As summer rolls into full swing across Georgia, the scenic highways around Augusta become increasingly popular with motorcycle enthusiasts. With warmer weather and longer days, it’s no surprise that more bikers hit the road during this season. However, the uptick in traffic also means an increase in motorcycle accidents. At Plunkett, Hamilton, Manton & Graves, LLP, we want to help riders stay safe and informed—and know when to seek legal help after a crash.
Motorcycle Accidents Rise in Summer Months
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 60% of motorcycle accident fatalities occur between May and September. In Georgia alone, more than 180 motorcyclists lost their lives in 2022, with many of these crashes occurring during the summer.
Motorcycles are inherently less visible than cars, and the lack of external protection makes riders more vulnerable to serious injuries like road rash, fractures, head trauma, and spinal cord injuries. In Augusta and throughout Georgia, motorcyclists often share the road with distracted, speeding, or careless drivers—factors that significantly increase crash risks.
Common Motorcycle Accident Causes
Motorcycle collisions often result from:
- Left-turn accidents: When a car turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle
- Lane changes: Drivers not checking blind spots before merging
- Rear-end collisions: Cars that stop too late at intersections
- Dooring: A parked vehicle’s door opens into the path of an oncoming motorcycle
- Poor road conditions: Potholes, loose gravel, or slick roads can cause a biker to lose control
Unfortunately, many of these accidents occur not because of rider error, but because drivers fail to look for motorcycles or misjudge their speed and distance.
Tips for Motorcycle Safety This Summer
If you’re planning to ride this summer, take these precautions:
- Wear protective gear: Always use a DOT-approved helmet, gloves, jacket, and reinforced pants
- Stay visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing and use your headlights—even during the day
- Practice defensive riding: Assume other drivers don’t see you, and be ready to react
- Avoid riding in blind spots: Especially next to larger vehicles like trucks or SUVs
- Maintain your bike: Check tire pressure, brakes, lights, and fluid levels before each ride
- Ride sober and alert: Alcohol and fatigue are major contributors to accidents
Motorcyclists who follow these guidelines significantly reduce their risk of injury, but accidents can still happen due to others’ negligence.
When to Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash in Augusta or anywhere in Georgia, it’s essential to talk with an experienced personal injury attorney. Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto motorcyclists or minimize payouts. At Plunkett, Hamilton, Manton & Graves, LLP, we fight to protect your rights and ensure you receive full compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage.
Protect Your Ride—and Your Rights
Motorcycling should be enjoyable, not dangerous. Take the right steps to stay safe on the road this summer, and if you or someone you love is injured in a crash, contact our Augusta legal team for a free consultation. We’re here to help you get back on your feet and back on your bike.
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