Volunteer Firefighter Killed in Hixson Motorcycle Crash
On March 30, 2014, a deadly motorcycle crash claimed the life of twenty nine year old Joey Rutherford. Mr. Rutherford was a father, and a volunteer firefighter in the Lone Oak community. The accident occurred on Hixson Pike, near the entrance to the Northgate Mall. Rutherford was riding with a group of other bikers when one of them lost control of their bike and hit him. He was wearing his helmet at the time of the crash.
Joey Rutherford was an experienced motorcycle rider, even though he had only recently purchased his own bike. The experience levels of the other riders that he was with when the crash occurred are not known. It is important to note that new riders are at greater risk for being involved in a crash than experienced riders. According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, a rider is three times more likely to have an accident in their first month on the road than they are during their entire second year. Riding a motorcycle is not as simple of a task as it may seem, and there is definitely a learning curve. It is important that riders take their time to learn how to ride safely before rushing into getting their license and riding on the open road.
The crash that killed Joey Rutherford occurred while he was riding with other bikers. This brings up the issue of whether it is safe to ride with a group. Much of the time, group rides are safe, but they are not recommended for inexperienced riders. When riders travel in groups, there are things that they can do to make their group ride safer, including agreeing upon arm signals for upcoming turns and other maneuvers and maintaining a staggered formation within the lane of travel. Traveling too close together can be dangerous, as it does not allow riders enough time to react to the movements of those who are riding near them. Informal group rides can be just as safe as larger organized rides, but it is important to remember that the safety of a specific group depends upon how safely each individual rides.
Another risk factor which is associated with this tragic accident is rider age. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has identified motorcycle accidents as an important health concern, and states that data show that the age group with the highest accident risk is twenty to twenty four year olds. Riders who are between twenty five and twenty nine years of age are in the group with the second highest accident risk. Joey Rutherford was twenty nine years old at the time of his fatal motorcycle accident.
The motorcycle accident which claimed the life of Joey Rutherford was a tragic event that has left an entire community feeling a deep sense of loss. Motorcycle-related injuries and deaths affect the lives of families and communities across Tennessee. If you have been injured or someone that you love has been killed in a motorcycle accident, it is important that you speak with an attorney right away. The experienced Tennessee motorcycle accident attorneys at Bailey & Greer, PLLC would like to hear about your case. We can answer your questions and explain your options. Once you decide how you will proceed with your motorcycle accident case, our attorneys will dedicate their energy to pursuing the results that you deserve. To learn more, call us at 901-680-9777 to schedule a time to discuss your case. At Bailey & Greer, PLLC, we are small enough to care, big enough to fight, and experienced enough to win.
Since graduating magna cum laude in 2005 from the University of Memphis School of Law, Thomas has helped make a difference in the lives of victims of serious personal injury, wrongful death, and professional negligence. Thomas has extensive trial experience in both state and federal court. Among other victories in the courtroom, Thomas obtained several impressive jury verdicts and settlements
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