Accidents on motorcycles happens more often than you may realize. If you, or a loved one, were injured in a Tennessee motorcycle crash and have sustained a motorcycle accident personal then you need an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to handle your claims with the insurance company.
Unfortunately, there’s a common misconception that motorcyclists are always at least partially to blame for accidents. This is simply not true. Every driver on the road has a duty to exercise reasonable care, and if another driver’s negligence caused your accident, they should be held accountable.
Call 615-422-7171 to start your motorcycle crash case review with motorcycle accident attorney George Angelopoulos. Attorney fees are contingent upon winning. Zero cost to start representation.
Why George should be your Franklin Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
- Local Expertise: George has extensive knowledge of Tennessee motorcycle laws and the local court system.
- Proven Track Record: George has a history of successfully representing motorcycle accident victims and securing favorable outcomes.
- Personalized Attention: George provides personalized attention to each client, ensuring your individual needs and concerns are addressed.
- No Fee Unless You Win: George works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any legal fees unless he recovers compensation for you.
Learn More:
- Causes of Motorcycle Wrecks
- How to Protect Yourself as a Motorcyclist
- Tennessee Motorcycle Accident Statistics
- Typical Motorcycle Crash Injuries
- Tennessee Motorcycle Helmet Law
- Tennessee Motorcycle Laws
- Longitudinal Joint Accidents
- Degloving Injury Accidents
- Supplemental Insurance for Motorcycle Customizations
Free Case Evaluation
Causes of Motorcycle Wrecks
1. Distracted Driving
In today’s world of smartphones and constant connectivity, distracted driving has become a leading cause of motorcycle wrecks, especially for motorcyclists who are less visible on the road. Distractions include:
- Texting or talking on the phone: Taking your eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, can have devastating consequences.
- Eating or drinking: Fumbling with food or drinks can impair your ability to react quickly.
- Adjusting the radio or GPS: Taking your hands off the wheel reduces your control of the vehicle.
- Talking to passengers: Engaging in conversation can take your focus away from driving.
2. Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol significantly impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination, making it extremely dangerous for all road users, especially motorcyclists. Drunk drivers may:
- Misjudge distances: Leading to rear-end collisions or unsafe lane changes.
- Drift into other lanes: Causing head-on collisions or sideswiping accidents.
- Run red lights or stop signs: Putting motorcyclists at risk at intersections.
3. Speeding
Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react to unexpected situations and increases the severity of an accident. For motorcyclists, the impact of a speeding vehicle can be catastrophic. Speeding drivers may:
- Lose control of their vehicle: Leading to rollovers or collisions with other vehicles or objects.
- Have reduced reaction time: Making it difficult to avoid a motorcyclist, especially in situations like lane changes or sudden stops.
- Cause more severe injuries: The force of impact at higher speeds increases the risk of serious injuries or fatalities for motorcyclists.
4. Failure to Yield
Drivers who fail to yield the right of way to motorcyclists often cause serious accidents, especially at intersections. This can include:
- Turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle: A common cause of T-bone accidents.
- Pulling out from a side street or driveway: Failing to see an approaching motorcycle.
- Changing lanes without checking blind spots: Sideswiping or cutting off a motorcyclist.
5. Lane Splitting
While lane splitting (riding between lanes of traffic) is legal in some states, it’s illegal in Tennessee. Drivers may not anticipate a motorcycle riding between lanes, increasing the risk of an accident.
6. Tailgating
Following a motorcycle too closely (tailgating) is extremely dangerous. Motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars, and if a driver is tailgating, they may not have enough time to react and avoid a rear-end collision.
Protecting Yourself as a Motorcyclist
While you can’t control the actions of other drivers, you can take proactive steps to make yourself more visible and reduce your risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident. By following these tips, you can significantly increase your visibility on the road and reduce your risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident. Remember, safety is always the top priority.
1. Gear Up for Safety
- Wear Bright Clothing: Opt for brightly colored clothing that stands out against the road and surrounding environment. Neon colors like yellow, orange, or green are highly visible, even in low-light conditions. Consider a brightly colored helmet as well.
- Add Reflective Elements: Consider wearing a reflective vest or jacket, or add reflective tape to your helmet and motorcycle. This will help you be seen at night and in low-visibility conditions like rain or fog.
2. Use Your Headlight
- Daytime Running Lights: Always keep your headlight on, even during the day. This makes you more visible to other drivers, especially those approaching from a distance or at intersections.
- Consider Auxiliary Lights: Adding auxiliary lights to your motorcycle can further increase your visibility, especially at night or in poor weather conditions.
3. Ride Defensively
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Constantly scan the road ahead, behind, and to the sides. Pay attention to other drivers’ behavior and anticipate potential hazards.
- Assume You’re Invisible: Don’t assume other drivers see you. Ride as if you’re invisible and be prepared to react to avoid dangerous situations.
- Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you to allow for ample reaction time.
- Be Predictable: Ride in a predictable manner, avoid sudden lane changes or maneuvers, and use your signals to communicate your intentions clearly.
4. Avoid Blind Spots
- Stay Out of Blind Spots: Be aware of other drivers’ blind spots, especially those of large trucks and buses. Avoid riding in these areas for extended periods.
- Position Yourself for Visibility: Position yourself in your lane where you’re most likely to be seen by other drivers.
5. Communicate Clearly
- Use Your Turn Signals: Always use your turn signals to indicate your intentions to change lanes or turn.
- Use Hand Signals: In addition to turn signals, use hand signals to reinforce your intentions, especially in situations where visibility might be limited.
- Make Eye Contact: Try to make eye contact with other drivers at intersections or when merging to ensure they see you.
6. Enhance Your Skills
- Take a Motorcycle Safety Course: Even experienced riders can benefit from a refresher course to improve their skills and learn new safety techniques.
- Practice Defensive Riding: Regularly practice defensive riding maneuvers to improve your ability to react to unexpected situations.
Motorcycle Safety Foundation: https://www.msf-usa.org/
Tennessee Motorcycle Crash Statistics
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security released a report in June 2022 covering motorcycle crash statistics from 2016 to 2021. This report provides valuable insights into trends and patterns, even though it doesn’t include 2022 data.
Key Findings from the Report:
- Total Crashes: Between 2016 and 2021, there were a total of 17,127 crashes involving motorcycles in Tennessee.
- Crash Types: The most common type of motorcycle crash was a “minor injury” crash, followed by “serious injury” crashes and crashes with property damage exceeding the threshold.
- Injury Severity: Over those six years, 907 crashes were fatal, 3,923 resulted in suspected serious injuries, and 5,445 resulted in suspected minor injuries.
- Helmet Use: The report emphasizes the importance of helmet use, stating that unhelmeted motorcyclists are 40% more likely to suffer a fatal head injury in a crash.
Additional Insights and Trends:
- Increase in Motorcycle Fatalities: Nationally, motorcycle fatalities have been on the rise in recent years. 1 While specific data for Tennessee in 2022 isn’t readily available, it’s likely that this trend is reflected in the state as well. 1. Fatality Facts 2022: Motorcycles and ATVs – IIHS www.iihs.org
- Factors Contributing to Accidents: Common factors contributing to motorcycle accidents include distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, and failure to yield the right of way to motorcyclists.
Where to Find More Information:
- Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security: This agency is the primary source for crash data in Tennessee. Check their website for updates and potential releases of 2022 statistics.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): NHTSA collects and publishes national data on motorcycle accidents, which can provide context for Tennessee’s statistics.
Remember: While statistics provide valuable insights, every motorcycle accident is unique. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to seek legal advice from an experienced Tennessee motorcycle accident attorney like George Angelopoulos to understand your rights and options.
Motorcycle Crash Injuries
Motorcycle riders face inherent risks on the road due to the lack of protection surrounding them. In an accident, the impact can be devastating, leading to severe and often life-altering injuries. Here’s a closer look at some of the common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents:
1. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
The head is particularly vulnerable in a motorcycle accident. Even with a helmet, the force of impact can cause the brain to collide with the skull, resulting in a traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBIs can range in severity from mild concussions to severe, life-threatening injuries.
- Consequences of TBI:
- Cognitive impairments (memory loss, difficulty concentrating)
- Physical disabilities (paralysis, speech problems)
- Emotional and behavioral changes
- In severe cases, coma or death
2. Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is a delicate bundle of nerves that transmits signals between the brain and the body. In a motorcycle accident, the spine can be severely injured, potentially leading to paralysis or other debilitating conditions.
- Types of Spinal Cord Injuries:
- Complete: Total loss of sensation and movement below the injury site.
- Incomplete: Partial loss of sensation and movement.
- Paraplegia: Paralysis of the lower body.
- Quadriplegia: Paralysis of all four limbs.
3. Broken Bones
The force of impact in a motorcycle accident often leads to broken bones, also known as fractures. Common fractures include:
- Legs and arms: Femur, tibia, fibula, humerus, radius, and ulna fractures.
- Collarbone: The clavicle is often fractured when a rider is thrown from the motorcycle.
- Ribs: Rib fractures can cause pain and difficulty breathing.
- Pelvis: Pelvic fractures can be very serious and require extensive rehabilitation.
4. Road Rash
Road rash is a painful skin abrasion that occurs when the rider’s body slides across the pavement. It can range from minor scrapes to deep, painful wounds that require extensive treatment and may result in scarring.
- Severity of Road Rash:
- First-degree: Superficial, like a sunburn.
- Second-degree: Blisters and broken skin.
