Columbus Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Columbus, GA, Who Fight to Win
There are a lot of good reasons to ride a motorcycle. It costs a lot less than a car to own and operate, and motorcycles are much easier to park. Riding a motorcycle is really fun and allows you to appreciate the great outdoors.
Unfortunately, most accidents involving motorcycles are caused by careless drivers who disobey the rules or fail to look out for motorcycle riders.
If you've been involved in a motorcycle accident, schedule a complimentary consultation with a Columbus motorcycle accident attorney today by calling (706) 322-1990.
Are You in Need of a Columbus Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
If you've suffered catastrophic injuries due to a motorcycle crash in Columbus, you may be facing significant medical bills and other costs such as rehabilitation and time missed from work. It's important to find a motorcycle accident attorney who will fight to get you a settlement that covers the true cost of your injuries.
Why Choose Us Over Other Motorcycle Accident Law Firms?
For over 35 years, the motorcycle accident attorneys at Butler Prather LLP have been helping motorcycle accident victims in Columbus get a fair deal. We understand the unique challenges riders face after being harmed in a collision.
Butler Prather LLP | Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Columbus, GA
- We offer free initial consultations.
- We've won over $1 billion for our clients
- We've won cases in more than 30 states.
- We've won 10 verdicts over $100 million.
- We've won more than 60 verdicts and settlements over $10 million.
- We've won more than 175 verdicts and settlements over $1 million.
- We've been recognized by Super Lawyers.
Do You Have a Motorcycle Accident Case?
When determining if you need an attorney after a motorcycle accident, the first thing you'll want to consider is the severity of your injuries. Additionally, accident victims often face challenges in negotiating with insurance companies. That's why you want to speak with our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Butler Prather LLP to help level the playing field.
What Causes Motorcycle Accidents?
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), the fatality rate per mile traveled is almost 24 times higher for motorcycle rides than for passenger vehicle occupants.
Even when it isn’t your fault, the motorcycle rider usually bears the brunt of the harm that results from an accident. Unlike people traveling inside a passenger vehicle, a motorcyclist doesn’t have a reinforced cabin with seatbelts and airbags for protection.
Frequent causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Unsafe turns. When a driver making a turn fails to notice a motorcycle, the rider is completely vulnerable. Careless left turns are particularly hazardous, often resulting in severe injuries for unsuspecting motorcyclists.
- DUI. Alcohol and controlled substances blunt the driver’s reflexes, impairing their vision, judgment, reaction time, and coordination. People who are under the influence have absolutely no business operating a motor vehicle.
- Ignoring traffic laws. Drivers who run stop signs and red lights or make illegal maneuvers, such as crossing a double line to pass, put the lives of motorcycle riders and everyone else on the road at risk.
- Road hazards such as potholes, drop-offs, poorly graded pavement, debris that falls off trucks, and equipment left behind by work crews all pose a serious risk to motorcyclists.
- Unsafe lane changes. Drivers must signal in advance and check to make sure the lane is empty to prevent dangerous accidents.
- Speeding drastically reduces a driver’s reaction time, and when a crash occurs, severe injuries and fatalities are much more likely to occur.
- Tailgating. Every driver has a responsibility to provide a safe cushion in front of their vehicle to prevent rear-end crashes.
- Unsafe weather conditions. When driving in snowy, foggy, rainy, or icy conditions, drivers are required to slow down to a safe speed.
- Distracted driving. An instant of driver inattention may have fatal consequences for a motorcycle rider. Distracted driving has been on the rise, and that’s why law enforcement officials in Georgia are aggressively enforcing the state’s ban on using handheld devices while driving. Drivers who are texting, emailing, or checking their social media should be watching the road instead.
- Mechanical failure caused by design defects or lack of proper maintenance is especially hazardous when it causes a vehicle’s brakes, tires, safety lights, or fuel system to malfunction.
Examples and Types of Motorcycle Accidents
When a vehicle crashes into the side of a motorcycle, forming a "T" shape, this is called a T-bone collision. These accidents often happen at intersections where drivers misjudge distances or fail to stop in time.
Among the most dangerous accidents are head-on collisions between motorcycles and vehicles. They typically occur when a vehicle crosses into the opposite lane or when overtaking improperly. These collisions often result in catastrophic injuries due to the high combined speed of both vehicles.
Rear-end crashes often result from negligence, such as tailgating or driver inattention. These accidents are common in heavy traffic or at intersections. The impact can be jarring, often leading to spinal cord injuries, whiplash, and other devastating consequences.
When a vehicle and motorcycle travel parallel, and the car veers into your path, this is referred to as a side-swipe accident. This often happens during lane changes or when the vehicle is merging. The consequences can be severe.
Usually occur in urban areas with parked cars, dooring incidents happen when a car door opens into the path of a motorcycle, causing a collision. Drivers and driver-side passenger must check their surroundings before exiting the vehicle.
Failure to yield accidents occur when a vehicle doesn't give the right of way to a motorcycle. This frequently happens at intersections or during lane changes.
