Georgia Reminds Drivers To Watch For Motorcycles
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
Motorcycle riders in Atlanta and communities throughout Georgia face some of the highest risks on the road. Although they make up just a fraction of the state’s registered vehicles, bikers account for a disproportionately high number of traffic fatalities — 18% of all driver deaths. The reason is clear: motorcycles offer no buffer in a crash. When another driver makes a careless move, the rider pays the price.
May marks Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, a time when Georgia officials urge drivers to “Share the Road.” But public messaging alone can’t stop preventable crashes. In North Georgia and across the Atlanta metro, where motorcycle accidents are especially common, injured riders and their families are often left picking up the pieces while drivers and insurance companies avoid responsibility. That’s when having an experienced Georgia motorcycle accident lawyer to protect your rights becomes invaluable.
Georgia Drivers Are Reminded — But Who’s Liable When They Don’t Look?
Liability in a Georgia motorcycle accident depends on fault. And when a motorcycle rider is hit by a negligent driver, the law is clear: the person who caused the crash is financially responsible. That includes paying for medical bills, lost wages, future care needs, and the personal cost of pain and trauma.
Here are the most common driver actions that lead to motorcycle crash injury claims:
- Failing To Yield - Left Turns Across Traffic: These crashes often happen when a driver turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle, claiming they didn’t see it or misjudged its speed.
- Unsafe Lane Changes - Blind Spots And No Signals: Motorcycles are smaller and often overlooked. But failure to check mirrors and blind spots before merging is still negligence under the law.
- Distracted Driving - Cell Phones, GPS, And Inattention: A moment of distraction is all it takes for a driver to miss a motorcyclist — and cause life-altering injuries.
- Following Too Closely - Rear-End Collisions: What might be a minor bump between two cars can become a deadly crash when a motorcycle is involved.
In these cases, the injured motorcyclist — not the driver — is the one facing surgery, rehab, and lost income. Georgia law allows riders to seek full compensation when the crash wasn’t their fault — and a motorcycle accident attorney can help ensure they don’t get blamed unfairly.
Tips for Georgia Drivers to Help Keep Motorcyclists Safe
Awareness isn’t just about looking twice — it’s about changing habits behind the wheel. According to the Georgia Department of Driver Services and its Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program (GMSP), drivers can prevent many motorcycle wrecks by following these simple but critical safety guidelines:
- Give Motorcyclists Full Lane Access:
Motorcycles may be small, but they’re entitled to the full width of a lane — just like any other vehicle. Don’t crowd or attempt to share a lane.
- Use Mirrors, Signals, And Check Blind Spots:
Most motorcycle collisions happen because the driver simply didn’t see the bike. Proper mirror checks and signaling help avoid these errors.
- Leave A Safe Following Distance:
Allow at least three to four seconds behind a motorcycle. Riders may stop suddenly or swerve to avoid road hazards that larger vehicles can drive over.
- Never Drive Distracted Or Impaired:
Even a few seconds of distraction can cause a crash. Drivers must stay alert, especially in areas with high motorcycle traffic.
These practices aren't just courteous — they help save lives. When drivers follow these tips, everyone on the road has a better chance of getting home safely. And when they don’t, they may be held legally and financially accountable for the damage they cause.
Insurance Companies Still Try to Blame the Rider
Even when a rider did everything right, insurance adjusters often fall back on bias. They argue the motorcycle was speeding, weaving, or otherwise responsible — even without evidence. These tactics are designed to reduce payouts and shift attention away from the driver who caused the crash.
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can challenge these narratives with crash scene analysis, witness testimony, and expert reports. Especially in serious injury cases, where future medical needs and lost earning capacity are at stake, legal representation is essential to avoid being shortchanged.
Motorcycle Wrecks in Georgia Are A Growing Concern
The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety reports that 221 motorcyclist fatalities occurred in a single year — the highest ever recorded in the state. While motorcycles account for only 0.7% of all registered vehicles, they represent a disproportionate share of severe injury crashes.
Young adults aged 25 to 34 face the highest rates of ER visits, hospitalizations, and EMS transports from motorcycle accidents. And crashes are most common in North Georgia — especially in rural counties near the borders with Alabama, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
These aren’t just numbers — they reflect a growing need for drivers to take motorcycle safety seriously. And when they don’t, riders have every right to demand justice and accountability.
What Georgia Riders Should Know After a Crash
After a motorcycle accident, injured riders and their families often feel overwhelmed — especially when the at-fault driver blames the victim or denies responsibility. It’s important to act quickly and understand that:
- Legal Deadlines Apply: Georgia has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, typically two years from the date of the accident.
- A Claim Can Include More Than Medical Bills: Riders may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, lost future income, and long-term disability.
- Consultations Are Free: Most personal injury law firms — including those with experience in motorcycle crashes — offer free case reviews and work on a contingency fee basis.
Motorcycle riders face enough risk on the road. They shouldn’t face the legal process alone after a crash caused by someone else’s negligence.
Our experienced Georgia motorcycle accident lawyers have helped thousands of accident victims recover the maximum compensation they deserve. Don’t wait — your time to file a claim may be limited. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle wreck, contact the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates, P.C. today for a free case evaluation.
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