Bikers face greater risks when they travel on the road. We know that by their very nature, motorcycles do not offer as much of a shield from the impact of an accident as someone’s personal vehicle would. This leaves bikers vulnerable to catastrophic injuries, some of which can have deadly consequences.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, we advise you to contact us at Henningsen Injury Attorneys, P.C. as soon as possible. 

Can Motorcycle Accidents Be Prevented?

Despite a biker’s experience on the road, they cannot control the action of others, no matter how cautious they might be. In fact, other driver’s negligence is often the cause of many motorcycle accidents. There are some of the most common causes:

Speeding

Speeding significantly increases the chance of getting into a motorcycle accident with severe injuries. If you were speeding at the time of your crash, you will need to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as your compensation may be decreased in proportion to what percentage of fault you share for the accident.

Lane Splitting

Also known as lane filtering, lane splitting is legal only in a few states, such as California. However, in Georgia, if a biker gets into an accident while lane splitting, they could be held liable for the damages the accident caused. Lane splitting occurs when a biker rides between lanes of traffic, whether on a highway or the street.

Advocates argue that it is safe to do so when traffic is moving at about 50 mph or less, but currently, there is no push to legalize lane splitting in Georgia. As a result, motorcycles are forbidden from overtaking or passing a vehicle in the same lane that it is occupying. Additionally, no more than two motorcycles may ride side-by-side in a single lane.

If you are injured in a motorcycle accident while lane splitting, your claim could be reduced or denied by the insurance company due to your breaking the law. However, you should still speak to an attorney to ensure your rights are protected.

Left Turning Cars

This is the leading cause of motorcycle accidents. When turning left, some drivers may not notice when a smaller vehicle, such as a motorcycle, is crossing the intersection at the same time. Often, this is attributed to inattentional blindness, which means that even though a driver may have looked at biker, they didn’t actually see them because they weren’t expecting to.

Illegal Lane Changes

It isn’t uncommon for drivers to fail to signal before changing lanes, catching you off guard. Additionally, irresponsible drivers can swerve into other lanes unexpectedly, cut people off, and make it difficult for other drivers to react to their sudden behavior in enough time to prevent an accident. 

Alcohol and Drug Use

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), almost 30% of bikers involved in a fatal accident have blood-alcohol concentrations over the legal limit of 0.08%. When someone operates any vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they greatly impair their ability to operate it safely. If you’re in an accident and the other driver happens to be under the influence, they can be held liable for the damages they caused.

Inexperience

Over time, bikers learn how to anticipate and handle various challenging road conditions, such as bad weather and heavy traffic. That being said, the majority of motorcycle accident victims are between 16 to 24 years old. Because of their age, they are naturally less likely to have the proper experience needed to safely navigate obstacles on the road. They are also less likely to conduct thorough pre-ride inspections such as checking the tires, fluid levels, lights, brakes, etc. to ensure everything is running properly. 

Bad Weather

The most obvious weather risk posed to bikers is rain, which can cause visibility issues and decreased tire traction on the road. However, rain isn’t the only element that can cause a motorcycle to lose traction. After a storm, leaves and other debris can often be found on the road.

Distracted Drivers

Many drivers are often distracted by their phones or other devices and don’t pay proper attention to the road. For example, they may be texting, watching videos, GPS mapping, sending instant messages, or even sending emails while driving. This puts everyone around them in danger, especially those with limited protection on a motorcycle.

We Can Help You Win Your Claim!

Bikers are almost 35 times more likely to get involved in a fatal accident, according to a study by the NHTSA. While helmets and other protective gear do help reduce the severity of injuries, they are not a guarantee. If you wish to file a claim for compensation, we urge you contact us right away. 

When Henningsen Injury Attorneys, P.C. investigates your case, we gather all of the necessary evidence to build a compelling claim in your favor. Upon review, we can determine how promising the outcome of your case may be and how much compensation you should be entitled to receive.