[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/blog\/common-causes-of-motorcycle-accidents\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/blog\/common-causes-of-motorcycle-accidents\/","headline":"What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?","name":"What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?","description":"Motorcyclists are more likely to be hurt or even killed in traffic accidents than other road users because motorcycles don\u2019t have the same protections as a car.\u00a0 Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents are: Speeding Distracted driving Intoxicated driving Unsafe left turns Merging without looking Inexperience Dangerous road design Inclement weather What… Continue reading What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?<\/span><\/a>","datePublished":"2023-04-27","dateModified":"2026-04-17","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/blog\/author\/matt-kahn\/#Person","name":"Matt Kahn","url":"https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/blog\/author\/matt-kahn\/","identifier":25,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e04949bdf1f2184cdeab337bb39535a4c17c4beb3ad3cd47e5524b20b38274a9?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e04949bdf1f2184cdeab337bb39535a4c17c4beb3ad3cd47e5524b20b38274a9?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Butler Kahn","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Butler-Law-Firm-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Butler-Law-Firm-Logo.png","width":210,"height":93}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/motorcycle-riders-300x200.jpg","url":"https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/motorcycle-riders-300x200.jpg","height":"200","width":"300"},"url":"https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/blog\/common-causes-of-motorcycle-accidents\/","about":["Motorcycle Accident"],"wordCount":1105,"articleBody":"Motorcyclists are more likely to be hurt or even killed in traffic accidents than other road users because motorcycles don\u2019t have the same protections as a car.\u00a0 Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents are:SpeedingDistracted drivingIntoxicated drivingUnsafe left turnsMerging without lookingInexperienceDangerous road designInclement weatherWhat Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?Motorcycle Accident Statistics in GeorgiaThe Governor\u2019s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) reports that motorcyclists are consistently overrepresented in traffic fatalities in Georgia. Although motorcycles only represent about 2 percent of registered vehicles in the state, motorcyclists accounted for 11 percent of total traffic fatalities and 21 percent of total driver fatalities in one recent year. Motorcycle fatalities also increased by 22 percent over a recent three-year period. The Atlanta region accounted for 42 percent of motorcycle crashes in the state in one recent year.What Are Some Injuries That Result from Motorcycle Crashes?Motorcycle crashes can result in a wide range of injuries because of motorcyclists\u2019 exposure to the elements and lack of protection. Some of the most common injuries include:Road rash occurs when the rider\u2019s skin makes contact with the pavement, resulting in abrasions or lacerations. These injuries range from mild to severe and can require skin grafts to repair.Fractures and broken bones are common in riders\u2019 hands, arms, legs, and feet. These injuries may require casts or surgery to treat.Spinal cord injuries result when motorcyclists are thrown from their vehicles. Blunt force trauma damages the nerves in the spinal cord. These injuries can lead to paralysis or other mobility issues.Traumatic brain injuries happen when the head suffers a forceful blow, particularly if the rider is not wearing a helmet. These injuries can range from mild concussions to more severe brain damage.Internal organ damage can occur if the rider\u2019s body is subjected to extreme force during the crash. This can result in internal bleeding or damage to vital organs such as the liver or kidneys.Are There Steps I Can Take to Protect Myself While Riding?While no amount of preparation can eliminate the odds of an accident or serious injury, there are certain steps you can take to reduce the risk:Safety equipment \u2013 Always wear proper safety gear like a helmet, protective clothing, gloves, and boots. A high-quality helmet can reduce the risk of head injuries, while protective clothing can help prevent road rash and other abrasion injuries.Pay attention \u2013 Stay alert and focused while riding. Avoid distractions and always watch for other vehicles and potential hazards such as potholes or debris.Use extreme caution \u2013 Follow traffic laws and ride defensively. Obey speed limits, use turn signals, and leave plenty of space between yourself and other vehicles on the road. Remember that motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars, so avoid lingering in blind spots and never assume that other motorists can see you.Be educated \u2013 Take a motorcycle safety course to learn proper riding techniques and strategies for staying safe on the road. Doing so can give you the tools to anticipate other motorists and react to danger.What Should I Do If I Am Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in Georgia?If you are injured in a motorcycle accident in Georgia, you must take certain steps to protect your health and your rights to recovery:See a doctor \u2013 Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you do not feel injured, it is important to get checked out by a medical professional to rule out any underlying injuries or conditions. Your health and safety should always be your top priority.Document the scene \u2013 Gather evidence from the scene of the accident if you can do so safely. Take photos of any damage to your motorcycle and the other vehicles involved in the accident. Get the contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident.Complete treatment \u2013 Follow your doctor\u2019s orders and attend any necessary medical appointments or therapy sessions. Keep track of all medical bills and other expenses related to your injuries, as these may be eligible for compensation.Talk to a lawyer \u2013 Contact a personal injury lawyer who understands the complexities of motorcycle accidents. They can advise you on your rights, investigate the accident to determine who is to blame, and negotiate with the at-fault party or their insurance provider for a fair settlement.How to Prove Who Is At Fault in a Georgia Motorcycle Accident?In Georgia, the parties at fault for a motorcycle accident are responsible for compensating the people they hurt. Proving who is at fault requires strong evidence, like the following:Police report\u2013 The police officer who responds to the crash will investigate the scene, take statements from witnesses, and create a report that includes their findings.Eyewitness testimony\u2013 Witnesses who saw the accident can provide valuable testimony about who did what and when.Physical evidence\u2013 Physical evidence such as skid marks, vehicle damage, and debris from the accident scene can also provide clues about how the accident occurred.Expert analysis\u2013 Experts in accident reconstruction, vehicle and road design, and related fields can analyze the incident to develop a likely chain of events.What Types of Damages Are Recoverable in a Motorcycle Collision Accident?If you are involved in a motorcycle collision accident, you may be able to recover compensation in the form of damages for the following:Medical expenses\u2013 This includes the cost of any medical treatment related to your injuries, including hospital stays, doctor visits, medications, and physical therapy.Lost wages\u2013 If your injuries keep you from working, you deserve compensation for lost wages and any future lost earning potential.Property damage\u2013 This includes the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle and any other property damaged in the accident.Pain and suffering\u2013 This common legal term refers to the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries.Loss of enjoyment of life\u2013 You deserve compensation if you can no longer participate in your favorite activities or spend time with your loved ones as you once did.Contact a Georgia Motorcycle Accident LawyerIf you\u2019re reading this page, it\u2019s likely because you or someone you love was hurt in a motorcycle accident. If so, Butler Kahn would like to offer you our sympathy and hope that the information you\u2019ve found on this page has been helpful. We\u2019d also like to talk to you about the accident and how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve from the person to blame. Contact us online or by phone for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Georgia motorcycle accident lawyer."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?","item":"https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/blog\/common-causes-of-motorcycle-accidents\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]