Johnson City Motorcycle Accidents Prompt Police Concerns
In May 2012, two separate Johnson City area motorcycle accidents resulting in fatalities have caused the Johnson City police concern for safety.
On May 24, Burrell Mitchell was killed on his motorcycle when a pickup truck turned left in front of him at the corner of West Walnut Street and State of Franklin. Mitchell, 39, was killed and his passenger, Jennifer Newman, 29, injured when a red Ford F150 pickup made a sudden turn that Mitchell could not avoid.
Initial reports included police statements that Mitchell had been drinking and was speeding when the crash occurred. In addition, he was wearing a helmet that was not approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Three days earlier, Joseph Hite, 16, was killed when his motorcycle hit a grate in Kingsport on Diana Road. According to Dusty Johnson, Kingsport policeman, identified “operator inexperience” as a cause.
Johnson City police officer Lt. Larry Williams said that “over 70 percent of all motorcycle crashes are caused by people making a left turn in front of the motorcycle. And invariably, the driver will always say, ‘well I didn’t see them.’”
Jim Cook, a Tennessee motorcycle safety course instructor, wishes more people would take his classes. He remembers an incident in 2001 that has personal meaning, “My brother back in 2001 was in a serious motorcycle wreck where he just about lost his leg. With his situation . . . a driver cut in front of him and did not see the motorcycle.”
Cook adds that, “The biggest mistake that most people make is brake too hard or they try to brake and swerve at the same time.”
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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