Georgia Injury Law Blog

Honda has announced a recall of more than 100,000 motorcycles because of a potential braking problem. As personal injury lawyers know well, braking problems with motorcycles significantly increases the risk of a motorcycle accident and serious personal injury. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration which announced the recall, says that the recall covers the 2001-10 and 2012 GL1800 models of touring motorcycles marketed as GoldWings.

According to Honda, the problem lies with a potential rear brake issue - the rear brake may be at least partially applied even after it has been released. If the motorcyclist continues riding with a partially engaged brake, it may generate enough heat to cause a fire in the rear brakes. Also, when a motorcyclist rides with an engaged brake, it could increase the risks of an accident. 

Honda informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it learned about the potential problem in July 2010. A Honda motorcycle user had just finished riding his motorcycle, when there was a small explosion a few minutes after he finished riding. He saw flames emerging from the rear brake area. There were no injuries in that incident, and the motorcyclist was able to use an extinguisher to put out the flames. 

However, Honda took about 16 months to verify the existence of the problem, and to determine the appropriate course of action. In the United States alone, the company was aware of at least 26 similar complaints of rear brake problems, including dragging, and at least 2 fires. The recall is expected to commence in January. If you own a Honda motorcycle that has been included in the recall, you are advised to contact your dealer for details about repairs.

Posted By Robert Katz In Motorcycles , Product Liability | 0 Comments Permalink

Harley-Davidson Inc. is announcing a recall of more than 308,000 motorcycles. The recall is being blamed on a potential brake light failure problem. These types of product defects can pose a significant risk to riders, greatly increasing the likelihood of motorcycle accident. Drivers often have trouble seeing motorcycles and, therefore, an inoperative brake light will make it even more difficult for them to observe a motorcycle stopping. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents often result in severe personal injury and wrongful death.

According to the company, the brake light switches on its motorcycles can be exposed to excessive heat from the exhaust system, causing the brake lights to fail. This failure can cause a fluid leak, as well as the loss of the rear braking system. The loss of the rear braking system is likely to result in product liability claims since they are highly likely to cause a serious injury or death. Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers have regularly encouraged riders to get their bikes regularly checked, but this is the type of issue that could not have been identified through regular maintenance absence a warning from the manufacturer.

According to the company, the Touring, CEO and Trike motorcycles are included in the recall. These motorcycles are from the 2009 to 2012 model years. The motorcycles were manufactured between June 2008 and September 2011. The company has already begun the process of notifying all Harley motorcycle owners about the recall. Owners of Harley motorcycles that are included in this recall are advised to visit their dealers for installation of a new rear brake light switch kit. The recall involves approximately 241,000 motorcycles in the United States, with the remainder in other countries. 

According to Harley-Davidson Inc., the problem came to light in June 2010, when it received a report of a Trike motorcycle losing its rear brake light. While the company was investigating this accident, it received a report of a similar incident in Louisiana. The Louisiana accident resulted in injuries to one person. The company began an investigation into the Louisiana accident, but has not yet been able to determine whether the rear brake light problem caused that accident. According to the company, it is not aware of any other accidents or injuries associated with the problem.

Posted By Robert Katz In Motorcycles , Product Liability | 0 Comments Permalink

Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers have been concerned about a spike in motorcycle accidents on metro Atlanta highways recently. Just last week, a motorcyclist was fatally injured in an accident involving his motorcycle and a tractor-trailer. The truck accident occurred in Gwinnett County, and has been blamed on an airborne tire tread from the tractor-trailer.

According to police, the thirty-five-year-old motorcyclist was riding his vehicle in the left lane of northbound I-85 when his motorcycle struck the tire tread. The impact caused the motorcyclist to lose control. He was lying in the center lane of the highway, and in the path of an oncoming 18- wheeler. The truck driver did not see him, and ran over him. He was rushed to the Gwinnett Medical Center, but died.

This is the most recent in a series of motorcycle accidents that have left Atlanta personal injury lawyers very concerned. In recent months, according to police officers, there have been at least half a dozen motorcyclists killed in accidents in metro Atlanta highways. In August, a motorcyclist was killed in an accident involving two vehicles. He had been riding a Kawasaki Vulcan motorcycle, when his motorcycle was struck by two vehicles on I-75 near Cobb County. He sustained fatal injuries. Police believe that the accident was caused by a Porsche driver who fled the scene of the accident. Both the driver and his passenger were located by police about two weeks later.

Another accident in south Fulton County involved a motorcycle and a sports utility vehicle that had stopped with a flat tire.   A 74-year-old riding a Harley-Davidson struck the stopped SUV. In May, a female motorist was accused of crashing into a motorcycle and killing a student. That driver was arrested earlier for DUI.

Posted By Robert Katz In Motorcycles , Truck Accidents | 0 Comments Permalink

A groundbreaking new study that promises Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers new insight into the causes of motorcycle accidents has just begun.  Since motorcycle accidents result in some of the worst personal injury cases and wrongful deaths, any insights into the causes of these often catastrophic accidents is helpful. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has announced that the very first motorcyclist in a study of 100 motorcyclists has officially begun his one-year long experience.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation's study is a naturalistic one, believed to be the first such study into motorcycle safety in the country. The study relies on the use of recording and tracking devices, like video cameras and GPS devices to record the motorcyclist on an everyday basis. One hundred motorcycles will be recruited as part of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation study. These motorcycles will be fitted with five color video cameras, a GPS tracker, and other devices that will help researchers track the motorcyclist’s riding experiences.

The researchers hope to get valuable information about the motorcyclist’s daily experiences on his vehicle. They also expect information about the environment just before and during the crash. A typical motorcycle accident study does not take into consideration such real-time data. A typical study will include a simple examination of accident scenes. Through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation study, researchers hope to capture information in the minutes just before a crash, to understand more about the causes of such accidents. 

Besides video cameras and trackers, the motorcycles will also include brake pressure and accelerated readings. The data is all recorded and sequenced. This allows researchers to coordinate different types of data for a complete picture of the accident.

Posted By Robert Katz In Motorcycles | 0 Comments Permalink

An Atlanta motorcyclist was killed last month in an accident that occurred when a motorist turned into his path. According to the Georgia State Patrol, the motorist was driving under the influence of alcohol. The accident occurred in Paulding County. The man was riding on his motorcycle when the intoxicated driver turned into the path of the motorcycle. The man was thrown off his motorcycle, and sustained fatal injuries. The motorist has been arrested, and faces charges of driving under the influence, vehicular homicide in the first degree and failure to heed. Of course, he will also likely face a civil suit for wrongful death.

Even as the numbers of people killed in auto accidents in the United States have declined over the past few years, the numbers of people being killed in motorcycle accidents has remained more or less steady. In 2010, federal auto safety agencies recorded the first drop in motorcycle accident fatalities in more than eleven years. The decline was slight, but was encouraging to Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers who have been very concerned about the fact that motorcycle fatalities have remained high over the past decade. However, the decline in fatalities was too low to mean any major change in the attitude towards motorcycle safety in the country.

In 1981, the groundbreaking Hurt Report was published, and outlined the major factors involved in motorcycle accidents in the United States. The study had been sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Hurt Report was published during a time of high accident fatality numbers involving motorcyclists.   One of the findings of the Hurt Report was that most motorcycle accidents are caused by motorists who fail to yield right-of-way to a motorcyclist.

Those findings are just as true in 2011, as they were back in 1981. Many motorcycle accidents every year are caused by motorists who fail to respect the rights of motorcyclists. Motorists need to look out for motorcyclists. Failure to do so can have devastating consequences for motorcyclists, because these people have very little protection during an accident.

