Yes, speeding is a significant contributing factor in thousands of motorcycle accidents every year. Studies from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that speeding is responsible for 32% of fatal motorcycle accidents. For comparison, speeding contributed to 18% of fatal passenger car accidents, 14% of small truck accidents, and 7% of large truck accidents.
When you consider if speeding is a cause of motorcycle accidents, you need to consider all the dangers that motorcyclists encounter on a regular basis. Even if you follow all the rules and wear all the protective gear, there are still countless ways for you to get injured on a motorcycle. When someone is speeding, it makes them less aware of their surroundings and less capable of reacting to the ever-changing roadways.
You only have two wheels for motorcyclists, thereby putting you at a severe disadvantage on the roadway – especially when you have to make split-second decisions in a dangerous situation. The slightest change in direction can result in a serious motorcycle accident, which only becomes more dangerous when you are speeding, or another vehicle around you is speeding.
The Main Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Overall, distracted driving, reckless driving, defective vehicle parts, and poor roadway conditions are the main causes of motorcycle accidents. However, motorcycle accidents are unique because they can be caused by dozens of contributing factors.
Besides speeding, the leading causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Left-hand turns
- Driving while intoxicated
- Overtaking vehicles
- Failure to maintain lanes
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Inclement weather conditions
- Poorly maintained roadways
- Unsecured cargo
- Texting and driving
- And more
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It Is Illegal to Ride a Motorcycle without a Helmet in Georgia
Yes, you can receive a traffic violation for riding a motorcycle without a helmet in Georgia – whether you are the driver or the passenger. According to the Governors Highway Safety Administration (GHSA), this universal helmet law was established in 1969, meaning the law has existed for over 50 years. Almost every single state in America has similar laws.
Perhaps most importantly, your safety equipment may affect your settlement if you decide to take legal action after a negligent motorcycle accident. If you do not do enough to protect yourself, the court may decide that you contributed to your own injuries – thereby making you partially responsible for the financial consequences of the accident.
Even if someone else caused your accident, your lack of protection caused your injuries to be exacerbated. Due to the dangerous nature of motorcycles, you should always be taking the highest precautions when you are behind the wheel. Above all else, you need to be prepared for the worst, so the liable parties can truly be held responsible if they put you in harm’s way.
Motorcycle Accidents Often Cause Serious Injuries
Yes, most motorcycle accidents result in somewhat serious injuries. While some people only walk away with a few scratches and bruises, many others end up with permanent injuries that may never fully heal.
While every motorcycle accident brings unique challenges, the most common injuries include:
- Fractured bones
- Injuries to the lower back
- Scraped skin from the concrete, also called “road rash”
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Skull fractures
- Whiplash
- Injuries to the lower back
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- And more
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Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Fighting for Victims in Georgia
If you find yourself considering if speeding is a cause of motorcycle accidents after a negligent accident, you may be eligible for compensation. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you recover after the crash.
The team at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers has worked with countless motorcycle accident victims in numerous counties and cities across the state of Georgia. Over the years, our attorneys have seen firsthand that speeding is a major contributor to motorcycle accidents, and it can have devastating effects on you and your family.
Fortunately, our attorneys can be there to handle your legal case so you can focus on what truly matters after a life-changing accident. We can help you prove liability, calculate your damages, take action in civil court, negotiate settlements, and everything in between.
Just keep in mind that you only have two years to file a claim for most motorcycle accidents in the state of Georgia – in accordance with O.C.G.A § 9-3-33. If you dismiss this statute of limitations and attempt to take legal action after the deadline expires, your case can be dismissed.
To learn more about your rights after a negligent motorcycle accident, contact a Bader Scott Injury Lawyers representative today at (404) 888-8888 to get started with your free consultation.
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