Yes, distracted driving is one of the top causes of motorcycle accidents. At a base level, 41% of motorcycle accidents take place because drivers are not aware of the motorcycle, according to studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
When drivers cannot see motorcycles, they cannot take reasonable measures to keep motorcyclists safe. Ultimately, distracted drivers are often unaware of their surroundings because they are focused on other things.
For example, if a driver is going 60 miles per hour on a highway and they check their phone for 10 seconds, they are essentially traveling hundreds of yards with their eyes closed. If the driver happens to cross paths with a motorcyclist while they are distracted by their phone, they will be completely unable to react to the situation and stop themselves from causing a serious accident.
When you ask, “Is distracted driving a cause of motorcycle accidents?” you should consider all the different types of distracted driving that lead to motorcycle accidents every day around the country.
Common types of distracted driving include:
- Smoking
- Eating
- Changing the radio station
- Texting
- Speaking on the phone with a hand-held device
- Sending emails
- Scrolling through social media
- Talking to passengers
- Daydreaming
- And more
Three Types of Distracted Driving
There are dozens of examples of distracted driving, but the NHTSA divides distracted driving into three basic categories:
- Visual Distractions: These are distractions of the eyes, including texting, tuning the radio dial, and looking at accidents on the side of the road. When you take your eyes off the road, you cannot identify risks and drive safely.
- Cognitive Distractions: These are mental distractions, which include daydreaming, “zoning out,” focusing on work, worrying about the future, and any other psychological distraction that takes your mind away from the road in front of you.
- Manual Distractions: This is the most physical type of distraction because you take one or both hands off the wheel while driving. Manual distractions commonly occur when drivers eat behind the wheel, use their cellphones, or smoke.
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The Most Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Common motorcycle accident injuries involve head injuries, broken bones, cuts, and soft tissue damage. Ultimately, motorcycle accidents commonly cause injuries to any part of the body that encounters the vehicle or pavement during the accident. Even if you are wearing a helmet and other protective gear, there is little else you can do to prevent serious impacts with the environment around you.
Other common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Internal bleeding
- Sprains, strains, and torn muscles
- Nerve damage
- Whiplash
- Herniated disks
- Damage to the spinal cord
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- And more
You Can Get a Ticket if You Do Not Wear a Motorcycle Helmet
According to the Governors Highway Safety Administration (GHSA), Georgia enacted a universal helmet law in 1969 that covers motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, and other transportation methods. Georgia is far from the only state to have laws like this. In fact, New Hampshire is the only state in America that does not have helmet laws for motorcyclists.
Besides adding a much-needed layer of protection, wearing a helmet will also prevent you from making your injuries worse. Further, if you decide to take legal action after a negligent motorcycle accident, but you were not wearing a helmet, the court may determine that you were somewhat liable for your own injuries.
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Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Representing Victims in Georgia
Here at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers, we know how devastating motorcycle accidents can be. In addition to the life-changing physical injuries that come along with these accidents, you may be facing serious financial and psychological difficulties after such a traumatic event. Over the years, we have fought for countless motorcycle accident victims across the state of Georgia, so we know the unfortunate answer to, “Is distracted driving a cause of motorcycle accidents?”
If you are looking for assistance during your fight for justice, our attorneys can be there to handle your legal case. More importantly, we can work on building your case while you dedicate your time and energy to recovering from your injuries and spending time with your loved ones.
Just remember that you have two years to take legal action after your accident, according to O.C.G.A § 9-3-33. If you take too much time to file a claim, the court may dismiss your case, and you may find yourself unable to take further legal action.
To learn more about your legal capabilities after a motorcycle accident in Georgia, contact a Bader Scott Injury Lawyers representative today at (404) 888-8888 to get started with your free consultation.
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