Why Motorcycle Accidents Are Deadly — and How to Avoid Them

Motorcycling is a popular pastime for many Georgians, especially in the spring and fall months when the temperatures are most comfortable for it. But motorcyclists face a far greater risk of serious accidents and injuries than passenger vehicle drivers or occupants, with motorcycle accidents being far deadlier than standard motor vehicle accidents. Even the safest motorcyclists still face risks of accidents due to other drivers’ negligence. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, whether as a rider, a passenger, or another driver, a Tifton motorcycle accident lawyer can help you seek legal recovery.

How Dangerous Are Motorcycle Accidents?

According to a recent Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety fact sheet, motorcycle accidents in Georgia typically are deadlier than other types of car accidents. While motorcycle operators represent just 6% of all licensed drivers, they account for 18% of all driver fatalities. The accident rate also appears to affect male riders much more than female riders, with 90% of motorcycle operators involved in crashes being male in the year the study was conducted. Motorcyclists aged 25 to 34 years are at the highest risk of injury from motorcycle accidents compared to other groups. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents appear to be increasing, with the U.S. in 2023 recording the highest number of motorcycle deaths since at least 1975.

The Main Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

While no two motorcycle accidents are exactly the same, most motorcycle accidents can be attributed to one or more of the following causes:

Failure of other drivers to spot motorcycles: Motorcycles are much smaller than passenger vehicles, and in many cases, drivers simply cannot see them, especially in intersections or around vehicles with large blind spots (e.g., trucks).
Speeding or reckless driving: Motorcyclists are often thrill-seekers. And while simply being a thrill seeker does not necessarily make one a worse driver, it can increase the likelihood that said driver will engage in risky maneuvers, such as speeding, tailgating, or lane splitting.
Poor cornering: Motorcycles are much less stable on the road than passenger vehicles, making turning much riskier. Speeding, improper braking, or leaning too far can result in cornering-related accidents.
Roadway conditions: Poor conditions can lead to accidents for all types of vehicles, but motorcyclists are particularly sensitive to them. Examples of roadway conditions that can easily cause deadly accidents are potholes, loose pavement, uneven lanes, and cracked pavement.
Weather conditions: As we’ve mentioned, motorcycles are much less stable on pavement than passenger vehicles. As such, weather conditions that increase road slickness — such as rain, fog, and sleet — pose an even greater risk to motorcyclists.

Regardless of how your motorcycle accident occurred, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim if the accident was the result of another driver’s negligence. Speak to a Tifton motorcycle accident lawyer to learn how.

How Georgia’s Helmet Law Plays a Role

Motorcycles do not come equipped with the same safety features as passenger vehicles. And while no safety measure can prevent accidents, they can increase the likelihood of survival. For motorcyclists, the most important piece of safety equipment is a helmet.

Wearing a helmet while motorcycling in Georgia is not merely a good idea; it is the law. Under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-315, “[n]o person shall operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless he or she is wearing protective headgear which complies with standards established by the commissioner of public safety.” The only exceptions to this law are (1) persons riding within an enclosed cab or motorized cart, and (2) persons operating a three-wheeled motorcycle used only for agricultural purposes.

Failure to wear a helmet as required by O.C.G.A. § 40-6-315 is a misdemeanor and can result in a fine of up to $1,000, as well as points added to your license. It may also impair your ability to recover damages if another party is at fault for your accident. That’s because, under Georgia’s comparative negligence law, a plaintiff who was also negligent in the course of their accident will have their recovery reduced by the percentage they were at fault. If the plaintiff’s negligence is at least 50% of the total negligence, the plaintiff will be barred from recovery. If you were not wearing a helmet at the time of your motorcycle accident, a Tifton motorcycle accident lawyer can discuss its ramifications for your case.

How to Avoid Motorcycle Accidents

While not all motorcycle accidents can be prevented, most are caused by human error and are thus avoidable by taking the proper steps:

Stay visible at all times: Many motorcycle accidents occur when drivers fail to see them. As such, make yourself visible by wearing bright or reflective clothing, keeping your headlights on, avoiding blind spots, and making eye contact with drivers.
Maintain safe speeds and distances: The faster you ride, the less time you have to react. You can avoid collisions by refraining from speeding and giving surrounding vehicles plenty of room.
Anticipate driver error: Do not assume that all drivers see you or know what to do when driving around motorcycles. Anticipating driver error can help you avoid accidents if driver error occurs.
Wear the proper safety gear: Protective gear can often make the difference between a minor injury and a fatal crash. In addition to a helmet, motorcyclists should wear reinforced jackets and pants, gloves with strong grips, over-the-ankle boots, and eye protection.
Get the proper training: The Georgia Department of Driver Services offers several classes and safety programs for motorcyclists and prospective motorcyclists. Even if you are an experienced motorcyclist, you can still benefit from professional training.

Get Back on the Road With Help From a Tifton Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you’ve suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, you will need experienced legal counsel to ensure that you can recover for your injuries. To get started, please contact a Tifton motorcycle accident lawyer at the Hudson Injury Firm by calling 229-396-5848 or using our online form.