Riding as a passenger on a motorcycle can be an exciting experience, but it also comes with risks. Unlike car occupants, motorcycle passengers have little protection when something goes wrong, making them more vulnerable to serious injuries. When a crash occurs, passengers are often left facing significant medical bills, lost wages, and long-term recovery challenges.
If you were injured while riding as a passenger on a motorcycle in Georgia, you have legal rights. Understanding how liability works and what steps to take can help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to. Here, our Atlanta personal injury attorneys at Ashby Thelen Lowry explain.
Who Is Responsible for a Passenger’s Injuries?
In Georgia, motorcycle passengers have the right to seek financial recovery from any party whose negligence contributed to their injuries.
Depending on the circumstances, multiple individuals or entities may be responsible, including:
- The Motorcycle Operator
If the rider speeds, weaves through traffic or engages in reckless behavior, they may be liable for the injuries their passenger sustains. Even if the operator is partially at fault, Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning passengers may still recover compensation as long as they were not responsible for the crash.
- Another Motorist
When a negligent driver collides with a motorcycle, the operator and the passenger may have grounds for a legal claim. Distracted driving, failing to yield, and aggressive maneuvers are common causes of motorcycle-related injuries.
- A Motorcycle or Parts Manufacturer
The manufacturer may be held responsible if a defective motorcycle part—such as faulty brakes or a tire blowout—contributed to the crash. Product liability claims require thorough investigation to prove that a design or manufacturing flaw led to the injury.
- Government Entities
Hazardous road conditions, such as large potholes, uneven pavement, or poorly marked construction zones, can cause motorcycles to lose control. If a government agency fails to maintain safe roadways, it may be possible to file a claim against the responsible entity.
What Compensation Can an Injured Passenger Pursue?
Passengers injured in a motorcycle crash may seek financial recovery for:
- Medical Expenses – Including emergency treatment, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages – Compensation for time missed from work and potential future income loss.
- Pain and Suffering – Addressing the physical pain, emotional distress, and impact on quality of life.
- Permanent Disability or Scarring – Additional damages for injuries that result in long-term impairment or disfigurement.
In cases where the crash results in a fatality, the passenger’s family may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim to seek justice on behalf of their loved one.
At Ashby Thelen Lowry, we fight for motorcycle passengers who have suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence. If you or a loved one was harmed in a motorcycle crash, contact us today for a free consultation. We may be able to help you pursue the financial recovery you need to move forward.