Posted in Motorcycle Safety,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on May 3, 2016
Fatality Reported after Motorcycle Accident in Smyrna
A motorcyclist was killed during an accident involving another vehicle in Rutherford County on Monday morning.
According to a report by The Tennessean, the accident occurred when the driver of the motorcycle—a 21-year-old Smyrna man—was traveling in the southbound lanes of Murfreesboro Pike. While he was driving, a Chevrolet Cobalt traveling in the northbound lanes and driven by a 59-year-old man from La Vergne attempted to turn left onto Old Hickory Boulevard and ended up in the path of the motorcycle.
The motorcycle—a 2007 Kawasaki—collided with the Cobalt and then a nearby 2010 Chrysler 300. The driver of the motorcycle was thrown from the bike and pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Cobalt and the driver of the Chrysler 300—a 44-year-old man who is also from La Vergne—were uninjured as a result of the accident.
Police say that the accident may have been caused by the driver of the Cobalt’s failure to yield to the motorcyclist at the intersection.
An initial investigation also found that drugs and alcohol are unlikely to have played a role in causing the accident.
How to Drive Safely around Motorcycles
Motorcycles constitute a small percentage of vehicles on the roadway when compared to cars, trucks, and SUVs, but it’s vital that drivers remain aware of their presence and exercise caution to keep themselves and riders safe at all times. Motorcyclists are protected only by their riding gear and their helmets, and even those safety precautions can’t prevent them from suffering serious or even fatal injuries when accidents occur.
To do your part in reducing the risks that motorcyclists face, do your best to follow these tips:
Motorcyclists are at the highest risk of accidents when they approach intersections where vehicles are making left turns. It’s important to carefully scan the road ahead before making a left turn—especially when you have a green light but not an arrow. Many drivers make left turns when they don’t see passenger vehicles approaching, but fail to notice when motorcycles are heading in their direction, leading to serious and often high-speed collisions.
Motorcycles occupy a small amount of space on the road and in individual lanes compared to passenger vehicles. Because of their small size, some drivers inadvertently drift over into motorcyclists’ lanes, reducing the amount of space they have to maneuver and even running them off the roadway in the process. It’s also important to give motorcyclists plenty of room when you’re behind them, as they can stop much more quickly than you, putting you at risk of rear-ending them if you follow too closely.
When spring and summer arrive, the number of motorcycles on roadways increases in Middle Tennessee. Although it’s important to be aware of the presence of motorcyclists at all times of the year, you should be especially conscious of the fact that they are in greater numbers during warm weather and during the daytime. If you hear the sound of a motorcycle engine, there’s probably one near your vehicle, and it may be hidden in your blind spot.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Smyrna motorcycle accident attorneys know that motorcyclists face serious risks every time they head out on the roadway. Although some of the risks they face are due to things like bad weather, slick roads, and roadway debris, the biggest risks they face are the negligent and careless driving behaviors of other drivers.
By being aware of the presence of motorcyclists at all times, being extremely cautious and observant when making left turns, and giving motorcyclists the same amount of room that you would give other vehicles, you can help significantly reduce your chances of causing a serious motorcycle accident.
If you or someone you love was injured in an accident involving a motorcycle and it was caused by a negligent driver, you shouldn’t have to pay for your own medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses. Our legal team has two decades of experience fighting for the rights of injured victims, and we’re ready to go to work for your family. Just dial (615) 600-4941 or complete a free online consultation form to find out how we might be able to help you.
