Posted in Car Accident,Motorcycle Safety,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on November 6, 2015
Motorcycle Accident in Joelton Kills 1, Injures 1
A motorcycle accident that police say may have been caused by alcohol consumption killed one man and injured his passenger on Thursday night in Nashville.
According to a report by wkrn.com, the accident occurred around the 4900 block of Whites Creek Pike in the Joelton area of Nashville around 8:30 p.m. when the 39-year-old victim lost control of his 2005 Harley Davidson motorcycle and drove down an embankment.
Police officers who responded to the accident scene say that the man had been seen passing cars on the road way and crossing the double yellow line multiple times while traveling at a high rate of speed.
Emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene shortly after the accident to treat the man, but he was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. His passenger, a 54-year-old woman, suffered minor injuries as a result of the accident.
How Can You Avoid Causing an Accident Involving a Motorcyclist?
Motorcycles make up a sizeable percentage of vehicles on interstates and highways throughout Middle Tennessee. Making sure motorcyclists are able to ride safely is the responsibility of everyone who shares the state’s roadways. Because motorcycles have a much smaller profile than cars, trucks, and SUVs, it’s vital that drivers keep their presence in mind at all times.
To do your part in making sure that motorcyclists stay safe in the mid-state area, do your best to follow these tips:
Many drivers inadvertently crowd motorcyclists and even drift over into their lanes due to a belief that motorcycles don’t need as much room as standard vehicles. However, encroaching on a motorcyclist’s space can make it difficult for them to maneuver and can even lead to them being run off the road. Always give motorcyclists the same space you give to other vehicles and stay in your own lane at all times.
Vehicles making left turns are one of the biggest dangers motorcyclists face on Tennessee’s roadways. Because many drivers are trained to look only for standard passenger vehicles and trucks as part of oncoming traffic, they may completely fail to recognize that a motorcycle is headed in their direction. When scanning the lanes for traffic before you turn, always double-check for the presence of motorcyclists.
Motorcycles can stop quickly and over a very short distance, but cars, trucks, and SUVs require a much longer stopping time and distance. When following a motorcycle, always put extra space between it and your vehicle in case of a sudden stop or deceleration. Allowing extra room also makes you less likely to rear-end the motorcycle if your vehicle gets struck from behind.
Speeding is always a dangerous driving behavior, but it’s even more risky when you’re driving near motorcyclists. A brief loss of control of your vehicle, which is a common consequence of speeding, may cause you to drift over into the motorcyclist’s lane, which can cause them to run off the road or lose control of their motorcycle. Maintaining a safe and moderate speed also gives you more time to react and avoid potential accidents.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville motorcycle accident attorneys have handled many types of auto and motorcycle accident claims, and we know that the majority of these accidents are caused by driver error and negligence. By making safety your top priority every time you head out on Tennessee’s highways and interstates, you can not only reduce your own risks, but also the risks for other drivers.
If you or someone you love was injured in a car or motorcycle accident caused by a careless driver, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills and lost wages. To find out how our attorneys can help you get the money you deserve, dial (615) 200-1111 or complete our free online form today.
