Posted in Motorcycle Safety,Tennessee Accident Law on May 12, 2017
A motorcycle collided with an SUV in Williamson County on Wednesday, causing its rider—a 44-year-old man—to suffer fatal injuries.
Per a report by WKRN.com, the accident occurred at around 5:30 p.m. at East McEwen Drive near Carothers Parkway. When police and emergency responders arrived at the accident scene, they found the rider near the roadway in a thicket of trees.
Traffic accident scene reconstruction experts determined that the man was traveling east when the driver of the SUV changed lanes. At some point, the man’s motorcycle was struck by the SUV, causing it to fall onto the curb and the victim to be launched into the air before he hit a tree.
Emergency responders transported the victim to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Police closed the roadway for several hours as they worked to investigate the crash and clear the scene. No charges have been filed.
4 Tips for Driving near Motorcycles
Motorcycles make up a small percentage of vehicles on the road in Tennessee, but they’re common sights during the spring and summer. And while motorcyclists can protect themselves by wearing proper riding gear and helmets, they still face significant risks every time they head out on the road. As a driver, it’s important to make sure that you’re aware of their presence and the best ways to drive near them without increasing the risk of an accident.
The next time you get behind the wheel, follow these four tips to reduce your risk of being involved in an accident with a motorcyclist:
One of the most common causes of serious motorcycle accidents is drivers not paying attention when making left turns and turning into the paths of motorcyclists. Drivers are trained to look for other vehicles, and they may not always see motorcyclists. Look carefully before making left turns to make sure a motorcycle isn’t headed in your direction.
Although motorcycles take up much less room on the road than full-size cars, trucks, and SUVs, their riders still need the entire width of their lanes to safely maneuver. When you’re driving next to motorcyclists, maintain your lane and avoid drifting into theirs. Motorcyclists must frequently drift from side to side to avoid debris, potholes, and slick spots in the road.
In addition to being able to accelerate much faster than most cars, motorcycles also have much shorter stopping distances. When you follow a motorcycle too closely, your vehicle may simply not have the braking capability to stop if the rider suddenly slows down. Always leave multiple car lengths between your vehicle and the motorcycle in front of you.
Your vehicle’s horn can be a powerful communication tool on the road, but it can pose dangers for motorcyclists—especially if they aren’t expecting it. Horns are loud to drivers and passengers who are inside vehicles and shielded by metal and glass, but they can be extremely loud to riders. When riders are suddenly startled, they may lose control of their motorcycles.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Franklin motorcycle accident lawyers know that motorcyclists face some of the highest risks of anyone on roadways in Tennessee and throughout the nation. While it’s important for motorcyclists to follow their own safety precautions, it’s equally important for other drivers to be aware of their presence and know how to drive around them without increasing their risks of accidents.
If you or someone you know was hurt in a motorcycle or vehicle accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be eligible to pursue a claim for compensation. Get in touch with our legal team today and let us investigate your accident. We’ll work hard on your behalf, and we’ll do everything we can to maximize your chances of getting the money you deserve. Contact us by dialing (615) 200-1111 or completing a free online consultation form.
