Georgia Motorcycle Accidents: How Real Is the Danger?

The popularity of motorcycles has surged in recent years.  Whether we consider bikes manufactured in the U.S. like a Harley Davidson or those produced by companies oversees like Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha or Suzuki, the number of motorcycle enthusiasts riding for pleasure or to save money has greatly increased.  Motorcycles in Cobb County continue to be vulnerable to the irresponsibility and inattention of other motorists, due to the limits in the handling, structural protection and stability of motorcycles.  The lack of protection offered by a Harley and other bikes often means that a motorcycle crash results in injuries that can cause permanent disability.

Because motorcycle collisions can result in more severe injuries, the importance of monetary compensation is magnified exponentially.   Our Cobb County motorcycle crash attorneys have provided answers to common questions about the seriousness of the danger posed by collisions involving motorcycles and passenger cars.

Are claims of motorcycles being more dangerous exaggerated?

Although motorcycles can maneuver away from potential accidents because of their modest size, they are more likely to be caught in situations where their lack of stability promotes motorcycle collisions.  The statistical evidence regarding the prevalence of motorcycle accidents leaves little room for dispute that a motorcycle is a more dangerous vehicle.  Federal traffic safety experts estimate that the risk of suffering an accident-related fatality when riding a motorcycle is thirty times greater on a per mile traveled basis than when all motor vehicles are considered.  While motor vehicle fatality rates have consistently declined during recent years, motorcycle accident rates have been trending in the opposite direction. 

Do motorcycle helmets really make a significant difference in outcome?

The CDC reports that motorcycle helmets are 37 percent effective in preventing fatalities in motorcycle accidents for operators and 41 percent effective for preventing fatal injury to passengers.  Other studies that compare fatalities and traumatic brain injuries in states prior to and after repeal of their universal helmet laws have shown that helmets are highly effective in lowering the risk of a serious brain injury or death.  Our experienced Cobb County motorcycle accident attorneys encourage all motorcycle enthusiasts to wear a helmet.

What types of multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents are most prevalent?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, head-on crashes account for more than fifty percent of all motorcycle crash fatalities involving multiple vehicles.  The majority of these collisions result from negligence by the driver of the passenger car.  Motorcycle enthusiasts are at a greater risk of being involved in a head-on collision with a car because bikes are harder to see.  Another 42 percent of motorcycle accident fatalities involve collisions involving left-hand turns.  The driver of a passenger vehicle may try to quickly turn in front of a motorcyclist traveling straight through an intersection.  The driver of the car is often liable for turning in front of the motorcyclist unless the rider is traveling in the improper lane or exceeding the speed limit.

Our Georgia motorcycle accident lawyers at Montlick and Associates are available to provide effective legal representation to those throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast.  No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333).  You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.