- Third-degree: Deep wounds that may expose muscle or bone.
5. Internal Injuries
Internal injuries are not always visible but can be life-threatening. The impact of a motorcycle accident can cause damage to internal organs like the spleen, liver, kidneys, and lungs.
- Signs of Internal Injuries:
- Abdominal pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Internal bleeding
- Shock
The Importance of Immediate Medical Attention
After a motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention, even if you don’t feel seriously injured. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or a concussion, may not be immediately apparent. Prompt medical treatment can help prevent complications and improve your chances of a full recovery.
Tennessee Motorcycle Helmet Law
Tennessee law is clear: motorcycle riders and passengers must wear helmets that meet federal safety standards. This law is in place to protect riders and reduce the severity of head injuries in accidents.
Details of the Law
- Universal Helmet Law: Tennessee has a “universal helmet law,” meaning it applies to all riders and passengers, regardless of age or experience.
- Federal Standards: Helmets must comply with standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). These standards ensure that helmets provide adequate protection in a crash.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failure to wear a helmet is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $50 and/or up to 30 days in jail.
Exceptions to the Law
While the law generally applies to everyone, there are a few exceptions:
- Enclosed Cab: Motorcycles with fully enclosed cabs are exempt from the helmet law.
- Funeral Processions: Riders participating in funeral processions with a police escort are exempt, provided they don’t exceed 30 mph or travel more than 50 miles.
Why Helmets are Crucial
Helmets are a critical safety component for motorcyclists. They can significantly reduce the risk of:
- Head injuries: Helmets absorb the impact of a crash, reducing the force transmitted to the head and brain.
- Facial injuries: Helmets can also help protect the face and jaw from injury.
- Fatalities: Studies show that helmets reduce the risk of death in motorcycle accidents.
Don’t Risk Your Safety
Even if you qualify for an exception to the helmet law, it’s always best to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. It’s a simple step that can significantly reduce your risk of serious injury or death in an accident.
Tennessee Motorcycle Laws
Tennessee has specific laws in place to ensure the safety of motorcyclists and other road users. Here’s a breakdown of some key regulations:
1. Eye Protection
- Eye Protection Required: Motorcyclists must wear eye protection, such as goggles or a face shield, unless their motorcycle is equipped with a windshield. This helps prevent eye injuries from debris, insects, and wind.
2. Headlight Use
- Daytime Headlight: Motorcycles must have their headlights on at all times, even during the day. This increases visibility and helps prevent accidents.
3. Lane Splitting Prohibited
- No Lane Splitting: Lane splitting, riding between lanes of traffic, is illegal in Tennessee. This practice can be dangerous as it may surprise other drivers and lead to accidents.
4. Motorcycle Equipment
- Rearview Mirror: All motorcycles must have a rearview mirror to allow riders to see traffic behind them.
- Footrests: Motorcycles must have securely attached footrests for both the rider and any passengers.
- Mufflers: Mufflers are required on all motorcycles to reduce noise pollution. Cutouts or modified exhaust systems that increase noise levels are prohibited.
5. Passenger Requirements
- Passenger Seat and Footrests: If a motorcycle is carrying a passenger, it must be equipped with a designated passenger seat and footrests.
- No Passengers Under 5: Children under 5 years old are not allowed to ride as passengers on motorcycles.
6. Additional Regulations
- Handlebar Height: Handlebars cannot be higher than the rider’s shoulders when seated.
- Mirrors: Motorcycles must have at least one rearview mirror.
- Turn Signals: Motorcycles manufactured after 1973 must have turn signals.
Know the Law, Stay Safe
Familiarizing yourself with Tennessee motorcycle laws is essential for all riders. By following these regulations, you can contribute to a safer riding environment for yourself and others.
Longitudinal Joint Accidents
A longitudinal joint is a crack or seam that runs lengthwise between lanes of asphalt pavement. These joints can be especially hazardous for motorcyclists, potentially causing loss of control and accidents.
How Longitudinal Joints Form
Longitudinal joints often form due to improper construction practices. When roads are paved, lanes are typically paved separately. If the asphalt isn’t properly bonded between lanes, or if there’s a difference in temperature or compaction, a weak spot can form, leading to cracks and uneven surfaces.
Dangers for Motorcyclists
- Loss of Control: A motorcycle’s narrow tires can easily get caught in longitudinal joints, causing the rider to lose control and potentially crash.
- Uneven Surfaces: These joints can create uneven surfaces that can jolt a motorcycle, potentially causing the rider to be thrown off balance.
- Traction Issues: Water, oil, and debris can accumulate in these joints, reducing traction and increasing the risk of skidding.
Who is Responsible?
If a longitudinal joint causes a motorcycle accident, the responsible party could be:
- Construction Company: If the joint formed due to improper construction practices.
- Government Entity: If the road was not properly maintained and the joint was a known hazard.
