Risks motorcycle riders face on Atlanta’s I-75

On Behalf of | Dec 21, 2017 | Motor Vehicle Accidents |

The massive I-75 interstate freeway runs north to south through Atlanta. Unfortunately, such a busy thoroughfare also creates a high risk for motor vehicle accidents.

Some of the most catastrophic accidents that occur on I-75 through Atlanta are motorcycle crashes. In one example, in a span of just hours, three men died in three separate motorcycle crashes on I-75.

Fatality risks 

High speeds and sharing the road with massive vehicles such as 18-wheeler trucks make motorcycle crash fatalities common. A motorcycle rider is extremely vulnerable on an interstate freeway compared to a driver behind the wheel of a car. In fact, according to the Insurance Information Institute, in 2015, motorcyclists had a six times higher rate of fatalities over people in passenger vehicles.

Injury risks

In accidents that do not involve fatalities, very serious injuries can result. For example, road rash, which comes from friction between the skin and the road surface, can be a painful scrape, or it may remove the skin down to muscle and bone. This common injury may require skin grafts and lead to permanent nerve damage and disfigurement. Other permanent injuries may come from amputations, spinal cord damage and traumatic brain injuries, all of which may impair a rider’s ability to work and lead to astronomical medical bills.

Financial risks

The days and weeks following a motorcycle crash often prove to be some of the most crucial. In addition to recovering from injuries, a motorcycle rider must likely speak with insurance companies, medical professionals and possibly his or her employer as financial challenges arise. Insurance companies often do everything in their power to avoid providing the proper compensation for injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash. Determining negligence on the part of the other driver can also be extremely difficult.

One of the first steps towards a successful recovery strategy is to contact a personal injury attorney in Atlanta who has experience working with motorcycle crash victims. A lawyer who understands the motorcycle crash victim’s particular needs is better equipped to provide guidance and assistance to help clients face post-accident challenges.