Although motorcycles only make up a small percentage of the vehicles that are being driven on our roadways today, there are a large number of accidents that occur involving them. In 2017, 5,172 motorcycle riders and passengers were killed in collisions and thousands of others suffered injuries. While it is typically the “other (non-motorcycle) driver who violates the motorcyclist’s right of way” and causes an accident, there are times when a motorcycle rider makes a mistake and causes a wreck [Source: NHTSA].
Some of the mistakes motorcycle riders often make that have been recognized as factors in a crash include:
The rider lacked experience.
Motorcyclists gain experience from safety courses that teach them how to ride as well as from practice in areas where it is safe to do so. When a motorcyclist fails to attend and complete a motorcycle safety course, they not only lack experience, but they reduce their ability to be able to react to an emergency situation. The National Safety Council (NSC) not only recommends that new riders complete the course but that experienced riders take a refresher course if they have been off of their bike for a significant period of time. Riding a motorcycle takes practice and without it, you put yourself at a higher risk of engaging in a wreck.
Operating their bike while under the influence of alcohol.
While it is clear to all drivers that operating any type of vehicle while intoxicated is not only illegal, but also dangerous, many bikers still take the risk and get on their bike after consuming alcohol. The Insurance Information Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) said that 26% of the motorcycle riders who suffered fatal injuries in a crash in 2018 had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level at or above .08%. For those that were involved in single-vehicle crashes, the percentage increased to 39%.
Failing to be alert at intersections.
Intersections are where most motorcycle-vehicle collisions occur, says the NHTSA, therefore, it is imperative for bikers to be alert when approaching an intersection. Unfortunately, there are many riders who aren’t cautious and attentive when approaching an intersection which ultimately results in a collision occurring.
They failed to obtain the proper license to operate a motorcycle.
According to the NHTSA, “an estimated one-third of motorcycle operators killed in crashes are not licensed or are improperly licensed to operate a motorcycle.” While many might assume that just because they have obtained their license to operate a car they are legally permitted to ride a motorcycle, however, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Anyone who wishes to operate a motorcycle must take and pass the required tests in order to obtain their motorcycle operator’s license. When an individual fails to obtain their license, they “are bypassing the only method they and the state licensing agencies have to ensure they have the knowledge and skills needed to safely operate a motorcycle.”
The motorcyclist failed to drive defensively.
Motorists sometimes struggle to see motorcyclists as their vehicles are much smaller than the average-sized passenger vehicle. Between the blind spots in cars and trucks, inclement weather, distractions, etc., it is easy for a driver to miss a motorcyclist as they switch lanes or make a left turn directly into their path causing the two vehicles to collide. It is for this reason that bikers must operate their bikes defensively.
Now, despite whether a motorcyclist was at fault or partially at fault for causing an accident, they still have legal rights and it is important for anyone who was recently involved in a wreck to understand what these are.
I’m a motorcyclist who was involved in a wreck in Nashville, TN. Do I need to hire a personal injury attorney?
If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle crash in Nashville, you should consult with a Nashville, TN personal injury lawyer who can explain what your legal rights are. In most cases, you might be eligible to recover compensation from your insurer and may even have a case against the other driver if they were partially liable for the accident. While your insurer will likely cover certain medical expenses given you have adequate coverage, it won’t pay for the pain and suffering you have had to endure as a result of the wreck.
Therefore, if another driver played a role in causing the motorcycle accident that resulted in you suffering injuries, contact the Law Office of George R. Fusner Jr. to learn more about filing a personal injury lawsuit against him/her. In the event you don’t have the grounds to sue the other driver, Nashville, TN personal injury attorney George R. Fusner, Jr. can still assist you with the claims process to ensure your carrier provides you with a fair settlement.
You can reach the Law Office of George R. Fusner Jr. at
7104 Peach Court
Brentwood, TN 37027
Phone- 615-251-0005
Fax- 615-379-2303
Website: www.gfusnerlaw.com