Posted By Robert Katz In Motorcycles | 0 Comments Permalink

Police in Cobb County are on the lookout for the driver of a Porsche involved in a fatal motorcycle accident  fatal motorcycle accident. The motorcyclist was riding a Kawasaki Vulcan motorcycle when he was struck by two vehicles on Interstate 75. According to police, a Porsche struck the motorcyclist, and then fled the scene of the auto accident. The motorcycle was then struck again by a Mazda that was following behind. 

The victim, a thirty-one-year-old man from Norcross sustained serious injuries, and died.   The driver of the Mazda has confirmed to police that the Porsche struck the motorcyclist before her car did. Police are now looking for a silver Porsche that is likely to have moderate damage. Unfortunately, as any personal injury attorney will tell you, some of the most devastating accidents occur with hit and run drivers. These drivers are often uninsured, drinking or on drugs.

A motorcycle accident can be a traumatic experience. These are some of the most serious accidents, and can end in fatalities, or serious injuries to motorcycle riders and passengers. Apart from a helmet, a motorcyclist has little protection against injuries.

The trauma after a motorcycle accident can be compounded by the attitude of insurance companies. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, your primary source of compensation is the insurance company of the automobile or truck that was involved in the accident. You can expect the insurance company to begin an investigation of the motorcycle accident immediately. This investigation will be conducted with a view to limiting the damages that you are eligible to recover from the insurance company.

Posted By Robert Katz In Auto Accident Claims , Motorcycles | 0 Comments Permalink

Motorcyclists wearing helmets may be at risk of hearing loss, not from the loud noise of their motorcycle engine, but from the sound of the wind cutting through the helmet. A new study  indicates the need for greater research to produce safer helmets that don't have any health effects. If there is truly a risk to a motorcyclist's hearing, this would indicate a higher risk of motorcycle accidents due to the inability of the rider to hear approaching vehicles and horns. It would be helpful if a study was performed to determine if there was an increase in the number of accidents, injuries and wrongful deaths among riders with a hearing loss.

According to research by scientists at the University of Bath and Bath Spa University, wind can escape from just underneath the helmet, and can damage the eardrums. This sound can be strong enough to cause hearing loss. The study titled Aeroacoustic Sources of Motorcycle Helmet Noise finds that motorcyclists who wear helmets may be a risk of suffering hearing loss even when they ride at safe speeds.

The scientists in the study used mannequins, and re-created the levels of noise that a motorcyclist is exposed to while riding. They found one particular spot under the helmet which allows sound to travel to the eardrums. The researchers are calling for more studies into the differences in how motorcyclists perceive sound, in order to better understand what's going on here. 

In the meantime, they recommend protecting your hearing while wearing a helmet by using earplugs. Earplugs have long been found to be to be an effective way of protecting the ears from damage. Earplugs can help block out much of the noise that attacks eardrums, but allows motorcyclists to continue to hear important sounds, like traffic noise. Earplugs have been popular among motorcyclists for a while now, but are likely to become even more popular now that the study shows a high risk of hearing loss from helmets.

Atlanta motorcycle accident attorneys would definitely not recommend avoiding motorcycle helmet use just because of the findings of the study. While we respect the opinions of persons who do not like wearing helmets, the benefits of wearing a motorcycle helmet are greater than any risks of suffering hearing loss from helmet use. The helmet is the most basic protection that a motorcyclist has, protecting him from fatal or serious traumatic brain injury in an accident. 

Posted By Robert Katz In Brain Injury , Motorcycles | 0 Comments Permalink

Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers have not failed to notice that while automobile manufacturers have tried to keep pace with the public demand for safer automobiles, motorcycle manufacturers have really not focused on the safety of their vehicles as much. As a result, while auto accident deaths around the country have been dropping, the number of people dying in motorcycle accidents has remained more or less the same. 

In 2010, Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers found a drop in motorcycle accident fatalities, the first drop recorded in 11 years. While that had been an encouraging sign, it was not a sharp enough drop. Far too many people continue to be at risk of an accident when they ride a motorcycle. Motorcyclists are at risk from motorists driving under the influence, or speeding. The risks of being involved in an auto accident increases when they are sharing the road with a motorist who is texting while driving. Other times, these car accidents are caused by drivers who fail to look out for motorcyclists.

A major factor in the drop in highway auto accident deaths across the country has been that automobiles now come with safety devices that not only reduce the risk of an auto accident, but also prevent serious injuries and deaths in an accident. Electronic stability control systems have substantially reduced the number of rollover accidents that occur every year. These are some of the most serious accidents, and account for a large percentage of fatalities in accidents every year. The fatalities have been declining because more vehicles now come with stability control systems. 

Besides, automobiles now come with an impressive array of high-tech devices, including lane departure warning systems that warn motorists when they are in danger of going off the lane, and forward collision warning systems that alert the motorist when there is an object in the path of the vehicle. It's not just prevention of accidents that has been the focus. Side airbags have substantially helped reduce the number of injuries that occur in side-impact accidents. These accidents end in serious injuries, because there's very little protecting occupants from injuries in an accident involving a vehicle broad siding another. Side airbags can help minimize these injuries.

Posted By Robert Katz In Motorcycles | 0 Comments Permalink

An off-duty police sergeant in Centreville, Houston County, Georgia was killed in a motorcycle accident last week. According to news reports, the 45-year-old Police Sgt. was riding his motorcycle when he collided with a car at an intersection. He was seriously injured, and died of his injuries. As an Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer, I see the dangers motorcycle riders face every day. Unfortunately, too many drivers just fail to keep a close eye out for motorcycles.

Motorcyclists in Georgia are at a greater risk of collisions with motorists this summer, when more numbers of drivers and motorcyclists can be expected to share the road. Not only are motorcyclists dealing with a large population of adult drivers on their way to holidays distracted by their families and their holiday plans, but they are also sharing the highways with larger numbers of teen drivers. 

Summer is when the total number of teenage drivers on the road is higher, and the months of June, July and August see 40% more driving by those teen motorists. These are inexperienced drivers, who may fail to practice basic motorcycle safety behaviors, like looking out for motorcyclists at intersections. This accident illustrates how necessary it is for motorists to be extra cautious when approaching an intersection, and look out for motorcycles. Many young and teen drivers tend to think of summer as a long, extended weekend, and fail to prioritize traffic safety rules. 

Additionally, motorcyclists are also likely to be at great risk from drivers who are distracted. A motorcycle has a narrow frame, which makes it easy to miss. The risks of missing a motorcyclist are even greater if you're talking on a cell phone or texting while driving. Unfortunately, Atlanta motorcycle accident attorneys expect to see more such reckless and distracted driving during the summer.

Posted By Robert Katz In Distracted Driving , Motorcycles , Teen Drivers , Wrongful Death | 0 Comments Permalink

Georgia police are reporting an increase in auto accident deaths over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. This year, a total of 18 people were killed in car accidents and motorcycle accidents over the holiday weekend, an increase from five deaths in 2010. Of course, there were many more persons injured this past holiday weekend. As an Atlanta personal injury lawyer, I always note a significant increase in accidents over every holiday.

According to the Georgia Department of Public Safety, most of those deaths occurred on Atlanta streets. Out of the 18 deaths, 11 occurred in Atlanta. At least some of those accidents also involved motorcycle deaths and pedestrian accidents resulting in deaths. In Atlanta, a student at Georgia Tech was killed in a motorcycle accident when his motorcycle was struck by a drunk driver. Another motorcycle accident was recorded in Lilburn over the weekend. 

Heavy traffic and motorists rushing to get to their destination during the holiday were responsible for many of the fatalities. In one accident, a 19-year-old motorist escaped injuries when his car flipped over. As he was standing outside the car checking out the damage, he was struck by a passing vehicle. He died at the scene.

