Posted in Motorcycle Safety,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on July 19, 2016
Serious Injuries Reported after Motorcycle Accident in Rutherford County
A 29-year-old man suffered serious injuries after his motorcycle collided with a Volvo sedan on Highway 41 near Murfreesboro Monday morning.
According to a report by WKRN.com, the accident occurred at the intersection of Highway 41 and Epps Mill Road. The motorcyclist was traveling southbound on the highway when the Volvo suddenly turned in front of him, causing him to collide with the vehicle.
The man suffered serious injuries, but officers with the Tennessee Highway Patrol say that they aren’t considered life-threatening at this time.
The driver of the Volvo—a 54-year-old man—is being charged with driving without due care.
3 Things Drivers Do that Put Motorcyclists in Danger
The biggest danger that motorcyclists face on the roadway is other drivers. Because of their small size and low profile compared to passenger vehicles and trucks, it’s easy for drivers to overlook motorcyclists, even in heavy traffic. When drivers are aware of the presence of motorcyclists or know to look for motorcyclists—especially during peak riding season in the spring and summer—they can significantly reduce their risks of causing accidents.
Some of the most common errors and oversights of car, truck, and SUV drivers that put motorcyclists in danger include the following:
Whether a driver is stopped at a red light, stop sign, yield sign, or waiting to turn in the median, a sudden left turn without fully checking the roadway for oncoming traffic can result in a serious accident. Motorcyclists are particularly at risk, as drivers may be unaware of their presence and riders simply don’t have enough time to slow down, stop, or avoid the collision from occurring. It’s important for drivers for make sure all lanes are clear of oncoming traffic before making left turns.
Brake lights are a sure way to determine if a vehicle in front of you is slowing down, while turn signals generally provide an accurate visual of what a driver is planning on doing when approaching an intersection or cross street. However, relying on those signals when driving behind a motorcycle can be dangerous. Many motorcyclists slow down by downshifting, and motorcycle turn signals must be turned off manually. That’s why it’s vital for drivers to pay close attention when driving behind or near motorcyclists and to never rely solely on signals and lights.
Blind spots can vary in size and number on vehicles, and safe drivers know to check these spots thoroughly before turning or changing lanes. However, it’s easy for motorcycles to be hidden in blind spots, especially for drivers of large vehicles like trucks and SUVs. Before turning or making a lane change, check your blind spot via your rear-view mirror and side mirror. You should also do a quick shoulder check to get the clearest visual possible of the area adjacent to and behind your vehicle. Having as much visual information as possible about what’s near your car makes accidents much less likely to occur.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Murfreesboro motorcycle accident attorneys know the dangers that bikers face every time they head out on the roadway. Although motorcycles account for only a small percentage of vehicles on the streets, highways, and interstates in Middle Tennessee, drivers should always be aware of their presence and ready to adjust their driving habits accordingly when driving near them.
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, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To find out how our legal team can assist you during this time, contact us today by dialing (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
