Posted in Motorcycle Safety,Truck Wreck on July 27, 2016
Motorcycle Crashes into Semi-Truck on Interstate 24 near Clarksville
A motorcyclist suffered serious injuries after he was involved in a crash with a tractor-trailer on Interstate 24 near Clarksville Saturday afternoon.
According to a report by Clarksville Now, the accident occurred in the eastbound lanes of I-24 in Christian County near mile marker 89. Police say that the injured motorcyclist—a 22-year-old man from Ohio—was driving a 2009 Yamaha R6 motorcycle when he attempted to pass between two vehicles.
While maneuvering between the vehicles, his motorcycle came into contact with a Freightliner semi-truck driven by a 36-year-old man from Goodyear, Arizona.
The collision caused the man to lose control of his motorcycle and be ejected from the bike. Both the man and his motorcycle ended up on the right side of the highway after the rider lost control. The driver of the semi-truck stopped his vehicle near the accident scene and was uninjured during the crash.
The motorcyclist was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center via LifeFlight helicopter to receive treatment for his injuries. Law enforcement officers say that he was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Emergency workers from several agencies in Christian County responded to the crash to aid the victim and clear the scene.
Tips for Riding Safely on Interstate and Highways
While interstates and highways are statistically safer than rural roads and city streets, the increased speed limit and increased traffic volume can put all motorists at risk in the event of accidents—including motorcyclists.
If you frequently ride on high-speed interstates and highways, do your best to follow these tips to improve your safety and decrease your risk of being involved in an accident:
Entering and exiting interstates and highways is much more dangerous for motorcyclists than it is for drivers of cars, trucks, and SUVs. Ramps often have sharp turns that require low speeds to navigate safely while also having dangerous surface conditions due to loose gravel, oil, and worn asphalt. Always reduce your speed to or below the recommended speed limit for the ramp and keep an eye out for potential hazards.
Heavy traffic is one of the most common annoyances of driving on interstates and highways, and it can be tempting for motorcyclists to take advantage of their vehicles’ low-profile by lane-splitting and passing on the shoulder. However, doing so is extremely dangerous, as other drivers may not notice your approach and could change lanes without warning, cutting you off and causing a potentially deadly collision.
The biggest threat to motorcyclists isn’t always other vehicles. In some cases, it’s the roadway itself. If you’re driving on an interstate or highway that’s full of potholes, consider exiting and taking an alternate route. Uneven and damaged asphalt can significantly increase the risk of motorcycle accidents—especially when they’re combined with inclement weather conditions like heavy rain or fog.
The Clarksville motorcycle accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law have assisted many injured motorcyclists over the past two decades, and we know that the injuries they suffer are often severe enough to put them out of work for weeks, months, or even years. If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t have to pay for the other driver’s negligence.
Our legal team has the experience and dedication necessary to help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses. To find out how we can assist you during this difficult time, dial (931) 274-7788 or complete a free online consultation form. It’s our goal to help you move forward with your life after your motorcycle accident.
