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Are Motorcycle Crashes Common in Georgia?
In 2021 alone, nearly 200 motorcyclists lost their lives on Georgia roads. Although motorcycles make up barely 2% of all registered vehicles in the state, they account for nearly 15% of all traffic fatalities.
Recent years have shown a continued increase in motorcycle-related accidents and fatalities in the state of Georgia. In 2022, more than 4,000 motorcycle crashes occurred across the state, with nearly half of those accidents occurring in the metro Atlanta area. Hot spots for severe motorcycle collisions include Cobb County, Gwinnett County, and Fulton County.
Motorcycle riders between the ages of 25 and 34 accounted for most motorcycle accidents, with male riders representing nearly 90% of motorcyclists injured in accidents. (However, almost 80% of motorcycle passengers injured in accidents were female.) The majority of riders injured in motorcycle crashes did not have valid motorcycle designations on their driver’s licenses.
The most common motorcycles involved in crashes include sportbikes, cruisers, touring bikes, standard bikes, and adventure bikes.
What Are Georgia’s Motorcycle Safety Laws?
Motorcyclists in Georgia must abide by certain laws and regulations to stay safe on the roads and maintain the safety of other motorists who share them.
Georgia requires all motorcyclists and their passengers to wear helmets that meet the safety standards established by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Safety helmets are key to preventing traumatic brain injuries, which are among the leading causes of death for motorcyclists involved in severe accidents. Motorcyclists caught operating their motorcycle without a helmet may face severe legal penalties. Additionally, injured motorcyclists may have their personal injury claims reduced if they were involved in an accident while not wearing a helmet.
Lane splitting is illegal in Georgia. The act involves a motorcyclist riding between lanes of slowed or stopped traffic. State law considers lane splitting dangerous, and any accidents involving lane splitting could result in the motorcyclist being held partially or fully liable.
Any motorcycle operating must have a class M license or a class M instructional permit. This law covers vehicles with 51cc or larger engines, including motorbikes, minibikes, and scooters.
What is Comparative Negligence?
Georgia is a comparative negligence state. We follow modified comparative negligence rules. If a motorcycle rider is found to be partially at fault for causing the accident, their potential maximum compensation will be reduced according to the percentage of fault. For example, if a motorcyclist is determined to be 30% at fault for causing the auto accident, they should expect their settlement to be reduced by 30%.
However, if the motorcyclist is 50% or more responsible for causing the motorcycle accident, they cannot hope to recover financial compensation. For this reason and so many others, following motorcycle traffic laws and operating your motorcycle with all safety and precautions in mind is important.
Motorcyclists injured in accidents often need to seek professional legal representation to help them file their personal injury claims and pursue adequate financial recovery. Please contact our Georgia law firm for legal assistance.
What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Common causes of motorcycle crashes in GA include the following:
- Failure to yield to the right of way
- Tailgating and following too closely behind a motorcycle
- Lane splitting
- Distracted driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding
- Dangerous road conditions and road debris
- Left turn accidents
- Reckless driving and aggressive driving
- Inclement weather
- Lack of visibility and blind spot accidents
- Motor vehicle defects
- Inadequate safety gear
Whatever the cause of your motorcycle accident, our legal team would be proud to represent your rights in pursuit of appropriate financial compensation for your injuries and other losses. Please get in touch with our law firm to discuss your case in a free consultation with our personal injury lawyers.
Do Insurance Companies Have a Negative Perception of Motorcyclists?
There is an unfortunate stigma that follows motorcyclists around; it’s based on a belief that motorcycle riders are thrill seekers and dangerous motorists on the roads. This stigma follows riders even after they have suffered serious injuries in an auto accident and are forced to deal with insurance company claims and legal proceedings.
It is crucial to recognize that not all motorcycle riders fit the stereotype of reckless and dangerous drivers. Our law firm respects every injured client who comes to us for our legal services and will provide you with the legal counsel you deserve. However, we also understand that the negative perception surrounding motorcyclists can influence how insurance adjusters and even judges assess fault in motorcycle accidents. This unfortunate fact can result in a diminished or devalued personal injury case.
To combat this unfair bias against motorcyclists, injured riders are encouraged to seek legal counsel from experienced motorcycle accident attorneys to defend their legal rights. Our Georgia law firm advocates for the legal rights of motorcyclists injured in accidents through no fault of their own. We would proudly represent your interests in pursuing justice and financial recovery.
Are Motorcycle Accident Cases More Complicated Than Most Other Auto Accidents?
Every type of motor vehicle accident case can be legally complex, especially if it is difficult to prove fault or negligence in the cause of the accident. Motorcycle accident cases are incredibly complicated, thanks in no small part to the motorcycle accident liability laws, insurance companies negotiating in bad faith, and the need to recover more significant amounts of economic and non-economic damages because of the severity of the injuries sustained.
Most motorcycle crashes result from negligence by at least one party and their failure to follow the rules of the road. The injured party is encouraged to seek dedicated legal counsel to assist them with their personal injury claim in pursuit of a proper settlement amount.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, please immediately contact emergency medical services. Failure to seek medical attention following an auto accident could result in your claims being devalued or dismissed. Then, call the police to report the accident, and take photos and videos of the accident scene while you await their arrival. After you collect contact information from other drivers involved in the accident and any eyewitnesses, notify your insurance company provider. Then, if you have not done so already, contact a motorcycle accident attorney at our law firm to represent your interests.
How Can a Motorcyclist Practice Better Safety?
Consider the following safety measures and preventative strategies to reduce the likelihood of serious accidents:
- Only operate your motorcycle within your skill limits
- Practice defensive driving
- Be watchful for obstacles and road hazards
- Observe all traffic rules and regulations
- Ensure that your motorcycle is serviced and repaired regularly
- Make sure that your helmet and your passenger’s helmet are compliant with DOT standards
- Dress appropriately for riding a motorcycle, including wearing protective gear, leather, and boots
- Choose the right type of motorcycle for your abilities and environment
- Maintain your health while riding a motorcycle, including remaining hydrated and staying away from alcohol
- Stay visible to other motorists on the road
- Respect weather conditions and how they affect your ability to operate your motorcycle
- Before getting on the road, obtain the proper training and a valid license
- avoid distractions such as cell phone texts
- Handle intersections with extra care
Schedule a Free Consultation with Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys in GA Today
If you’ve been in a motorcycle collision, it is paramount that you seek legal representation from attorneys experienced in handling motorcycle accident claims. Determining liability in a motorcycle accident case can be complex, and those who did not follow proper safety precautions may see their claims reduced or dismissed by insurance company providers. Contact our Georgia legal team to schedule your free case evaluation with our attorneys to ensure that your claim gets the respect it deserves.
To schedule your free, no-obligation case review, call our law office at 855-909-3021.
