Causes of Georgia Motorcycle Accidents

By Grant Law Office on November 14, 2011

Georgia’s long, open roads are a prime destination for motorcycle riders. But like any riding environment, motorcyclists are significantly more vulnerable to accidents and injuries than other motor vehicle operators, showing the need for increased motorcycle safety. The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) reported 192,782 registered bikes in the state in 2008. From that riding pool, riders were involved in 5,051 crashes throughout the state, which resulted in 3,471 injuries and 177 fatalities.

The high percentage of accidents that result in injuries for motorcycle riders can be attributed to numerous factors, with rider vulnerability at the top of the list. Motorcycles are often lost in the sea of larger, heavier vehicles while moving through traffic; thus, one slight oversight or miscalculation by another vehicle driver can prove devastating for riders.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents with cars include:

• Speeding or other reckless driving
• Crashes while changing lanes
• Sudden braking or following too closely
• Distracted driving
• Driving too fast for the weather

These accidents can cause a slew of severe injuries, from broken bones to head trauma to spinal cord damage and more. For the highest level of protection on the road, riders should be sure they have the proper gear, including a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) endorsed helmet (equipped with a full protective face shield), a sturdy leather jacket, leather bottoms, quality boots, and strong gloves. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident that you believe was the fault of another driver, contact the Atlanta motorcycle accident attorneys with The Law Office of Wayne Grant, P.C. To learn more about your rights, call (404) 995-3955 for a complimentary case review with a lawyer today.