Some deaths this holiday were linked to red light violations. A 16-year-old driver in Roopville allegedly ran a red light and struck another vehicle. Both the teen driver and the occupant of the other vehicle were killed. 

There has been no official word about the reason for the dramatic spike in auto accident fatalities and injuries this Memorial Day weekend over the last year. However, as Atlanta car accident attorneys, weare already concerned about the fact that the year’s peak travel season has only just begun. Hopefully, the Memorial Day death toll won't be an indicator of what we can expect over the next three months. To everyone out there - drive safely, do not drink and drive, and switch off your cell phone while driving.

Posted By Robert Katz In Auto Accident Claims , Motorcycles , Pedestrian accidents , Wrongful Death | 0 Comments Permalink

Much of motorcycle safety depends on the ability of motorists to respect motorcyclists’ right. This alone would prevent many of the motorcycle accidents we see which often involve serious personal injuries or a wrongful death. The most important thing that drivers could do to prevent accidents involving motorcyclists is to acknowledge that motorcycle riders in Georgia have the very same rights that motorists do. In other words, that a motorcyclist sharing the highway with your SUV is not an outsider with no rights, but a legitimate highway user with the same rights as you.

Many accidents that Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers come across occur because drivers fail to look out for motorcyclists, especially when they are making lane changes or entering thoroughfares. Look especially closely for motorcyclists in your mirrors during these times. Here are some basic tips for motorists.

When you are sharing the road with a motorcycle, do not try to pass the motorcycle in the same lane.

Don't follow too close to a motorcycle in the front. Allow at least 4 seconds following distance. Remember that a motorcycle can come to a stop much quicker than your car can. In a pinch, you could end up hitting the motorcycle in front, causing serious injuries to that person.

Look extra carefully for motorcyclists before you open your car door next to traffic. 

Look carefully for motorcycles in your blind spots

Look out for motorcycles, and check their possible speed before you make a turn. 

Lane sharing is not safe. Always try and allow motorcycles a full-lane width.

Remember that motorcycles may seem like they are traveling much faster than they actually are.

Motorists can do their part to help reduce the numbers of people being killed in motorcycle accidents every year.

Posted By Robert Katz In Motorcycles , Wrongful Death | 0 Comments Permalink

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is coming down hard on manufacturers of novelty helmets that do not protect motorcyclists. These novelty motorcycle helmets are not approved by the Department of Transportation, and do not protect motorcyclists from injuries in a motorcycle accident. As an Atlanta motorcycle accident attorney, I am well aware of many serious injuries arising after accidents in which the driver was wearing a novelty helmet.

Helmets are a motorcyclist’s first line of defense against injuries in an accident. It's important that motorcyclists wear helmets that are approved by the Department of Transportation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will soon require new motorcycle helmets to come with a label that contains the words “DOT FMVSS 218 Certified.”

Novelty helmets have recently become very popular, because of their designs. However, testing has found that these helmets do not meet safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Those safety standards are contained in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. These standards cover a number of criteria, including impact absorption and penetration resistance. 

Helmets that are approved by the Department Of Transportation meet the criteria contained in the standards, & come with a label certifying that they are approved by the Department of Transportation. However, manufacturers have been affixing “Department Of Transportation-Approved” labels on these non-approved helmets too. Persons who wear these helmets may have little or no protection in the event of an accident.

Atlanta's motorcyclists will be in more danger of accidents with motorists now that summer is here. While a helmet is highly recommended for its effectiveness in preventing and reducing the severity of traumatic brain injury, it isn't completely foolproof against injuries. Drivers this summer must take care to look out for motorcyclists at all times, especially those in their blind spots. Look out closer for motorcyclists at busy intersections or when you are pulling out of a parking lot.

The Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers at the Katz Law Firm represent persons injured in motorcycle accidents across Georgia.

Posted By Robert Katz In Brain Injury , Motorcycles | 0 Comments Permalink

A new survey by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety indicates that Americans would rather have more government interference in matters of traffic safety to prevent auto accidents, truck accidents and motorcycle accidents. Of course, these accidents often result in serious personal injuries and wrongful deaths.   According to the survey, 62% of Americans want more traffic safety laws to reduce poor driving behaviors and minimize accident risks. What's more, 57% of respondents wanted their individual states to get more involved in making the roads safer. This is an indication to Atlanta car accident attorneys that there is plenty of support for recent moves in Georgia to enact mandatory seatbelt laws for all, and ban texting while driving for all motorists.

According to the survey, 70% of Americans feel that traffic safety laws should be strictly enforced. There's a lesson here for Atlanta and throughout Georgia which has recently banned texting while driving - laws can be meaningless unless these are enforced and violators penalized sufficiently. 

Additionally, the survey also indicates that there is plenty of support for tough teen driver licensing standards. 86% of the respondents believe that new drivers should be required to complete a driver’s education course before they are allowed a driver’s license. American motorists also want to see automakers invest in technologies that will help prevent accidents and keep motorists safe. 60% of the respondents wanted automakers to do more to make their vehicles safer. 

There are really no surprises in this survey for Atlanta car accident lawyers. One of the factors contributing to the declining rate of traffic accident deaths in Georgia has been strict state and local action against devastating driving behaviors, like drunk driving and distracted driving. Several states around the country, including Georgia, have passed laws aimed at keeping intoxicated motorists off the street. Newer laws prohibit drivers from texting while driving, and in some states, using hand-held cell phones while driving. More government action in the form of enacting new laws and enforcing current safety laws can help reduce accidents and keep people safer.

Posted By Robert Katz In Auto Accident Claims , Motorcycles , Seatbelts , Texting and Cellphone Use while Driving , Truck Accidents | 0 Comments Permalink

With increasing gas prices and unrelenting traffic congestion plaguing the state, many Georgians are finding it’s more economically savvy (and healthy, besides) to travel by bicycle or motorcycle in lieu of automobile. Unfortunately, this trend towards cycling is also resulting in an increased number of accidents involving cyclists and their impatient motorist counterparts. In fact, according to the Georgia Office of Highway Safety, in 2008, 12 percent of the people killed in motor vehicle crashes in Georgia were motorcycle drivers — the highest motorcycle fatality count within 15 years. As an Atlanta injury lawyer, I know that this number is only the tip of the iceberg since a significant number of serious injuries result from motorcycle accidents every year.

This is a growing problem in Georgia, where in 2008 motorcycle driver deaths has increased by 59 percent since 2004. As a remedy, Governor Nathan Deal signed into law last week a bill aimed to protect them, while simultaneously granting respite to sympathetic drivers who nevertheless feel a modicum of nervousness when inching by a motorcycle or bicycle.  

House Bill 101 requires drivers to give cyclists at least 3 feet of space. Before last week, motorists had only to maintain an arguably ambiguous “safe distance” when passing. Now, those same motorists will have to actually cross the yellow line to comply with the law.

The 3-foot requirement was actually an afterthought of sorts, tacked on at the last minute by Senator John Albers. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, he was inspired to do so by Kathy Serrano, widow of cyclist Tony Serrano who was killed in 2004 by a car in Gwinnett County, and by concerns for his own children, who are avid bike riders. He also aimed to encourage the exercise of generally safer driving practices: violation will result in heavy fines or jail time.

Beginning July 1, Atlanta bicycle accident attorneys will be more cognizant of this legislation as well, especially when pursuing lawsuits involving bicycle/vehicle collisions. Whereas the "safe distance" requirement was vague, this new law, which serves as a deterrent, also suggests more specificity in terms of liability.

