Motorcycle and moped riders are exposed to serious injury when they collide with another motor vehicle. The risk of serious injury or death is especially acute if the collision involves a significantly heavier vehicle such as a pickup truck. A recent collision near Bowling Green shows how the impact of a pickup truck can cause serious injury to the bike rider.
The collision
A man from Bowling Green was riding a moped on Louisville Road at about 8:45 a.m. According to the accident report, another Bowling Green resident was driving a truck behind the moped. When this truck pulled out to pass the moped, the driver of the second truck told police that he saw the moped but did not have time to stop. The truck hit the moped, throwing the rider to the ground. The driver was taken to Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville where he is reported to be in critical but stable condition. The extent of his injuries was not disclosed.
The driver of the truck that struck the moped voluntarily submitted to a blood draw at the Medical Center, but the police report made no mention of impaired driving.
Potential liability
Liability must be based upon the negligence of at least one driver. In this accident, the driver of the truck that hit the moped has opened the door to a possible assessment of fault for the accident by stating that he could not slow down after he spotted the moped. If this finding is sustained by further investigation, the truck driver and his employer will likely be required to pay damages to the moped rider.
Anyone who has suffered a serious injury or lost a loved one in a similar accident may be interested in pursuing a claim for damages against the negligent parties. A knowledgeable accident attorney can help evaluate the evidence, suggest legal strategies and provide an estimate of the likelihood of recovering damages for medical expenses, lost income and pain and suffering.
