What are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

While motorcycles only make up 3% of all registered vehicles on US roadways, about 14% of all motor vehicle accidents involve motorcycles. Motorcyclists do not have the same protections in place as passenger vehicles or commercial trucks. This means that when a motorcycle is in an accident with another vehicle, the motorcyclist is more likely to be seriously injured. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 57% of all fatal crashes involve motorcycles, and a motorcyclist is six times more likely to die in a traffic accident than someone in a passenger vehicle.

There are several factors contributing to the high rate of serious and deadly motorcycle accidents in Georgia. Here’s a look at some common causes of motorcycle accidents.

Speeding: The faster you drive, the more likely you are to lose control of your vehicle and be involved in a collision. Exceeding the posted speed limit creates unsafe road conditions. A driver who is speeding may collide with a motorcycle, and the excess speed can make injuries even worse.

Failure to Yield: One of the most common motorcycle-involved accidents is failure to yield. In many circumstances, a motorist will try to turn in front of a motorcycle, causing a left-turn accident. Or, the driver may underestimate how fast a motorcycle is traveling and fail to give them the right-of-way.

Distracted Driving: Drivers can be easily distracted when operating a vehicle. When a motorist is using their phone, eating, or adjusting the radio, their attention is not 100% on the road – and that can lead to an accident. Motorcycles can stop much more quickly than other vehicles, and if a driver is distracted, they might not notice until it’s too late. Sudden stops can lead to rear-end accidents and other dangerous situations.

Driving Under the Influence: Impaired driving is also a leading cause of motorcycle-involved accidents. When a motorist drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it impairs their ability to operate the vehicle. Their response times and ability to judge traffic are affected. If a driver is drunk or using drugs, they may not see a motorcyclist or react quickly enough to avoid an accident.

Hitting an Open Car Door: When a motorist is in a stopped or parked vehicle, they are not always aware of the other vehicles around them. This is why it’s so common for an open car door to lead to a motorcycle accident. The driver opens the door without looking for oncoming traffic, and a motorcyclist hits it.

Limited or Poor Visibility: Motorcycles are one of the smallest vehicles on the road. So on a good day, it can be challenging to see them. When it’s dark outside or the weather is bad, it can be even more difficult to see a motorcycle on the road. While motorcyclists may avoid the roadway if it’s raining, snowing, or foggy outside, it’s important for drivers to always be aware of their surroundings and look for other vehicles.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle-related accident, please reach out to The Law Offices of Jenny Huynh. Our personal injury attorneys can answer any questions you may have. We’ll fight your case while you focus on your recovery. You can call 678-694-1250‬ to schedule a free initial consultation.