Posted in Motorcycle Safety,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on March 17, 2016
Motorcyclist Killed after High-Speed Accident on I-24 West in Antioch
A motorcyclist veered into a retaining wall on Interstate 24 in Antioch, Tennessee, Wednesday night, causing him to suffer fatal injuries.
According to a report by WKRN.com, the accident occurred near the Bell Road exit around 9:40 p.m. when a vehicle merged into the lane where the motorcyclist was traveling. Police say that because the motorcyclist was driving at an extremely high rate of speed, he was unable to slow down or stop in time and veered away from the vehicle and into the retaining wall.
Emergency responders transported the man to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to receive treatment, and he was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Police say that speed was the primary cause of the accident, and they have not yet located the driver of the vehicle that merged in front of the motorcyclist.
The aftermath of the crash caused police and emergency responders to close all but one lane of westbound traffic on I-24 near the accident scene. The roadway reopened to all traffic at around 3:30 a.m. Police are still investigating the cause of the crash at this time.
How Can Motorcyclists and Drivers Safely Share Roadways?
There are far fewer motorcycles on roadways in Middle Tennessee than cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs, but when motorcyclists are involved in accidents, the injuries they suffer are frequently severe and even life-threatening. Because of the high risks that motorcyclists face every time they head out on highways or interstates, it’s important for everyone who shares Tennessee’s roadways to understand the best ways to avoid causing or being involved in motorcycle accidents.
If you’re a motorcyclist, it’s important to:
Motorcycles can accelerate rapidly and reach very high speeds in a short amount of time. To safely stay within the flow of traffic, accelerate smoothly and avoid exceeding the speed limit.
Unlike passenger and commercial vehicles, motorcycles have no built-in safety features. That means it’s up to you to protect yourself by wearing full riding gear, including a helmet, boots, gloves, jacket, and riding pants.
Safely riding a motorcycle requires excellent hand-eye coordination, balance, and an overall knowledge of the best ways to handle driving on two wheels. Taking motorcycle safety courses is a great way to refresh your knowledge and improve your riding ability.
If you’re a driver, it’s important to:
For many drivers, simply being aware of the possible presence of motorcycles can go a long way towards protecting their health and safety. If you hear a motorcycle engine, be cautious and alert, because there’s probably a motorcycle near you on the roadway.
Motorcycles take up significantly less space than cars, trucks, and SUVs, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve equal space. If you’re driving next to or behind a motorcycle, always give the rider the same amount of room as you would for any other driver.
A study by the IIHS in 2013 found that 44 percent of accidents involving motorcycles and at least one other vehicle occurred when the driver turned left at an intersection and into the path of a motorcyclist. Always be extra careful when making left turns and watch for motorcycles.
Motorcycles account for around three percent of all registered vehicles in the United States and account for less than one percent of all miles traveled by vehicles each year. Despite the fact that motorcycles are much less common on roadways than traditional passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles, it’s the responsibility of all drivers—including motorcyclists themselves—to be aware of their presence and the best ways to drive safely to avoid accidents.
If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver, you shouldn’t have to pay for your medical bills and lost wages out of your own pocket. At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville motorcycle accident attorneys have two decades of experience helping injured victims get compensation for their accident-related expenses. Let us fight for your rights today—just dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
