Injured in a motorcycle, bus, or van accident? We’ll help you get the compensation you deserve.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accident injuries can be devastating, largely due to the fact that very little protection is provided to the motorcyclist. In a standard vehicle, motorists are protected by an enclosed frame, as well as other safety features, such as air bags. Since a motorcycle rider has virtually no protection, paralysis or partial paralysis often occurs. Wrongful death is also a common result of a motorcycle collision.
As drivers, especially on Atlanta’s busy, speedy roads, we should be diligent about checking mirrors and blind spots before deciding to change lanes or make turns. Unfortunately, motorcycles are sometimes more difficult to spot, making them at greater risk for collisions. Physical recovery following a motorcycle accident can be extensive and expensive. The Bennett Law Group has a solid background as motorcycle accident attorneys in Atlanta and throughout Georgia.
If you have been the victim of a motorcycle, bus, or van accident through no fault of your own and would like to consult with an attorney, contact us today to discuss your case. We have obtained significant results for prior clients in handling such cases.
Here are some testimonials from satisfied clients we have represented in the past.
Here are some interesting statistics on motorcycle crashes in Georgia, from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety:
- In 2008, 177 people were killed in motorcycle crashes. This was 12 percent of the total motor vehicle crashes in the state for that year. This was the highest motorcycle fatality rate for Georgia in fifteen years.
- 29 percent of the motorcycle fatalities from 2004 – 2008 occurred in Fulton, Cobb, Chatham, DeKalb, and Gwinnett counties. Fulton County has the highest rate of motorcycle accidents, with 13 fatalities in 2008 alone, and with more than 60 fatalities since 2004.
- Motorcyclists in the age range of 20 to 29 years old are more involved in crashes than any other age group. In the year 2008 alone, 40 motorcyclists were within this age range. This accounted for 22.5 percent of all motorcycle crashes.
- On a more upbeat note, there has been an increase in helmet use, which has positively affected the mortality rate. NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) estimates that helmets saved about 1,829 lives in 2008 alone. They also estimate that another 823 lives could have most likely been saved if the motorcyclists had worn helmets.
Bus and Van Accidents
Bus and van accidents, like tractor trailer and motorcycle accidents, are different from car accidents in that they can often involve more serious injuries, multiple victims and unique legal issues in representing those individuals involved in a collision.
Some of the more common causes of bus and van crashes are:
- Speeding
- Brake failure
- Unruly passengers
- Faulty equipment
- Defective tires
- Distracted driving, or inattention of the bus driver
- Following too closely
- Bus driver fatigue
- Alcohol or drug use by the bus driver
- Aggressive driving, or road rage
- Bus driver error, perhaps misjudging distance to change lanes
Some safety tips that bus/van owners and operators should observe are:
- Make sure that all maintenance is performed on the vehicle on a regular basis and conduct regularly scheduled inspections
- Make sure your drivers are fully trained in operating vehicles with multiple passengers
- Vans which hold 15 passengers or more are very sensitive to loading, so make sure that the van is not overloaded. This increases the risk of rollover and increases the overall instability of the vehicle
- Ensure that the tires are the proper size intended for the vehicle. Also ensure that they are properly inflated. They should be checked for wear on a regular basis.
- Make sure that all passengers are wearing seat belts, to protect against being ejected from the vehicle should a rollover occur.
With an in-depth knowledge of Atlanta, Georgia and its roadways—as well as a long history of helping motorcycle, bus and van accident victims receive the compensation they deserve—the lawyers at The Bennett Law Group and their committed staff are ready to work for you. Contact us online or call us today at 404.541.9330.