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According to Tennessee government statistics, there were 3,119 motorcycle accidents in the state of Tennessee in 2016, and 2,989 motorcycle accidents in the state in 2017. Shelby County had the most motorcycle accidents per registered motorcycle in the entire state in 2018.
In 2016, motorcyclists were 28 times more likely than those in passenger vehicles to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled. By their very nature, motorcycles are simply much less safe than larger, closed vehicles. Motorcycles are also much less visible to other drivers, and less stable than vehicles with four wheels. Therefore when accidents occur the results can be devastating leading to the need for an experienced personal injury attorney.
Motorcycle accidents are different from passenger car vehicle accidents primarily because of the level of injury often sustained by the motorcyclist. A motorcyclist simply has no protection in the event of an accident. Unlike a person inside a passenger vehicle, the motorcyclist has no steel and glass cage surrounding him or her, as well as no seat belts or airbags for protection. In fact, the only protection afforded a motorcyclist is a helmet if worn, and protective clothing, such as leathers, if worn. Motorcyclists are usually following the rules of the road properly when they are hit by a car who either did not see them or severely underestimated their speed.
Motorcycle accidents can also differ significantly from other types of accidents because jurors often have a skewered idea of who motorcyclists are, and how they act. In fact, many people (and juries are made up of people) mistakenly believe that motorcyclists are inherently reckless—that they drive too fast and take unnecessary risks. In truth, many motorcyclists are older professionals who drive their motorcycle as carefully as they drive their passenger vehicle. It can be extremely helpful to have an experienced motorcycle attorney who understands these misperceptions and can present the truth of the accident.
Injuries following a motorcycle accident are likely to be quite severe on the part of the motorcyclist. Often, motorcyclists suffer a traumatic brain injury or paralysis—either of which could result in the necessity of a lifetime of care, as well as an inability to work and make a living. Other common injuries following a motorcycle accident include road rash, broken bones, burns, disfigurement, and facial fractures. Road rash can lead to severe infection and months or years of medical procedures. The stress related to the injuries received during a motorcycle accident can cause depression and anxiety, making everyday life even more difficult.
While each motorcycle accident is unique in some way, there are certain factors involved in many motorcycle accidents, including:
As noted, motorcyclists are at a particularly high risk of dying or receiving severe injuries when involved in a traffic accident. You may wonder how motorcyclists can cut down their chances of being involved in a serious accident. Below are some tips that can reduce a motorcyclist’s risk of being hit by a vehicle:
If you suffer a Nashville motorcycle accident, it is imperative that you have a highly experienced motorcycle accident attorney by your side from start to finish. I have the necessary skills to find solutions for cases that other attorneys might not find worth the time or effort. I will take the necessary time to understand how your motorcycle accident occurred, how your life has been impacted by the accident, and will fully be apprised of the circumstances and facts surrounding your motorcycle accident. I will always focus on you and your story—you will never be a medical report or a case number to me. If you want a self-starter with years of foundational experience, contact The Law Offices of Kyle Peiter today.