Posted in Motorcycle Safety,Tennessee Accident Law on July 16, 2017
Fatal injuries were reported in Hermitage after a vehicle collided with a motorcycle on Sunday.
Per a report by WKRN.com, the accident happened at around 1 p.m. on Old Hickory Boulevard at Butler Lane. Metro Nashville Police say that two motorcyclists were traveling side-by-side in the southbound lanes when a blue Nissan Altima crossed into oncoming traffic from the northbound lanes and struck them head-on before leaving the scene.
The impact of the collision caused a 60-year-old man from Madison to suffer fatal injuries. The other rider—a 67-year-old man from Hendersonville—suffered road rash and minor injuries and was transported to Summit Medical Center to receive treatment.
The driver of the Altima was found at around 7 p.m. and arrested. He is being charged with vehicular homicide by intoxication, vehicular assault, and leaving the scene of a crash.
A passenger inside the Altima suffered injuries and was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to receive treatment. Police say that there was evidence that the driver may have used alcohol or drugs prior to the crash, but there was no indication that the motorcyclists were impaired.
How Can Motorcyclists Reduce Their Risks on the Road?
Although their presence is more common during the spring and summer, motorcycles still represent a minority of the vehicles on the road, especially in Middle Tennessee. Because drivers aren’t always on the lookout for motorcycles, it’s important for motorcyclists to take as many steps as possible to protect themselves when they’re riding.
If you or someone you know rides a motorcycle, following these steps can help you reduce your risks:
It’s a popular phrase in the motorcycle community, and it holds true for any riders who want to protect themselves as best as possible when they head out on the road. All the gear includes a helmet, jacket, riding pants, boots, and gloves. It’s important to follow this rule for every trip, whether it’s a cross-country excision or just a leisurely cruise around the neighborhood.
Even the biggest motorcycles can still seem invisible at times to many drivers. Most drivers are trained to be on the lookout for other cars, trucks, and SUVs—not people traveling on two wheels. That’s why it’s important to assume that other drivers can’t see you and to always adopt a defensive driving philosophy. This is especially important to remember when making left turns, as that’s one of the most common scenarios that leads to serious motorcycle crashes.
As a motorcyclist, you get all the same rights on the roadway as drivers of passenger vehicles. However, it also means you’re required to follow the same laws and common courtesies. That means staying in your lane, using your turn signals, coming to a complete stop at stop signs and traffic lights, never following too closely, and never lane-splitting.
Drinking and driving is extremely dangerous, as even low levels of intoxication and impairment can dramatically reduce a person’s ability to safely drive a car. The same is true for motorcyclists. Being legally at or over the limit makes it more difficult for you to control your motorcycle, stop or slow down smoothly, and make good decisions while you’re riding.
The Nashville motorcycle accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law know that while there are many dangers associated with motorcycles, riders who place caution and safety as their top priorities are less likely to be involved in accidents and less likely to be seriously injured if they are involved in crashes.
Unfortunately, accidents still happen no matter how many precautions you take—especially when other drivers are careless. If you or someone you know was hurt by another driver’s negligence, you may be eligible to pursue a claim for compensation for your medical bills and lost wages. Get in touch with our legal team today to find out how we can assist you.
Just dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form to speak with our attorneys. We have more than two decades of experience, and we’re ready to put it to work for you and your family today.
