If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you are not alone—thousands of riders face similar challenges each year across Tennessee. State agencies collect data regarding these crashes regularly, revealing patterns that could help prevent future tragedies.
Here are some Tennessee motorcycle accident statistics from the Knoxville motorcycle accident lawyers at Brown & Roberto.
Motorcycle Accidents in Tennessee Over the Past Decade
The Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security compiled comprehensive data about motorcycle crashes from 2016 to 2021. During these six years, Tennessee recorded 17,127 total motorcycle crashes, resulting in 914 total motorcycle fatalities and 907 fatal crashes. Additionally, 3,923 suspected serious injury crashes left riders with life-altering consequences.
Of these collisions:
- 7% of motorcyclists killed had non-compliant helmets, while another 7% had no helmet at all.
- 20% of crashes happened on Saturday and 17% occurred on Sunday.
- Speeding contributed to 1,294 crashes during this period.
- Younger riders faced higher crash rates. Motorcyclists between 25 to 29 years old experienced 2,203 crashes, while those aged 20 to 24 encountered 2,186 crashes.
- Most motorcycle accidents occurred during warmer months from May through September. The monthly breakdown shows September had the highest number of crashes at 2,178, followed by June with 2,091 crashes.
The Tennessee Highway Safety Office identified counties with the highest motorcycle crash rates in 2024. Haywood County led with 16.82 crashes per capita, followed by Polk County at 13.22, Blount County at 11.79, Davidson County at 11.38, and Shelby County at 10.87.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Collisions in Tennessee
Multiple factors contribute to motorcycle accidents across Tennessee, such as:
- Driver Inattention: Distracted drivers fail to see motorcycles in their blind spots or while changing lanes.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases crash severity, making it difficult for both motorcyclists and other drivers to avoid collisions.
- Left-Turn Accidents: Drivers turning left at intersections frequently misjudge motorcycle speed and distance, causing head-on or T-bone crashes.
- Lane Splitting: Motorcyclists riding between lanes of traffic face increased collision risks from sudden lane changes by other vehicles.
- Road Hazards: Potholes, debris, wet surfaces, and construction zones create dangerous conditions that can cause motorcyclists to lose control.
- Intoxicated Driving: Alcohol and drug impairment affects judgment, coordination, and reaction time for both motorcyclists and other drivers.
Your Legal Options After Being Injured in a Motorcycle Crash
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Tennessee and someone else was at fault, you have the right to seek compensation. You can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company or pursue a lawsuit if they refuse to offer fair compensation. Your claim can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and future care costs. An attorney can help guide you through the process and build a compelling case for your maximum compensation.
Start Your Claim with The Lawyers of Brown & Roberto
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, do not face the aftermath alone. The attorneys at The Lawyers of Brown & Roberto fight tirelessly for injured riders across Tennessee.
Contact us today at (865) 691-2777 to discuss your case and learn how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve.