11 Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Augusta
Motorcycle accidents can be devastating. Riders are particularly vulnerable on the road, especially in areas of reduced visibility, and they have little to protect them in a collision.
Understanding the common causes of motorcycle accidents, from driver negligence to road hazards to mechanical failures, is critical for both drivers and motorcyclists. Awareness can prevent the serious consequences of these accidents. It also helps injured motorcyclists and their attorneys build strong legal cases to recover fair compensation.
M. Austin Jackson and his team of experienced personal injury lawyers are here to walk you through what you need to know.
Driver Negligence and Motorcycle Accidents
Inattentive or negligent drivers cause many motorcycle accidents. When a car or truck driver fails to yield or notice a motorcycle in their vicinity, they put the motorcyclist’s life in danger.
Careless driving often leads to catastrophic motorcycle accidents, including:
Left-Turn Accidents
Left-turn accidents are among the most common and dangerous types of motorcycle crashes. We see these accidents frequently at Georgia and South Carolina intersections that don’t have dedicated turn signals. They typically occur when a car making a left turn fails to yield the right of way to an oncoming motorcycle. A driver might misjudge the motorcyclist’s speed or fail to see the bike altogether. At intersections without turn signals, drivers sometimes get impatient and attempt to turn, overlooking approaching motorcyclists.
Blind Spot Collisions
Motorcyclists face unique challenges with visibility in blind spots, especially along highways like I-20 and I-520. Motorcycles can be easily obscured by a vehicle’s pillars or mirrors. Drivers who change lanes without checking their vehicle’s blind spot may collide with a motorcycle riding alongside them.
On multi-lane highways, the risk is even greater. Higher speeds and frequent lane changes give other motorists less time to react to sudden movements.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a growing issue that increases the risk of motorcycle accidents. While states like Georgia and South Carolina ban texting while driving or holding a phone while driving, hands-free usage is still allowed, which increases the likelihood of a rear-end, side-swipe, or head-on collision.
It’s important to remember that, though both states allow you to use GPS or voice-to-text while driving, you are not allowed to write or read messages, watch videos on your phone, or use your camera to record while driving. As technology advances, these laws are changing quickly, so be sure to stay up-to-date with the latest regulations in your city and state.
Distracted drivers often don’t spot motorcyclists in their vicinity. When drivers take their eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, motorcyclists become invisible targets. A distracted driver might swerve suddenly when they see your motorcycle at the last moment, but that might not be enough to prevent a crash.
Road Condition Hazards
Hazardous road conditions have a greater impact on motorcycles than four-wheeled vehicles. Motorcycles are smaller, lighter, and less stable, which makes motorcyclists more vulnerable to hazards.
Some of the most common hazardous road conditions for motorcyclists include:
Poor Road Maintenance
Potholes and uneven pavement pose serious threats to motorcyclists. Maintenance issues and road hazards can cause accidents when motorcycles lose balance or traction. In Georgia and South Carolina, where the roads are frequently exposed to the hot sun and heavy rains, road surfaces may deteriorate more quickly. Crumbling pavement and cracks in the road that most motor vehicles would easily overcome can cause motorcyclists to lose control.
Debris on Road
Debris on roadways is common in Georgia and South Carolina. Construction sites and logging operations contribute to gravel and other debris like sand and fallen tree branches. Loose material on the roads significantly reduces traction, especially around curves. Large objects on the road can damage motorcycles and cause crashes.
Weather-Related Conditions
Weather is a major factor in motorcycle accidents, especially in the South, where sudden thunderstorms are common. Rain reduces traction and leaves behind an oily residue that creates slippery conditions. Standing water can also hide road defects and increase the risk of accidents.
During heavy thunderstorms or downpours, motorcyclists should reduce their speed and increase following distances to stay safe and prevent accidents. (We’ll get into more tips on defensive driving shortly!)
Motorcycle-Specific Risks
While many motorcycle accidents involve other vehicles, some are caused by factors unique to motorcycles. Differences in size, center of gravity, and mechanics can make motorcycles more susceptible to crashes.
