Motorcyclists confront many hazards out on the roads. Jumping on a motorcycle provides a sense of freedom and adventure, but motorcyclists are not in control of other people or the conditions of the roads. Unsurprisingly, hundreds of motorcyclists are hurt each year in preventable accidents. At Griffin Law Firm, P.C., our Snellville motorcycle accident lawyer has brought many injury claims on behalf of accident victims. Contact us today to discuss whether you can bring an injury claim. Below, we look at the main causes of motorcycle accidents.
What Is the Main Cause of Motorcycle Accidents in Georgia?
The main cause is probably driver negligence. Motorists must use reasonable care when behind the wheel, but they can breach this duty in various ways:
Speeding
A motorist who is speeding will not be able to brake in time to avoid crashing into a motorcyclist. We see speeding accidents near intersections, where the speeding motorist cannot stop before they go straight into the intersection and often collide with other motor vehicles, including motorcycles.
Distracted Driving
Driving while distracted is another example of negligence. Probably the biggest source of distraction is the cell phone. Too many motorists are texting or talking on the phone when they should focus fully on the road in front of them. A distracted driver might not see an intersection up ahead, so they crash into the motorcyclist stopped at a red light. Other distracted drivers will sideswipe or collide head-on with motorcyclists on the open road.
Driving while Fatigued
Tired driving is a major contributor to motorcycle accidents in Georgia. Many people in and around Snellville are working two jobs to support themselves, and they are exhausted when they get off from work. Consequently, they could fall asleep or struggle to maintain attention while driving. The rise of rideshare companies has also contributed to drowsy driving accidents, since many Uber drivers are working in the evening after a shift at their regular job.
Chemical Impairment / Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
A motorist who has had alcohol or done drugs will be impaired. Not at their best, they can struggle to control the steering wheel or even see clearly. Drunk drivers also take unnecessary risks, which end up causing a collision.
Accidents involving drunk drivers are among the worst. Many inebriated motorists go 30 or 40 miles over the speed limit, so any collision can lead to major injuries.
Following Too Closely
Some drivers are impatient around motorcycles and are tempted to pass them. They will tailgate for miles, which robs them of time if the motorcycle or a different vehicle ahead needs to slow down.
What Are Other Main Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
In addition to negligent driving, many people are injured due to the following.
Road Defects
Some roads are dangerous for motorcyclists. We see common defects like:
- Potholes. A big pothole in the road is a serious hazard to even a careful motorcyclist. A four-wheel sedan could ride roughly over a large pothole, but a motorcycle could easily flip and send its rider flying. The government responsible for the road must ensure that potholes are filled in a timely manner, but some roads are in an advanced state of disrepair.
- Crumbling shoulders. A motorcyclist might end up on the shoulder to avoid a collision. But the shoulder is disintegrating, and the motorcyclist could flip their motorcycle when it hits gravel.
- Missing or obscured signs. Motorists rely on signs to help them avoid accidents. Some stop signs could be missing or obscured by trees.
If you believe a road defect contributed to an accident, use your phone to take pictures of the hazard. We might bring a claim against the government for failing to maintain the public roads. Any injury claim against the state, county, or city in Georgia requires a specific written notice of the claim called Ante Litem Notice. If this Ante Litem Notice is not filed properly and timely, then your injury claim against a government entity is barred from any recovery.
Inclement Weather
Rain, snow, sleet, and ice can reduce traction. A motorcyclist could skid and lose control, suffering some common injuries like road rash or fractures as they skitter along the highway. Always exercise extreme caution during inclement weather and reduce speed.
Defective Motorcycles
Sometimes parts fail on a motorcycle, which renders it unstable or impossible to control. No one expects their bike to fail them at critical moments. But suppose the brakes fail when you try to stop at an intersection.
Defects on a bike might stem from:
- Failure to make necessary repairs to the motorcycle.
- Negligently performed repairs.
- Defective parts, which were designed or manufactured in a substandard manner.
Griffin Law Firm might sue a motorcycle manufacturer or a rental company, depending on the facts. If you failed to maintain your own bike, then that is an example of contributory negligence.
Contributory Negligence
Sometimes the motorcyclist is to blame for the crash. We cannot always blame other motorists on the road. For example, you might have crashed while weaving in and out of traffic or lane splitting. Some motorcyclists refuse to stop at intersections but roll through.
Motorcyclists have a reputation for risky behavior, and some insurance adjusters assume they are major causes of motorcycle accidents in Georgia. When negotiating for a settlement, you might be shocked to discover an insurer is blaming you for the accident.
Contributory negligence can take a big bite out of any settlement:
- If a motorcyclist is 49% or less at fault, their settlement is reduced proportionally. As an example, suppose your claim is worth $80,000, but you are 30% at fault. That means you would only get 70% or $56,000. That represents a serious loss.
- If you are 50% or more at fault, then you will not receive anything. That is the severe result of Georgia Code § 51-12-33.
Work with an attorney to go over the facts of your case. Our policy is to minimize any negligence attributable to our clients.
Get in Touch with Our Snellville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Accident victims need an attorney to review the evidence and identify their legal rights following a painful crash. At Griffin Law Firm, P.C., we can negotiate a settlement on your behalf with anyone who has some share of fault for the collision, including government entities or negligent drivers. Call our office at 678-968-2414 if you’d like to schedule a consultation with a lawyer in the zip code 30078.