Nashville Motorcyclist Dies in Tractor-Trailer Accident
7/21/2020 Motorcycle Accidents John Whitfield
A Nashville motorcyclist was killed after crashing into a parked tractor-trailer on Briley Pkwy. Unfortunately, as is the case in many motorcycle accidents, the tragic incident could have been prevented if the tractor-trailer driver had taken the time to thoroughly check all vehicle blind spots as well as obey traffic laws that would have prevented the driver from stopping the tractor-trailer in the roadway.
Visibility Dangers
Motorcyclists are part of the most vulnerable population on roadways for many reasons. Motor vehicle drivers have a duty to those with whom they share the road to practice safe driving techniques every time they are behind the wheel. Safe driving is not a complicated concept, yet every year motorcyclists are killed in roadway accidents due to the negligence of other drivers. One of the most important practices a motor vehicle driver can use is to always thoroughly check their vehicles’ surroundings, including blind spots, for motorcyclists that may be hard to see. Lack of visibility is a top threat to motorcyclists, contributing to the 4,985 fatal motorcycle accidents in 2018 alone. Drivers must not change lanes, execute turns, or make abrupt maneuvers while driving without scanning their vehicle’s surroundings.
Driver Negligence
It’s no surprise that human error results in countless fatal motorcycle and other auto accidents annually. By nature of design, motorcycle riders are less protected than drivers of passenger vehicles, large trucks, and tractor-trailers; therefore, it’s critical that passenger vehicles, large truck, and tractor-trailer drivers exercise good judgment and obey traffic laws put in place to protect riders. When drivers fail to yield to oncoming traffic when turning left, fail to properly stop at traffic signs and intersections, or engage in dangerous driving maneuvers such as abruptly stopping a tractor-trailer in the middle of a roadway, drivers are actively putting lives in their communities at risk. Motorcycles are ill equipped to handle the impact of even a minor accident. Without the physical barriers a car or truck provides to its drivers and passengers, motorcyclists absorb the full impact of a crash; and, unfortunately because of this they are disproportionately killed in motorcycle-auto accidents. In fact, motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to be killed while riding per mile traveled than a passenger vehicle driver. Motor vehicle drivers should be aware of their surroundings and the power of their vehicles at all times.
Nashville Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Sadly, Nashville is no stranger to fatal motorcycle accidents, and more can and should be done to protect the lives of motorcyclists on Tennessee roads and highways. Motor vehicle drivers can take action by following traffic laws and yielding to vulnerable riders on the road. It is possible for drivers and riders to coexist in and around Nashville when responsibility is rightfully taken seriously. If you or a loved one was seriously injured or killed in a Nashville motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Whitfield Bryson today to discuss your case with compassionate lawyers who understand first hand the dangers motorcyclists face.