Motorcycle riders have an unfair reputation for being reckless drivers, so many assume they’re at fault for most motorcycle crashes. However, this just isn’t the truth. It still makes it difficult for motorcyclists to get compensation, though, even if the accident wasn’t their fault.

You need a compassionate motorcycle accident lawyer to stand up for you and your rights. The legal team at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC has been helping motorcycle accident victims for 20 years. We know the tricks the insurance companies will use to blame you. Furthermore, we’re ready to put in the work to help you seek the compensation you need so you can focus on healing.

Contact us today for a free consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney in Georgia.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Georgia

Helmets saved an estimated 91 motorcyclists’ lives in one recent year. However, motorcycle accident victims who live often suffer life-changing injuries.

Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries in Georgia include the following:

Georgia Motorcycle Laws

Licensing, insurance, and other riding rules are detailed in Georgia motorcycle laws. They require the following from motorcyclists:

  • Helmet laws — Every driver and passenger on a motorcycle must wear a helmet. It must have a label stating it’s U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) certified. They must also have either a windshield or an eye-protective device.
  • Lane splitting — Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist passes other vehicles by driving on the line between two lanes. This is illegal in Georgia.
  • Passengers — Motorcyclists can only have a passenger when the motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person. It must also have footrests for the passenger.
  • License laws — Motorcycle drivers must have either a Class M license or a Class M Instructional Permit (MP).
  • Insurance laws — Georgia motorcycle riders must have liability insurance.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Georgia

Thousands of Georgia motorcycle riders are involved in accidents and suffer injuries each year. According to a recent Georgia Traffic Safety Facts sheet, motorcycle riders have a higher rate of traffic fatalities than other registered vehicle drivers. Motorcycles are only two percent of the registered vehicles, but motorcyclists were 21 percent of the total driver fatalities.

They report 3,948 motorcycle accidents in a recent year, causing 705 serious injuries and 170 deaths among the motorcyclists involved. This led to 4,362 motorcycle emergency room visits and hospitalizations from motorcycle riders. The total charges for these visits and hospitalizations in Georgia were $221 million.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Collisions

Georgia motorcycle accident statistics note that the most common vehicle involved in collisions with motorcycles are passenger vehicles at 93 percent. They also state motorcycle accidents were most often rear-end collisions. There are quite a few common causes of Georgia’s motorcycle accidents, including the following:

  • Other vehicles not sharing the road — Motorcycle riders can be vulnerable on the road. They don’t have the protection other vehicles do in an accident, and they can be harder to spot. If other drivers aren’t paying attention, they can easily hit a motorcycle rider and cause serious injuries.
  • Following too closely — This is a common cause of rear-end collisions. If drivers don’t leave enough room between their vehicle and the motorcycle in front of them, they may not have enough time to slow down when traffic ahead does. This often leads to motorcycles getting hit from behind and multi-vehicle crashes.
  • Reckless driving — Driving recklessly includes speeding, not obeying traffic laws, tailgating, and weaving through lanes. These behaviors put everyone on the road at risk, but motorcyclists often suffer the most.
  • Unsafe passing or lane changes — Safely changing lanes and passing other cars is an important part of driving. Other drivers often don’t check their blind spot and make sure the lane they’re moving into is free. Motorcycles are even easier to miss when this happens.
  • Distracted driving — There are many ways a driver can be distracted while driving. Texting, talking on the phone, changing the music, eating, and rubbernecking all take your attention off the road. That small amount of time is enough to collide with a motorcycle.
  • Impaired driving — Drinking and using drugs gives you slow reflexes and poor judgment. That makes it difficult to react quickly when needed, leading to many accidents every day.
  • Mechanical failure — An issue with a motorcycle or vehicle can cause the driver to lose control and crash. A manufacturing error can cause mechanical failure, or it could be the mechanic’s fault for not repairing something. Drivers are also required to perform regular maintenance on their vehicles to avoid any issues on the road.
  • Road hazards — Sometimes roads aren’t kept up. This can lead to debris in the road, potholes, and other hazards motorcycle drivers may be harmed by. Bad weather can also cause slippery roads and difficulty seeing.

Compensation Available in Georgia Motorcycle Accident Claims

Motorcycle accident victims shouldn’t be stuck with the bill for their injuries. Motorcyclists tend to suffer the most severe damages in accidents, leaving many with a long road to recovery. If you were injured and it wasn’t your fault, you could be able to seek compensation for your motorcycle accident.

You could get compensation for the following if you pursue a motorcycle accident claim or lawsuit:

  • Doctor and hospital visit bills
  • Treatments
  • Physical therapy
  • Transportation to appointments
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future earning potential
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of quality of life
  • Property damage

What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Georgia

Immediately after a motorcycle accident, your priorities should be to get to safety and make sure no one has any severe injuries. Once you’ve done this, the following steps are essential:

  • Call 911 — You need to get police and emergency services on the scene. The police will take a report that can be helpful later. Emergency services can also make sure you don’t have any serious injuries that require you to go to the emergency room.
  • Collect evidence on the scene — You should collect as much information as possible from the scene. This includes photos and videos of all vehicles involved, the location, traffic signals, and anything else that contributed to the crash. You’ll also want to get the contact information for the other drivers involved and any witnesses.
  • See a medical professional — You should see a doctor as soon as possible so the insurance company can’t say the injuries weren’t related. Even if you feel fine, motorcyclists can suffer internal injuries and TBIs. It’s important to get checked out just to be sure. This will also document any injuries you may have and connect them to the accident.
  • Don’t say anything to the insurance companies — The insurance companies are always looking for a way to pay you less or not at all. They’re quick to blame the motorcycle driver, and you don’t want to accidentally say something that can hurt your chances of getting compensated.
  • Document your losses — You need to keep track of any expenses from your injuries. This can include medical bills, transportation costs, pay stubs showing time off work, and repair receipts. You should also keep a journal documenting the pain and emotional distress you’re facing.
  • Talk to a motorcycle accident attorney — Having a skilled injury lawyer on your side can make a huge difference. They can handle the whole process for you and give you the guidance you need to make decisions about your recovery.

Talk to an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Georgia Today

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC is here to help. We understand the physical and emotional stress you’re going through after a serious motorcycle crash. That’s why we work to provide you with the resources and transparent advice you need to seek full compensation for your personal injury claim.

Contact one of our Georgia motorcycle accident lawyers today to see how we get you the help you need.