What Are the Top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Georgia?

The top causes of motorcycle accidents in Georgia include distracted driving, speeding, and other negligent driving behaviors. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by motorcycle part defects and poorly maintained roads.

Regardless of the cause, the injuries after a motorcycle accident can turn your life upside down. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Atlanta can help you file a lawsuit against the responsible party to pay for your medical bills, lost work income, psychological suffering, and other losses.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Georgia

According to data from the state Office of Highway Safety, motorcycles make up less than 0.7% of registered vehicles in Georgia but are involved in 1% of motor vehicle accidents. Motorists represent only 6% of all licensed drivers in the state but make up nearly 18% of motorist fatalities.

Even though the state has motorcycle safety regulations like universal helmet laws, riders face several risks on the road. Below are some of the top causes of motorcycle accidents in Georgia that we encounter in our practice:

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Distracted Driving

Drivers must contend with several distractions in their vehicles, including phones. GPS devices, vehicle displays, and more. Motorcycles are small and can slip into vehicle blind spots, so it’s relatively easy for drivers to overlook them.

In fact, distracted driving is one of the biggest causes of all kinds of traffic accidents nationwide, not just motorcycle accidents.

Failing to Yield

Riders are entitled to use the road and deserve the same consideration as other motorists. Accidents can happen when negligent motorists fail to yield to motorcycle riders, such as when making a left turn.

According to state data, nearly half of all two-vehicle collisions involving motorcycles are caused by a failure to yield.

Drunk Driving

Georgia has a relatively high rate of drunk driving compared to other states, and this extends to motorcycles. Drunk drivers have impaired judgment and reaction times, so they may strike motorcycle riders after swerving.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Speeding significantly reduces motorists’ reaction time and is one of the biggest contributors to accidents. When a larger passenger vehicle is speeding and collides with an exposed motorcycle rider, the destruction can be immense.

Agitated motorists may also engage in reckless driving to intimidate others and cause accidents with riders.

Changing Lanes Unsafely

Negligent motorists can collide with motorcycle riders if they don’t pay attention before changing lanes. The smaller profile of a motorcycle can fall into a passenger vehicle’s blind spots, making them susceptible to sideswipes and collisions from unsignaled lane shifts.

Defective Motorcycle Parts

Defective motorcycle parts can also cause accidents if they fail while the bike is in operation. Defective parts that can cause crashes include brakes, tires, engines, fuel tanks, and lights. If a defective motorcycle part causes an accident, the victim could file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer for damages.

Limited Visibility

Weather conditions that limit visibility also pose a risk to motorcycle riders. Rain, sleet, dust, fog, and bright sunlight can reduce driver visibility and make it harder to see riders on the road. Limited visibility can cause drivers to misjudge distances or not notice riders before it’s too late to avoid an accident.

Dangerous or Poorly Maintained Roads

Motorcycles have less traction than passenger vehicles, so they are more susceptible to poor road conditions that cause accidents. Hazards like potholes or loose asphalt can cause riders to lose control and crash into fixed objects or other vehicles.

Roads with insufficient signage or inherently dangerous designs can also increase the risk of motorcycle crashes.

What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

The immediate aftermath of a motorcycle accident is chaotic, but you need to take concrete steps to preserve your ability to make an injury claim.

Here’s a look at what you should do:

• After receiving necessary emergency medical treatments, start documenting the accident scene. Take pictures of any vehicle damage and your injuries, and make a note of contributing accident factors, like the weather or road conditions.
• Get the other motorist’s contact and insurance information, as well as the make and model of their vehicle. If any eyewitnesses were present, get their contact details in case you need additional statements.
• Next, go see a doctor about your injuries. You’ll need copies of all medical documentation when you go to file an injury claim. The more records you get, the easier it will be to connect your injuries to the motorcycle accident.
• Talk to a knowledgeable motorcycle crash attorney. A lawyer can initiate the next steps of the insurance claims process and also navigate disputes and formal litigation.

Call Us After Your Motorcycle Accident in Georgia

Even if you’re acutely aware of the top causes of motorcycle accidents in Georgia, you can still get into an accident due to another motorist’s negligent behavior. If you have injuries from a recent motorcycle accident, consider giving John Foy & Associates a call today.

We can represent you during the insurance claims process and fight to recover your injury-related losses. Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation with an Atlanta personal injury lawyer.