Broadside Collisions

Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer Stephen M. Ozcomert recovers substantial awards for victims injured in serious traffic collisions due to the carelessness of others. Recognized as one of Georgia’s “Super Lawyers” and a member of its “Legal Elite,” Mr. Ozcomert relies on over 20 years of legal experience in representing personal injury victims, including those harmed in motorcycle accidents. His goal in every case is to secure much-needed compensation for financial and non-economic losses sustained in accidents causing personal injury or wrongful death, such as motorcycle broadside collisions.

Sadly, Georgia residents see daily news of motorcycle accidents. Recent studies chart the number of accidents over a 6-year period, revealing a 97 percent increase in injuries and over a 140 percent increase in fatalities. Many of these accidents occur in the metro Atlanta area and involve broadside collisions. This occurs when cars strike the side of the motorcycle, forming a “T.” While front bumpers and side crumple zones on cars protect the driver, motorcycles lack similar safeguards. Riders absorb most of the force as their bikes fail to shelter them from the blow.

Although drivers and riders share the same rights to use the road, their legal duties slightly differ. Georgia law requires that each motorist exercise “ordinary care” in operating the vehicle. Under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA), motorcyclists are required to:

• Prevent careless exposure to danger
• Wear helmets complying with state law
• Maintain lights and protective windshield
• Avoid overtaking truck or car on right side
• Protect passengers from unreasonable harm
• Look before entering highway or intersection
• Use horn to signal near presence in emergency
• Avoid speeding down curve with obstructed view

While the legal duty of care applies to both drivers and riders, the inherent differences between the two vehicles, as well as the greater physical exposure of motorcyclists, suggest that greater caution may be required on the part of car drivers in many situations. If you or someone you know has been a victim of a motorcycle side impact, please do not hesitate to contact Atlanta motorcycle broadside collision lawyer Stephen M. Ozcomert to pursue full compensation.

Most broadside collisions are caused by negligence. Careless drivers violate a legal duty when they fail to operate their vehicles with reasonable care. Unsafe driving can cause serious side-impact accidents with motorcycles, injuring the rider. Negligent driving and resulting injuries may involve:

• Speeding
• Drunk driving
• Left-hand turns
• Truck blind spots
• Distracted driving
• Unsafe lane changes
• Neck, shoulder injury
• Traumatic brain injury
• Permanent scars, burns
• Amputation, lost function
• Paralysis, spinal cord injury
• Pelvic fracture, dislocated hip

When negligent drivers cause a motorcycle accident resulting in injury or death, they can be held liable for personal injury damages under Georgia law. This allows victims to potentially recover compensation for lost income, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other benefits after a broadside collision.

If you were injured in a broadside collision, an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney can help. For over 20 years, Stephen M. Ozcomert has fought for the rights of injured riders, obtaining compensation for their losses. Whether the accident is caused by a negligent driver, defective product, or danger on property, Mr. Ozcomert finds all sources of liability and every avenue of relief. With offices in Decatur and Atlanta, we are committed to protecting your rights and helping you get back on your feet. Call (404) 370-1000 today for a free consultation or contact us online.