault for hitting your bike.
If you feel you were wronged, call our office and request a free consultation with our attorney. After a review of your circumstances, an attorney on our team can tell you whether or not he feels you have grounds to file a personal injury claim against the other driver. He can also give you a sense of how much compensation you may be eligible to receive from their insurance company.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Atlanta
Atlanta’s busy highways and surface streets create dangerous conditions for motorcyclists. The intersection of I-85 and I-75 through downtown, the GA 400 corridor through Buckhead, and Peachtree Street through Midtown see frequent motorcycle crashes. Understanding common accident causes helps establish liability in your case.
The most frequent causes of motorcycle accidents in Atlanta include:
Left-turn accidents: Drivers turning left at intersections often fail to see oncoming motorcycles and turn directly into their path.
Lane-change collisions: Cars and trucks change lanes without checking blind spots, sideswiping motorcycles.
Rear-end crashes: Distracted drivers following too closely strike motorcycles stopped at lights or in traffic.
Drunk driving accidents: Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and poor judgment, making them more likely to hit motorcyclists.
Door strikes: Parked drivers open doors into the path of passing motorcycles, causing serious injuries.
Road hazards: Potholes, debris, and poor road conditions affect motorcycles more severely than cars.
What Can My Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Attorney Do for Me?
A motorcycle accident attorney can assist you with the claim process from start to finish. He can help with the initial claim process, and confirm all necessary paperwork has been completed accurately and submitted on time. During the process, he can provide you with legal advice and negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company. Butler Kahn has a strong record of obtaining substantial settlements on behalf of our clients.
Common Types of Damages in Motorcycle Accidents in Atlanta
In legal parlance, damages are anything that is damaged, hurt, destroyed, or lost. Damages include bodily harm. It may seem impersonal to refer to an injury as damage, but the legal world is more objective than subjective when it comes to seeking justice.
It is the job of your motorcycle accident lawyer in Atlanta to assess a fair dollar amount for each type of damage that their client has suffered, including physical injuries.
Here are some common examples of damages in the context of a motorcycle accident:
The cost for repair or replacement of your motorcycle (this is usually submitted in a property damage claim which will be separate from your personal injury claim)
The cost of emergency transportation from the accident scene to the hospital, including medical treatment by first responders as well as medications provided to you on scene
Emergency room treatment costs, including hospital room charges, medications, etc.
Any surgeries that you have undergone for your accident-related injuries
Because motorcycle accident injuries tend to be very serious, it may take a long time for the rider to recover. Treatment may be long-term, and medical expenses may be very costly.
Our Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer understands this and the importance of considering future damages when submitting an injury claim to the at-fault party’s insurance company for serious injuries due to a motorcycle wreck. In fact, future damages can be so significant that they far outweigh the victim’s initial damages in the immediate aftermath of the accident.
Every case is different, but here are some common examples of future damages that could be included in your claim if applicable:
Additional surgeries or medical treatment
Follow-up visits to your doctor
Medications: new and refills
Physical rehabilitation
Occupational rehabilitation to help you perform your job despite your injuries
Income that you will not be able to earn while you recover. If you have suffered a permanent injury, this will also be taken into account.
How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Settlement Take in Georgia?
There are a lot of variables when it comes to how long it takes to receive a motorcycle accident settlement in Georgia. The short answer is that it can be anywhere from 2-3 months to 2-3 years. The majority of cases settle somewhere in the middle of that time frame. The long answer involves taking many different things that can affect your case into consideration.
Medical Treatment
One of the first things that affects your case’s settlement is your medical treatment. Until your treatments are complete or your doctor gives you an end date, your case will be on hold. You can help this move along by following your doctor’s orders and making sure that you stick to their prescribed treatments. Your settlement will be based in part on past, current, and future medical needs resulting from the accident.
Eagerness to Settle
The at-fault party and their insurance may be eager to settle the case. If so, your settlement may happen sooner than later. They don’t want the time and expense of a trial and will want to close the books on this accident. Their goal is to pay you as little as they can as quickly as they can. One of the ways they will try to lowball you is to try to find a way to blame you for the accident. Hiring an experienced motorcycle attorney to handle your case can help. They will work to prove you aren’t responsible and may get you a larger settlement.
Patience
The first offer or two may be attractive, especially if you’re dealing with mounting bills and other issues from the accident. It may be in your best interest to be patient though. Let your lawyer wade through the settlement offers. They can determine if you should accept or fight for more. Many times there is a finite amount of insurance available and your attorney can advise you if it is the best time to settle. With the motorcycle accident lawyers at Butler Kahn, it’s not about how fast they can get paid. Their goal is to get the best settlement for you, whether it takes two months or two years.
