Car accident injures Knoxville mini-bike rider

Most Knoxville, Tennessee, drivers already know that failure to obey traffic signs can be dangerous. Many car accidents occur because drivers do not see a traffic sign or they choose to ignore one. This may be the case in a car accident that took place on Oct. 15.

According to authorities, a 24-year-old Knoxville man was riding his mini-bike around 5 p.m. when he ran a stop sign on Linden Avenue at Milligan Street. He was hit by a 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis that was traveling north on Milligan.

The man riding the mini-bike suffered serious injuries and had to be taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center for treatment. His current condition is not known, but his injuries were not believed to be life-threatening. The driver of the car did not suffer any injuries.

Police have issued citations to the bike rider for not wearing a helmet, failure to show proof of financial responsibility and driving on a revoked license. He was also cited for violation of state registration and for disregarding a stop sign. Police are looking into the possibility of alcohol or drug use as a contributing factor.

When reading about motorcycle and mini-bike accidents, many people assume that the serious injuries to the driver were caused by a car, whose driver did not see the motorcycle. But in this case, it is important to remember that sometimes the tables can be turned, and just because a motorcycle or mini-bike weighs much less, it can still cause damage and put other drivers’ safety at risk.

In this case, if the driver of the Mercury had been injured, he would have had grounds to sue the mini-bike driver for monetary damages. An attorney may be able to explain what options are available to the injured person or his or her family.

Source: Knoxnews.com, “Knoxville man injured in mini motorcycle wreck,” Oct. 15, 2011