It is no secret that people in Georgia love their motorcycles. Even if you are not operating a motorcycle, it is still enjoyable to jump on the back of a bike and ride as a passenger. While being a passenger takes away the stress of operating the motorcycle and allows you to relax, there are still significant risks of injuries for motorcycle passengers.
If a motorcycle crashes, a passenger is in just as much danger as the operator—in fact, the passenger will often be thrown from the motorcycle first. Motorcycle passengers can sustain severe and even permanent injuries, including:
- Crushed limbs
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury and paralysis
- Amputations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Back injuries
- Skull fractures
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
Motorcycle passengers should always seek emergency medical attention after a crash, as all injuries may not be apparent right away.
Recovering Your Losses
Just like anyone else, passengers in accidents have a right to seek compensation for their losses from negligent parties. Motorcycle passengers are very rarely at fault for a crash, but the challenge of determining who was responsible still exists. The crash may occur due to the negligence of several parties, which include:
- The motorcycle operator
- Another driver
- An agency that allowed dangerous roads
- A company that sold a defective bike
You must determine who caused the crash to know against whom you can file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. This often requires a thorough investigation, with which our attorneys can assist you in many ways.
We have many resources that allow us to identify negligence in an accident. These include witness interviews, obtaining police reports and any available video footage, and using accident reconstruction experts. Once we determine who should be liable, we can pursue a claim on your behalf with their insurance company. You should always have a skilled legal professional handling your claim since insurance companies rarely offer the amount you truly deserve. If necessary, we can file a legal claim in civil court.
If you are a passenger on a motorcycle, there are some things you can do to keep yourself as safe as possible:
- Never ride with a drunk motorcyclist
- Always wear an appropriate helmet
- If an operator is scaring you, ask them to stop. Avoiding hurting someone’s feelings is not worth risking your life.
If you do suffer injuries, call a law firm you can trust to protect your rights.
Call a Skilled Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Gwinnett County Today
Motorcycle passengers can suffer injuries just as easily as motorcycle operators. In such cases, it is critical to determine exactly what—and who—caused the crash to know who you can hold liable for your losses. At Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys know how to fully investigate an accident and advise you of your best options. We will handle every step of your case so you do not have any added stress. If you would like to schedule a free consultation, please call 404-418-8244 or contact us online right away.