Posted By Robert Katz In Auto Accident Claims , Bicycle Injury Claims , Motorcycles | 0 Comments Permalink

The Governors’ Highway Safety Association is predicting a 2% decline in motorcycle accident deaths for 2010, based on a slight decline in fatalities during the first nine months of the year. In Georgia, Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers found slightly better news. The predicted decline in motorcycle accident fatalities in Georgia is a little more substantial than the national average. As an Atlanta injury lawyer, I welcome any decrease in the number of motorcycle accident deaths and hope this also indicates a reduction in the number of accidents involving serious personal injuries.

During the first nine months of 2009, there had been 112 motorcycle accident deaths in Georgia, and those numbers had decreased to 98 deaths during the same period in 2010. That was a decline of 14, and while it is not a bad performance, Georgia is way behind our neighbor Louisiana with a decline of 37, Oklahoma with a decline of 25 and Wisconsin with a decline of 24 fatalities. Georgia could do much better with saving motorcyclists lives every year, if it invested more in educating motorists about the specific dangers facing motorcyclists.

According to the report by the GHSA, motorcycle accident fatalities across the country decreased by approximately 2.4% during the first nine months of the year. The GHSA is predicting the total number of motorcycle accident fatalities for 2010 to be around      4, 376 or fewer. However, the agency is warning against any enthusiasm over this decline in motorcycle accident deaths. 

In 2009, there was a decline of 16% in motorcycle accident fatalities. That decline had come after 11 years of continuous increases in motorcycle deaths. The fact that there has been a barely 2.4% decline in motorcycle accident fatalities this year seems to suggest that states around the country need to develop individual measures to increase safety for motorcyclists. This includes not only educating drivers about motorcyclists, but also modifying road design to make motorcyclists visible.

The Governors’ Highway Safety Association believes that over the next few years, we could actually see an increase in motorcycle accident fatalities unless states act fast. 

Posted By Robert Katz In Motorcycles | 0 Comments Permalink

Federal transportation safety agencies recorded a 3% drop in auto accident, truck accident, and motorcycle accident wrongful deaths in 2010. Southern states including Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee and Florida also recorded a 3% drop in accident deaths last year. Last year's figures are the lowest accident death rates on record since 1949. As an Atlanta Injury lawyer, I welcome the latest report of the decline in these numbers.

The Georgia/South Carolina/Alabama/Tennessee/Florida region recorded 6,375 car accident deaths in 2010, a drop of 3% from 2009, when there were 6,573 accident deaths. Overall, nationwide, there were 32, 788 auto accident, truck accident and motorcycle accident deaths in 2010, a decline of 3% from 33,808 fatalities in 2009. Moreover, the decline in car accident deaths was the lowest on record since 1949. Last year accident deaths also marked a 25% drop since 2005.

The statistics also seem to put to rest the theory that the decline in car accident fatalities has had a lot to do with the recession. Last year, Americans traveled more vehicle miles, but fewer Americans died in accidents. There are other reasons that have contribute to this decline that have been evident for the past few years. Higher seat belt usage rate is typically one of those factors. More drivers in Georgia now buckle up than ever before and this has meant fewer fatalities in accidents. 

Besides, cars now come packed with the latest safety features that are designed not just to minimize the risk of accidents, but also protect occupants better in the event of an accident. Side airbags are becoming popular on more and more automobiles while electronic stability control has been available on most new models for a while now. Besides, lane departure warning systems, forward collision warning systems including those that include pedestrian detection, and other advanced safety features have helped reduce car accident deaths.

More could be done, however. For instance, we could save more lives every year if we had harsher laws in place against the use of cell phones and texting while driving.

Posted By Robert Katz In Auto Accident Claims , Motorcycles , Truck Accidents | 0 Comments Permalink

Most motorcycle accidents occur in the daytime and at intersections, and can usually be linked to motorist failure to see the motorcyclist in time. As an Atlanta injury lawyer, I find that some of the most serious and debilitating injuries arise out of motorcycle accidents. A motorcyclist is far more likely to be injured in an auto accident than a passenger in a car. As the year’s biking season kicks off, Georgia motorcycle accident attorneys would advise motorists to exercise extra caution.

Georgia's motorcyclists will enjoy the warm spring weather, after what has been at times, a horribly cruel winter. The weather being as pleasant as it is, motorists can expect not just local Georgia motorcyclists, but also motorcyclists from neighboring states on their way to southern destinations. However, with the increase in motorcyclists, comes an increased risk of accidents. Biking season is the right time to remind drivers that most motorcycle accidents are caused by motorists and drivers of other vehicles, and not motorcyclists. 

In Georgia at least, we have noticed a trend of blaming motorcyclists every time there's an accident involving these riders. Most people are quick to assume that it's motorcyclists who disobey traffic laws, ride too fast, and try stunts on the motorcycle. Nothing could be further from the truth. Most motorcyclists are aware that any foolish behavior can have devastating consequences for them, and not so much for the occupants of the other vehicle involved in the crash.

Unfortunately, most of these accidents are caused by negligent motorists. For instance, motorcycle accidents at intersections can be avoided if drivers take care to be especially alert when they're making a left turn. 

Earlier this month, law-enforcement in Georgia initiated the Look Twice, Save a Life campaign aimed at urging motorists to be more vigilant and look out for motorcyclists. Authorities should focus even harder on motorcycling safety this spring.

Posted By Robert Katz In Auto Accident Claims , Motorcycles | 0 Comments Permalink

The Georgia Department of Public Safety has begun implementing motorcycle safety checkpoints, as part of a program in an effort to prevent motorcycle accidents. Some of the most serious injuries and deaths often result from motorcycle accidents. Although motorcycles certainly need to be well maintained, these accidents are more often caused by drivers of cars who are not watching out for motorcycles. It would probably be more effective use of resources if the Department used their limited resources to commence a campaign to educate drivers to watch out for motorcycles and bicycles.

As part of the campaign that is being launched, the Georgia Department of Public Safety will conduct a total of six motorcycle checkpoints between 1 March 2011 and December 31, 2012. The first checkpoint of 2011 was held earlier this month along Interstate 75 and along Interstate 95. Motorcyclists traveling along any of the highways that have been marked for checkpoints will find signs that require them to exit at an inspection station.

The campaign is being funded by a $70,000 grant by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Officers will be specifically looking to see if motorcycle drivers have licenses, and if they're wearing helmets. They will also be checking to see that motorcycles are in good operating condition, and will specifically be looking out for bad tires, broken or malfunctioning headlights and tail lights. According to the Department of Public Safety, the checkpoints won't be a major hindrance, and the average motorcyclist who is riding with a proper license, and is helmeted, will find that the delay lasts just about a minute.

The motorcycling community in Georgia has been displeased about these controversial motorcycle-only checkpoints, calling them biased. As an Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer I would like to see more initiatives that target motorists and their need for greater awareness about motorcyclist rights. The money could have been better spent on education and awareness campaigns and crackdowns on motorists who fail to yield to motorcyclists.

Posted By Robert Katz In Motorcycles | 0 Comments Permalink

Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers strongly recommend wearing a helmet to reduce your risks of suffering serious or fatal injury in a motorcycle accident. It's common knowledge that wearing helmets reduces your risk of suffering a brain injury. A new study however shows that wearing a motorcycle helmet may have even more tangible benefits for persons involved in a motorcycle accident. The results of this study prove that wearing a helmet not only reduces the risk of brain injury, but also cervical spine injury.

Researchers at the John Hopkins University School of Medicine analyzed motorcycle accident collisions between 2002 and 2006. The data came from the National Trauma Data Bank. The researchers found that there was a substantially lowered risk of cervical spine injury among motorcyclists who wore helmets. The risk was as much as 22% lower compared to persons not wearing a helmet during a crash.

