Yes, motorcycles can ride side-by-side in Georgia. O.C.G.A. § 40-6-312 states that motorcycles can travel two abreast in a single lane. However, the law forbids other motor vehicles from sharing a motorcycle’s lane.
You can seek compensation if you or your loved one suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident because another driver traveled into your lane, crowded your bike, or engaged in other negligent behavior.
Can Motorcycles Lane Split?
While motorcycles can ride side-by-side in Georgia, state law prohibits motorcyclists from lane splitting. Lane splitting is the practice of riding between lanes of traffic or between adjacent rows or lines of cars.
The law also states that:
- Motorcycles cannot ride more than two abreast in a single lane
- A motorcycle cannot pass in the lane occupied by the vehicle it is overtaking
- Motorcyclists must keep their vehicle’s headlights and taillights on at all times
- Law enforcement officers may lane split or pass in the same lane when performing an official duty
Other Georgia Motorcycle Laws
According to O.C.G.A. § 40-6-310, motorcycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities as any other Georgia driver. Motorcyclists must obey traffic laws and operate their vehicles responsibly to avoid harming themselves or others. Additionally, motorcyclists must:
- Wear a helmet
- Have a windshield on their motorcycle or wear protective eyewear
- Wear proper footwear (no bare or stockinged feet)
- Not carry more passengers than the motorcycle is designed to hold
- Not allow passengers, packages, or objects to obstruct the handlebars or interfere with riding
- Not ride attached to other motorcycles or motor vehicles
For a free legal consultation, call 404-214-2001
Are Motorcyclists Liable for Accidents?
Like all Georgia drivers, motorcyclists are financially responsible for the accidents they cause. Likewise, motorcycle riders have the right to pursue compensation for injuries caused by another driver. For example, a motorist may owe you damages if they were:
- Tailgating
- Passing improperly
- Making an improper turn
- Disobeying traffic signals or signs
- Speeding
- Drinking and driving
- Texting and driving
You may be liable if you behaved dangerously or broke a traffic or motorcycle law. Fortunately, you can still seek compensation as long as you are not more than less than 50 percent responsible, according to O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33. However, if the court assigns you fault, it will reduce your awards by that percentage.
Motorcycle Accident Damages
If you suffered injuries because of another party’s reckless, negligent, or wrongful behavior, you can pursue damages via an insurance claim or lawsuit. Motorcycle accident compensation may include the following:
- Emergency transportation and medical treatment
- Hospitalizations
- Surgeries
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Prescription drugs
- Mobility aids
- Long-term nursing care
- Lost income, benefits, and earnings
- Lost future earning capacity
- Motorcycle and personal property damages
- Physical pain
- Loss of mobility
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Mental and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of a loved one’s care, companionship, and support
How Long Do You Have to Seek Financial Recovery?
O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 allows two years to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Failure to adhere to the statute of limitations will likely lead to the court dismissing your case. Additionally, waiting too long can negatively affect your insurance claims. We can help you get started before time runs out.
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Do You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
If you have severe injuries, expensive medical damages, or need to take weeks or more off work, you can work with a personal injury lawyer to recover your motorcycle accident damages. An attorney with our firm can handle your case so that you can focus on healing or caring for your injured family member. We can:
- Investigate your accident and determine liability
- Collect evidence, including police reports, dashcam or surveillance video, eyewitness statements, and photographs of your injuries and vehicle damages
- Identify and calculate your losses
- Draft and file your insurance claim or lawsuit
- Track and adhere to deadlines
- Communicate with insurance agents and opposing attorneys on your behalf
- Negotiate for the maximum possible settlement
- Represent you at trial if needed
Can You Afford an Attorney?
We make our services accessible to personal injury clients, regardless of their current financial situation. We charge nothing upfront or out of pocket. Instead, we work on contingency, meaning our fees come from a percentage of your case winnings. If we do not secure compensation, we do not get paid.
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Contact Kaine Law for a Free Consultation
You should not have to pay for injuries and damages caused by another party’s mistakes. Kaine Law has multiple decades of legal experience we can put behind seeking compensation for you or your loved one. A lawyer with our firm can assist you with a liability insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Contact us today for a risk-free, no-cost consultation. We have team members available 24/7 to take your call, answer your motorcycle accident questions, and connect you with a Georgia personal injury lawyer near you.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
