Drinking and Driving a Motorcycle

Tennessee law prohibits a driver of any type of motor vehicle, including the operator of a motorcycle, from driving under the influence of alcohol. Under Tennessee law, a motorcyclist (and any other driver) is presumed to be operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol if the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) equals or exceeds .08. The amount of alcohol that one can consume and still stay under the lawful limit depends on many factors, including gender, age, weight, the time period of alcohol consumption, etc.

Regardless of what the law says, the consumption of alcohol by a motorcyclist complicates a lawyer’s representation of the motorcyclist if he or she is involved in an accident, even if the accident is not determined to be her fault. Jurors, even jurors who drink alcohol, have a dim view of those who drink alcohol and drive. And, because most jurors do not and, in their mind, would not drive a motorcycle, they take a dimmer view of alcohol consumption by someone driving a motorcycle.

As experienced motorcycle accident lawyers, we recommend you avoid the use of alcohol while driving a motorcycle. Not only will avoiding the use of alcohol eliminate the possibility of you going over the legal limit, but it will also prevent an insurance company from blaming even minor, inconsequential consumption of alcohol for contributing to an accident that was in fact the total fault of another driver or some other person.

The attorneys at the Law Offices of John Day, P.C. have represented bikers and their families for many years. We offer a no-obligation, free consultation in all motorcycle wreck cases and, if we are able to accept your case, will represent you on a no-recovery, no-fee basis.  Contact us online or call us anytime of day at 615-742-4880 or toll-free at 866-812-8787.