Posted in Motorcycle Safety,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on June 16, 2016
Motorcycle Accident Kills 1 in Nashville Sunday Evening
A 34-year-old man died from the injuries he suffered in a serious motorcycle accident Sunday night in Nashville.
According to a report by WKRN.com, the accident occurred near the 28th Avenue exit on Interstate 40.
A report by Metro Nashville Police says that the man was traveling in the westbound lanes of I-40 on his 2015 Harley-Davidson motorcycle when he moved from the far right lane to the adjacent left lane while navigating a turn.
As he made the lane change, his motorcycle struck a 2012 Ford Escape. The impact of the collision caused him to lose control of his motorcycle, which collided with a nearby retaining wall.
The motorcyclist was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to receive treatment for his injuries, but he was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Police say that the driver of the SUV was uninjured during the accident, and that there’s currently no evidence that drugs or alcohol played a role in causing the crash.
However, police will conduct a toxicology test using a sample of the motorcyclist’s blood to determine if he was under the influence at the time of the crash. No further information about the accident has been released.
What Gear Can Help Protect Motorcyclists?
Unlike drivers and passengers in cars, trucks, and SUVs, motorcyclists have no safety features to protect them while they ride. The best way for motorcyclists to stay safe is to ride with extreme caution, to always be aware of the movements and behaviors of other drivers, and to never exceed the speed limit or ride during dangerous conditions.
Motorcyclists can also help reduce their risks of suffering severe and fatal injuries in the event of an accident by wearing the right gear, which includes:
Wearing a helmet at all times is the most important thing a motorcyclist can do from a safety perspective. Whether they collided with another vehicle or lost control on the roadway, helmets can be and often are the difference between life and death for motorcyclists when they are involved in accidents. To maximize their effectiveness, motorcyclists should always wear helmets that are DOT, Snell, and ECE certified.
Road rash is a serious injury that affects motorcyclists whose bodies come into contact with the ground after wrecking at nearly any speed. Traditional clothing like t-shirts, shorts, and jeans don’t provide enough protection to prevent or reduce the severity of road rash, but riding gear that’s designed to withstand a crash by absorbing the impact with the road and preventing skin from coming into contact with the asphalt, gravel, or concrete is invaluable during accidents.
Motorcyclists’ hands and feet are particularly vulnerable during accidents. During crashes, motorcyclists often instinctively put their hands out in order to brace themselves. The impact of the collision with the ground can cause broken bones in their hands in addition to severe road rash and even the loss of fingers if their hands aren’t protected. Riders’ feet can also suffer severe injuries during accidents, as motorcyclists also may instinctively put their feet down just before falling over or falling off their bikes—especially during relatively low-speed crashes.
In addition to the gear listed above, riders can also wear things like vests, back protectors, chest protectors, elbow guards, knee guards, knee sliders, and neck protectors to further reduce their risks of injury in the event of an accident. However, it’s important to remember that safety gear and equipment is only part of the solution when it comes to staying safe on two wheels. Riders in Middle Tennessee should always focus on staying safe and obeying the laws of the road, and drivers should remain vigilant and on the lookout for motorcycles.
If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by a negligent driver, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills and lost wages. To find out our legal team may be able to assist you during this time, contact the Nashville motorcycle accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law today. Just dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