These factors dramatically impact rider safety:
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting involves riding a motorcycle between the lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. Though some people argue it can help prevent rear-end collisions and traffic congestion, lane splitting is risky. It reduces space for maneuvering on the road, limits visibility, and increases the risk of accidents at intersections. Lane splitting is illegal in Georgia and South Carolina.
Speeding and Performance Issues
Speed affects motorcycles differently than cars. Along Georgia and South Carolina’s winding rural roads, motorcycles can lose traction on curves. Their two-wheel design reduces stability at high speeds.
Higher speeds also require a longer stopping distance and can make issues like uneven surfaces even more pronounced. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 33 percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding.
Mechanical Failures
Regular maintenance is an important aspect of motorcycle safety. Mechanical issues like tire blowouts, brake failure, chain or belt breaks, and engine malfunctions can cause serious accidents. Motorcyclists must follow manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules and perform regular pre-ride checks to keep their bikes in proper working condition.
Impaired Riding and Driving
Impaired riding and driving raises the risk of motorcycle crashes. When impaired, drivers are unable to safely operate their vehicles and respond properly to road conditions.
Here are a few of the most common impairment accidents we see:
Alcohol-Related Accidents
When drivers get behind the wheel or on a motorcycle after drinking alcohol, they put the lives of everyone on the road at risk. In 2021, motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes had higher percentages of alcohol impairment than drivers of any other vehicle type (NHTSA). Twenty-seven percent of fatalities in Georgia and 32 percent of fatalities in South Carolina had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher.
Alcohol affects a rider’s judgment and decision-making abilities and can inhibit reaction time, balance, and coordination. These impairments are especially dangerous for motorcyclists.
Fatigue and Motorcycle Operation
Long rides through rural areas can be grueling. Motorcyclists must constantly maintain balance and be alert to road conditions. Fatigue is a common challenge that can lead to an increased risk of accidents. Physical exhaustion reduces a rider’s ability to scan for potential hazards like debris, wildlife, or changing road surfaces.
How Can I Reduce the Risk of Motorcycle Accidents?
Preventing motorcycle accidents and preserving your rights as a motorcyclist hinge on knowing the rules of the road. Motorcycle riders should understand and follow state-specific laws to protect themselves and those around them.
Safety Equipment and Requirements
Georgia and South Carolina each have different helmet laws and requirements for safety equipment. In Georgia, motorcycle riders must have a valid motorcycle license or endorsement. They should wear a DOT-approved helmet and eye protection if their bike doesn’t have a windshield. Motorcycles must have functional headlights and taillights, turn signals, brakes, and at least one rearview mirror.
In South Carolina, riders must also have a valid motorcycle license or endorsement. However, only riders younger than 21 years old have to wear a helmet. South Carolina law requires the same functional equipment as Georgia, including at least one rearview mirror. When carrying passengers, motorcyclists must also have passenger footrests.
Defensive Driving Techniques
Defensive driving strategies can help motorcyclists avoid many types of accidents. Here are a handful of strategies you should try out:
- Increasing visibility by wearing bright or reflective clothing and using headlights during the day and night.
- Maintaining at least a two-second gap between vehicles.
- Anticipating hazards and preparing for sudden lane changes or turns.
- Adjusting speed according to road conditions and traffic flow.
- Using signals and checking blind spots before changing lanes or turning.
- Avoiding distractions like your phone or adjusting controls while riding.
- Taking motorcycle safety courses and practicing emergency maneuvers in a safe environment.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Motorcycle Collision
Here are some important steps to take following a motorcycle accident:
- Call 911 and report the accident.
- Receive medical treatment for your injuries, even if they seem minor. You’ll want to document all injuries and treatments, both for the sake of your health and to strengthen your potential case down the road.
- File an accident report with law enforcement.