Location
As unlikely as it may sound, location can play a part in when your case will go forward. This depends on where the accident occurred and where you file the case. Rural areas tend to have fewer cases on their docket versus the more populated cities. An example would be identical cases filed in a major metropolitan area like Atlanta and an outlying courthouse such as DeKalb County. The case in DeKalb County might settle in a few months while the one in busier Atlanta could take three or four times that long.
Settle or Go to Trial?
It may seem like you should insist on having your case seen by a judge and jury. Having an experienced motorcycle accident legal team on your side can give you an advantage either way. They can answer any questions you have and help you determine the best course for your case. A trial may not be your best option.
Top motorcycle accident injury lawyers who deal with motorcycle accident cases regularly will only advise you to proceed if they are sure your case is winnable. They don’t want you to lose out on any money that you may have received in a settlement if you lose the trial. They will work hard with the insurance companies to ensure you are compensated fairly. It is their goal to get the largest settlement without the additional time and expense of a trial. Butler Kahn prepares every case as if it will go to trial—that preparation often leads to better settlement offers.
Can I Use Car Insurance for a Motorcycle Accident in Georgia?
If you or a loved one ride or own a motorcycle, then you know how exciting they can be. You also know that there are risks each time you hit the road. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to injuries in the event of a collision, whether with another motorcycle, a passenger vehicle, or something larger. If you have been involved in a Georgia motorcycle accident, you need to know whether you can use car insurance for any damages or injuries.
The answer is going to be yes in most motorcycle crash incidents. Car insurance is going to be available to you to cover your expenses, but that does not mean it will be easy to secure. You should contact a knowledgeable and experienced Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer to help you through this process.
What if the Other Driver Is at Fault in a Georgia Motorcycle Accident?
The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety tells us that there were almost 400,000 vehicle crashes during the last full reporting year. Out of those, we know there were 172 motorcyclist fatalities and many more injuries. It is not a secret that motorcyclists are vulnerable on the roadways of Georgia.
Many people think that motorcyclists are at fault in most motorcycle accidents in Georgia. However, that is not the case. In most circumstances, a careless or negligent driver is at fault in a motorcycle accident. All too often, we see these incidents happen due to:
Driver inattention: Most drivers look out for other cars, leading them to not see motorcycles around them or in their blind spot.
Following too closely: Drivers often follow motorcyclists much too closely. This can lead to them rear-ending a motorcyclist if the cyclist must stop quickly.
Failure to yield: Both vehicle drivers and motorcyclists need to be aware of their responsibilities on the roadway.
Alcohol or drug impairment: Drivers under the influence of a substance are much more likely to crash into motorcyclists and cause serious injuries.
It is important for every driver to recognize that motorcycles are vehicles that have the same rights and responsibilities on the roadway as any other vehicle.
Which Insurance Will Cover a Motorcycle Accident in Georgia?
If another driver is at fault in a motorcycle crash, their insurance is going to be on the line for the expenses. The at-fault driver’s bodily injury liability insurance is going to be the primary source of coverage. This will require you or your attorney to file a claim with their insurance company.
However, this does not mean that all expenses will be covered. Drivers in Georgia are only required to carry $25,000 in bodily liability insurance. They may have more coverage, but if they do not, you may be able to use your own insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents in Atlanta
Can a settlement include future damages for my motorcycle accident injury?
Yes. A settlement can include compensation for future medical treatment, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and lost earning capacity if your injuries will require ongoing care or have permanently affected your ability to work. Your attorney will work to calculate these future damages based on medical expert opinions and your specific circumstances.
Do I have to go to court for a motorcycle accident claim in Georgia?
Not always. Most Georgia motorcycle accident claims resolve through insurance negotiations and settlement, but some cases do go to trial if the insurance company refuses to pay what the case is worth. Butler Kahn prepares every case as if it’s going to trial.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit after a motorcycle accident in Georgia?
In Georgia, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. There are exceptions, so it’s important to talk with a lawyer about your specific situation as soon as possible.
What if I was partly at fault for my motorcycle accident?
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33. You can still recover damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Should I talk to the insurance adjuster after a motorcycle accident?
We recommend speaking with a motorcycle accident attorney before giving any recorded statement to an insurance company. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and anything you say can be used to reduce your compensation.
How much does it cost to hire Butler Kahn for a motorcycle accident case?
Butler Kahn works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and we only get paid if we recover money for you. Your initial consultation is free.
What types of injuries are common in Atlanta motorcycle accidents?
Common motorcycle accident injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, road rash, internal organ damage, and limb amputations. Even with protective gear, riders often suffer severe injuries because they lack the structural protection that cars provide.
Can I sue if a road hazard caused my motorcycle accident?
