Motorcycle accidents in and around Duluth can happen for a variety of reasons. In some cases, these accidents result from driver negligence. At other times, poor road maintenance causes a motorcycle operator to lose control.
Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Negligent motor vehicle operation– Cars and trucks are much larger than motorcycles. The drivers of these vehicles are responsible for making sure they operate them with reasonable care. Drivers exercise reasonable care by following all applicable traffic laws and regulations, such as obeying traffic signs and control devices, making safe lane changes, and driving within the posted speed limit. When drivers do not follow these basic traffic laws, they increase their chances of hitting a smaller motor vehicle, such as a motorcycle.
- Distracted motor vehicle operation– Part of operating a motor vehicle safely and reasonably means always paying attention to the roadway. Drivers cannot do this effectively if they are sending text messages or emails on electronic devices, or otherwise taking their attention from the roadway for even a small period of time. Motorcycles are much smaller than other vehicles on the road, and they can be difficult to notice if a driver is distracted even for a few seconds. When motor vehicle operators are behind the wheel, they should give one hundred percent of their attention to operating their vehicles safely.
- Intoxicated motor vehicle operation– In Georgia, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent is the standard limit for operating a motor vehicle safely. Lower limits apply to operators of commercial vehicles, as well as drivers under 21. When drivers are intoxicated while behind the wheel, their reaction time may decrease. Drunk drivers may not see a motorcycle in time to avoid colliding with it. If police charge a driver with operating their motor vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the driver can receive both criminal charges and civil penalties. An injured motorcycle victim can also sue the driver if their intoxication resulted in a collision.
- Poor road maintenance– In some cases, motorcycle accidents have nothing to do with negligent motor vehicle operation. Instead, accidents can occur when a state or town does not maintain its roadways adequately. Governmental entities are usually responsible for properly maintaining their roads and keeping them free from large potholes and other defects. Severe road defects may cause a motorcyclist to lose their balance, hit the ground, and sustain serious injuries. In addition to governments, a construction company may also be responsible for a road defect that leads to a serious motorcycle accident.
- Manufacturing defects– Manufacturers owe a duty to consumers to ensure that their products are top quality and have been appropriately tested before making them available for sale. When a motorcycle part is not manufactured correctly or tested properly, it can malfunction while a motorcycle is on the road. When equipment such as a steering wheel or braking system fails, it can cause serious accidents and injuries. If a defective motorcycle part plays a role in an accident, the accident victim may file a lawsuit against the product manufacturer and anyone else in the product distribution chain.
If you or someone you love sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident, the knowledgeable Duluth motorcycle accident attorneys at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC can help you take legal action against the person or entity responsible. Our legal team will fight for your right to pursue the monetary compensation you deserve for the injuries you received in your accident.
