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2860 Piedmont Rd. NE Atlanta, GA 30305

Motorcycle Accidents

The Georgia motorcycle accident attorneys at The Werner Law Firm know that Georgia has some of the best views, roads, and rides in America.  We also know that Georgia has some of the worst motorcycle wrecks in the country.  In Georgia, and throughout the United States, motorcyclists are 35 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle traffic accident and 8 times more likely to be injured.

Motorcyclists are vulnerable on our roads because they are smaller, lighter and less stable than cars. Most importantly, when motorcyclists are involved in accidents, they are very likely to sustain serious, grave and life altering injuries, i.e. brain damage, eye injuries, broken bones/fractures, road rash, back injuries, neck injuries, disfiguring scars and separated shoulders, for obvious reasons.

CAUSES OF MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS IN GEORGIA

Most of the time, the motorcyclist is not at fault in causing a collision.  Typically, motorcycle accidents occur because another motor vehicle suddenly turned in front of the motorcycle.   Typically, even when it seems as if it is clearly the other driver’s fault, they will blame the motorcycle for speeding in hopes to lower the motorcycle rider’s recovery.

ILLEGAL PASSING

A driver who passes on the right or tries to pass in a no-passing zone typically has to rush to get back into the proper lane. This often leads to them failing to notice the space occupied by a motorcycle. They mistake the biker instead for room on the road to get around the car in front of them. This can lead to a side-swipe collision. The following are common illegal passing situations that may precede an accident:
  • Passing in a no-passing zone
  • Passing at excessive speeds
  • Passing on the right

ROAD CONDITIONS

Motorcycles can be more susceptible to losing control when encountering an uneven or irregular road surface. These areas are required to be specially marked. A poorly marked hazard can lead directly to a motorcycle accident injury, particularly in and around road construction projects. Examples of poor road conditions for motorcyclists include:
  • Repaving of road or lane
  • Improperly repaired pothole or temporary road patch
  • Raised surfaces (such as utility access)
  • Improper Lane closure

LOW VISIBILITY

When drivers of a passenger car or a tractor trailer are operating under reduced visibility conditions (particularly if rain, fog, or other precipitation is involved), they are obligated to adapt to the conditions. Failure to anticipate how these conditions might affect a motorcycle on the same road can lead to a rear-end collision, as the rider may have to slow to a greater extent in order to drive safely.

When drivers of a passenger car or a tractor trailer are operating under reduced visibility conditions (particularly if rain, fog, or other precipitation is involved), they are obligated to adapt to the conditions. Failure to anticipate how these conditions might affect a motorcycle on the same road can lead to a rear-end collision, as the rider may have to slow to a greater extent in order to drive safely.

When drivers of a passenger car or a tractor trailer are operating under reduced visibility conditions (particularly if rain, fog, or other precipitation is involved), they are obligated to adapt to the conditions. Failure to anticipate how these conditions might affect a motorcycle on the same road can lead to a rear-end collision, as the rider may have to slow to a greater extent in order to drive safely.

INATTENTIVE DRIVERS

A common driver mistake is failing to pay proper attention. Careless drivers often fail to spot the smaller motorcycle among the traffic flow as they are moving into traffic from a stop. The rider may be cut off when pulling into traffic.

SUDDEN LANE CHANGES

A driver who does not use rear-view mirrors judiciously will often change lanes without fully checking that there is adequate space in the next lane. The motorcycle’s smaller size makes it more likely to fall into a driver’s blind spot. In some cases, the driver may not look at all before changing lanes. This might only cause a scrape along the side of a car, but when it happens to a motorcycle it may lead to a fatal accident.

CONGESTION / TRAFFIC

When driving in slow-moving, congested traffic, many car drivers take their focus off the road in front of them. They tune their radio, they make a cell phone call, or they may even break Georgia law by sending text messages. Stop-and-go traffic often irritates drivers, making them prone to rush ahead or drive aggressively when a space opens in the congestion. An irritated driver acting aggressively often will not see a motorcycle rider until it is too late. Examples of congestion or heavy traffic situations that may result in a motorcycle accident include:
  • Rush hour traffic on I-75, I-85, I-20, or I-16;
  • Beach, resort, National Park, or other destination traffic
  • Traffic resulting from road construction

TALK TO A GEORGIA MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY FOR FREE

Call the attorneys at The Werner Law Firm for a free and 100% confidential consultation.  When you call, we conduct a thorough investigation from every angle.  If we accept your case, you will never pay us a dime, unless and until we favorably resolve your case.

In some cases, you may not need an attorney. If that is the case, we will tell you. We will give you honest and direct advice. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, honesty, professionalism and competence.

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