October 3, 2025 | Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries or even death. Many people assume that motorcyclists are often to blame. However, the truth is that drivers of cars and trucks are responsible for most motorcycle accidents. Understanding who is at fault is important when it comes to filing an injury claim and getting fair compensation.
This article explains who is usually at fault in motorcycle accidents, why these crashes happen, and what injured riders can do to protect their rights.
Other Motor Vehicle Drivers Are Usually at Fault
In many motorcycle crashes, the person driving the car or truck is the one who caused the accident. This may seem surprising, but other motor vehicle drivers often don’t see motorcycles or don’t look carefully before turning or changing lanes.
Motorcycles are smaller and harder to spot than other vehicles. Because of this, drivers sometimes fail to notice them. Many crashes happen when a car turns left in front of a motorcycle that is going straight. The driver either misjudges the speed of the motorcycle or doesn’t see it at all.
Other times, drivers merge into a lane without checking their blind spots, hitting a motorcyclist already in that lane. These types of mistakes are common and often lead to serious accidents.
When a driver acts carelessly and causes a crash, they can be held legally responsible for the motorcyclist’s injuries and their losses.
What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
There are several common reasons why motorcycle accidents happen. Understanding these causes can help show who is at fault.
Distracted Driving
One of the most frequent causes is driver inattention. Many motor vehicle drivers are distracted by cell phones, GPS devices, or other passengers. A distracted driver may not see a motorcycle until it’s too late.
Left-Turns
Left-turn accidents are another major cause. This happens when a car turns left at an intersection and hits a motorcycle that is going straight through the light. These accidents are often the fault of the driver who failed to yield.
Lane Changes
Lane changes without checking mirrors or blind spots can also cause crashes. A motorcycle can easily be missed in a side mirror, especially if the driver doesn’t look carefully.
When Is the Motorcyclist at Fault?
Motorcyclists can sometimes be at fault, especially if they speed, weave through traffic, or ignore traffic laws. In Georgia, all drivers, including motorcyclists, have a duty to operate their vehicles safely.
For example, if a motorcyclist drives over the speed limit or rides between lanes of traffic (called “lane splitting,” which is illegal in Georgia), they could be found at fault if a crash happens.
Riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol is another common cause of motorcycle accidents where the rider is clearly at fault. Just like with other motor vehicle drivers, it is illegal and very dangerous to ride a motorcycle while impaired.
Can Motorcyclists Still Recover Compensation Even if They Are Partially at Fault?
Even if a motorcyclist is partly at fault, they may still be able to recover damages. Georgia follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means that if a rider is less than 50% at fault, they can still recover money, but their total award will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Contact an Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC for a Free Consultation
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident in Georgia, you may be entitled to compensation—even if you were partially at fault. Contact Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC for a free consultation with an experienced Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer.
We’ll review your case and help you understand your legal options.
Goldstein Hayes & Lina Accident Lawyers
3060 Peachtree Rd NW UNIT 1000,
Atlanta, GA 30305
(404) 869-8600
