Posted in Motorcycle Safety,Personal Injury on May 18, 2016
Fatal Injuries Reported after Motorcycle Collides with SUV in Nashville
A motorcycle accident claimed the life of a 27-year-old man in South Nashville on Monday.
According to a report by WSMV.com, the accident occurred on Thompson Lane at around 2:30 p.m. when the man’s 2016 Suzuki motorcycle crashed into a 2002 GMC Yukon SUV.
A report by the Metro Nashville Police Department says that the man had just passed a van on the roadway when he collided with the SUV. At the time of the collision, the SUV was turning left onto Eugenia Avenue.
Police say that the motorcyclist tried to use his brakes to slow down, but lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into the SUV. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
After an initial investigation, police believe that the motorcyclist was speeding at the time of the accident, which they consider to be the primary cause of the collision.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Although motorcycle accidents aren’t statistically more frequent or numerous than accidents involving passenger vehicles and trucks, the outcomes of such accidents often result in disabling and even fatal injuries for riders and their passengers. Motorcyclists have little to no protection, with only helmets and riding clothing to protect them when they contact asphalt or other vehicles during collisions.
Because of the high risks that motorcyclists face, it’s important for both motorcyclists and motorists to be aware of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in order to help make Tennessee’s roadways a safer place:
Motorcyclist advocacy groups have supported motorcycle awareness programs for years due to the risks that motorcyclists face when drivers aren’t looking for them. That risk is never greater than when drivers make left turns at intersections and drive into the paths of motorcyclists. Because motorcycles have a much smaller profile on the roadway than cars, trucks, and SUVs, drivers may not see them at first glance, causing them to think the path is clear. Such judgment errors can cause motorcyclists to suffer serious and often fatal injuries when they collide with vehicles.
Motorcycles are much smaller than ordinary passenger vehicles. Some riders take advantage of that fact by riding between lanes on highways and interstates—especially as a means of navigating through traffic jams and congestion. Lane splitting is extremely dangerous for motorcyclists, as drivers may be unaware of their presence and can switch lanes at any time, cutting off motorcyclists’ paths and putting them at risk of crashing into vehicles.
Road defects like loose gravel, potholes, debris, wet pavement, oil spills, and other hazards are often nothing more than minor annoyances for car, truck, and SUV drivers, but they can be extremely dangerous for motorcyclists. Anything that puts motorcyclists at risk of losing control is something that can lead to potentially fatal accidents. Because of the risks that these hazards pose, motorcyclists should always be aware of the condition of roadways and maintain a safe and steady speed that will allow them to safely slow down or stop when necessary.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville motorcycle accident attorneys know that even low-speed collisions between motorcycles and passenger vehicles can result in devastating injuries. Most motorcyclists are aware of the risks they face every time they head out on the roadway, and the gear they wear and the safe driving habits they incorporate in their rides reflects that. However, other drivers may not be on the lookout for motorcycles or may not understand their unique differences and limitations, which can put riders at serious risk.
If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by a careless driver, our legal team may be able to help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses. To find out how we can put our two decades of experience to work for you, dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
