According to a report from Fox 5 Atlanta, a motorcyclist was killed in a crash in Acworth, Georgia. A preliminary investigation indicates that a left-turn was a factor in the collision. In this article, our Georgia motorcycle accident lawyer provides an overview of what we know about the crash and highlights the dangers of left-turn collisions for motorcyclists.
Fatal Motorcycle Collision Reported in Acworth
On the evening of May 27th, 2023, law enforcement officers and emergency first responders were called to the scene of a serious motorcycle crash on Highway 92 at Ridge Mill Drive in Acworth, Georgia. According to a representative of the local police department, a driver of a standard-sized passenger vehicle was making a left-hand turn. The motorist pulled out in front of a motorcycle that was heading in a different direction. Tragically, the motorcyclist—24-year-old Tyler Cole Letson of Lula, GA—was transported to a nearby emergency medical center where he later died from his injuries. The fatal motorcycle crash is currently under investigation by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.
Why Left-Turns are a Factor in So Many Multi-Vehicle Motorcycle Accidents
Left-turns are a causal factor in a significant number of motorcycle accidents. It could be the motorcyclist turning left or the other vehicle turning left. Here are some of the most notable reasons why left-turns contribute to so many motorcycle wrecks in Georgia:
- Speeding: Speed is cited as a major factor in many left-turn crashes, including motorcycle accidents. It can make a left-turn crash more likely to happen and more severe.
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is a major—and growing—problem. It is a big factor in many left-turn motorcycle accidents.
- Blinds Spots: One primary reason is the blind spots in a vehicle. Drivers may fail to spot the presence of a motorcyclist due to the relatively small size of the bike.
- Misconception of Distance: Another reason is the misconception of distance. Drivers may misjudge the speed and distance of an oncoming motorcycle while making a left turn.
What to Know About Left-Turns and Motorcycle Accident Liability in Georgia
Every left-turn-related multi-vehicle motorcycle crash requires a comprehensive, detail-driven investigation. Victims and their family members need to know exactly what went wrong and why it went wrong. Georgia law will govern liability left-turn motorcycle accident injury claims and motorcycle accident wrongful death claims. Here are three key points to know:
- Liability for a Left-Turn Crash is Based on Fault: In Georgia, liability for a left-turn, multi-vehicle motorcycle collision will be determined based on fault. To hold the driver or any other party responsible for your injuries, you must prove their negligence. Comparative Negligence Applies to Left-Turn Motorcycle Crashes: Similar to many other states, Georgia operates through a comparative negligence system. Multiple parties may split fault for the same left-turn motorcycle crash. At fault for 20 percent of your own motorcycle collision? Your recovery will be reduced by 20 percent as well.
- Georgia Has a Two-Year Statute of Limitations: Under Georgia law (OCGA § 9-3-32), you must initiate any motorcycle accident injury lawsuit within two years of the crash. The statute of limitations for a motorcycle accident wrongful lawsuit is also two years.
Motorcycle Accident Deserve Full and Fair Financial Compensation
A motorcycle crash can change a person’s life in an instant. It is imperative that motorcycle accident victims and their families are able to secure the absolute maximum compensation. Unfortunately, the large insurance carriers that handle/defend most motorcycle accident claims can make the claims process difficult. At Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, our Georgia motorcycle accident attorney is committed to doing what it takes to help clients effectively navigate the claims process. Through a motorcycle accident claim in Georgia, compensation may be recovered for:
- Property damage (motorcycle repairs);
- Emergency medical treatment;
- Hospital bills and other health care costs;
- Physical therapy and other rehabilitative care;
- Lost wages and loss of future earning power;
- Pain and suffering & mental anguish;
- Permanent physical disability;
- Loss of lifestyle enjoyment; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Contact Our Georgia Motorcycle Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
At Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, our Georgia motorcycle accident lawyer is a skilled and experienced legal advocate for clients. If you or your loved one was involved in a serious left-turn motorcycle crash, we are here to help. Call us now at 1-866-529-2453 or contact us online for your free consultation. We represent motorcycle accident victims and their families in Atlanta and throughout the wider region, including in Cobb County, DeKalb County, and Fulton County.