Summer is the peak season for motorcycle riding in the Southeast. The warm weather, scenic mountain roads of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and coastal highways of the Carolinas and Georgia draw thousands of motorcyclists to the roads every weekend. Unfortunately, summer is also the peak season for motorcycle accidents.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, motorcycle fatalities are highest during the summer months, with June, July, and August accounting for a disproportionate share of annual motorcycle deaths. In 2023, over 6,000 motorcyclists were killed in accidents in the United States.

Why Motorcycle Accidents Are So Dangerous

Motorcyclists are inherently more vulnerable than occupants of passenger vehicles. A motorcycle offers no protective structure, airbags, or seatbelts. When a motorcycle is involved in a collision, the rider is often thrown from the bike and impacts the roadway, other vehicles, or fixed objects. Common motorcycle accident injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and paralysis, broken bones and fractures, road rash and severe skin abrasions, internal organ damage, and amputation.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

The most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

  • Left-turn accidents: The most common type of motorcycle accident occurs when a car or truck makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. The driver of the car either fails to see the motorcycle or misjudges its speed.
  • Lane splitting and lane changes: Accidents occur when other vehicles change lanes without checking for motorcycles in their blind spots.
  • Distracted driving: A distracted driver is especially dangerous to motorcyclists because motorcycles are smaller and harder to see even when the driver is paying attention.
  • Impaired driving: Drunk or drug-impaired drivers pose a serious threat to motorcyclists.
  • Road hazards: Potholes, gravel, oil slicks, and debris that may be minor inconveniences for cars can be catastrophic for motorcycles.

Helmet Laws in NC, SC, and GA

  • North Carolina: All riders and passengers must wear a DOT-approved helmet. NC has a universal helmet law.
  • South Carolina: Riders under 21 must wear a helmet. Riders 21 and older are not required to wear a helmet.
  • Georgia: All riders and passengers must wear a DOT-approved helmet. GA has a universal helmet law.

Regardless of the law, wearing a helmet significantly reduces the risk of traumatic brain injury and death in a motorcycle accident. The CDC reports that helmets reduce the risk of death by 37 percent and the risk of head injury by 69 percent.

Your Legal Rights as an Injured Motorcyclist

Motorcyclists have the same legal rights as other motorists. If another driver's negligence caused your accident, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. However, motorcycle accident cases often face unique challenges, including bias against motorcyclists and the contributory negligence defense in North Carolina. An experienced attorney who understands these challenges can protect your rights and fight for fair compensation.

Contact Dr. Ted Injury Law at (800) 555-HURT for a free consultation about your motorcycle accident case.