What to Do After an Accident
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a longitudinal joint, it’s important to:
- Seek medical attention: Your health is the priority.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the joint and the surrounding area.
- Contact an attorney: An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer like George Angelopoulos can help you investigate the cause of the accident and determine who is responsible.
Don’t Let a Road Hazard Ruin Your Life
Motorcycle accidents can have devastating consequences. If you’ve been injured due to a longitudinal joint or any other road hazard, contact Attorney George Angelopoulos today for a free consultation. He can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Degloving Injury Accidents
Degloving injuries, also known as avulsion injuries, are a severe and traumatic type of injury that can occur in motorcycle accidents. They happen when the skin and underlying tissue are forcefully torn away from the underlying muscle, connective tissue, or even bone. It’s a devastating injury that often requires extensive medical treatment and can have long-term consequences.
Types of Degloving Injuries
There are two primary types of degloving injuries:
- Open Avulsions:
- Graphic Injury: In an open avulsion, the skin is completely ripped away from the body, either severed entirely or hanging by a flap of skin.
- Exposed Tissue: This type of injury leaves the underlying muscle, tendons, and sometimes even bone exposed.
- High Risk of Infection: Open avulsions have a high risk of infection due to the exposed tissue.
- Closed Avulsions:
- Less Obvious: In a closed avulsion, the top layer of skin may appear intact, but it’s detached from the underlying tissue.
- Fluid Accumulation: This separation creates a space where fluid can accumulate, leading to swelling and potential complications.
- Common in Hip Injuries: Closed degloving injuries often occur around the hip area in motorcycle accidents, but they can also happen in other areas like the torso or buttocks.
Why Degloving Injuries Are So Serious
Both open and closed degloving injuries are serious medical emergencies. They can lead to:
- Significant Blood Loss: The forceful tearing of tissue can cause severe bleeding.
- Nerve Damage: Nerves in the affected area can be damaged, leading to loss of sensation, numbness, or chronic pain.
- Infection: The exposed tissue in open avulsions and the fluid accumulation in closed avulsions create an environment prone to infection.
- Tissue Death: The detached tissue may die due to lack of blood supply, requiring surgical removal.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Degloving injuries often result in significant scarring and disfigurement.
- Psychological Trauma: The traumatic nature of these injuries can lead to emotional distress and psychological trauma.
Treatment and Recovery
Treatment for degloving injuries often involves:
- Surgery: To clean the wound, remove damaged tissue, and reattach the skin if possible.
- Skin Grafts: If reattachment isn’t feasible, skin grafts may be necessary to cover the exposed area.
- Antibiotics: To prevent and treat infection.
- Pain Management: To manage severe pain.
- Physical Therapy: To regain function and mobility.
Recovery from a degloving injury can be lengthy and challenging, often requiring extensive rehabilitation and ongoing medical care.
Why You Need Supplemental Insurance for Motorcycle Customizations
In Tennessee, all motorcycles must have insurance policies. However, if you own a custom motorcycle, or are thinking about building one, you need to know that standard coverage might not be enough. Here’s why:
Standard Motorcycle Insurance and Custom Parts
Standard motorcycle insurance policies typically cover the fair market value of your bike in case of an accident. But with custom motorcycles, things get more complicated.
- Unique Value: Custom motorcycles often have unique parts, modifications, and paint jobs that significantly increase their value beyond a standard factory model.
- Limited Coverage: In an accident, your standard insurance may only cover the cost of a comparable stock motorcycle, leaving you to cover the potentially significant cost of replacing your custom parts.
Supplemental Coverage: Protecting Your Investment
This is where supplemental coverage comes in. It’s designed to bridge the gap between your standard coverage and the true value of your custom motorcycle.
- What it Covers: Supplemental coverage can help pay for the replacement or repair of custom parts, including:
- Custom paint jobs
- Aftermarket exhaust systems
- Upgraded wheels and tires
- Chrome accessories
- Performance modifications
- And more!
Why it Matters
Imagine this: you’ve spent thousands of dollars customizing your dream motorcycle. Then, you’re involved in an accident, and your bike is damaged beyond repair. Without supplemental coverage, you could be left with a check that only covers the value of a basic model, leaving you to pay thousands out of pocket to rebuild your custom bike.
How to Get Supplemental Coverage
Talk to your insurance agent about adding supplemental coverage to your motorcycle policy. They can help you determine the appropriate coverage amount based on the value of your custom parts and modifications.
Don’t Leave Your Investment Unprotected
If you’re passionate about your custom motorcycle, protect it with the right insurance coverage. Supplemental coverage can provide peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected in case of an accident.
Contact Attorney George Angelopoulos Today
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Tennessee, Attorney George Angelopoulos can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve, including the full value of your custom motorcycle.
Call 615-422-7171 or tell George what happened.