Posted in Bicycle Accident,Car Accident,Negligence,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on June 16, 2015
Clarksville Woman Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Striking Bicyclist
Last fall, a 53-year-old Clarksville woman struck a bicyclist with her vehicle, causing him to suffer fatal injuries. As a result of the accident, the woman was recently sentenced to five years in prison on charges of vehicular homicide.
A staff report by wkrn.com states that the accident occurred in September of last year. The man was riding his bicycle on Tiny Town Road in Clarksville around midnight when the woman struck him with her vehicle. When stopped by police, the woman initially denied driving the vehicle that was involved in the accident.
After an investigation, police determined that the woman was in fact behind the wheel at the time of the accident that resulted in the man’s death. The woman pleaded guilty to the charges in March of this year.
Matt Hardin Law’s team of Clarksville car accident attorneys hopes the resolution of this case brings closure to the family of the victim.
How Can Bicyclists and Drivers Share the Road Safely?
Bicycling is a great way to commute short distances, but it can also be extremely dangerous—especially when cyclists share busy roads with heavy traffic. To make roadways throughout Middle Tennessee safer for bicyclists, drivers and cyclists should always be aware of each other’s presence at all times. The following tips are vital for bicyclists to protect themselves and for drivers to avoid striking cyclists on the roadway:
Cyclists are at the highest risk of being involved in an accident when passing through intersections or while turning. That’s why it’s so important that all cyclists learn the proper hand signals to alert other drivers when and where they plan on making a left or right turn. To make the correct hand signals, cyclists should point their left arm out to signal a left turn and their left arm up or right arm out to signal a right turn. In addition, pointing their left arm straight down signals that they are coming to a stop.
Unlike walking, bicycling should always be done with the flow of traffic. Cyclists are more easily noticed by drivers when they’re traveling in the same direction, and the nature of bicycles means they can often travel at the same speed as other vehicles in city traffic. In addition, studies have shown that bicyclists who travel against the flow of traffic are nearly four times more likely to be involved in accidents.
Bicyclists are at high risk of suffering serious injuries during even low-speed collisions. That’s why it’s important for drivers to stay alert for their presence and to always drive slowly and cautiously when near cyclists. To decrease their chances of striking a cyclist, drivers should give them plenty of room on or near the shoulder or bike land and yield the right of way to bicyclists—even if they enter an intersection out of turn.
All cyclists put themselves at risk every time they head out on the road, but staying alert and cautious and always signaling their intentions to other drivers can help them reduce their chances of being involved in an accident. In addition, driers who make a point to always watch out for cyclists and who always give them plenty of space on the roadway can also help make Middle Tennessee a safer place for everyone who shares the roads.
If you or someone you love was injured in a car or bicycle accident caused by another person’s negligence, our law firm may be able to help you get compensation for your accident-related expenses. The Clarksville car accident lawyers at Matt Hardin Law have 20 years of experience handling cases just like yours, and we know what it takes to win. Contact us today by dialing (931) 274-7788 or by filling out a quick and easy consultation form.