How Your Columbus Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help
Getting struck by a careless car or truck driver when you’re out riding your bike is a devastating experience. It’s important to have a legal representative by your side who understands what you are going through and knows how to help make things better.
The Georgia motorcycle accident lawyers at Butler Prather LLP will investigate the accident by reviewing the police report, interviewing witnesses, and collecting evidence from the accident scene. We also call upon traffic engineers and other expert witnesses to reconstruct the events that caused your injuries.
When our investigation is complete, the Columbus motorcycle accident lawyers at Butler Prather LLP will file a claim or a lawsuit against anyone whose negligent behavior contributed to your injuries. This may include:
- Careless drivers
- Manufacturers of defective equipment
- Contractors and public officials responsible for maintaining safe roads
- Trucking and delivery companies that hire unsafe drivers
- Mechanics who failed to make necessary repairs
- Bars, servers, and restaurants that served underage patrons or over-served those who were clearly intoxicated
Damages Available After a Columbus Motorcycle Accident
Following a motorcycle accident, you may be facing debilitating injuries. You may also be suffering from chronic pain that prevents you from returning to work or resuming the lifestyle you enjoyed before the accident.
When the trial attorneys at Butler Prather LLP file a lawsuit for injuries resulting from a Columbus motorcycle accident, we seek the following types of damages for our clients:
- Lost wages
- Medical devices
- Current and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced earning capacity
- Diminished quality of life
- Disfigurement
- Rehabilitation
- Occupational therapy
- Wheelchair ramps for your home
- Wrongful death
Severe Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents frequently lead to injuries that cause lasting damage and generate astronomical medical expenses. Common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Road rash
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Whiplash
- Paralysis
- Nerve damage
- Severe burns
- Loss of limb
- Internal organ failure
- Bone fractures
- Head injuries
- Neck and back injuries
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accidents in Georgia?
The statute of limitations refers to the time limit you have to file a lawsuit. For motorcycle accidents in Georgia, this is typically two years from the date. Failing to file within this period means you forfeit your right to seek compensation.
Were You Harmed in a Motorcycle Accident?
At Butler Prather LLP, our Columbus motorcycle accident lawyers have won landmark cases that hold wrongdoers accountable for the injuries they cause. We appreciate the importance of your Columbus motorcycle accident case, and that's why we're always available for our clients.
We will always treat you and your family with respect and compassion. Call (706) 322-1990 to learn more today.
Some of Our Motorcycle-Related Case Results
Serious Injuries from Motorcycle Collision
Thomas Kerr's pre-filing settlement for uninsured motorist policy limits in a serious motorcycle wreck case involving a totally uninsured striking drive. The uninsured motorist insurer agreed to pay full policy limits despite the policy stating that uninsured motorist coverage was rejected.
Motorcycle Wreck
Liddell v. Mansur and K.D. Curry Enterprises, State Court of Fulton County, Georgia. Multiple fractures to a 34-year-old construction worker when his motorcycle was hit by the defendant's moving truck as it was making an illegal U-turn.
What People Are Saying About Us
"They Guided and Assisted Me" - Kathy Thrasher (5-Star Google Review)
Mr. Jim Butler and his colleagues worked diligently on my behalf. Their ability to navigate our situation gave me and my family peace of mind that our case was in competent hands. Everyone was thorough, available, and compassionate as they guided and assisted me through this difficult time.
"Very Professional (and Successful)" - Anonymous (5-Star FindLaw Review)
Mr. Butler represented my wife and me in a very professional (and successful) manner. Even after the successful settlement, his firm stayed with us to ensure that we were properly advised on the best use of our assets. His experience, professionalism, and honesty were much appreciated. We recommend him highly.
Motorcycle Accident FAQs
What if an Insurance Agent Asks Me to Sign an Agreement or Make a Recorded Statement?
Don't do it! It could prevent you from getting the compensation that you're entitled to receive. It's best to allow your motorcycle accident lawyer to handle all interactions with the insurance company.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Columbus, Georgia?
It won't cost you a penny to hire Butler Prather LLP to handle your motorcycle accident claim. In fact, you won't owe us anything at all unless we win you a settlement.
Do I Have to Accept the First Offer I Get from the Insurance Company?
No! It's probably a lowball offer that the insurance company is making to save money. Butler Prather LLP will tell you how much your case is really worth, and we'll seek fair compensation when we negotiate with the insurance company.
Do I Really Need a Lawyer for My Motorcycle Accident Claim?
The insurance company will take your motorcycle accident injury claim a lot more seriously when our motorcycle accident attorneys are standing by your side.
Will I Have to Go to Trial to Settle My Motorcycle Case in Georgia?
Maybe. Butler Prather LLP is pretty good at negotiating with insurance companies. However, in many cases, they would rather pay you the money you deserve than have to face our Columbus motorcycle accident attorneys in court.
Columbus Office:
105 13th Street
Columbus, GA 31901
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 2766
Columbus, GA 31902
Additional Information
- Why Do Some Motorists Have Difficulty Spotting Motorcycles?
- Fact Check: Motorcycles Are More Dangerous Than Cars
- Motorcycle Crashes Caused by Bad Roads and Dangerous Drivers