Marietta Motorcycle Accident Attorney
According to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, motorcycle accidents are on the rise in Georgia. Not surprisingly, motorcyclist deaths make up a disproportionate number of traffic fatalities. Only a small fraction of Georgia motorcycle accident victims are unhelmeted, however. Many other factors contribute to the high likelihood of catastrophic personal injury or wrongful death in a motorcycle accident.
Motorcycle accidents are often caused by negligent, distracted or overly aggressive motor vehicle drivers, but bikers and their family members face an uphill climb trying to get compensation for their injuries and losses. Insurance companies play upon the common misconception of motorcycle riders as reckless, and all too often the motorcyclist is in no position to speak up and say what really caused the crash. Marietta motorcycle accident attorney Ryan T. Strickland stands up for bikers injured in an accident and is a strong advocate for their rights and needs. If a negligent driver has injured you or a loved one in a Marietta motorcycle accident, call The Strickland Firm for a no-cost, confidential consultation on your potential claims for compensation.
What are the main causes of motorcycle accidents in Marietta?
Negligence and distracted driving are leading causes of all types of Marietta car accidents, and the same holds true for motorcycle accidents as well. A distracted driver is even more likely to strike a motorcycle in the vicinity than another car. Not only are motorcycles smaller and harder to see than cars, but they are also far less common on the road, so a driver does not expect to encounter a motorcycle and is not looking out for one. These factors make a drunk or distracted driver especially dangerous to a motorcycle rider.
Other examples of driver negligence leading to motorcycle accidents in Marietta include forgetting to check blind spots and failing to signal before making a turn or changing lanes. Drivers think they have a sixth sense about whether a car is behind them in a blind spot, but they forget about the possibility of a bike.
It is also not uncommon for a driver to misjudge the speed or distance of an oncoming bike. One of the most frequent of all motorcycle crashes occurs when a driver turns left into the path of an oncoming bike, and the rider doesn’t have time to avoid a collision.
Finally, the aggressive driving of motorists is a serious concern for any motorcyclist. Some drivers simply don’t respect motorcycles and their limitations. Knowing that motorcycles are highly maneuverable, car drivers will crowd them and cut them off, expecting that they’ll just get out of the way. This is not always possible to do safely, and it’s not fair or right to put the motorcyclist in that position.
How can motorcycle riders stay safe on the road?
It’s important for motorcycle riders to ride defensively. Defensive riding includes continuously scanning the road and keeping enough space between the bike and other vehicles to be able to respond safely to an emergency or sudden change in traffic patterns. Always wearing a helmet is not just smart; it’s the law in Georgia. Choose a helmet approved by the Department of Transportation to stay safe and in compliance with the law. It’s also important for riders to ride as visibly as possible. This includes wearing reflective clothing and having reflectors on the bike, staying out of vehicle blind spots, riding in the center of the lane, and keeping the headlamp on even during the daytime. Ride predictably, maintaining a steady speed and signaling intentions in advance of any turn or lane change. Finally, be sure to adjust riding according to the traffic, road and weather conditions at the time.
Experienced riders already know all of these tips. Unfortunately, the safest riding in the world can’t always protect you from a negligent, distracted, reckless or aggressive driver. The Strickland Law Firm is here for you when you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident and need help getting the medical care and compensation you need and deserve.
Call The Strickland Firm after a Marietta Motorcycle Accident
For help after a motorcycle accident in Marietta, Georgia, call The Strickland Firm at 770-420-9900 for a no-cost, confidential consultation on your potential claims. Our Marietta motorcycle accident attorneys help you get what you need, and we don’t charge a fee if we don’t recover for you.