According to the researchers, this puts to rest a long-held misconception that wearing motorcycle helmets increases your risk of suffering a cervical spine injury. Critics of motorcycle helmet laws have long held that wearing helmets increases the risk of suffering a neck injury, and they often cite 25-year-old studies to support their arguments. The fact is that modern helmets are not just lighter and more sophisticated, but also come with added strength and complete protection.

Cervical spine injuries can often be seen in motorcycle accidents, and can include serious damage to the spinal cord, resulting in total or partial paralysis. These injuries can even be fatal. Cervical spine fractures are some of the most common of these injuries. A cervical spine fracture often requires surgical treatment. Motorcyclists could reduce the risks of suffering these debilitating injuries by wearing helmets while riding.

Posted By Robert Katz In Motorcycles | 0 Comments Permalink

Cobb County police are on the lookout for a pickup truck driver whom they believe was responsible for a fatal motorcycle accident this week. According to police, the 60-year-old victim was riding his motorcycle, when he was cut off by the driver of a Ford F-150 truck. In order to avoid the accident, the victim was forced to go over the curb and across the sidewalk. The motorcycle struck a pillar on the sidewalk, and the victim sustained serious injuries. He was taken to the hospital, but succumbed to his injuries later.

Cobb County Police are on the lookout for the driver of the pickup truck. They say it is either a gray or black colored truck.

Unfortunately, most motorcycle crashes that Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers come across seem to follow similar patterns. These accidents are caused not because motorcycles were speeding or driving rashly, but because the motorcyclists were not yielded to or were cutoff.

As the 2010 holiday travel season kicks off with the Thanksgiving weekend, motorcyclists are likely to find more numbers of drivers in a hurry to reach their destination, and willing to cut them off. If you plan to ride over the Thanksgiving holiday, take some precautions to ensure your safety.

·        Try and plan an alternate route that doesn't have as much traffic. A longer route is preferable to one that will be crammed with impatient motorists.

·        Make sure you're dressed for safe motorcycling, and wear a DO-approved helmet.

·        Dress in bright colors to be visible to motorists. Remember, a driver is more likely to avoid you if he can see you.

·        Keep speeds down.

·        Avoid lane sharing. It is a frequent factor in accidents.

Posted By Lisa Siegel In Motorcycles | 0 Comments Permalink

NTSB Recommends All States Mandate Motorcycle Helmets

The National Transportation Safety Board has called on all states to mandate motorcycle helmets to reduce the numbers of deaths in motorcycle accidents every year. The federal agency made the recommendation as part of its annual “Most Wanted List of Transportation Safety.” The list outlines a series of recommendations that the federal agency directs to states across the country. This year, the board seems to have focused on motorcycle helmet recommendations in place of recreational boating safety.

The NTSB list identifies those states that have made great progress in protecting the motorcycling public. It also names those states that still have more work to do to keep motorcyclists and other motorists safer. Georgia has mandatory motorcycle helmet laws for all motorcyclists.

Besides motorcycle safety, the NTSB List is calling for

·        Improved child protection - laws requiring booster seats for children up to the age of eight

·        Primary seatbelt enforcement laws

·        Elimination of distracted driving among teen drivers

·        Elimination of hard-core drinking - including the introduction of statewide sobriety checkpoints, zero blood alcohol requirements for persons with DUI convictions, vehicle sanctions for repeat offenders, and administrative license revocation

In Georgia, we could definitely do with more efforts against distracted driving among teen drivers. Over the past few months, Atlanta car accident attorneys have come across a number of fatal and serious accidents involving teenage drivers. Georgia’s transportation agencies must also consider stronger rules for the number of passengers teen motorists can have, as well as nighttime driving restrictions for these motorists.

As Atlanta car accident lawyers, we would also like to see more enforcement of the new laws banning texting while driving for motorists. We also need more efforts against hard-core drinkers and repeat drunk driving offenders. Several recent accidents in Atlanta have involved motorists with previous DWI convictions.

Posted By Lisa Siegel In Motorcycles | 0 Comments Permalink

The family of a motorcyclist, who was critically injured in a motorcyle accident in Henry County over the weekend, has issued a plea for help in finding the hit-and-run driver responsible for the accident.

34-year-old Justin Hayes was riding his motorcycle on Saturday evening, when he was struck by a Toyota Highlander. The accident resulted in Hayes being thrown off his motorcycle, which resulted in  critical injuries. He is currently being treated in the intensive care unit at Grady Memorial Hospital. He suffered multiple fractures, as well as internal injuries in the motorcycle accident.

His wife, Cheryl has issued a plea for help to anyone who can provide information that can lead to the hit-and-run motorist here. The Highlander was apparently being driven by a black female, between 20 and 30 years of age. According to police, the woman simply drove off after the vehicle struck Hayes. Anyone who may have witnessed the motorcycle accident, or may have some information about the crash, including repair shop workers or mechanics, are being encouraged to inform Henry County police.

In an accident involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle, it's usually the motorcyclist who suffers critical or serious injuries. A motorcyclist has little protection in the event of an accident. While a helmet can reduce the risks of suffering a Traumatic Brain Injury, it is no guarantee against catastrophic injury or death. Besides, a helmet may not do much to prevent spinal cord injury, fractures, amputations, road rash and other injuries that can result from a motorcycle accident.

Unfortunately, most motorcycle accidents occur because motorists fail to respect the motorcyclist's right to ride on the road.   It is also common to find motorists who are biased against motorcyclists. Because of the narrow size of a motorcycle, a motorcyclist may sometimes seem to be traveling much faster than he actually is. In addition,  there has been a significant increase in the number of motorcycles on Georgia’s roads. All this has created a false perception that motorcyclists are to blame for any collisions involving their vehicles.

The Atlanta motorcycle accident attorneys at the Katz Law Firm represent injured victims of motorcycle accidents in and around the metro Atlanta region.

Posted By Robert Katz In Motorcycles , Motorcycles | 0 Comments Permalink

Non-Approved Motorcycle Helmets May Not Protect against Injury

While the state of Georgia has a law requiring all motorcycle riders to wear helmets for their own protection, many motorcyclists in Georgia could be increasing their risk of injury by wearing unsafe, “fancy” helmets that are not approved by the Department of Transportation, nor by any private certifying agency.

The US Department of Transportation certifies hundreds of helmets every year. DOT-Approved helmets have an inner lining that protects the head during impact. They also have strong rivets, protective chin straps and other features that help prevent head and facial injuries during an accident. Unfortunately, too many motorcyclists in Georgia are riding with novelty helmets that look like military helmets, and do not cover the face completely. These helmets do not offer complete facial and head protection during an accident. In fact, wearing a helmet like this may not offer even minimal protection during an accident.

It makes no sense for a motorcyclist to wear a helmet that that has not been found to offer him protection during an accident. No motorcycle helmet, even one that is certified by the Department of Transportation, can completely guarantee that a motorcyclist will not suffer head and brain injuries during an accident. However, the chances of surviving an accident without these devastating injuries may be much greater if you’re wearing a DOT-approved and certified helmet.

Some motorcyclists have qualms about the safety standards of DOT-approved helmets. They believe that DOT testing standards are not strict enough to ensure the reliability of these helmets. If you don't trust the DOT standards, there are other private agencies which certify helmets. The Snell Memorial Foundation tests more than 3,000 helmets each year, and posts the results of the tests on its website. This is a nonprofit, independent authority that only certifies helmets that pass each and every test.

The best choice would be to buy a helmet that's tested and approved by the US DOT, and certified by the Snell Memorial Foundation.

The Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers at the Katz Law Firm represent injured victims of motorcycle accidents in the metro Atlanta region and across Georgia.

