Robert Hammers | December 18, 2025 | Motorcycle Accidents
One of the first questions riders usually ask when a motorcycle crash happens in Atlanta is: “Who is at fault?” Understanding how fault is determined and why other drivers are often at fault can help protect your rights if you have been injured. Here is what you need to know.
The Most Common Reasons for Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcycles are smaller, lighter, and harder to see in Atlanta traffic.
Here are some of the most common reasons for motorcycle crashes:
1. Failure to Yield, Especially During Left Turns
One of the leading causes of motorcycle crashes is a driver turning left across a motorcyclist’s lane. Drivers often misjudge a motorcycle’s speed or fail to see it at all, turning directly into the rider’s path. The turning driver is often found liable for damage because they failed to yield the right-of-way.
2. Drivers “Not Seeing” Motorcycles
Many crashes happen when a driver merges, changes lanes, or pulls out of a driveway without checking their blind spots. The driver who failed to look or yield is typically responsible for the collision. Even though motorcycles are smaller, drivers have a legal duty to watch for other drivers and pedestrians.
3. Distracted Driving
Atlanta’s high-traffic roads see frequent crashes caused by texting and other distractions. A distracted driver may drift into another lane or fail to brake in time, causing a collision. The distracted driver is generally liable for violating their duty to pay attention and operate a vehicle safely.
4. Speeding and Aggressive Driving
High speeds reduce reaction time and make it more difficult to avoid hitting a motorcycle. Tailgating, weaving, or road rage also increases the risk of life-threatening accidents. The aggressive or speeding driver is typically responsible when their behavior leads to a collision.
5. Unsafe Lane Changes
Motorcycles can quickly disappear into blind spots. Drivers who fail to signal or check mirrors before changing lanes often sideswipe riders or force them off the road. The driver who makes an unsafe lane change is typically at fault.
When the Motorcyclist May Be Partially at Fault
Other drivers cause many motorcycle crashes, but riders can also share responsibility. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning a rider can still recover damages as long as they are less than 50 percent at fault.
Situations where a rider may be considered partially responsible include those involving:
- Riding at excessive speeds
- Lane splitting
- Sudden or unsafe lane changes
- Operating while impaired or fatigued
- Not using headlights or reflective gear at night
Sharing fault does not always bar recovery. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help prevent the insurance company from unfairly inflating your percentage of fault.
Other Parties Who May Be Responsible
Not every motorcycle crash is caused by another driver.
Depending on the facts, other parties may be liable:
- Vehicle manufacturers: Defects such as brake failure, tire problems, or mechanical malfunctions may contribute to a crash.
- Government entities: Hazardous road conditions such as potholes, loose gravel, missing signs, or unmarked construction zones may create liability for a city or state agency.
- Commercial employers: An employer may be responsible when its employee causes a crash while driving for work.
- Bars or restaurants: A business may be liable when it overserves a driver who later causes an accident.
Identifying every potentially responsible party helps strengthen your case and may increase the compensation available.
Contact Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
In most Atlanta motorcycle accidents, fault often lies with other drivers who fail to yield, drive distracted, or make unsafe maneuvers without watching for motorcycles. However, determining fault is not always straightforward, especially when insurers try to shift blame onto the rider.
A skilled Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer can investigate the crash, identify all responsible parties, and protect your right to pursue the full compensation you deserve. Contact Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.
We serve Fulton County and its surrounding areas:
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Atlanta
201 Joseph E Lowery Blvd NW Suite 312, Atlanta, GA 30314
Open 24/7
(770) 900-9000
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Sandy Springs
5555 Glenridge Con, Suite 975, Sandy Springs, GA 30342
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(678) 990-7024
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Lawrenceville
265 Culver St S. Suite A. Lawrenceville, GA 30046
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(678) 626-5067
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Mableton
5701 Mableton Pkwy SW Suite 108, Mableton, GA 30126
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(706) 480-5487
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Smyrna
2400 Herodian Way Ste#220, Smyrna, GA 30080
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(678) 922-4497
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Roswell
110 Mansell Cir #111, Roswell, GA 30075
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(678) 582-8466
About Robert M. Hammers Jr.
Robert M. Hammers, Jr. is the managing partner at Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers in Atlanta. Committed to justice, he represents individuals harmed by negligence, focusing on personal injury litigation.
With over 50 jury trials and $100 million in verdicts and settlements, Rob is known for his strategic thinking and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for his clients. He serves on the Executive Committee for the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, the American Association for Justice Board of Governors, and the Plaintiff Leadership Committee in complex multi-district and toxic tort litigations, where he advocates for injured individuals and shapes legal strategies.
Robert is also recognized on Justia for his excellence in personal injury law, further highlighting his reputation and commitment to client advocacy.<a href=”//a.gotoloc.com/uber/F3IqS6yGWWgXrw”><img src=”//a.mktgcdn.com/uber/button.png” alt=”Ride there with Uber” /></a>
