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Part of the appeal of riding motorcycles is the freedom it provides on the open road. That same freedom, however, provides little protection if you’re in an accident. Unlike 4-wheeled cars and trucks, which have a steel frame and body, as well as seatbelts, airbags and other safety mechanisms to protect its occupants, motorcyclists are in the open air without a protective covering. Their protection comes in the form of driver awareness, helmets, gloves, goggles and clothing. Unlike with passenger vehicles, when a motorcycle crashes, the occupant is more likely to be thrown from the bike, resulting in more severe injury to the riders.
Motorcycle Accidents Statistics
Of the 1,560 traffic fatalities that occurred in 2016 in Georgia, 173, or 11%, were motorcycle fatalities. Based on nationwide crash data during that same year, motorcyclists were 28 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash, per vehicle mile traveled.
The most common types of injuries suffered from motorcycle accidents include head injuries, such as concussions and brain damage, followed by neck and back injuries, as well as road rash, muscle damage, biker’s arm and leg injuries. Because of the lack of protection in motorcycle crashes, injuries are often severe and can result in the need for lifelong care.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Single vehicle crashes account for 34% of all motorcycle accidents. These single vehicle crashes are sometimes due to dangerous road conditions, such as uneven pavement, pot holes, or improper signage or warnings. They may also be the result of rider error, not paying attention, speeding, driving recklessly or D.U.I. And in some cases, it may be due to motorcycle defects.
In crashes involving a motorcycle and one other vehicle, 74 percent were frontal collisions, while 7 percent resulted in the motorcycle being struck in the rear. The most common type of 2-vehicle motorcycle accident occurs when a car/truck is making a left-hand turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. In 2015, this type of collision accounted for 41% of crashes between a motorcycle and a car, with only 22% occurring when both vehicles were going straight.
Georgia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Unlike auto accidents, motorcycle accidents can pose additional challenges when handling personal injury claims. For example, the injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash are often more severe and life threatening, which can affect financial recovery. Also, proving who or what was the fault, especially in a single vehicle motorcycle accident, can take additional time and resources to prove. Although it’s getting better, many people still have the perception that motorcyclists are reckless drivers who drive too fast and weave in and out of traffic, putting lives at risk. Unfortunately, this can bias a jury if the case goes to trial.
Because of their challenges and uniqueness, it is important to hire a lawyer who is experienced with the difficulties of handling motorcycle injury claims. Gautreaux Law has this experience. We’ve handled cases involving motorcycle accidents resulting from:
- Rear-end & head-on collisions between a motorcycle & automobile or truck
- Collisions caused by other vehicles side-swiping motorcyclists
- Accidents caused by uneven or slick pavement or other road defects
- Collisions caused by poor equipment, such as faulty reflectors on trailers
Macon motorcycle accident lawyer, Jarome Gautreaux is here to help. If you’ve been injured on a motorcycle, Gautreaux Law can help you obtain complete and fair compensation. Contact us today at 478-238-9758. As always, we offer free consultations and there is no fee to our clients unless we recover money for you.