The most common cause of serious motorcycle collisions is when a driver pulls out into the motorcyclist’s path. Motorcyclists are not always easy to see, so drivers may think they’re able to pull out while the reality is that they’re cutting off another person’s route.
That happened once again in Knoxville. A 24-year-old woman was attempting to make a left-hand turn from Cross Creek Apartments onto Western Avenue when she entered the roadway and blocked the path of a 25-year-old motorcyclist.
The motorcyclist attempted to stop, but he was unable to slow down enough to avoid a collision. He was thrown from the motorcycle and ended up on top of the car. He died at the scene despite receiving emergency care and wearing a helmet.
This crash happened in the early morning, around 8:39 a.m., but the woman still had her blood drawn to check for alcohol. This is required by law when a person is killed in a collision. Fortunately, the woman and her child were uninjured in the crash.
In many motorcycle crashes, the cause comes down to a driver who does not see the motorcyclist. This is no excuse for putting another person’s life in danger. It is very important for all drivers to be aware of the potential for motorcyclists to be on the road and to slow down, watch out and yield to them when necessary.
If you’re hurt in a crash, it’s your right to hold the at-fault driver responsible. Your injuries aren’t your fault, and you shouldn’t have to be the one to pay for them.