Motorcycle accidents continue to be a problem across the country, especially in Tennessee. According to the National Highway Traffic Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), 15 percent of deadly crashes in 2016 involved a motorcycle. Since 2015, Tennessee has experienced a steady number of motorcycle fatalities. But why?
Causes of Tennessee Motorcycle Accidents
It comes as no surprise that many of the causes of motorcycle accidents are similar to those of automobile accidents. The most common causes of fatal Tennessee motorcycle accidents include:
- Distracted Driving. In most cases, fatal motorcycle accidents occur because a driver fails to see a motorcyclist. This is typically due to distracted driving, poor vision, etc.
- Poor Road Conditions. Because of the geography of much of Tennessee, many motorcyclists enjoy the drive through the state. Unfortunately, when poor road conditions do exist, such as potholes, road construction, and storm debris, it can impact a motorcyclist and other drivers’ ability to navigate the roadways safely.
- Unsafe Lanes. Be it busy intersections, lane shifts, right of way errors, and sudden stops, all of these make for inhospitable driving conditions for motorcyclists. And, when other drivers are navigating these same conditions, accidents are bound to happen.
Other causes of fatal motorcycle accidents include speeding, car doors being opened in roadways, driving under the influence, and motorcycle defects.
When these events occur and injuries result, motorcyclists are not only victims of financial struggles, they also can face brain trauma, spinal cord injury, and internal bleeding.
But if you are a motorcyclist and you are involved in an accident, what rights do you have?
What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, there are steps you need to take to insure your rights are protected.
You will need to gather the following:
- Evidence of damage to your motorcycle.
- Evidence of damage to the vehicle that caused the accident. This is because oftentimes, the damage the other vehicle sustains will show who hit who, and at what force.
- Where the accident happened as well as the road and weather conditions. If applicable, you’ll also need to document any traffic patterns and violations that may have occurred.
- Gather the police report, eye witness accounts, traffic camera footage, etc.
- If alcohol was involved, knowing that will also be critical to your case when establishing fault.
Sometimes accidents happen, but when it’s a blatant act of negligence, you deserve justice–the motorcycle accident lawyers at MHPS are here to help.
Tennessee Motorcycle Accident Lawyers: MHPS
If you were in a motorcycle accident, you will need the assistance of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. At MHPS, we have a dedicated team of motorcycle accident attorneys who have recovered large settlements for victims.
If you are the victim of a motorcycle accident, contact our firm today. We will take the time needed to understand the details of your case and explore your legal rights and options. Call us today.
