Are motorcycle accidents common in Nashville?

Unfortunately, in Nashville, like many Tennessee cities, both non-fatal and fatal motorcycle accidents are on the rise. In 2024, Davidson County alone saw 310 motorcycle crashes. 25% of those collisions involved bikers under the age of 25.

What do these figures tell us about motorcycle safety? First, they illustrate the unique dangers of motorcycles compared to other types of passenger vehicles. Second, they suggest that the common causes of motorcycle fatalities and severe injuries aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, an experienced Nashville motorcycle accident lawyer can help you secure fair compensation for your losses.

Tennessee motorcycle accident statistics

According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, in 2024, the state had a total of 309 vehicle crashes involving a motorcycle, up from 305 in 2023 and 276 in 2022. In fact, 2024’s data was the highest number in five years. Many of these crashes involved motorcycle riders under the age of 25, a devastating statistic. In all three years, exceeding the speed limit was a factor in 7-8% of all collisions.

What are the common types of motorcycle crashes?

The best way to avoid a crash is to understand how they happen so you can take defensive action on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists the most common causes of motorcycle accidents:

• Distracted drivers: Whether the driver is texting and driving, paying more attention to their passengers than traffic, or trying to follow their GPS, they’re not paying attention to others on the road, especially the much-smaller motorcyclist.
• Intoxicated driving: Drunk or high drivers pose a danger to everyone on the road, especially motorcyclists.
• Road conditions: Debris and potholes that wouldn’t faze a car or SUV can easily cause a motorcyclist to spin out of control. In these cases, even a single-vehicle accident may not be the biker’s fault, but rather the city or county responsible for maintaining the roads.
• Unsafe lane changes: Juking over from lane to lane, especially in the heavy traffic around the city center, can cause a driver to sideswipe a motorcyclist. The motorcycle’s lower profile means it’s more difficult to see, especially if the driver fails to check their blind spot.
• Speeding: Tennessee sets speed limits for a good reason: to keep everyone safe. A speeding driver may not have enough time or distance to stop as traffic slows, and can hit a motorcyclist.
• Defective or malfunctioning vehicle: If your bike is fundamentally unsafe, whether due to a manufacturer defect or an improperly completed repair, you may have a claim against either the mechanic or the bike manufacturer.

Regardless of the reason for your crash, if you didn’t cause it, you likely have solid grounds for a substantial settlement.

How can a motorcycle accident lawyer help me after a crash?

Accident and injury litigation is overwhelming and confusing for many motorcycle accident victims, especially those who suffered devastating head injuries. These cases often involve catastrophic injury and losses, leading to significant damages for the victim. And, there are complications in motorcycle accident cases that aren’t present in other types of motor vehicle claims.

Experienced motorcycle accident attorneys understand the nuances unique to these claims and have successful strategies to address them. This includes pushback from the other party’s insurance company due to the high value of the claim, and victim bias: many jurors and even insurance adjusters mistakenly believe that motorcyclists take unnecessary risks with their safety simply by riding the bike. Representation by an experienced motorcycle accident attorney levels the playing field and overcomes these hurdles to compensation.

Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident? Call Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers at (615) 220-4180 for a free consultation about your case.