Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Georgia and How to Avoid Them

• May 12, 2025
• Attorney David Mann
• Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle riders are always at risk of suffering significant injuries after an accident. They don’t have the same protective options – such as seat belts and air bags – that drivers of a motor vehicle have. Even some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents that might seem minor to a motor vehicle operator can leave the motorcyclist with life-altering injuries.

As a motorcyclist, you know the importance of driving defensively when trying to avoid becoming the victim in an injury accident that wasn’t your fault. However, it can also be helpful as a rider to understand the most common accident situations. You can then try to take extra steps to protect yourself when you’re in a similar position. Learn more about the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Georgia – some of which are the fault of the motorcyclist and some that are the fault of another driver – and the steps you can take to avoid them.

Inattentive Drivers

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 50% of motorcycle collisions with a motor vehicle occur at intersections. Inattentive drivers at the intersection might not see a motorcycle and make a left turn in front of the rider, making it impossible to avoid an accident.

As a motorcyclist, you should always approach intersections with caution. Always signal your intentions to turn when entering the intersection to try to catch the eye of an inattentive driver.

Under the Influence

The NHTSA reports that almost 32% of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States relate to drunk drivers, whether they’re in a car or on a motorcycle. Drunk driving is a sure sign of negligence in motorcycle accidents.

Although you cannot control whether a motor vehicle driver was drinking before getting behind the wheel, you as the motorcyclist have control about whether you choose to drink and ride. Consuming alcohol or drugs before riding your motorcycle just isn’t worth the risk.

Poor Weather

Wet roads can be extremely dangerous for motorcycle riders. It’s more difficult to keep the bike upright on slippery, wet roads because the tires don’t have as much traction as normal. Poor weather might also make it difficult for the driver of a car or truck to see you.

During or immediately after a rainstorm, you might want to think twice about riding your motorcycle. If you do need to ride, make sure your headlight is on.

Driving Too Fast

Speeding nearly always increases the chances of a crash, whether you’re on a motorcycle or in a motor vehicle. When speeding, drivers have less time to react to a hazard in the road ahead or to make a safe turn.

As a motorcyclist, you can protect yourself by driving the speed limit.

Reckless Lane Changes

Motorcyclists increase their chances of being in a major crash with injuries after a reckless lane change. A driver who unexpectedly swerves in front of your bike could also cause you to lose control, even if that driver doesn’t actually strike you.

As a motorcyclist, you can’t do much about a driver who might change lanes in your path with no warning. The best way to avoid these types of accidents is to not recklessly change lanes yourself. Avoid passing between cars or quickly approaching cars in their blind spots. Always use a turn signal when you are changing lanes, so other drivers are ready for what you’re doing.

Poor Road Conditions

Because motorcycles have only two wheels, any change in road conditions could cause you to skid. If you’re on clean pavement and suddenly hit a patch of gravel or a pothole, you could lose control of the bike and end up with life-altering complications, including spinal cord injuries.

A driver who hits a pothole might lose control of the car, swerving in front of your motorcycle and causing an accident. You as a motorcyclist need to be aware of the conditions of the road. If you’re riding in an area with potholes, always use caution and closely watch for hazards.

Malfunctioning Vehicle

Broken parts and other vehicle malfunctions can lead to an accident. If you’re not paying close attention while operating your motorcycle when a motor vehicle operator has malfunctioning taillights or brake lights, you might run into the back of the car at full speed, leading to dangerous injuries. If your motorcycle blows a tire or has a brake failure, you could end up losing control of the bike, leading to a serious accident.

The best way to avoid this kind of accident is by checking the condition of your bike before taking the motorcycle on the road. Make sure all your lights are working and you have proper tire inflation.

Lack of Experience

Inexperienced drivers or motorcycle operators are more likely to have serious accidents. Drivers aged 16 to 19 have a three times higher chance of being in a fatal accident than drivers aged 20 and older, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

You can’t control the experience level of other drivers on the road. However, before you begin riding your new motorcycle on busy roads, make sure you are comfortable handling the bike and using all of its features. You could take a motorcycle training course to enhance your skills, too.

At the Mann Law Firm, We Are Ready to Help You Seek a Claim After a Motorcycle Accident With Injuries

Even if you understand the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Georgia and take steps to try to avoid such situations, you could still end up in a crash. Perhaps the other driver was behaving recklessly or negligently, and there was nothing you could do to avoid the crash. If another driver’s actions are to blame for your injury accident, you have the right to make a financial claim for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. Even if you as a motorcycle operator are partially at fault for the crash, you might be able to make a claim.

At the Mann Law Firm, we help Georgia motorcyclists attempt to increase the chances of success in a motorcycle accident lawsuit. Attorney David Mann handles every case personally. For a free consultation about your case, call our Georgia motorcycle accident lawyer today at (478) 742-3381.