A motorcycle accident lawyer in Atlanta can help if you were involved in a collision in Georgia, but it is much better to avoid traffic crashes altogether by following these fall motorcycle safety tips:
- Use extra caution when riding on a wet or leaf-covered surface.
- Be mindful of the weather conditions.
- Avoid using intoxicating substances before you ride.
- Always wear protective clothing, including a helmet and a padded jacket.
You can do everything in your power to avoid a collision yet still suffer serious injuries. As noted, in that instance, you could benefit from working with a personal injury lawyer who can file your claim and seek fair compensation for your losses.
How Fall Weather Affects Motorcycle Safety in Georgia
Autumn is a uniquely beautiful time to ride your motorcycle, but it also comes with its share of challenges. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) shows that 22 percent of all convictions against careless motorcyclists were reported during the fall months, with September being the most dangerous.
How do motorcycle crashes happen in the fall? Common causes may include:
- There are more riders on the road in September, as everyone tries to enjoy their motorcycles one last time before colder weather comes.
- Car drivers may fail to pay attention at dangerous spots, such as intersections (where most motorcycle accidents occur).
- Changing weather patterns can lead to hazardous conditions, such as fog, rain, or even early snow.
- Autumn storms can lead to blackouts (meaning no streetlights) or downed powerlines or tree branches.
- Fallen leaves can cover potential hazards on the ground, such as potholes.
Always Ride Carefully in Georgia in the Fall
Before you ride, check the weather report, and look out your living room window. If conditions seem unsafe or are likely to deteriorate, do not ride that day.
If you are caught unawares by bad weather, be prudent. Do not ride fast, and make sure you give other vehicles plenty of room. If visibility is very poor, pull over until you can see again.
For a free legal consultation, call 404-214-2001
Intoxication Endangers Motorcycle Safety on Georgia Roads
The DDS report also states that drugs and alcohol were the fourth most common cause of motorcycle accidents in Georgia. Intoxicating substances can severely impair your judgment and reaction times. Therefore:
- If you plan to spend the night drinking—at a Halloween party, for example—do not ride your motorcycle. Arrange for a friend or a rideshare driver to take you home.
- If someone you know is high or drunk, do not let them ride, and do not take them as a passenger on your bike; their rowdy behavior can distract you from the road. Arrange a different way of getting them home.
- If you notice a motorcyclist behaving in a way that suggests they may be intoxicated (e.g., if they cannot ride in a straight line), stay far away from them. You do not want to get in their path or become trapped in any accident they cause.
Wearing Protective Gear While Riding a Motorcycle Can Increase Safety
The above fall motorcycle safety tips can help you avoid accidents in Georgia. Unfortunately, they are not always enough to counteract another person’s negligence. You can reduce your risk of serious injury by using:
- A helmet that fits properly: Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Georgia is one of eighteen states (as of 2022) that require helmet usage among all motorcyclists.
- Thick clothing: With temperatures dropping, you may want to wear long sleeves and a jacket anyway. They can also protect you from road rash and other painful injuries.
- Reflective clothing: It gets darker earlier in the fall, so you will want to wear brightly colored and reflective clothes to make sure you stay visible, even in low-light areas.
- Your bike’s safety features: Before you ride, always make sure that your bike’s headlights and rearview mirrors are in good working order. The same goes for other parts of the bike, including the tires and the steering system.
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Suing After a Georgia Motorcycle Crash in the Fall
As noted, despite your best efforts, you can still suffer injuries in a Georgia motorcycle crash if others—car drivers, manufacturers, or maintenance crews—fail to do their job. For this reason, state law permits you to sue a negligent party for damages.
If you decide to sue someone for causing your motorcycle crash, that is your right, provided you start your case within two years, as codified by O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. A motorcycle accident attorney can help with your case in the following ways:
They Can Investigate Your Autumn Accident
You can only sue for damages if you know who caused your accident and how they did so. Your representative will seek to build a case with materials like:
- Video footage that shows the crash as it happened in real-time
- Medical records that show the extent of your injuries
- Any photos you took of your injuries, the road, or the damage to your bike
- The police report, which includes the names of all involved parties
They Can Confront Whoever Compromised Your Safety
Whether you intend to sue an individual driver or a parts manufacturer, your lawyer can do the talking for you. This can:
- Protect you from the insurance company’s attempts to compromise your case
- Enable you to pursue damages without forcing you to take time away from your recovery or your medical treatments
- Give you a fair chance of getting the justice and compensation you deserve for the injuries the at-fault party’s negligence caused
They Can Support You as You Recover from the Motorcycle Crash
It is normal to feel angry, afraid, sad, and frustrated after a motorcycle accident, especially when you know you did everything right.
In addition to fighting for fair compensation, your personal injury lawyer can take the time to update you on your case’s progress, answer your questions, and make you feel less alone during this difficult time.
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After a Fall Motorcycle Accident in Georgia, Call Us
Following fall motorcycle safety tips in Georgia can protect you from some, but unfortunately not all, accidents. If you were injured in an accident caused by someone else, call Kaine Law today. We can assign a motorcycle accident attorney to pursue your case for no upfront fees.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
