Category: Motorcycle Accidents

A Tennessee man has died after a sports utility vehicle turned into the path of a motorcycle, which resulted in a collision. The man’s wife, who was riding as a passenger, was also injured in the motorcycle accident.

Both individuals were taken by ambulance to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, where the man died due to his injuries. The wife’s injuries were not life-threatening. The driver of the SUV was not injured in the accident. The investigation into the collision is still ongoing, but alcohol is not suspected to be a factor.

In Knoxville, motorcycles are quickly becoming a primary mode of transportation. This has resulted in an increased number of accidents involving motorcycles. Motorcyclists often sustain severe injuries when these accidents occur, including serious head injuries, broken bones, road rash and spinal cord injuries. These injuries are often far more severe than any injuries sustained by the driver of the motor vehicle.

Most of these accidents occur when the motorcycle is in the driver’s blind spot. It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure that it is safe to change lanes. If a driver does not see a motorcycle, any accident that occurs could result in a motorcyclist being injured or killed.

If an accident does occur that results in any serious injuries, wrongful deaths or damage to property, a Knoxville motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to help. An experienced attorney may be able to represent the rights of those injured in motorcycle accidents and ensure that their clients receive the compensation that they deserve. The attorney might also handle any wrongful death suits on the behalf of clients who have lost loved ones in these serious accidents.

Source: Oak Ridge Today, “Lake City man dies, wife injured after Saturday motorcycle crash“, John Huotari, June 01, 2013

A mother wrote a letter to two state legislators in Tennessee to announce her concerns for the new motorcycle legislation that they are sponsoring. The letter was written to State Representative Kelly Keisling from Byrdstown and Senator Mark Green from Clarksville and was in regards to the Motorcyclist Liberty Restoration Act.

The mother stated in her letter that her 20-year-old son is a motorcyclist. The new law would provide motorcyclists with the freedom to choose whether to wear a helmet or not. According to the mother, a motorcycle accident can occur at any time, and helmets offer protection that may save the motorcyclist’s life. She stated that some accidents might be caused by drivers who don’t see motorcyclists on the road.

Motorcyclists who are involved in a car accident might be seriously or even fatally injured. Helmets and other protective gear may be worn with effective results. However, any motorcycle accident could result in injury or death despite the use of protective gear, and those who are involved in a motorcycle accident may have to deal with financial expenses related to medical bills, property damage and lost wages. Families who have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident could also be faced with funeral costs.

When a motorcycle accident in Knoxville, Tenn., is caused by the actions of another party, victims and their families may seek punitive damages in a civil court by filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Punitive damages received from a civil lawsuit might decrease the financial burden that victims and their families experience after such an event. They may contact a Tennessee personal injury lawyer for more information about their legal rights.

Source: Oakridger, “Letter: Protect bikers with helmet laws,” Kim Hobson, March 4, 2013

With the changing of the seasons, so comes the changing of the weather. This is not news to most, but it could be surprisingly dangerous if Tennessee drivers aren’t aware of the state of their roads. There have been reports recently about the worsening condition of the roads due to rain and ice, causing there to be multiple accidents and collisions throughout the state and nation.

One Tennessee man lost his life earlier this month after riding his motorcycle and losing control of the vehicle. He and his bike were reportedly lifted off the ground due to speed and loss of control, sending him into the lane of oncoming traffic, where he was run over by a truck heading north on South Carothers Road. The young man, 25, was declared dead after being taken to a nearby medical center and the driver of the truck did not sustain any injuries of note.

While it may not have been due to the nasty road conditions, this accident could serve as a cautionary tale for those who are needing to travel out on the roads this winter. Such an everyday occasion, driving may take more concentration and care while the temperatures continue to result in dangerous conditions.

The family of this young man may be entitled to certain compensation depending on the ongoing investigation, should they wish to pursue it. Tennessee residents who have been involved in a car accident due to the roads understand the complicated circumstances. However, should there be a belief that an accident occurred due to the negligence or distracted driving of someone else, working with an attorney could help to understand options regarding personal injury or wrongful death.

Source: The Tennessean, “Franklin police ID man killed in motorcycle crash,” Jan. 8, 2013

We’ve discussed before the raised dangers of riding a motorcycle and how it can affect a driver differently than if they were in an enclosed vehicle. Understanding not only the risks but also the rates and figures of motorcycle accidents may be something Tennessee drivers wish to look at. A recent source explored the trends of motorcycle accidents among service members over the last few years and the data indicates that the numbers have significantly increased since 20001.

A motorcycle accident can occur for the same reasons as any other kind of accident; however, unfortunately, the recovery process or aftermath can often be quite different. The percent of fatal accidents involving a motorcycle among military members in 2001 was reported to be 14 while the percentage from four years ago was listed at 38. These figures come from the Armed Forces Health Center Surveillance Report, and there have been several programs and initiatives put into place in an effort to prevent such wrecks.

One way that the Department of Defense sought to help this cause and save more lives was to implement more thorough training of the riding vehicles, which reportedly did improve statistics for the year following 2008. One Marine was said to have explained that if the service members are going to go out and purchase motorcycles, then it is the duty of the U.S. Marine Corps to do what they can to ensure their safety.

Another study could perhaps explain the reason for military members’ numbers of motorcycle purchases being so common with their own data. Just under half of the service members tested were reported to be “highly impulsive,” while over two-thirds supposedly had a motivation for “seeking a high degree of sensation, or thrills.”

Whatever the reason, riding a motorcycle is something that requires a lot of attention to safety. Unfortunately, sometimes being as safe as possible doesn’t work and a Tennessee driver may still find themselves in an accident due to another driver’s unsafe habits. In such a situation, working with a personal injury attorney could help to recover some compensation for any further complications due to the accident.

Source: Star News, “Military focuses on reducing motorcycle deaths of servicemen,” Adam Wagner, Dec. 5, 2012

One source recently discussed the somewhat immeasurable effects that a motorcycle driver or rider can have and the potential they have to last. The initial treatment or findings from an accident are able to be measured by cost and in detail; however, it’s the long-lasting ones that often cannot be quantifiably documented, and some are wondering what means need to be taken to ensure safety.

Helmets can help a great deal when someone makes contact after they’ve been thrown from their motorcycle, but not completely. One figure reported regarding the added security against a fatality that a helmet can grant is some 39 percent. With the totals of motorcycle fatalities coming to just over 4,500 from 2010, some people are thinking about more ways to allow for motorcycle safety.

Tennessee is reportedly one of several states that has heard talk of repealing their laws requiring helmets to be worn by motorcyclists. According to one source, many people aren’t comfortable with the strict regulations and would rather promote better education and driving safety courses. For the president of the organization Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, better driver’s training isn’t enough. They liken it to a driver of a car not wearing their seatbelt even though a driver went through an extensive course.

Motorcyclists in Tennessee may wish to watch what will happen to the laws regarding their obligations as a cyclist. In the event of an accident, knowing your options regarding personal injury could help you receive compensation to aid with the payments of medical bills. While some injuries are easy to spot on scene, others can continue to create problems for you well into the rest of your life and having a way to support yourself could help with the medical complications.

Source: The Huffington Post, “Motorcycle deaths, injuries cost $16 billion,” Joan Lowy, Nov. 27, 2012

Motorcyclists have a different set of worries when they go out. It is often the case that bikes aren’t seen or aren’t supportive enough to help their drivers in the event of a crash. The common bumper sticker “Start Seeing Motorcyclists” has hopefully helped prevent some crashes in Tennessee and everywhere else, but there are still tragic incidents that leave motorcyclists a little more vulnerable than drivers of cars.

A recent news report explains the death of one motorcycle driver after having allegedly not been seen by a truck driver. This past Saturday the two vehicles crashed in an area near the west part of Nashville. The driver of the truck, a Dodge Ram, is said to have explained to local authorities that he did not see the bike until the last moment up to the crash. The report includes a detail that there is a sign prohibiting drivers from turning left at that intersection; a move which this truck had been making at the time of the crash.

The tragedy of this kind of crash is likely going to affect this motorist’s family for some time. While they struggle to cope with this loss, they must also now face unexpected financial stress. The investigation is reported to be ongoing and there haven’t been any charges brought against the driver of the truck, however the victim’s family could look into pursuing a wrongful death claim should they wish to. The results of the pending investigation may or may not supply additional support in their case, depending on what the police find.

Regardless of how this case turns out, the story of it could help other drivers out on Tennessee roads keep their eyes open for other motorcycles. Motorcyclists do face some hazards and dangers that drivers of other vehicles may not, and practicing safe driving in any and all types of motor vehicles can help prevent more unnecessary crashes. For other Tennessee drivers who have suffered a crash or the loss of a loved one in a crash, working with an attorney could help you to understand your options as you begin to heal from the event.

Source: Tennessean.com, “Pegram man killed in motorcycle crash,” The Ashland City Times, Nov. 11, 2012

Motorcycle drivers are sometimes at greater risk for a fatality after crashing than other motor vehicle drivers, and no matter how cautious a driver is, accidents still happen. The identity of one Tennessee motorcyclist has been discovered in the wake of his death. Late Saturday evening the man in question was reportedly driving down Donelson Pike on his motorcycle – a 1996 Honda – when his vehicle collided with an SUV – a 2003 Cadillac. He was taken to the hospital and didn’t live much longer.

Police say they don’t believe there was any alcohol or substances involved in the crash and that the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet. Even though there are bumper stickers out there telling drivers to watch for motorcyclists and the bike drivers know ways to ride safely, it can be very difficult to survive a motorcycle crash, especially when the other automobile is an SUV.

Driving on the road with other vehicles can be problematic for motorcyclists, as they are seen less and often in blind spots. Practicing awareness as a motorcycle driver and as any other kind of driver can help stop accidents before they happen. In some tragic cases, however, when a driver of a bike is hurt or killed in a collision, there may be compensation for the injured or their family.

