Motorcyclists face unique risks every time they get on the road. Drivers often fail to pay attention to motorcyclists or aren’t aware of safety rules regarding motorcycles on the roads. When motorcycle wrecks occur, the consequences are usually most detrimental for the cyclist.
The personal injury attorneys at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter understand motorcycle accident cases and help accident victims get the personal injury compensation they are owed. If you have been in a motorcycle accident and would like to discuss your case, contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter online or call 833-LEGALGA to schedule a free case evaluation today.
Motorcycle Accident Facts and Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 5,014 motorcyclists killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2019, with motorcycle accidents accounting for 14% of all traffic fatalities. In Georgia, there were 93 fatal motorcycle accidents. Of those 93 killed riders, 16% were not wearing a helmet.
Multiple studies have proven the efficacy of wearing a helmet. The NHTSA has calculated that wearing a helmet can dramatically increase a motorcyclist’s chances of surviving an accident. According to the CDC:
- Helmets saved approximately 1,859 lives in 2016.
- Each year, the United States could save more than $1billion in economic costs if all motorcyclists wore helmets.
- Helmets reduce the risk of death by 37% for motorcyclists and 41% for their passengers.
- Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 67%.
Georgia Law
All vehicle drivers and motorcycle riders have a duty to use reasonable care when on the road. If a driver or rider fails to meet this standard of care and causes an accident, injured victims are entitled to compensation. Determining whether a party was negligent or in breach of this standard requires a careful analysis of the facts. A presumption of negligence is created in Georgia when a driver or rider commits a traffic violation by violating one of Georgia’s “rules of the road.”
Motorcyclists generally must follow the same rules as all other motor vehicle operators, but there are some special rules that apply specifically to motorcycles. Motorcyclists are permitted to use a full lane of traffic, and two motorcycles are permitted to ride side-by-side in one lane. Motorcyclists are not allowed to pass a vehicle in the same lane of traffic, and riding between lanes of traffic (“lane splitting”) is prohibited in Georgia. Motorcyclists should also remember that Georgia law requires motorcyclists to wear a helmet.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Call Williams Elleby Howard & Easter Today.
The experienced personal injury attorneys at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter are dedicated to getting accident victims the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been in a motorcycle accident, call Williams Elleby Howard & Easter at 833-LEGALGA to schedule a free consultation today.