Posted By Lisa Siegel In Motorcycles | 1 Comments Permalink

One of the biggest factors in motorcycle accidents is motorist negligence or lack of motorist awareness. It's important for motorists to understand that motorcycles are not like cars or trucks. Motorcyclists face peculiar challenges as they jostle for space with motorists, and it helps motorcyclists if other people on the road are more aware of these challenges. 

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has tips for motorists and truck drivers to help them look out for motorcyclists. Here's a brief rundown of just some of those tips.

·        Look out for motorcyclists especially closely at certain spots, like intersections. Because of a motorcycle’s small size, it may be easier to miss.

·        A motorcycle may look much further away than it actually is. It may also be difficult for a motorist to judge a motorcyclist’s speed accurately.

·        Because of the motorcycle’s narrow frame, it can easily be hidden in a motorist’s blind spots. 

·        Most motorcyclists aren't speeding - it only seems like they're riding at excessive speeds because of their thin frame.

·        Survival for a motorcyclist depends on being visible to motorists. A motorcyclist often needs to adjust his position simply to be visible to motorists around him.   He's not doing this to show off or as a stunt.

·        Never overestimate a motorcyclist’s power of maneuverability. A motorcyclist is definitely in a position to navigate through congested traffic better than someone in a car, but that doesn't mean that he can always maneuver his bike to avoid an accident. 

As Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers see, most motorcycle accidents are caused because of negligent motorists, and not, as many motorists would like to believe, because of reckless motorcyclists. All it takes is awareness of motorcyclists and respect for their rights to share the road with you, to significantly reduce the number of fatalities in these accidents every year. 

Posted By Lisa Siegel In Motorcycles | 0 Comments Permalink

Summer also happens to be motorcycling season across Georgia. Thousands of motorcyclists will take to the highways this summer and, unfortunately, many of them will be involved in a motorcycle accident. They can accept warm weather, clear skies, and unfortunately, also plenty of hostile motorists. There are several things that motorcyclists can keep in mind to help them to avoid an accident and serious injuries.

As Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers, we would like to stress the need for both motorists and motorcyclists to cooperate to prevent accidents this summer. One of the best things that a novice motorcyclist can do to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries is to take a safety training program before beginning motorcycling. Even if you have been an avid motorcyclist in the past and have spent a few years without riding, it's highly recommended that you take a motorcycle training program to brush up your skills. These training courses provide excellent tips for avoiding accidents.

Wear protective gear. A helmet is an absolute must. Also wear protective leather clothing including jackets and boots.

Choose a bright color for your helmet. Avoid black and gray helmets although these may look cool. A red, blue or yellow helmet stands out much better against crowded traffic, allowing motorists around you to notice you. Remember that most motorcycle accidents occur because the motorist simply failed to see the motorcyclist.

It's important to for motorcyclists to be aware of the weather conditions before they set out on the road. The risk of skidding and hydroplaning during wet weather is much greater for motorcyclists than motorists. If conditions are going to be rainy or windy, avoid motorcycling that day.

If you can afford it, buy a motorcycle that comes with Antilock Brakes. According to Consumer Reports, these motorcycles have a much lower risk of skidding when the rider brakes at high speeds.

As far as motorists are concerned, it's important that you look out for motorists around you. With so many motorcyclists on the road these days, there is no excuse for you to be unaware of the presence of these riders this summer. Look especially closely for motorcyclists who may fall in your blind spots.

If you are a motorcyclist and are involved in an accident, contact an Atlanta Motorcycle Attorney so that you are aware of your rights. Dealing with the various insurance companies who may be involved is difficult, especially when you are severely injured.

Posted By Robert Katz In Motorcycles | 0 Comments Permalink

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is promoting motorcycle safety in the month of May. The agency has declared May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and is encouraging local communities and motorcycling organizations to spearhead safety campaigns and other efforts.

To help these efforts, the agency has prepared a Share the Road planner which contains vital resources you can use to conduct your own motorcycle safety campaign in your community. The agency's key message for the month of May is to “Share the Road.” The message is targeted at motorists who are urged to look out for motorcyclists as they drive. The NHTSA wants motorists to understand that:

·        Motorcycles are vehicles too, and riders enjoy just as many privileges as motorists do.

·        Know that there are more numbers of motorcyclists on Georgia highways now, than in decades past. Look out for these motorcyclists.

·        Check your mirrors before you make a lane change.

·        It's also important to look for motorcyclists who might be in your blind spot.

·        Look especially close at motorcyclists that you are following. Sometimes, a motorcyclist may fail to turn off his signals, and the signals are not self canceling. Therefore, if the signal says the motorcyclist is about to make a turn, it may not be true. The bottom line is that you look out for signs of his movement.

The NHTSA wants to focus the message not just on motorists, but also on pedestrians and bicyclists who are also involved in collisions with motorcycles every year.

Motorcyclists also have a responsibility in their own safety.

·        They must make themselves visible, and must make efforts to ensure that other motorists see them.

·        Motorcyclists must avoid all kinds of distractions while riding.

·        Helmets saved in 1,829 motorcyclists in 2008. Always wear a helmet approved by the Department Of Transportation, while riding.

The Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers at the Katz Law Firm represent injured victims of motorcycle accidents in and around the metro Atlanta area.

Posted By Lisa Siegel In Motorcycles | 0 Comments Permalink

A motorcyclist was killed in a tragic hit-and-run accident in Atlanta over the weekend. The victim was riding his motorcycle, and ran out of gas. He was stopped at the side of Interstate 20 West, when he was struck by a car. He died instantly from his injuries.. The motorist continued driving after he struck the motorcyclist. Fortunately, an off-duty Georgia State Trooper was just behind the car, and noticed the accident. He chased the car, and was able to apprehend the motorist.

Last year, there were more than 5,000 people killed in motorcycle accidents across the country. That was a record since motorcycle crash data gathering began more than three decades ago. It's also a reminder to Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers that we’re still far from even understanding what is causing this spike in fatalities, let alone developing measures to prevent these.

A new motorcycle crash causation study however, provides a glimmer of hope. The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute is partnering with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation to conduct a study that would provide a fresh look into the causes of these accidents. The study is expected to begin in 2012. It is expected to be the first naturalistic study of motorcycle crash causes. It will also be one of the first major studies into motorcycle crash causes in decades.

As part of the study, the researchers will place recording devices on numerous motorcycles. These devices will record data that will help researchers understand the causes of an accident. Through the use of these devices, the judges will be able to compare the motorcyclist’s riding practices before the accident and during the accident, characteristics of safe motorcyclists, the behavior of other motorists, motoring environment, and other factors that we currently can't measure using traditional crash investigation techniques..

The Atlanta motorcycle accident attorneys at the Katz Law Firm represent injured victims of motorcycle accidents in the Atlanta area, and across the state of Georgia.

Posted By Lisa Siegel In Motorcycles | 0 Comments Permalink

Helmet Usage can Minimize Brain Injury Risk in Motorcycle Accident Victims

Efforts by law enforcement authorities and transportation authorities in Georgia and nationwide, have helped lower accident fatality rates over the past few years. However, the rates of motorcycle accident fatalities have increased dramatically during the same period.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as of 2008, motorcycle accident fatalities had actually increased for the 11th year running.

There was a staggering increase of 144 percent in motorcycle fatalities in 2007, compared to 1997. In fact, fatality increase rates have been greater than the rates of motorcycle registration.

This much is clear - we need to not just enforce current motorcycle safety rules more strongly, but also look into other factors, like the increasingly distracted motorists on our streets who may be contributing to this increase. As Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers, we would advise riders to follow one simple rule -always wear an approved helmet.

