Motorcyclists face unique risks every time they take to the road. With minimal protection compared to other vehicles, riders are especially vulnerable to injuries caused by negligent drivers. At Burnside Law Firm LLP, our team brings over 50 years of combined legal experience representing injured clients in Augusta, Athens, and surrounding Georgia communities. We are proud to be recognized for our integrity, legal skill, and client-focused results.
Our attorneys have received numerous honors for their work in personal injury law:
- Thomas R. Burnside III, our founding partner, has been named to Best Lawyers in America and Georgia Super Lawyers, and carries a prestigious Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating. He has also served on the State Bar Board of Governors, is a former City Attorney of Harlem, GA, and has appeared in Atlanta Magazine’s Top Attorneys in Georgia.
- Garon Muller is a Super Lawyers honoree (2021–2023), Leadership Augusta graduate, and past president of the Augusta Bar Association. He received the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce’s “Top Ten in Ten” Award for emerging leaders.
- Robert MacGregor, former public defender for the Augusta Judicial Circuit, brings trial-tested litigation skills grounded in local court procedures. He is admitted to practice in both Georgia and South Carolina.
- Ashton Revollo, a graduate of Emory University School of Law and active in the Aiken–Augusta region, has experience managing judicial campaigns and working with the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office.
Whether it’s at the negotiating table or in the Augusta Judicial Circuit, our approach is defined by personalized, results-driven advocacy rooted in Georgia values. We’ve handled cases throughout Evans, Martinez, Waynesboro, and beyond, earning a reputation for professionalism and results.
Top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Georgia
Understanding the most common causes of motorcycle accidents can help riders stay alert and take preventive action. According to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, motorcycle fatalities in the state rose over 30% from 2019 to 2021, with the Richmond County and Clarke County areas seeing notable spikes.
1. Distracted Driving
Drivers who text, talk on the phone, or use in-vehicle systems may fail to notice motorcycles on the road. In busy areas like Washington Road in Augusta or Prince Avenue in Athens, even a split-second distraction can result in a devastating collision.
2. Failure to Yield
Many motorcycle crashes occur when drivers make left turns at intersections without yielding to oncoming riders. Intersections near Gordon Highway, Bobby Jones Expressway, and Milledgeville Road are particularly high-risk zones in Augusta.
3. Speeding
Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases crash severity. Speeding is a leading factor in many Georgia motorcycle accidents, especially along high-speed routes like I-520, I-20, and Wrightsboro Road.
4. Impaired Driving
Drunk or drug-impaired drivers remain a persistent danger to motorcyclists. Despite DUI enforcement efforts in Augusta-Richmond County, impaired driving continues to claim lives on roads like Deans Bridge Road, Peach Orchard Road, and near Augusta University.
5. Unsafe Lane Changes and Blind Spots
Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see. When drivers change lanes without signaling or checking blind spots, they can sideswipe a rider. Areas with merging traffic, such as the Augusta Mall corridor and entrances to I-520, are frequent problem zones.
Safety Tips for Georgia Riders
- Wear a DOT-approved helmet – Required by Georgia law.
- Use reflective gear and always keep your lights on.
- Avoid riding in vehicle blind spots.
- Maintain safe following distances.
- Ride defensively—assume other drivers don’t see you.
FAQs About Motorcycle Accidents in Georgia
Q: What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident in Augusta?
A: Call 911 and request emergency services. Seek medical attention at a local hospital such as Piedmont Augusta, AU Health, or Doctors Hospital of Augusta. File a police report with the Augusta-Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and gather evidence if you can. Then, contact a motorcycle accident attorney familiar with Georgia law and the local court system.
Q: Is there a deadline for filing a motorcycle injury claim in Georgia?
A: Yes. Georgia has a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident for personal injury claims. Failing to file in time could forfeit your right to compensation.
Q: What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet during the accident?
A: You may still be eligible for compensation. While Georgia law requires helmet use, not wearing one doesn’t automatically eliminate your right to recover damages. Your compensation may be reduced under Georgia’s comparative negligence laws.
Q: Do I need a lawyer for a minor motorcycle accident?
A: Yes, it’s a good idea. Even seemingly minor injuries can develop into long-term issues. A lawyer can help you deal with insurance companies, protect your rights, and ensure proper medical evaluation.
Q: How does Burnside Law Firm LLP handle motorcycle accident cases?
A: Our firm emphasizes hands-on client support, detailed investigation, and strong courtroom advocacy. We’ve represented injured motorcyclists throughout Augusta, Athens, and rural areas like Waynesboro. Our attorneys understand how cases proceed in the Augusta Judicial Circuit and how local insurers evaluate claims.
Take the Next Step: Contact Burnside Law Firm LLP
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Augusta, Athens, or the surrounding communities, don’t navigate the aftermath alone. Contact Burnside Law Firm LLP for a free, confidential consultation.
Our attorneys have earned recognition from Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, Georgia Trend’s Legal Elite, and hold the Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating. We bring knowledge of Georgia’s legal system and a passion for justice to every case.
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