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Dangerous Climb in Fatal Motorcycle Accidents in the State of Georgia

A study by the Governor's Office of Highway Safety in Georgia showed a 59% increase of motorcycle accident fatalities between the years 2004 and 2008. Motorcycles are not enclosed, are difficult for other drivers to see, and are more difficult to control in certain conditions. Despite their lack of safety features, the popularity of motorcycles has risen in recent years. Because of the poor economy, and high fuel prices, the option of driving a motorcycle is becoming more appealing to many people. With more motorcycles and increased congestion on metro Atlanta roadways, the propensity for fatal motorcycle accidents is also increasing.

Types of Motorcycle Accident Cases

As an Atlanta accident attorney, I handle a lot of Georgia motorcycle accident cases. When a victim calls me for a consultation, we do a case analysis to help the clients understand whether they have a case, and how they are to be compensated for their injuries. Here are the three types of civil litigation suits related to motorcycle accidents.

  1. The motorcycle driver was injured due to the negligence of another driver, or due to a roadway condition that could not have been expected or predicted.
  2. The passenger of the motorcycle was injured because of the negligence of the motorcycle driver.
  3. The motorcycle passenger was injured because of the negligence of the driver of another vehicle.

Gwinnett County Motorcycle Death

Recent motorcycle accidents in the Atlanta, Georgia area magnify the dangers to motorcycle drivers. On September 24th, 2012, Kenneth Griffin, a 42-year-old man, was driving his BMW west on Beaver Ruin Road near I-85 in Gwinnett County, when he caused a fatal accident involving a motorcycle and four other vehicles. Mr. Griffin failed to stop, and the collision resulted in the wrongful death of Brandon Ray, 38. Several other drivers and passengers from the other vehicles were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Charges are pending against Kenneth Griffin.

More About Motorcycle Accidents

This past summer, East Point firefighter Carl Blake was killed in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta when he lost control of his motorcycle, struck a curb, became airborne, and hit a utility pole. Even though Blake was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident; tragically, he still lost his life.

Motorcycle Accidents and Helmet use

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle riders have a 29% increased chance of surviving an accident if they are wearing a helmet, but this fact alone apparently does not do enough to encourage riders to use this safety tool. Forty-five percent of fatally injured motorcycle operators were not wearing helmets.

Alcohol Use and Motorcycle Accidents

When it comes to motorcycle fatalities, helmets are not the only factor. Alcohol use while operating a motorcycle is taboo. According to 2005 statistics, 27% of operators who were killed in a motorcycle accident had blood alcohol (BAC) levels of .08 g/dL, and 41% had BAC's of .08 g/dL or higher, so alcohol played a part in 68% of motorcycle fatalities.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident, and would like to speak to an attorney, give us a call for a free case evaluation. We can meet you in one of our six office locations, at your home or work, or even in the hospital.

Free Case Evaluations: 770-408-6364

Resources

Governor's Office Of Highway Safety In Georgia

Motorcycle Safety


Client Reviews
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After being involved and a five car accident I contacted Casey Stevens law firm. I was given his number by a fellow coworker at my job who had used him in the past and was very satisfied with his services. The car accident included myself my husband and my son, the accident was determined to be the fault of two drivers involved in the accident. Casey personally came to my home the next day and said down with me and my family at the kitchen table and went over all the events of the accident. There were months and months of physical therapy, doctor visits injections and while my son had to have his mouth wired after having his jaw broke in three places. Casey and his staff worked continuously on our case and after it was all said and done, they where able to get us over $300,000 in damages. I really want to Thank Casey Stevens and his staff for always being available for phone calls and answering any questions I might have. I will continue to recommend potential clients to Casey Stevens law firm. Nina F
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Outstanding Attorney. Casey Stevens is outstanding!! Everyone there put me at ease and made me feel that my case was important to them, I was not just another number to them. Their professional staff were always on hand to answer any questions that I had and they sincerely cared about my well being. If I ever need legal help again, you will be my first and only call Susan
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