If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident as a passenger, you are a victim no matter whether another driver or the motorcycle driver is at fault for the accident. A passenger on a motorcycle has no control of the situation and is helpless to prevent an accident. While many accidents occur due to the negligence of drivers on the road, a passenger on a motorcycle who is injured has a right to be compensated for his or her injuries.
Motorcycle accidents may occur involving multiple vehicles, or they may be single vehicle accidents. Some accidents are caused by other vehicles, while others are caused by the recklessness of the motorcycle driver.
A passenger who is injured on a motorcycle is entitled to have his or her injuries paid for by the responsible party. There may be more than one responsible party in any accident. If another vehicle is involved and the driver of that vehicle is at fault, the passenger could pursue a claim against that person. If the motorcycle driver is at fault, the passenger could pursue a claim against that individual.
Obviously, many passengers have a close relationship with the motorcycle driver. They may wish to pursue a claim for injuries, but could be concerned about the cost of the accident. It’s important to remember that insurance is specifically designed to cover the cost of accidents. You should not be forced to bear the costs of the accident when you are hurt. Keep in mind that in most cases the payment to an injured motorcycle passenger is made directly by an insurance company, not the individual at fault for the accident.
If you are a passenger who has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta, you deserve to receive the full amount of compensation to which you are entitled. Keep in mind that insurance companies will be seeking a quick settlement and may offer you far less than the amount to which you are entitled. Also, if your costs and damages exceed the amount of the insurance policy involved, you may be able to use your own underinsured motorist policy to cover the costs of the difference.
You should have an attorney on your side if you have been harmed in an accident and there are insurance companies involved to pay your claim. Insurance companies like to take advantage of accident victims while they are still in shock and recovering from the accident. In addition, most accident victims feel more comfortable not negotiating the claim themselves against a personal friend.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident as a passenger in the Atlanta area, call the Atlanta personal injury attorneys at Holston & Huntley. We can help. We will provide you with a free consultation on your case. If we choose to work together, you pay us nothing unless we obtain compensation for you. We also have offices in Washington, D.C., and Montgomery and Mobile at which to serve you.
