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Last Modified on Jun 30, 2026
There are few more thrilling ways to experience the picturesque landscapes and towns of Georgia than when riding a motorcycle. The harsh reality, however, is that a motorcycle crash can turn your entire life upside down in the blink of an eye. One moment, you are passing through the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest or riding through downtown Savannah, and then the next, you need to know the steps to take after a motorcycle accident in Georgia.
At Pleasant Law, PLLC, we are here to make you aware of these steps that could make all the difference when it comes to your physical safety and the viability of a future personal injury claim.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Georgia
In 2023 alone, the United States reported over 82,000 motorcycle injuries and 6,335 total motorcycle fatalities, accounting for 15% of all traffic fatalities that year. The most common causes of these accidents include:
- Distracted driving, including drivers who are texting, eating or drinking, reaching for something inside their vehicle, interacting with passengers, or taking part in any other action that keeps their eyes off the road and their hands off the wheel
- Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
- Cases of left-turn wrecks, where the negligent driver turns in front of an oncoming motorcycle
- Speeding or other forms of reckless driving, such as tailgating or street racing
What to Do in the Aftermath of a Motorcycle Accident
Finding yourself in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident is terrifying, and you are likely facing serious injuries. Even if your injuries seem to be minor, you are still likely uncertain of what actions need to be taken next. Taking certain actions can help protect both your physical health and the legal viability of a future claim. These steps include:
- Move to safety. It is important that you move yourself to safety off the roadway if possible and call 911. The police can arrive at the scene of the accident and write an official report, which can be used as evidence later on in your case. If possible, move your bike out of the way of any oncoming traffic. If you are suffering serious injuries, make sure that medical emergency services respond to the accident scene.
- Do not remove your helmet. If you are wearing a helmet, it is crucial that you leave it on until emergency medical personnel arrive and assess your condition. After a crash, the act of removing your helmet could actually aggravate a spinal cord injury or injury to your brain that you might not be aware of right away.
- Document everything. If you are physically able to, you should collect evidence and document the scene. This can include taking photos and videos of both the scene of the accident and the injuries you have sustained.
- Exchange contact information. It is important to exchange contact information with possible eyewitnesses, as well as contact, insurance, and driver’s license information with the at-fault driver.
- Contact an attorney. You do not need to face the legal system alone following a motorcycle accident. Instead, contact an attorney who can protect your rights to compensation and negotiate for a fair settlement.
- Do not post to social media. Under no circumstances should you post to social media about your accident. Even if you hold no fault whatsoever, anything you post can be used against you by the opposing party, their legal team, and their insurance company.
About Pleasant Law, PLLC
For over 20 years, the team at Pleasant Law, PLLC, has been assisting men and women across Georgia get the outcome they deserve after suffering injury due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party. We are proud to have been honored with an election to Super Lawyers® as well as been designated an AV Preeminent peer rating from Martindale-Hubbell®. Allow our legal excellence to speak for itself today by calling our offices and scheduling a consultation.
FAQs
How Can I Reduce the Risk of a Motorcycle Accident?
While many motorcycle accidents are simply unavoidable, one of the most common causes is human error. To avoid these errors, there are certain precautions you can take. These precautions include obeying the posted speed limits and traffic laws, wearing a DOT-approved helmet and protective gear, as 35% of those killed in motorcycle accidents are not wearing helmets, maintaining your motorcycle, and increasing your visibility with bright or reflective clothing.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
In a motorcycle accident claim, there are a number of damages you may be able to recover. These include all related medical costs, such as treatments, emergency transportations, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and medical devices; lost wages, lost job benefits, or the loss of future earnings; pain and suffering; loss of the enjoyment of life; loss of consortium; damage to your motorcycle; and wrongful death damages.
What Injuries Are Common in a Motorcycle Crash?
In a motorcycle crash, the most common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions or more severe forms of brain injury, fractures and broken bones, road rash and other forms of severe burns, internal bleeding, damage to internal organs, and nerve damage, loss of a limb or a medically necessary amputation, spinal cord damage, which may result in partial or complete paralysis, and even death.
Why Do Motorcycle Crashes Cause Such Severe Injuries?
Motorcycle crashes often cause serious and severe injuries because riders are offered less protection than individuals inside passenger vehicles. On a motorcycle, there are no airbags or structures that can absorb and protect a rider from impact. Additionally, riders are directly exposed to the road, which can increase the risk of serious fractures, head trauma, and road rash.
Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Serving Both Georgia and North Carolina
If you have suffered injury in a motorcycle accident in Georgia, Pleasant Law, PLLC is here to serve you. We have recovered over $30 million for previous clients, and while these results cannot guarantee future outcomes, we are here to serve you in whatever way we can. To learn more about our personal injury services and to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer you can trust, contact our offices and schedule your initial consultation today.