- Document the accident scene and collect evidence. This includes property damage, debris, skid marks, minor or severe injuries, and any relevant traffic signs and signals.
- Gather the names, contact information, and insurance details of all parties involved in the accident. If there are eyewitnesses on the scene, ask for their names and contact information.
- Report the accident to your insurance company, sticking only to the facts of the incident.
- Contact a knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney like M. Austin Jackson.
In Georgia, motorcycle riders must report any accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage of $500 or more. You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.
In South Carolina, motorcyclists should report accidents with injuries, deaths, or property damage exceeding $1,000. You must file claims within three years of the date of the accident.
How M. Austin Jackson Helps Motorcycle Accident Victims
As your attorney, M. Austin Jackson Attorney at Law is a compassionate advocate. For more than a decade, our firm has represented motorcycle riders who’ve faced harrowing journeys to recovery. We understand the most common causes of motorcycle accidents and know exactly where to look to strengthen a case. Our experienced attorneys know the legal protections motorcyclists are guaranteed under the law and what levers to pull to hold negligent and inattentive drivers accountable.
We’re an Augusta-based law firm, with roots firmly planted where our clients and neighbors live. Our team handles all communication and negotiations with the insurance companies to make sure your settlement doesn’t get short-changed. We’ve recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars for victims of motorcycle accidents.
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a motorcycle crash, reach out to our attorneys and we’ll help you on the road to recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents
What if both the driver and road conditions contributed to my accident?
This is what’s known as a case of comparative negligence. In these cases, parties split the liabilities. This includes the driver, the entities responsible for road maintenance, and you as the motorcyclist. You may receive less compensation if you have a greater percentage of fault in an accident.
When you work with an attorney, your attorney can help determine the extent of fault and liability for each party involved. They will consider all contributing factors before settling your case.
How does Georgia/South Carolina’s helmet law affect my case?
Since all Georgia motorcyclists must wear a DOT-approved helmet, not wearing a helmet may be used against you in a personal injury claim. (Failing to wear a helmet was admitted as evidence in a recent ruling by the Georgia Court of Appeals.) It can also reduce your compensation under Georgia’s comparative negligence system.
In South Carolina, riders over 21 don’t have to wear a helmet, so not wearing a helmet generally won’t impact their ability to file a claim. However, insurance adjusters may argue that not wearing a helmet contributed to the severity of injuries, and this can impact compensation.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help you effectively navigate both types of scenarios.
What if the other driver claims they couldn’t see me?
This is a common issue called inattentional blindness, a psychological phenomenon where drivers fail to notice an object in plain sight. While it’s a claim frequently used in motorcycle accidents, it’s not a valid legal defense and doesn’t absolve a driver of responsibility. Drivers have a duty to be aware of all vehicles on the road, including motorcycles.
You’ll want to thoroughly document the scene of the accident. Take photos and collect witness statements. Mention any precautions you took to be visible on the road, like wearing bright clothing or using your headlights. Your attorney can help you show that a reasonable driver should have seen you, even if you weren’t wearing high-visibility clothing.
Can I still recover damages if I was lane splitting?
Though lane splitting is illegal in Georgia and South Carolina, you may still be able to recover partial damages under comparative negligence laws. Your percentage of fault may reduce your compensation.
Factors including your speed, the road conditions, and other drivers’ actions will help determine fault. Strong supporting evidence can also help establish that another party shares fault for the accident.
How soon after a motorcycle accident should I contact an attorney?
Contact a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can help you gather and preserve evidence while it’s fresh. They can also guide you through the legal process and ensure you meet deadlines for filing lawsuits and providing documentation. The sooner an experienced motorcycle attorney begins working on your case, the sooner they can determine the value of your claim.
Many lawyers, like M. Austin Jackson Attorney at Law, don’t get paid until you receive compensation for your injuries. You don’t have to worry about the financial aspect of hiring an attorney, which can be a barrier for many people. We believe that everyone in our communities deserves excellent legal representation, regardless of their ability to pay up front.