The NHTSA seems to agree. The agency has just released a report (Hat Tip to John Day at Day on Torts) underlining the relationship between motorcycle helmet use and the diminished risk of traumatic brain injury. The report is based on data gathered from 18 states, and featuring 104,472 motorcyclists. Out of this group, 57 percent were wearing helmets at the time of the accident, while the remaining were not. The report shows a strong relationship between helmet usage during accidents, and the risk of Traumatic Brain Injury.

·        Among motorcyclists who did not wear a helmet, the risk of a moderate to severe facial or head injury was 6.6 percent. Among helmeted motorcyclists, that number dropped to 5.5 percent.

·        Traumatic brain injury occurred in 15 percent of victims who were wearing a helmet. Among non-helmeted motorcyclists, TBI occurred in 21 percent of victims.

·        Motorcycle helmet use doesn’t merely protect against Traumatic Brain Injury, it also diminishes the severity of the injury. While 9 percent of non helmeted motorcyclists suffered minor to moderate TBI, 7 percent of helmeted motorcyclists suffered the same severity of TBI. While 7 percent of non helmeted motorcyclists suffered severe TBI, that rate was dramatically lower in helmeted motorcyclists at 4.7 percent.

Reducing these fatality rates is going to be a serious challenge. Not just are there more number of motorcyclists on the road, but these people are also older than they used to be in past decades. In fact, in 1997, riders aged 40 and above made up 33 percent of motorcyclist deaths. This group had expanded to comprise 49 percent of motorcycle fatalities by 2007.

Posted By Lisa Siegel In Motorcycles | 1 Comments Permalink

Motorcycle Education Initiative Aims to Lower Accident Statistics Across Georgia

Last month, Georgia State Patrol and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety launched a motorcycle safety education initiative, aimed at lowering the numbers of motorcycle crash statistics across the state. According to Georgia State Patrol, the safety education unit will provide motorcycle safe information at schools, clubs, military facilities and other locations across Georgia.

The safety education initiative comes as motorcycle accident fatality rates continue on their upward graph, causing concern to law enforcement officials, motorcycling groups as well as Georgia motorcycle accident lawyers. While other highway accident statistics have dropped steadily over the past decade, motorcycle accident fatalities have actually increased during the same period of time. Currently, motorcycle accident fatalities constitute 14 percent of all highway fatalities in the US. In 2007, 162 motorcyclists died in accidents in Georgia. 3,334 people were injured in these accidents.

Bringing these numbers down is imperative. We can’t afford to feel any sense of accomplishment in bringing down fatality rates in traffic accidents when motorcycle crash rates continue to remain at the same level they have been for years. As gasoline prices began to spike in 2005, more and more numbers of motorists in Georgia ditched their cars for fuel-efficient motorbikes. The result has been a corresponding increase in accidents and deaths.

There is no reason why these statistics should remain depressing. Nationwide, other states have had remarkable success in reducing motorcycle fatality rates. In California for instance, a stronger emphasis on motorcycle safety programs for new riders, has meant a drop in motorcycle-related fatalities.

We’re positive that this motorcycle safety education is a strong step towards the goal of bringing down these fatality statistics.  In Georgia, the Department of Driver’s Services offers motorcycle safety training. We encourage all riders to enroll in these programs, to improve their chances of getting home safe after a ride. 

Posted By Lisa Siegel In Motorcycles | 0 Comments Permalink

The Federal Highway Administration has announced the launch of a new study to probe causes of motorcycle accidents, and to help develop procedures and strategies that can prevent or minimize these accidents.

The study will be conducted at the Oklahoma State University’s Transportation Center, and will be the first one in decades. The last such study was conducted in 1981, and resulted in the release of the Hurt Report. The report led to the identification of several causes of motorcycle accidents, and contributed to the development of strategies to minimize or prevent these crashes. However, the findings of the Hurt Report and any effects they may have had on motorcycle safety, have begun to lose their relevance in the nearly 30 years since the report was released. This can be seen in the steady increase in the rates of motorcycle accident fatalities, not just in Georgia, but across the country.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, motorcycle riders continue to remain some of the most highly at-risk groups on our roads. In 2008, approximately 5,300 motorcyclists were killed nationwide in these accidents, which is about 14 percent of all traffic accident fatalities that year. An estimated 177 of those fatalities occurred in Georgia. This was even as accident fatality rates in other groups, like automobile accidents and pedestrian accidents, showed a marked downward trend. According to the Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, motorcyclist fatalities increased by 150 percent between 1997 and 2008.

As Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers, we have been very concerned at the continued rise in motorcycle accident fatalities, and are encouraged at the launch of this new study. As we have discussed earlier on this blog, we need to be investing more efforts and funds into motorcycle safety, and this study definitely seems like a good step in that direction.  

Posted By Lisa Siegel In Motorcycles | 0 Comments Permalink

Man Killed in Cobb County Motorcycle Accident  

A Smyrna resident has been killed in a motorcycle accident involving another biker in Cobb County.

According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the victim Anthony Tyrone Anderson was riding his motorbike behind another motorcyclist, Ronald Bagley. Bagley signaled that he was making a left turn, but when he began turning, Anderson’s motorcycle crashed into his bike. Anderson’s motorcycle was thrown across the road into several utility poles. He suffered fatal injuries.  

As Cobb County motorcycle accident lawyers, we frequently come across passionate motorcycle enthusiasts who've been seriously injured in a crash. It’s important for all motorists and motorcyclists to drive safely, and maybe even more so, for a biker. These people have very little protection to prevent serious injuries in an accident.  Helmets can prevent head injuries to a great extent, but may not be effective in all kinds of accidents. Besides, helmets may do nothing to prevent multiple body trauma injuries that often result in deaths or debilitating injuries. Non-helmeted motorcyclists of course, will have their risk of being injured or killed, increase sharply.  

The high rates of motorcycle accident fatalities have been of greater concern to Cobb County personal injury lawyers. Many of these victims are young people in the prime of their lives, and it’s a great loss when we continue to lose such people in accidents like this one. In Georgia, we have been able to bring about significant changes in automobile accident fatality rates, including alcohol-related crashes and speed-related crashes. However, we have been seeing a reverse trend in motorcycle fatalities. Law enforcement agencies must collaborate to increase awareness, and reduce these fatality rates. 
 

Posted By Lisa Siegel In Motorcycles | 0 Comments Permalink

A multi-vehicle accident on Interstate-285 in DeKalb County on Wednesday left a motorcyclist dead, and 5 other people injured. According to DeKalb County police, the accident was set off by an SUV driver who entered the highway without slowing for traffic.

The driver seems to have set off a chain reaction that led to an 18 wheeler, striking a group of motorcyclists. A 54-year-old motorcyclist has been killed, and one other motorcycle rider has sustained serious injuries. Three motorcyclists and the SUV driver have sustained moderate injuries. The accident involved three motorcycles, two SUVs and two 18 wheelers.

Details are still coming in, but it seems like that the motorcycles involved in the accident were participating in the National Biker Round-up. It was the second day of the bike fest, and the event which is hosted by the Georgia biker community, is expected to continue for about a week, ending on Sunday.

It must have been a demoralizing start for the 40,000 or so motorcyclists who are expected to attend the event. These people tend to be some of the most vulnerable users of our highways. As this accident shows, there is really no safety in numbers when you are a motorcyclist. An out-of-control SUV barreling into a group of motorcyclists is bad news for the people on the bikes. Impact with a fast moving vehicle can throw a motorcyclist from his bike, and dozens of feet from the point of impact. Severe body trauma injuries are common, and if the motorcyclist hasn’t worn a helmet, then fatal head injuries can result.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle accident fatalities have been on the rise over the past 11 years. Last year, the number of people killed in motorcycle accidents increased over 2007, the only category of accidents in which there was actually an increase in fatality statistics.