Possibly. If a road defect like a pothole, debris, or inadequate signage caused your crash, you may have a claim against the government entity responsible for maintaining that road. These claims have special notice requirements and shorter deadlines, so contact an attorney promptly.
What if the driver who hit me was uninsured?
If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on your motorcycle or auto policy, you can file a claim with your own insurance company. UM coverage is designed specifically for situations where the at-fault driver has no insurance or cannot be identified, such as in hit-and-run accidents.
How is fault determined in a motorcycle accident in Georgia?
Fault is determined by examining evidence from the crash, including police reports, witness statements, photos, video footage, and sometimes accident reconstruction experts. Georgia law requires proof that the other driver was negligent and that their negligence caused your injuries.
Can I recover compensation if a family member died in a motorcycle accident?
Yes. Georgia’s wrongful death laws allow surviving family members to file a claim for compensation when a loved one dies due to another person’s negligence. Spouses, children, and parents may be entitled to recover damages for their loss.
What should I do if the insurance company denies my motorcycle accident claim?
If your claim is denied, an attorney can review the denial, gather additional evidence, and either negotiate with the insurer or file a lawsuit. Insurance companies sometimes deny valid claims hoping victims will give up—don’t let them.
How do I prove the other driver was distracted when they hit me?
Evidence of distracted driving can include cell phone records, witness testimony, dashcam or surveillance footage, and the driver’s own statements at the scene. An attorney can subpoena phone records and other evidence during the legal process.
Will my motorcycle accident case affect my insurance rates?
If you were not at fault for the accident, your insurance rates generally should not increase. However, filing a claim under your own UM coverage may affect your rates depending on your policy and insurer. An attorney can help you understand your options.
What evidence should I preserve after a motorcycle accident?
Preserve photos of the crash scene and damage, your damaged helmet and gear, medical records and bills, the police report, witness contact information, and any correspondence with insurance companies. Do not repair or dispose of your motorcycle until your attorney advises you to do so.
Can I still recover damages if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Georgia law requires motorcycle riders to wear helmets. If you weren’t wearing one, the insurance company may argue your injuries were worse than they would have been with a helmet. However, not wearing a helmet doesn’t automatically bar you from recovering compensation—especially for injuries unrelated to head trauma.
Atlanta Areas We Serve
Butler Kahn represents motorcycle accident victims throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area. Our Atlanta office at 10 Lenox Pointe is centrally located to serve clients across the city and surrounding communities. We handle motorcycle accident cases for clients in:
Atlanta Neighborhoods
Buckhead, Midtown Atlanta, Downtown Atlanta, Brookhaven, Druid Hills, Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Little Five Points, East Atlanta Village, Grant Park, Reynoldstown, Cabbagetown, Old Fourth Ward, Poncey-Highland, Candler Park, Lake Claire, Morningside-Lenox Park, Ansley Park, Piedmont Heights, Garden Hills, Peachtree Hills, Chastain Park, Sandy Springs, Vinings, West End, Adair Park, Pittsburgh, Mechanicsville, Summerhill, South Atlanta, Grove Park, Collier Hills, and Atlantic Station.
Metro Atlanta Counties
We serve motorcycle accident victims in Fulton County, DeKalb County, Cobb County, Gwinnett County, Clayton County, Fayette County, Rockdale County, Henry County, Douglas County, Cherokee County, and Forsyth County.
Major Roads and Highways
Our attorneys handle motorcycle crashes that occur on I-85, I-75, I-285, I-20, GA 400, Peachtree Street, Piedmont Avenue, Ponce de Leon Avenue, Memorial Drive, Moreland Avenue, and other major Atlanta roadways.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident anywhere in the greater Atlanta area, contact Butler Kahn for a free consultation. We also have offices in Jonesboro, Lawrenceville, and Roswell to serve clients throughout Georgia.
Contact Our Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
If you suffered one or more serious injuries in an accident because of someone else’s actions and you are seeking compensation, contact the motorcycle wreck injury lawyers at Butler Kahn without delay. Our motorcycle accident lawyer in Atlanta will be pleased to meet with you at no charge to review the circumstances of your motorcycle accident. Our Atlanta personal injury lawyers will fight for your compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and even pain and suffering.
Contact one of the law offices of Butler Kahn today to schedule a free consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer.
Our Atlanta Office
Butler Kahn – Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyers
10 Lenox Pointe
Atlanta, GA 30324
Phone: (678) 940-1444
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different.
My father was in a serious motorcycle accident and unfortunately passed away soon after the accident. Butler Kahn firm in Atlanta was a true blessing
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Jeb and his team get great results for their clients! The team is hard working, organized, and very thorough. I have referred clients to them and he i
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