COOKE COUNTY, Tenn.— A head-on motorcycle accident resulted in injuries to two riders and claimed two lives on April 5, authorities said.
The accident occurred in the afternoon on U.S. Highway 25. Investigators reported that one of the motorcycles crossed the centerline into oncoming traffic, causing the crash.
Officials identified Bobby Whitaker and Shawnte Whitaker, riders on one of the motorcycles, as victims of the accident. Emergency responders transported them to the University of Tennessee Medical Center with serious injuries.
The crash also killed two riders on the other motorcycle involved.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol continues to investigate the accident.
Bobby and Shawnte Whitaker injured in Knoxville motorcycle accident
April 07, 2025
Incident Location
MOTORCYCLE CRASH INVESTIGATION
This accident underscores the dangers that motorcyclists face on our roadways each day. According to the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration National Center for Statistics and Analysis, there were 5,636 motorcycle fatalities in 2021 — the highest number ever recorded.
Candice Bond, an experienced motorcycle accident attorney, said in such cases, it is imperative to preserve evidence through an independent probe.
“In addition to a police report, an attorney will carefully review what may have contributed to the crash,” said Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. “Your lawyer has the resources to hire expert witnesses, conduct driver background checks, locate witnesses to the crash and review applicable insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide the heartbroken family of a victim during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights while ensuring that a driver is held accountable after disobeying traffic laws.”
PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM
Pending an investigation, Bobby and Shawnte Whitaker may have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. Bond noted that stress from an injury is overwhelming. It disrupts all aspects of life, including family, work, finances, and overall quality of life.
“It is vital for victims to hire an attorney when filing a personal injury claim, which allows them to negotiate with an insurance company for a client,” she said.
“Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their clients to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
Accident Injury News' national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in motorcycle accidents, and if you or a family member need help, she is available for a free consultation to guide you
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
