Fatal Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Highlights Dangers of Left Turns and Lane Splitting

Motorcycle accidents are tragically common, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.  Understanding the factors frequently associated with collisions between motorcycles and automobiles can make things safer for bikers and help injury victims prove who was liable for the accident that harmed them. 

A recent fatal collision in Atlanta highlights several potential contributing factors that are familiar to experienced motorcycle accident attorneys. In this crash, the rider of a Kawasaki motorcycle died after being struck by a Honda CR-V at the intersection of Greenbriar Parkway SW and Continental Colony Parkway SW. Like many car-motorcycle collisions, this accident occurred when the Honda was attempting a left turn. There are several reasons for this, such as:

• Visibility — Motorcycles are smaller and narrower than cars, making them harder to see. This is especially true when they are approaching an intersection from the opposite direction of a driver preparing to turn left.
• Driver misjudgment — Drivers often misjudge the speed and distance of an approaching motorcycle. This is due in part to the motorcycle’s smaller size, which can make it appear farther away and moving slower than it actually is.
• Failure to yield — Some drivers simply fail to yield the right of way to oncoming motorcycles. They may be distracted, in a hurry, or not paying proper attention to the road.
• Left-turn bias — Studies have shown that drivers have a “left turn bias,” meaning they are more likely to focus on the road they’re turning onto, rather than checking for motorcycles in the lane they are crossing.

The report also indicates that the biker was riding between lanes of traffic at the time of the accident. This is sometimes referred to as “lane splitting,” which is legal in some states but illegal in Georgia. While it may seem like a time-saving maneuver, lane splitting carries significant risks. Police also report that the motorcycle rider was traveling at a high rate of speed, which increases the likelihood and severity of a collision. 

If you were hurt, or a loved one was killed, in a motorcycle accident, you should speak with a qualified attorney about whether legal relief is available. The Law Office of S. Mark Mitchell, LLC in Newnan has obtained substantial verdicts and settlements for Georgia clients in personal injury and wrongful death claims. Please call 470-344-8550 or contact me online to schedule a consultation.