Georgia Motorcycle Laws and How They Can Affect Your Personal Injury Claim
Motorcyclists in Georgia face unique risks on the road, making it essential for riders to understand the laws
Modes of transportation are changing with the times, and electric scooters have become ubiquitous in cities around the country. However, these scooters have caused several accidents. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, the rate of injuries for those using micromobility devices has skyrocketed, increasing by 127 percent between 2017 and 2021, with 44 percent of ER visits caused by accidents involving rental e-scooters. Due to the relative novelty of e-scooters, many people don’t know what to do if they’ve been injured in an accident involving one.
If you or your loved one has been injured in an e-scooter accident, Attorney Walter Gabriel at The Law Firm of Walter Gabriel, LLC is here to help. Whether your accident was caused by another motorist or a faulty rental scooter, Walter Gabriel is ready to fight for your right to compensation for your injuries.
First, it is essential to understand e-scooter laws.
don’t wait to get the help you need.
Gas scooters are regulated in the same way as motorcycles. You must be 17 or older in order to take the scooter license exam, and you must carry a minimum amount of liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage.
However, electric scooters operate differently. These scooters can be rented by companies such as Bird, Lime, or Spin. You do not need to obtain a license or buy insurance to ride an e-scooter.
It is important that you follow all traffic laws while on an e-scooter. E-scooters cannot be operated by anyone under 15, and anyone under 16 must wear a helmet when riding an e-scooter. Only one person at a time can ride, and an e-scooter can only be operated on bike paths (or bike lanes that are near roads) and roads where the speed limit is 35 mph or less—not sidewalks. Failure to comply with these rules can compromise your ability to hold a scooter company or another motorist liable for any injuries you may incur in an accident.
Unfortunately, head injuries are common as a result of e-scooter accidents, as well as neck injuries, broken bones, and soft tissue injuries.
E-scooter injuries can have a number of causes. Accidents can happen due to bumps in the road or otherwise uneven road surfaces. E-scooters are harder to see than other vehicles, which may increase the likelihood of being hit by a bigger vehicle. E-scooter riders can also lose control of the e-scooter, sometimes through a malfunction. Finally, e-scooter riders can crash into each other.
The good news is that, if you hire a personal injury attorney, you may have legal recourse in the event that you are injured in an e-scooter accident
Both car drivers and e-scooter drivers must obey the rules of the road, and sharing the road is one of those cardinal rules. If a car driver was negligent and you were not at fault, you can file a claim with their insurance company or pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
Scooter companies such as Bird, Lime, and Spin have attempted to cover their bases by requiring users to sign lengthy user agreements. By signing such an agreement, you essentially waive your right to sue for damages.
However, there are ways around this if you want to sue for a Bird/Lime injury. For example, Lime specifies that you must conduct a thorough safety inspection before riding. However, if a defect in the scooter would not have been apparent to a reasonable person, you may have grounds to sue.
As well, the user agreements of companies such as Lime do not prevent you from presenting your case through arbitration. Arbitration does not follow the same process as a lawsuit; your attorney will not present your case to a court, but to a neutral third party called an arbitrator. The arbitrator will listen to both the plaintiff and defendant and make a final decision. A skilled attorney will be able to present your case effectively during arbitration.
If you were hit by another e-scooter user who was not following the rules of the road, you may be able to bring a personal injury claim against them, citing their negligence in operating the scooter.
You may be able to sue the government entity (such as the city, county, or municipality) responsible for maintaining roads if a condition like a dangerous pothole caused your accident. However, these claims are more difficult to pursue, and it is best to hire an experienced attorney to handle this type of case.
Your attorney can help you to determine who was responsible for the accident by assisting you with gathering and organizing evidence (such as pictures and eyewitness testimony).
To file a personal injury lawsuit, you must prove that the other party was negligent. The other party can be proved negligent if you can show that they owed you a duty of care (such as following the rules of the road if they are a motorist who hit you, or maintaining safe roads if they are a government entity), that they failed to provide that duty of care, and that failure resulted in your injury. If the other party was indeed negligent, your attorney will be able to present the evidence in a way that will highlight that negligence.
