Posted in Motorcycle Safety,Negligence,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law,Truck Wreck on December 8, 2014
Tennessee Motorcyclist Injured in Accident Involving Truck
Because of their vulnerability and lack of protection, motorcyclists should always be extra cautious any time they hit the road. Safety gear like a helmet, padded riding jacket and pants, and heavy duty footwear can all lessen the likelihood of suffering severe injuries in the event of an accident, but even the most well-equipped motorcyclists are still at risk when they ride.
The importance of taking extra precautions while riding a motorcycle was highlighted in an accident that occurred over the weekend. TriCities.com reports that a man from Elizabethton, Tennessee, was injured Sunday afternoon when he was struck by a large pickup truck.
According to Bristol police, the man was crossing the intersection of Volunteer Parkway and Century Boulevard in Bristol, Tennessee, on his Kawasaki motorcycle when he collided with a GMC Sierra pickup truck that was traveling southbound.
Drivers of both trucks and motorcycles must be extra cautious on the road and watch out for other vehicles. At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville truck accident lawyers know that both types of vehicles present risks for drivers and other motorists, and it’s important for everyone on the road to understand how they differ and how to keep themselves and others safe when driving near them.
Safe Driving Tips for Motorcyclists and Truck Drivers
Motorcyclists and truck drivers can decrease their chances of being involved in or causing serious accidents by:
In many cases, accidents aren’t caused by something the victim does—they’re caused by another driver’s negligence or erratic behavior. That’s why it’s important to always anticipate the next movements of other drivers on the road. Motorcyclists should be especially cautious, as drivers may not see them approaching and could turn or merge into their path and cause an accident.
Truck drivers are often in less danger than motorcyclists when it comes to driving near other vehicles, but both should give other drivers as much room as possible on the road. Even a minor collision can have life-threatening consequences for motorcyclists, while big trucks can cause serious damage to smaller vehicles and serious injuries to their passengers.
Motorcyclists are at a high risk of being hit at intersections, as drivers who are trying to beat the light or who don’t see a stop sign may also fail to see the motorcycle crossing the street in front of them. On the other hand, truck drivers often sit high up off the road and may be less likely to see the approaching traffic at an intersection. Taking an extra moment to stop and look both ways to make sure there are no approaching vehicles can help both motorcyclists and truck drivers prevent accidents.
Although every driver who shares Tennessee’s roadways should follow traffic laws, it’s especially important for motorcyclists and truck drivers. Speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and running red lights or stop signs can have fatal consequences for both motorcyclists and truck drivers. And it’s not just their own lives they put at risk when they break the law—they put the lives of everyone else on the road at risk as well.
The Nashville truck accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law are dedicated to keeping Tennessee’s roads, highways, and interstates as safe as possible for all drivers, but it’s important for motorcyclists and truck drivers to recognize that their vehicles require additional care and attention to operate safely.
If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle or truck accident that was caused by another party’s negligence, don’t hesitate to contact our legal professionals. Just dial (615) 200-1111 or complete our free online form to speak with us today.
