Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Stokes & Kopitsky, P.A. are nationally recognized Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers that has over 30 years of experience representing victims of motorcycle accidents and their families.

Motorcycles are an expedient, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Yet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 30 people in the United States are killed in motorcycle crashes each day. That translates to one death every 48 minutes. Of the 55,000 injuries caused by motorcycle accidents each year, 80% result in death.

Even the most careful motorcycle driver is likely to have some close calls on the road. That is because motorcycle riders must share the road with negligent drivers who fail to safely operate their vehicles. Distracted drivers often do not anticipate the speed and hastiness of an approaching motorcycle, discovering its presence too late. Negligent driving can be caused by many factors, ranging from criminal recklessness and inebriation to a few seconds of distraction. But because cyclists are more exposed and less visible to drivers, they bear the most serious injuries in the event of a collision. It is no wonder motorcycle fatalities outnumber motor vehicle fatalities and other accidents in Georgia.

Georgia’s mandatory helmet law is codified in the Uniform Rules of the Road. Article 13 provides: “No person shall operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless he is wearing protective headgear.” The Georgia Department of Driver Services requires a Class M license to legally operate a motorcycle in Georgia. The Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §40-6-11 forbids motorcycle riders from operating--or allowing any other person to operate--a motorcycle without liability insurance. The amount of insurance must cover bodily injury and property damage liability. This protects the motorcycle driver in the event of an accident.

OCGA §40-6-77 penalizes motor vehicle drivers who cause serious injury to motorcyclists due to a right of way violation. A serious injury includes bodily harm, dismemberment, paralysis, disfigurement, paraplegia, and organic brain damage. Drivers who fail to yield the right of way and cause a collision resulting in serious injury to the cyclist are guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine or imprisonment upon a second offense.

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by the negligence of another driver, an experienced Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer can help. At Stokes & Kopitsky, P.A., we understand that being injured or losing a loved one in a motorcycle accident is a traumatic experience. That is why we go the extra mile to visit our clients in their homes or hospitals and provide them with our undivided attention. For over thirty years, we have successfully handled motorcycle injury cases, recovering settlements for victims throughout Georgia. Call us at (800) 700-5050 for a free consultation or Contact Us online. We look forward to providing you with the highest quality legal representation.