Your attorney will be able to ensure that your claim or lawsuit is filed within the time limit and in a proper manner, reducing the likelihood of mistakes and resulting delays.
Your attorney will be experienced in negotiating with insurance companies as well as in presenting evidence to an arbitrator or judge, increasing your chances of receiving a fair payout.
If you’ve been injured in an e-scooter accident, call personal injury attorney Walter Gabriel at The Law Firm of Walter Gabriel, LLC, serving as well as the surrounding area including Dunwoody and Alexandria. Walter is a highly skilled litigator who is passionate about helping his clients receive the compensation that is due to them so that they can begin to move forward. Call today for a free consultation.
Motorcyclists in Georgia face unique risks on the road, making it essential for riders to understand the laws
Personal injury refers to physical, emotional, or psychological harm suffered by an individual due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another party. Common examples include car accidents, slip and fall incidents, medical malpractice, workplace injuries, and product liability cases. The goal of personal injury law is to provide compensation to the injured party (plaintiff) for their losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
A personal injury lawyer, like Attorney Walter Gabriel, specializes in representing individuals who have been injured due to someone else’s actions or negligence. Here’s how Attorney Walter Gabriel helps victims receive maximum compensation for their injuries:
In summary, Attorney Walter Gabriel plays a vital role in helping accident victims recover the maximum compensation they deserve by providing expert legal representation, thorough case preparation, and unwavering advocacy.
Suffering an accident or injury can be a life-altering experience, leaving you physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelmed. In the moments following an incident, it’s crucial to take the right steps to protect your health, your rights, and your ability to recover compensation. At Walter Gabriel Accident & Injury Lawyers, we’re here to help you navigate this challenging time. Here’s what you should do after an accident or injury:
Your health and safety are the top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s essential to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal trauma, may not show symptoms right away. A medical professional can document your condition, which is critical for both your recovery and any future legal claims.
Depending on the type of accident, report it to the appropriate authorities or parties. For example:
Gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim. This includes:
Be cautious about what you say after an accident. Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you later. This includes conversations with insurance adjusters, the other party involved, or even on social media. Let your attorney handle all communications on your behalf.
Navigating the legal process after an injury can be complex, especially when dealing with insurance companies or at-fault parties. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you:
At Walter Gabriel Accident & Injury Lawyers, we specialize in helping injury victims recover the compensation they deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. We’ll fight tirelessly to protect your rights and hold responsible parties accountable.
Injury-related expenses can add up quickly. Maintain a file with all receipts, bills, and documentation related to your accident, including:
This information will be crucial when calculating the full value of your claim.
Insurance companies often try to offer quick, lowball settlements to minimize their payouts. Before accepting any offer, consult with a personal injury lawyer near you to ensure it covers all your current and future expenses. Once you accept a settlement, you typically cannot seek additional compensation later.
Let Us Help You Move Forward
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The team at Walter Gabriel Accident & Injury Lawyers is here to provide compassionate, experienced legal representation. We’ll guide you through every step of the process, so you can focus on healing while we fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you take the first step toward recovery and securing your future.
A personal injury lawyer typically works on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they successfully recover money for you. Here’s how it works:
In summary, a personal injury lawyer’s payment structure is designed to make legal representation accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. You don’t have to pay a dime to start your case, and the lawyer only gets paid if you win. This arrangement aligns the lawyer’s interests with yours, ensuring they are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
The value of a personal injury case depends on several factors, and without specific details, it’s impossible to provide an exact amount. However, here are the key factors that influence the worth of a personal injury case:
For a more accurate estimate, provide specific details about your case to a qualified personal injury attorney. They can assess the unique factors of your situation and give you a better idea of what your case might be worth.
The time it takes to resolve a personal injury case can vary widely depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, the willingness of the parties to negotiate, and the court’s schedule. Here are some general timelines:
If you have specific concerns about your case, it’s best to discuss them with your personal injury attorney, who can provide a more accurate timeline based on the details of your situation.
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