The accident attorneys at the Katz Law Firm represent injured victims of such accidents in DeKalb County and across the state of Georgia.

Posted By Lisa Siegel In Motorcycles | 0 Comments Permalink

Two people from Dalton, Georgia were killed in an accident when a pickup truck sideswiped their motorcycle.

According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the crash occurred on highway 225 south in Murray County. Apparently, a Ford Ranger crossed the centerline for unknown reasons, and struck the motorcycle. The two riders, 39-year-old Ty Woods and 29-year-old April Lynthlin were ejected from the motorcycle, and sustained fatal injuries. According to reports, Lynthlin was in an advanced state of pregnancy.  The State Patrol's Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team has initiated an investigation.

This tragic accident coincides with the release of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's report on traffic fatalities for 2008. The numbers for last year have been very encouraging all round, except in one category- motorcycle accident fatalities. For the 11^th year running, motorcycle accident-related deaths have shown a sharp rise. In fact, deaths in motorcycle accidents now comprise 14 percent of the highway fatality rate in the country. These rates have risen even as there has been an overall drop in the number of automobiles on the highways, because of the recession and the hike in gas prices that we saw last summer. While the number of automobiles traveling our roads has dropped, collisions involving motorcycles have increased. 

One reason for this spike could be the rising rates of motorcycle usage. According to data from the past decade, motorcycle registration rates have risen substantially. With more riders preferring to zoom around on their motorcycles, the likelihood of accidents involving these accidents have also increased. Besides, there has been a sharp rise in the number of middle-aged motorcycle riders involved in accidents. That is directly linked to the large number of riders from this age group. While these motorcyclists may be enthused about the freedom and exhilaration that zipping around on a motorbike brings, they may fail to understand that the motorcycles of today are not the motorcycles of yesterday. These modern machines pack more power, and can be difficult to handle for someone who hasn’t been on a bike in years.  

The motorcycle accident attorneys at the Katz Law Firm represent victims who have been injured in motorcycle accidents in Atlanta, and across Georgia. 

Posted By Lisa Siegel In Motorcycles | 1 Comments Permalink

A motorcyclist was seriously injured in an accident involving a passenger vehicle and his motorcycle on I-85 north of Coweta County. According to news reports, the motorcyclist collided with a four door sedan leaving the rider with critical injuries.  

The accident occurred on a construction zone on I-85 where work to widen the highway is underway. We don’t know yet if that had an effect on the accident, but speed limits along the areas that are under construction have been lowered to 50mph. The highway has also been the scene of several such accidents in the past few months including a fiery tractor trailer accident earlier this year, in which one of the trucks burst into flames leaving the driver with burn injuries. That accident was one among several accidents involving tractor trailers, as well as passenger vehicles on interstate 85.

Construction work along several sections of I-85 are expected to continue for the rest of 2009, which means that driving conditions on the highway will continue to be congested. Authorities have made repeated appeals to motorists, truckers and motorcyclists to keep the ongoing congested conditions on the highway in mind while driving, and to slow down speeds. Unfortunately, according to officials, there are too many motorists and truckers who don’t seem to be heeding those pleas.

It's not just motorcyclists and motorists who are at risk from these accidents. According to statistics, construction workers working on a highway are more likely to be killed than construction workers working elsewhere. When vehicles zip by a construction zone at excessive speeds, it creates dangerous conditions not just for motorists, but also for workers on a highway.

Slowing down during rush hour can seem like an inconvenience, but the more carefully people drive on I-85, the fewer delays and highway closures resulting from accidents like this one, and the quicker work can be completed.

The Atlanta motorcycle accident attorneys at the Katz Law Firm represent victims who have been injured in motorcycle accidents across Georgia.

Posted By Lisa Siegel In Motorcycles | 0 Comments Permalink

A motorcycle rider who was critically injured in an accident in Forsyth County over the weekend has succumbed to his injuries at an Atlanta Hospital.

The victim 49-year-old Terry Hitt was riding a motorcycle which collided with a Suzuki SUV when the motorist tried to make an illegal U turn. The motorcycle collided with the driver’s side door of the car. Hitt sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. He died on Sunday afternoon. Hitt is survived by his two children, mother and brother.

The motorist Marian Anwar was initially charged with making an improper left turn, and now faces second degree vehicular homicide charges in connection with the motorcycle accident. 

It was the fourth fatal accident in Forsyth County this month alone.

• On the 16^th of June, an young man was killed in a truck accident when his car crashed under a tractor trailer that was stopped at a traffic light.

• On June 10^th, an Alpharetta pickup driver died in an accident involving his vehicle and a fuel tanker.

• On the 3^rd of June, an accident involving a car and a box truck killed a 39-year-old man.

Motorcycle accidents can leave the rider with severe or fatal injuries. Impact with a car that’s driving even at normal speed limits can throw a motorcyclist several feet into the air, and have him crash to the ground with tremendous force. A helmet can prevent serious head injuries, but will do nothing to prevent catastrophic body injuries, like spinal fractures.

Motorcycle accident claims in Georgia are usually settled out of court after negotiations between a Georgia motorcycle accident lawyer and legal counsel representing the motorist. However, if the motorist offers to settle for an amount that is not acceptable to the injured motorcyclist, or if he refuses to take responsibility for the accident, the case will go to court.

Posted By Lisa Siegel In Motorcycles | 0 Comments Permalink

A series of consecutive years with a high number of motorcycle accidents in Georgia has galvanized the Governor's Office of Highway Safety into action. The GOHS has declared May as Motorcycle Awareness Safety Month in the state.

The campaign started with the GOHS taking its motorcycle safety message to the people through the Georgia Motorcycle Awareness Tour. Georgia’s director Bob Dallas traveled the state on a motorcycle along with law enforcement officers. The tour kicked off in Carroll County and winded through Albany, Savannah and Augusta before ending in Atlanta.

According to the GOHS, between 2006 and 2007, there has been an increase of 113 percent in motorcycle accidents in Georgia. In 2000, there were 2,049 crashes involving motorcyclists, and that number rose to 4367 in 2007. The number of people killed in the same period rose by a staggering 161 percent from 62 deaths in 2000 to 162 deaths in 2007. According to experts, this spike had had to do with an increase in the number of motorcycles in the state. Motorcycle use has risen in popularity, and so have the number of accidents involving theses vehicles.

As summer kicks off and the number of motorcyclists on the roads increases again, the GOHS is warning riders of the special challenge they face. For instance, motorcycles because they are smaller, may often be concealed in a motorist's blind spot. These vehicles are narrower, and so can easily missed when a car is backing out in a parking lot, or at an intersection. According to the GOHS, a majority of such accidents actually occur in the daytime at an intersection where the motorist simply didn’t see the motorcycle. Besides, motorcycle riders deserve a special safety campaign because of their higher risk of injuries in an accident.

The GOHS encourages motorcycle riders to ride in a defensive mode. Always watching out for the movements of other vehicles on the road, and prepare to take defensive action if necessary. Besides, motorists are encouraged to follow all safe driving practices, including wearing protective personal gear like helmets that are approved by the Department of Transportation.

Georgia’s authorities have been proactive in conducting safety campaigns addressed at motorists, but pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists who are vulnerable to collisions with automobiles tend to be ignored to some extent. Campaigns like the Georgia Motorcycle Awareness Tour are more than just PR exercises by the GOHS. They are undertaken to drill home the safety message to both motorists and motorcyclists. Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers commend the GOHS efforts to prevent accidents and increase motorcycle safety.  

Posted By Lisa Siegel In Motorcycles | 0 Comments Permalink