The New Year began tragically for a motorcyclist and his family and friends. On January 13th, a fatal accident involving motorcycles shut down Interstate-285. Three motorcycles and two SUVs were involved in the crash. One of the motorcyclists did not survive the crash.
Anyone who rides a motorcycle knows the joy, freedom, economic value, and convenience that comes from riding a motorcycle. Along with these benefits, motorcycles can also be dangerous. They do not provide protection from impact, can be difficult for passenger vehicle drivers to see, and carry an increased risk of being involved in a crash. It is important to know the factors commonly involved in motorcycle accidents. This can help riders operate their motorcycles safely and can help you determine if you or a loved one was involved in a collision caused by the negligence of another party. If you believe an accident was caused by someone else’s careless behavior, contact a motorcycle accident attorney. An experienced lawyer can help you if you choose to hold another party accountable for recklessness.
Factors Contributing to Motorcycle Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, there are several common causes of accidents involving motorcycles in Georgia:
- Alcohol: Statistics show that the percentage of inebriated motorcyclists involved in fatal collisions is higher than inebriated drivers of other motor vehicles involved in fatal accidents.
- Careless Driving: Often accidents involve motorcycles and cars. Commonly, these accidents are the fault of the passenger car, not the motorcycle. NHTSA statistics show that 38% of these types of accidents were caused by the passenger vehicle turning left into a motorcycle as the motor cycle proceeded straight or went to pass the car.
- Low Visibility: This makes it more difficult for drivers to see motorcyclists.
- Failure to Wear a Helmet: Georgia law requires helmets, but every year several motorcyclists die from failing to use a helmet. Helmets can save lives in serious accidents.
- Speeding: Speeding is involved in 35% of fatal motorcycle accidents, a number higher than passenger car drivers involved in fatal accidents.
Negligent Driver Behavior
As previously stated, one of the leading causes of motorcycle-vehicle collisions is careless driving on the part of the passenger car. Examples of negligent driving include:
- Swerving into or in front of a motorcycle
- Turning left into an oncoming motorcycle
- Cutting off a motorcycle
- Speeding
- Failing to yield
- Tailgating
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving
Contact Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC
If you or someone you know was hurt or killed in a motorcycle collision, the help of an experienced auto accident attorney can help you hold the other party accountable for damages. Atlanta metro area attorneys at Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC can help you to file a legal claim. It is critical to speak with an auto accident attorney following an accident, so please contact us today for a free consultation and get the support that you deserve.