Posted in Car Accident,Distracted Driving,Personal Injury,Truck Wreck on October 14, 2015
Motorcyclist Seriously Injured after Colliding with Dump Truck in Nashville
A motorcyclist suffered severe life-threatening injuries after being involved in a collision with a dump truck on Wednesday morning.
According to wkrn.com, the accident occurred in the eastbound lanes of Lebanon Road in Donelson near the intersection with Donelson Pike around 7 a.m. early Wednesday.
A spokesperson with Nashville Metro Police told reporters that all traffic had come to a stop at the intersection, but the dump truck was unable to slow down as it approached the area and crashed into the back of the motorcycle, causing the rider to suffer severe injuries.
Rescue crews who arrived at the scene transported the rider to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to receive treatment for his life-threatening injuries. The accident also caused a woman in a car in front of the motorcyclist to suffer serious injuries.
The eastbound lanes of Lebanon Road are expected to be closed for a few hours as police clean up the accident scene and investigate what happened, but they should be reopened by to traffic by around 9 a.m. Wednesday.
3 Important Safety Tips for All Motorcyclists
Anyone who rides a motorcycle knows that this form of transportation carries some inherent risks. The lack of built-in protection for motorcyclists makes them very vulnerable when they head out on the road. Unlike car drivers, motorcyclists don’t get the benefit of seat belts, airbags, and a steel frame protecting their bodies. Instead, it’s up to motorcyclists themselves to protect their own safety.
Here are three vital safety tips that all motorcyclists should follow every time they ride:
Being properly equipped when riding is the most important tip of all. Tennessee state law requires that all motorcyclists wear helmets, as they can be the difference between life and death in the event of an accident. However, it’s also important the motorcyclists wear full safety gear to protect the rest of their bodies. That includes gloves, a riding jacket, thick pants, and sturdy boots. Covering every inch of your body can significantly reduce your risk of suffering road rash and other injuries.
There’s a growing push among motorcyclists to help make drivers more aware of the presence of bikers, but the level of awareness still isn’t where it needs to be to truly increase their safety. That’s why motorcyclists should always ride with the assumption that drivers are unable to see them. Make every maneuver a defensive one, and always be on the lookout for vehicles that could potentially turn in front of you or merge into your lane.
Not all motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers or even poor riding skills. In fact, many are caused by the environment itself. If the roads are slick due to rain, snow, ice, or sleet, stay home or use an alternative form of transportation. In addition, if the roads you need to use are bumpy, uneven, slick, or full of potholes and loose gravel, consider taking another route.
Riding a motorcycle is one of the most fuel-efficient ways of commuting in Nashville and the Middle Tennessee area, but it also has the potential to be one of the most dangerous ways as well. That’s why all motorcyclists should remember to put their safety above all else every time they ride by wearing the correct gear, staying alert for drivers who may not be aware of their presence, and avoiding roads and days when conditions become dangerous.
If you or someone you love was injured in a car or motorcycle accident caused by another person’s negligence, the Nashville auto accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law want to help you get the compensation you deserve. To get in touch with our legal team, dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form. We’re ready to put our 20 years of experience to work for you.
