Motorcycles offer freedom and excitement on the open road, but they also expose riders to unique dangers that car drivers rarely face. Without the protective shell of a vehicle, motorcyclists absorb the full impact of crashes, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or death.
Every ride carries inherent risks—here are some of the most common types of motorcycle accidents in Tennessee from the Knoxville motorcycle accident attorneys at Brown & Roberto.
Left-Turn Accidents
Left-turn accidents typically occur when a car turns left across an intersection while you’re traveling straight through or making a right turn. Drivers often misjudge motorcyclists’ speed or simply don’t see them approaching.
The impact can throw the rider off their bike, causing severe injuries including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage. These accidents often happen at busy intersections during rush hour when visibility is poor and drivers are distracted.
Lane-Splitting Accidents
Lane-splitting occurs when motorcyclists ride between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. This practice is illegal in Tennessee, and for good reason.
Cars changing lanes without checking blind spots can strike motorcyclists, or opening car doors can knock riders off their motorcycles. The confined space leaves little room for evasive maneuvers, making these crashes particularly dangerous.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are one of the most devastating types of motorcycle accidents. These crashes often prove fatal or result in life-altering injuries. They typically happen when cars drift into a motorcyclist’s lane due to driver fatigue, impairment, or distraction.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Texting, phone calls, and other distractions cause drivers to miss motorcycles entirely. Distracted drivers may rear-end riders at traffic lights, merge into their lane without warning, or turn directly into their path. These accidents often occur because drivers are not actively scanning for motorcycles, making them particularly unpredictable and dangerous.
Accidents Caused by Road Hazards
Road conditions that barely affect cars can prove deadly for motorcycles. Gravel, oil spills, debris, potholes, and uneven pavement can cause motorcyclists to lose control and crash. Construction zones present additional dangers with loose materials and changing traffic patterns, as can wet leaves, ice, and other weather-related hazards.
Speeding-Related Crashes
Excessive speed reduces your reaction time and increases the severity of any crash. High-speed motorcycle accidents often result in multiple injuries, extensive property damage, and even death. Speed also makes it harder for other drivers to judge a rider’s approach, leading to intersection and merging accidents.
Impaired Driving Accidents
Drunk or drugged drivers pose enormous threats to motorcyclists. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times, poor judgment, and blurred vision. They may not see riders at all or fail to maintain their lane position, causing devastating crashes.
Injured in a Motorcycle Crash? Contact The Lawyers of Brown & Roberto
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, you deserve compensation for your injuries and losses. The Lawyers of Brown & Roberto has successfully handled countless motorcycle accident cases and knows how to build strong cases against negligent drivers and their insurance companies.
We will fight for your right to justice every step of the way. Contact us at (865) 691-2777 today for a free consultation with our Tennessee motorcycle accident attorneys.