1 Injured in Motorcycle Crash on Gallatin Pike
Left turns can be a little complex. These maneuvers can cause complications when smaller vehicles such as motorcycles are involved.
A left turn recently led to a serious crash in Tennessee. The crash happened on the evening of September 26 on Gallatin Pike.
According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, a car was turning left when it collided with a motorcycle. The motorcyclist suffered critical injuries and was taken to TriStar Skyline Medical Center for medical treatment. The occupants of the car, including the driver and a baby, were taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for evaluation.
The crash caused Gallatin Pike at the intersection of Walton Lane to be shut down for an extended period of time.
Left-Turn Crashes Involving Motorcycles
Left-turning vehicles are a common factor in motorcycle crashes, particularly at intersections. A driver turning left may fail to see an approaching motorcycle, misjudge its speed or distance, or focus on other traffic before entering the motorcycle’s path. Because motorcycles are smaller than passenger vehicles, they can be more difficult for drivers to notice or accurately judge.
A typical left-turn motorcycle crash occurs when a motorcycle is traveling straight through an intersection while an oncoming vehicle turns left across its path. The driver may believe there is enough time to complete the turn but fail to account for the motorcycle’s speed.
Several factors can contribute to these crashes, including:
- Failure to see the motorcycle: Motorcycles have a smaller visual profile than cars and trucks.
- Misjudging speed: A driver may incorrectly estimate how quickly a motorcycle is approaching.
- Failure to yield: Drivers making left turns generally must yield to oncoming traffic when required by traffic laws.
- Distraction: Looking at a phone, GPS, passengers, or other objects can prevent a driver from noticing an approaching motorcycle.
- Obstructed visibility: Parked vehicles, landscaping, signs, buildings, or other traffic can make it harder to see a motorcycle.
- Poor lighting: Nighttime, glare, rain, or other conditions can reduce visibility.
- Intersection design: Unusual road layouts or multiple turning lanes can make it more difficult for drivers and motorcyclists to anticipate one another’s movements.
A motorcycle striking a turning vehicle can result in severe injuries because the rider has considerably less physical protection than someone inside a passenger vehicle. Depending on the circumstances, a rider may suffer broken bones, road rash, spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or other catastrophic injuries.
The motorcycle may also be thrown to the ground or into another vehicle after the initial collision. In some crashes, the rider is ejected from the motorcycle and thrown a significant distance before coming to a stop.
Contact Us Today
Motorcycles are smaller than cars, which makes them susceptible to serious accidents.
Motorcycle crashes can be catastrophic. Seek legal help you need from a Mt. Juliet motorcycle accident lawyer from The Law Offices of Christopher Eads, PLLC. We can help you get the settlement you deserve. Schedule a consultation today by filling out the online form or calling (615) 622-6060.
Source:
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