When motorcycle crashes happen at intersections, the results are often catastrophic and frequently preventable. One of the leading causes is a driver’s failure to see a motorcyclist due to blind spots or inattentive behavior. This risk is heightened in cities like Atlanta, where heavy traffic and complex intersections are common. At Ashby Thelen Lowry, our personal injury attorneys represent injured motorcyclists throughout Georgia who were harmed by another driver’s negligence and fight to hold those drivers accountable.
Why Intersections Are Especially Dangerous for Motorcyclists
Intersections are one of the most hazardous locations for motorcycle riders because they require drivers to make quick judgments in environments filled with distractions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly one-third of motorcycle collisions occur at intersections.
Motorcycles are harder to see than other vehicles. They can be hidden entirely in a car’s blind spot or obscured by larger vehicles. When a driver fails to look carefully before turning left, changing lanes, or pulling into traffic, they may not see a motorcycle until it is too late. These moments of inattention can lead to devastating injuries or even death.
Understanding Blind Spots and the Role They Play in Motorcycle Crashes
Blind spots are areas around a vehicle that are not visible through standard rearview and side mirrors. Larger vehicles, including trucks and SUVs, have even bigger blind spots than compact cars. Drivers who fail to check these areas manually by turning their heads before merging or turning are far more likely to strike smaller vehicles, especially motorcycles.
For motorcyclists, the risk is even greater because:
- Motorcycles can easily “disappear” in a blind spot.
- Drivers may misjudge the speed or distance of an oncoming motorcycle.
- Sudden lane changes or turns can leave riders no time to react.
Even when motorcyclists ride defensively and wear visible gear, negligent drivers who don’t check blind spots still pose a significant danger.
Driver Negligence: A Key Factor in Intersection Motorcycle Collisions
Negligent driving is one of the leading causes of motorcycle crashes at intersections.
This can include:
- Failing to yield the right of way.
- Distracted driving, including phone use or GPS input.
- Speeding or aggressive driving.
- Rolling stops or red-light violations.
- Failing to use turn signals or check mirrors.
Drivers often claim they “didn’t see” the motorcycle. However, this is not a defense—it’s an admission of failure to drive responsibly. In Georgia, drivers are legally required to exercise caution and watch for all vehicles, including motorcycles. When they don’t, they can be held liable for the injuries they cause.
How Ashby Thelen Lowry Helps Injured Motorcyclists
At Ashby Thelen Lowry, we understand how serious motorcycle injuries can be—from traumatic brain injuries to spinal cord damage and beyond. We work with experts to investigate the crash scene, reconstruct the incident, and establish clear evidence of negligence.
Our team aggressively pursues compensation for:
- Medical expenses and ongoing care.
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional trauma and loss of enjoyment of life.
We don’t treat motorcycle cases like car crashes—they aren’t. We recognize the unique vulnerabilities motorcyclists face and tailor our legal strategies accordingly.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle crash at an intersection, don’t let the at-fault driver escape responsibility. Call Ashby Thelen Lowry today for a free consultation. We may be able to help you secure the compensation you deserve while holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions.