Chattanooga Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Motorcycles are becoming an increasingly popular mode of transportation for both men and women, young and old. Motorcycles are highly maneuverable, fuel-efficient, and reasonably priced vehicles that are smaller and lighter than typical passenger cars. Riding a motorcycle does have some disadvantages to accompany its many benefits, however. Motorcycles are the minority on the road. As a result, many drivers do not know how to share the road with them, which often leads to traffic accidents. Additionally, motorcycles do not offer the protection passenger cars do for their occupants. Even wearing a DOT-approved helmet and other protective gear, which is highly advisable, may not protect a motorcyclist from injury or death in a serious accident.
Motorcycle Accident Causes
Most motorcycle accidents are caused by the actions of other drivers, but may also be caused by other motorcyclists, including:
- Driving distracted;
- Alcohol-impairment;
- Speeding;
- Cutting a motorcycle off;
- Changing lanes into a motorcycle; and
- Braking incorrectly and/or suddenly.
Motorcyclists have to follow state traffic laws just like every other driver and thus have as much right to be on the road as other vehicles. Even so, many drivers of passenger vehicles and trucks still don’t pay attention to motorcycles or know how to share the road with them.
Motorcycle Crash Injuries
Because motorcyclists are poorly protected by their vehicle, they are in more danger of suffering catastrophic injuries or death in the event of a motorcycle accident. Though a rider may leave the scene of a minor accident with only a few scrapes and bruises, it is more common that motorcyclists sustain more serious injuries, such as:
- Broken bones;
- Head injury;
- Spinal cord injury;
- Brain Injury;
- Vertebral fractures;
- Lacerations; and
- Internal bleeding.
Tennessee Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to the Tennessee Department of Safety, there was an annual average of 276,138 class M, or motorcycle, license holders in the state from 2004 through 2008, with Knox and Shelby counties leading the way with an annual average of 18,318 and 19,295, respectively. During that same time period, there were 11,733 motorcycle crashes. Of these:
- 11,086 were injury crashes;
- 647 were fatal crashes;
- 33 percent occurred in spring;
- 38 percent occurred in summer;
- 39 percent occurred on Saturday or Sunday;
- 13.5 percent involved riders aged 20 to 24;
- 1,505 involved motorcycle speeding;
- 867 involved alcohol-use;
- 4,046 were intersection-related; and
- 48.5 percent involved multiple vehicles.
Every driver of every vehicle has a responsibility to the state and to other motorists to obey the law and drive safely. If a negligent driver causes a motorcycle accident, then they may be held liable for a victim’s injuries.
Getting Back on the Road
Suffering a motorcycle accident injury can have devastating physical and emotional consequences. Serious injuries can cause great pain and suffering and need long-term recovery. Without the proper medical care, it is unlikely that you will ever be able to go back to the lifestyle you have before the accident, let alone ride a motorcycle again. At Massey & Associates, our Tennessee traffic accident attorneys understand the financial and emotional difficulties riders face after being injured in a motorcycle accident. We are committed to helping injured bikers get the compensation they need to get their lives back on track. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Tennessee, contact us today to let us know how we can help you at (423) 697-4529.
