Posted in Motorcycle Safety,Personal Injury on July 5, 2016
Motorcyclist Dies after Head-On Collision in Robertson County
A 40-year-old motorcyclist died after he was struck head-on by a vehicle in Cross Plains, Tennessee, Thursday morning.
According to a report by WKRN.com, the accident occurred when a passenger vehicle crossed the double line of the highway and collided head-on with the motorcycle. The impact of the collision caused the motorcyclist to suffer critical injuries, and he later died at the scene before emergency responders could arrive to administer aid. His motorcycle ended up pinned underneath the vehicle that struck him.
A spokesperson with the Tennessee Highway Patrol says that there’s nothing the motorcyclist could have done to prevent the accident, and that the cause of the accident was the passenger vehicle crossing the center line. A witness told reporters that the driver of the vehicle stopped and asked to use his phone shortly after the accident occurred.
The 24-year-old driver of the vehicle that struck the motorcyclist will be charged with vehicular homicide. The THP’s accident report indicates that the driver underwent testing for alcohol and drugs after the accident, and troopers believe that he was under the influence of drugs at the time of the crash.
Common Causes of Head-On Collisions
All car accidents have the potential to cause serious injuries, but head-on collisions are much more likely to prove fatal for vehicle occupants. When two vehicles that are traveling in opposite directions collide, the amount of force generated by the impact can cause drivers and passengers to be at risk of suffering disabling and life-threatening injuries, including injuries that damage the head, neck, spine, and brain.
Some of the most common causes of these potentially deadly accidents include the following:
When drivers are intoxicated, they are much more likely to cause head-on collisions than when they’re sober. Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs are more likely to drift over into lanes of oncoming traffic, significantly increasing the risk of a head-on collision. They’re also more likely to ignore or miss “Do Not Enter” and “One Way” street signs, causing them to drive in the direction of oncoming traffic. This mistake is especially deadly when it occurs on high-speed interstates and highways.
Drivers who are distracted are just as likely to cause accidents as drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Unfortunately, there are more distractions than ever for drivers in 2016. That includes things like smartphones, tablets, navigation systems, and other vehicle entertainment options. When drivers look away from the road even briefly, they can drift into the path of oncoming traffic, increasing their risks of head-on collisions.
Another common cause of head-on collisions is when drivers attempt to pass in areas where it’s forbidden. Roads that are marked with double yellow lane dividers mean that passing isn’t allowed due to blind curves and dangerous conditions. However, some drivers still attempt to pass in these areas. Passing in areas where it’s illegal is extremely dangerous, as drivers may not have enough time to react to the presence of other vehicles that are traveling in the opposite direction and may not have enough room to get back in their original lanes.
Other causes of head-on collisions include things like driving while fatigued, vehicle malfunctions, tire blowouts, dangerous weather conditions, failure to maintain a lane, and turning into the path of oncoming traffic.
The victims of head-on collisions often require extensive medical treatment, including prolonged hospital stays, prescription medications, and physical rehabilitation programs. Many victims may be unable to work for weeks, months, or even years after their accidents.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville auto accident lawyers know the challenges and frustrations that victims face after head-on collisions—especially when the accidents are caused by someone else’s negligence and careless driving behaviors. If you or someone you love was injured in a head-on collision, we may be able to help you recover compensation for your accident-related expenses.
To speak with our experienced legal team, dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form. It’s our goal to help you get what you need to move forward with your life.