Tennessee drivers would do well to look into the motor vehicle laws in their area and see what their rights are. If you have been in a motorcycle accident or know someone who has, seeking legal counsel to learn about how to proceed, especially in a wrongful death case, could help move the healing process along and provide support for those affected by the accident.

Source: The Tennessean, “Motorcyclist killed in Donelson Pike collision is identified,” Nancy DeVille, Oct. 1, 2012

Warm, sunny weather means that Tennessee can be a great place to be a motorcyclist, and with high prices at the gas pump, driving a motorcycle is an economical option as well. But new statistics from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSHS) shows that riders need to consider the dangers of motorcycling as well.

TDSHS reports that motorcycle fatalities are up with 97 fatal motorcycle accidents on Tennessee roads so far this year. This represents a roughly 10 percent increase over last year.

An official with the Tennessee Motorcycle Rider Education Program noted that the warm weather may have played a role. This year’s dry, sunny weather may have enticed more riders to take to the roads.

Of course, warm, clear weather generally doesn’t cause motorcycle accidents; an element of human error is usually involved. The goal of the Tennessee Motorcycle Rider Education program is to show motorcyclists, even experienced riders, how to improve their safety when they’re on the road. Riders who complete the course are 60 percent less likely to get into an accident. They’re also around 60 percent less likely to be at fault when they do have a collision. An official associated with the program notes that the most important thing riders can do to improve their driving safety is not to drive outside of their comfort zone.

Driving outside one’s comfort area isn’t the only reason for fatal crashes, however. Last year, nearly a quarter of fatal motorcycle accidents involved alcohol. Thirty-seven percent of fatalities could have been prevented if the driver had been wearing a helmet. And, of course, automobile drivers need to be prepared to watch out for motorcyclists on busy roadways.

Motorcycle fatalities are a preventable tragedy, and it’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure that all motorists can share the road safely. With a few simple steps, we can make Tennessee roads a much safer place for our motorcyclists.

Source: Middle Tennessee Public Radio, “Tennessee Motorcycle Fatalities Up Dramatically in 2012,” Shawn Anfinson, Aug. 31, 2012

As we told you earlier this summer, fatal motorcycle accidents are on the rise in Tennessee compared to years past. In fact, there have already been 97 motorcyclists killed in 2012, 10 more than at this time last year. There’s actually been a decline in recent months. In May, for example, motorcycle rider deaths were up by nearly a third compared to the same period in 2011.

There might be a few reasons for this. One is that higher gas prices may be driving those who would normally drive a gas guzzling SUV to opt for a motorcycle instead. Riding a bike is unquestionably cheaper.

Another probable reason is that last winter was pretty mild. That means more people were out and about on motorcycles, since extremely cold air was not a deterrent as it usually might be.

Still, even with possible explanations like this, it’s obvious that something needs to be done about the problem. A state coordinator for the Tennessee Motorcycle Rider Education Program believes that rider safety courses can decrease the possibility of motorcycle accidents by 60 percent.

Accidents are caused by a variety of factors, but not wearing a helmet definitely plays a role: It’s estimated that 37 percent of motorcycle crash deaths could have been prevented with helmets.

As the weather gets colder, it will be interesting to see if the numbers go down. Hopefully the alarming numbers in the news will make people a little more cautious, too.

Source: WMOT, “Tennessee motorcycle fatalities up dramatically in 2012,” Shawn Anfinson, Aug. 31, 2012

• Our firm handles similar situations to what was discussed in this post. If you would like to learn more about our practice, please visit our Knoxville motorcycle accident page.

Earlier this week, we told you about a motorcyclist who was killed in an accident in West Knox County. Now, an accident on Highway 61 has left an 18-year-old motorcyclist in stable condition.

This accident happened along the highway between Clinton and Oak Ridge. The teen was riding a Yamaha XV5 motorcycle in the late morning on Wednesday. At the same time, a PT Cruiser was pulling out of the Rocky Top gas station at Mariner Point onto the highway.

That driver was attempting to turn left onto Highway 61 and says that he did not see the motorcyclist because his view was blocked by a vehicle pulling a trailer that was pulling into the Rocky Top parking lot. After the 56-year-old driver of the PT Cruiser pulled out onto the highway, the motorcyclist, who was traveling in the inside traffic lane of the highway, apparently couldn’t get out of the way in time and collided with the driver’s side door of the vehicle.

The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet, but was injured and was flown by a University of Tennessee Lifestar helicopter to a Knoxville hospital for treatment of “non-incapacitating injuries.” He was listed in stable condition after his arrival at the hospital.

A passenger in the PT Cruiser was also injured and taken to a nearby hospital in an ambulance.

It’s important for all drivers to make sure they have a clear view of traffic when they turn onto a highway. Big vehicles sometimes get in the way, in which case waiting until the view is clear is the best option.

Source: Oak Ridge Today, “Oak Ridge motorcyclist in stable condition after wreck,” John Huotari, Aug. 23, 2012

• Our firm handles similar situations to the one discussed in this post. If you would like to learn more about our practice, please visit our Knoxville motorcycle accident page.