Motorcycle Crashes Caused by Bad Roads and Dangerous Drivers
Many advantages come with riding a motorcycle. A motorcycle is much more economical to own and operate than an automobile, and motorcycles leave a smaller carbon footprint. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of freedom you get when you’re out riding your bike and experiencing the great outdoors in a beautiful place like Georgia.
It’s nice to know that you’re helping the environment when you ride your motorcycle, but there are risks involved. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), the fatality rate for motorcycle riders is five times higher than it is for passengers traveling in cars.
In a recent year, 5932 motorcyclists lost their lives while riding. That’s why it’s a good idea to take precautions to protect yourself when you’re out on the road.
How Unsafe Roads Cause Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle riders frequently encounter unsafe driving conditions and road hazards. Because motorcycles are less stable than automobiles, riders are more vulnerable to the following types of conditions:
- Slippery roads
- Sand and loose grave
- Uneven grade
- Potholes
- Sudden drop-offs
- Debris falling from trucks
- Equipment left in the roadway by work crews
How Unsafe Drivers Injure Motorcycle Riders
Road hazards are a constant threat, but the biggest danger for motorcycle riders is careless drivers who make bad decisions and fail to look out for you. Dangerous driver behavior causes thousands of injuries and fatalities suffered by motorcycle riders and their passengers.
Careless driving habits and unsafe actions include swerving, merging, and making sudden lane changes without signaling in advance, which denies the motorcycle rider enough time to react. It’s also important for drivers to be alert when approaching intersections, and they must be sure that the oncoming lane is clear before making a left turn.
Another major threat to motorcyclists is intoxicated drivers. Excessive drinking and drug use impair crucial driving skills such as vision, judgment, coordination, and reaction time.
Distracted driving is a growing problem due to the increased use of smartphones that allow people to talk, text, check their email, and use social media. That’s why Georgia and many other states have passed hands-free laws that prohibit drivers from touching a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle. Eating, adjusting the radio, or reaching for an object inside the cabin can all cause a moment of distraction that results in tragic injuries for a motorcycle rider.
Speeding drivers have less time to react to changing road conditions, and injuries suffered by motorcycle riders will be much worse when a driver exceeds the legal speed limit. All drivers are required to maintain a safe cushion of space in front of their vehicle. When trucks and cars go too fast or tailgate behind motorcycle riders, it causes devastating rear-end collisions.
Avoiding Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Crashes
You can’t prevent drivers from doing careless and stupid things, but there are things you can do to help protect yourself and reduce the severity of accidents that may occur. You will want to wear a helmet, safety gear, and protective clothing when you ride. It’s also important to obey all traffic laws and maintain a safe distance behind the vehicle in front of you.
Even when you remain vigilant and take precautions, accidents can still happen. When they do, motorcycle riders and their passengers suffer the following types of injuries:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Neck and back injuries
- Fractured bones
- Amputation
- Road rash
- Severe burns
- Whiplash
- Biker’s arm
- Head injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Injuries to lower extremities — legs, knees, hips, feet, ankles
The True Cost of Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents take a tremendous toll on riders and the people who care about them. They cause life-altering injuries that require extensive medical treatment followed by a long period of recovery. It may be a while before the victim is ready to return to work, and catastrophic injuries make it impossible to pursue many of the activities you enjoyed before the accident.
A motorcycle crash generates astronomical expenses, including emergency treatment, ambulance rides, hospitalization, doctor’s office visits, and rehabilitation. You may also require counseling for PTSD.
Are You Suffering from Catastrophic Injuries?
The Savannah motorcycle accident attorneys at Butler Prather LLP have been helping people get the money they need to recover after an accident for over 35 years. Our Georgia personal injury lawyers have won hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for clients in over 30 states. We have won nine verdicts that exceed $100 million and more than 60 verdicts and settlements of over $10 million.
At Butler Prather LLP, we always have time for our clients.
Call us at (706) 322-1990 to schedule your complimentary consultation today.