Motorcycles account for more than a third of all traffic-related fatalities, despite accounting for just 3% of all registered vehicles on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 5,000 motorcycle deaths and 100,000 motorcycle accidents occur each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Additionally, motorcycle riders are 27 times more likely than truck drivers to die in a collision.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle car accident, an Atlanta car accident attorney at Ponton Law Firm will help you navigate the legal system and receive the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Motorcycle-versus-Truck Accidents
When motorcycles collide with trucks, there are several common explanations for the accidents. While some are caused by truck drivers, motorcycle riders can also be held responsible for accidents, especially when they engage in negligent behaviors, such as:
- Unsafe Lane Changing: When drivers fail to check their mirrors and signal when changing lanes, several motorcycle accidents occur.
- Speeding: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 33% of motorcycle crash fatalities involved speeding riders, compared to 15% of light-truck fatalities and 7% of large-truck fatalities. When you drive too fast, you lose the ability to see danger and avoid accidents. Excessive speed also causes more damage in a collision and, as a result, more severe injuries.
- Driving While Inebriated: Riders under the influence of alcohol are involved in 25% of motorcycle deaths, the highest number of fatalities for all forms of vehicles.
- Stopping Suddenly: Motorcycles that follow too closely to trucks and rear-end them as they come to a sudden stop are a common cause of motorcycle truck accidents.
- Failures Due to Mechanical Issues: Mechanical failures cause some motorcycle truck accidents, but these mechanical failures are often the result of improper maintenance by the motorcyclist or truck driver, rather than the manufacturer’s responsibility.
- Road Conditions: Slippery roads, wet roads, and snowy conditions also tend to cause motorcycle truck accidents.
The huge size difference between a motorcycle compared to most trucks makes riders extremely vulnerable. Not only are these types of vehicles huge but they also have an enormous blind spot associated with them. While both motorcyclists and truck drivers should be aware of one another while on the road, these two often have trouble co-existing.
Contact an Atlanta Car Accident Attorney
If you have been involved in a motorcycle-versus-truck accident, discuss your case with an experienced Atlanta Car Accident Attorney at Ponton Law Firm.
Your initial consultation is free, and there is no obligation. The attorneys will investigate your case and determine who was at fault in your accident. If you are liable for compensation because of injuries sustained, the car accident attorneys will relentlessly and aggressively ensure you receive a recovery for your damages.