Motorcycle accidents are common for many reasons, but their relatively small size is one significant factor. Motorcycles can be easily overlooked, especially because drivers generally look for other cars, while motorcycles, cyclists, and other smaller vehicles are unexpected. If a driver is not paying full attention to the traffic around them, this may result in an accident. Distracted or impaired driving can also easily lead to a motorcycle accident.
Fatal accidents involving motorcyclists are disproportionately high compared with other types of fatal crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This data should encourage drivers to look out for motorcyclists sharing the road.
Motorists Often Overlook Motorcycles Near Them
Drivers of larger passenger vehicles, tractor-trailer truck drivers, and others on the road have a responsibility to be aware of all vehicles on the road, including motorcycles. “Look twice, save a life” is more than just a tagline for motorcycle safety. This could greatly reduce the risk of a collision and save lives.
Motorcyclists, too, can take steps to be aware of traffic, adjust their speed for road conditions, practice safe following distances, and be aware of other factors that can lead to accidents. This includes following all applicable traffic rules and staying in places where other drivers expect to see traffic.
Lane splitting, for example, is not only illegal in Georgia, but it is also dangerous. Lane splitting is when a motorcycle travels up the lane lines and through the blind spot of every driver they pass. Drivers are not looking for anyone to pass between lanes, and they will likely not check for you before moving into another lane.
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Left Turns Are a Common Cause of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are also common when another driver is making a left-hand turn across traffic. The driver of the car may look to see if there are cars approaching, but they either:
- Fail to see the approaching motorcycle, or
- They judge the speed of the motorcycle to be much slower than it is.
When the car then turns in front of the motorcycle, they force the motorcyclist to abruptly avoid a collision with the turning vehicle. A collision like this could result in a dangerous side-impact accident. Either of these outcomes can cause the motorcyclist to suffer severe and even fatal injuries.
The only way to avoid this type of collision is for the driver of the car to see the oncoming motorcyclist, judge their speed correctly, and wait until they pass before turning left across traffic lanes.
Motorcycle Accidents Are More Likely to Cause Injuries or Death
In addition to being common, motorcycle accidents are also more likely to cause serious injuries. A motorcyclist has an increased risk of injury in an accident, compared to the occupant of a car. Motorcycles naturally come with a lack of protection from collisions, unlike other vehicles with metal frames, seatbelts, airbags, crumple zones, and other safety features.
In the event of an accident, ejections from the bike, road rash, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, internal injuries, and other types of serious medical concerns are possible. A motorcyclist is much more likely to suffer traumatic injuries in a relatively minor accident than the occupant of another type of vehicle.
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Pursuing Justice in Your Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Case
If you suffered injuries in an Atlanta area motorcycle accident, Bader Law Injury Lawyers may be able to help you hold the liable driver or another party responsible. We believe it is important to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions. To this end, we seek fair financial recoveries for our clients based on their accident-related losses. Call an Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer from our team to discuss your case in further detail.
We may be able to pursue a payout that includes compensation for losses such as the following:
- Medical bills and related costs
- Ongoing care and support
- Lost wages
- Reduce earning capacity
- Property damages, including damage to your motorcycle
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Other intangible losses
Certain qualifying immediate family members may also pursue wrongful death damages in Georgia under OCGA §51-4-2. These damages go to the surviving family of accident victims who died from their injuries.
These cases generally settle out of court, but if we need to file a civil suit, OCGA §9-3-33 only gives us two years to get started. It is important not to miss this deadline, so reach out to us as soon as you can after your collision to learn about your options.
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Speak with a Team Member About Your Accident Today
You can discuss your Atlanta motorcycle accident with a team member from Bader Law Injury Lawyers today for free. We provide free accident assessments as a part of our complimentary consultations. Call (404) 888-8888 to get started.
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