Motorcycle Safety Legal Services in Tennessee
Motorcyclists often get blamed for accidents, even when they are not at fault. The Tennessee motorcycle accident lawyers at Meyers Injury Law are ready to fight for you. As part of the Top 40 Under 40 by the National Trial Lawyers Association and named the best personal injury attorney in Tennessee, we will work tirelessly to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
A motorcycle wreck can lead to catastrophic injuries because motorcycle drivers have little exterior protection. Their helmets and jackets might help, but they don’t offer enough protection, especially in collisions with trucks or larger vehicles. If you were involved in a motorcycle crash due to another motorist’s negligence, a Tennessee motorcycle accident attorney from Meyers Injury Law can help you secure maximum compensation for your suffering.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
The following are the most common causes of a motorcycle accident:
Speeding
One leading cause of not just motorcycle accidents but all kinds of other road hazards is speeding. If a motorist is speeding, they have less time to make an evasive maneuver required to avoid a collision. The higher the speed of the motorcycle, the greater the impact of the motorcycle accident. Speeding can cause the driver to end up with serious injuries, some of which can be life-altering, such as injuries to the head and spine.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Negligent drivers who do not signal or check their blind spots before changing lanes can collide with motorcyclists and cause a motorcycle accident. This kind of accident can be preventable if motorists check their blind spots before changing lanes.
Open Car Doors
This type of motorcycle accident typically occurs when riding along streets with parallel-parked vehicles. If the person in the car does not check the roadway before opening the door, they can open it at the wrong time, causing a collision with a passing motorcycle.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is illegal in Tennessee. When a motorcycle driver rides between two traffic lanes, they are lane-splitting. These motorcycle accidents are often worse when a motorcycle is traveling at high speeds and a vehicle changes lanes in front of them.
Panic Braking
Panic braking can cause the motorcycle to skid due to the abrupt stop. Sudden braking can put the front tire in a lock and cause the driver to fall off the motorcycle and sustain serious injuries.
Left Turn Accidents
A left turn accident at an intersection is another common cause of a motorcycle accident. These accidents can happen when the motorcycle tries to overtake the vehicle turning to the left or when a vehicle makes a careless left turn and collides with an oncoming motorcycle.
Dangerous Road Conditions
Potholes, debris, and crumbling pavement can increase the risk of a motorcycle accident because they can reduce traction and cause the driver to lose control of the motorcycle. The best way to prevent these kinds of accidents is to reduce speed when the road conditions are poor.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Tennessee
- According to research, 5,579 traffic fatalities are caused by accidents involving a motorcycle.
- Around 83,000 motorcycle accidents related injuries were recorded in 2020.
- In Tennessee, 72% of motorcycle accidents occur in daylight.
- Over 2% of motorcycle accidents in Tennessee are a result of speeding, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Most Common Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle crashes can lead to traffic fatalities and injuries, including the following:
Head Injuries
Motorcycle riders who wear helmets can still sustain head injuries. When the head hits a surface or an object in the collision, the rider can suffer severe trauma to the head, such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The symptoms of a TBI include confusion, headaches, migraines, or even sleep apnea.
Fractures or Broken Bones
Since motorcycles do not provide the rider with external protection, they can easily be thrown off the motorcycle at impact and suffer fractures or broken bones. The most common injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident are thoracic injuries or injuries to the chest. In such cases, the injury victims can end up with broken or fractured ribs.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord damage is more common in a motorcycle accident than in other types of road accidents. In Tennessee car accidents, airbags, seatbelts, and additional safety measures help reduce the risk of neck or spine injuries. Unfortunately, motorcycle riders are far more exposed, making them vulnerable to severe spinal cord damage in a collision. A padded jacket designed for motorcyclists can help reduce the crash’s impact.
Lower Body Injuries
A motorcycle wreck often results in lower body injuries, including ligament damage, fractures, cuts, disfigurement, and joint dislocation.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
The first step after a motorcycle crash is to move to safety if possible and contact local authorities for medical assistance. Seeking immediate medical attention is essential for your well-being and will also serve as important documentation for your personal injury case.
Next, inform the police so they can create an official accident report. This report may include eyewitness statements and contact information for those involved. To strengthen your case, gather evidence from the accident site, including photos of the vehicles, road conditions, property damage, and injuries.
Document the location of the accident, damage to your motorcycle, and any visible injuries. Proper documentation can increase your chances of securing fair compensation.
If you were injured due to another person’s negligence, you can file a personal injury claim against them. Since personal injury cases can be complex, hiring a Tennessee motorcycle accident attorney can help ensure your case is handled properly.
Your attorney can also negotiate with insurance companies so you can focus on recovering. Additionally, they can ensure that you notify the Tennessee Department of Safety about the accident if required.
Tennessee motorcycle accident lawyers are well-versed in laws related to motorcycle crashes and can guide you on the best legal strategy to maximize your compensation. They will also help gather critical evidence for your case and provide legal representation in court if necessary to secure a fair outcome.
FAQs
What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Case in Tennessee?
Injury victims have one year from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. If you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, you have three years to file a wrongful death claim for fair compensation. There are exceptions to this statute of limitations, and a Tennessee motorcycle accident lawyer can help ensure your claim is filed within the legal deadlines.
Are You Required by Tennessee Law to Have Insurance?
Yes, Tennessee law requires all motorists to carry minimum insurance coverage to operate a motorcycle. Anyone registering a motorcycle in Tennessee must provide proof of insurance. A Tennessee motorcycle accident lawyer can walk you through the legal requirements and guide you through the claims process.
Contact a Tennessee Motorcycle Accident Attorney
To schedule a free consultation with a Tennessee motorcycle accident attorney at Meyers Personal Injury Law, call our law office today. We can help you seek compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and more. If applicable, we can also pursue punitive damages to hold the at-fault party accountable.
The Tennessee motorcycle accident attorneys at Meyers Personal Injury Law are committed to securing the maximum compensation for your injuries. Each year, we recover millions of dollars for our clients, and we would be honored to help you with your case.
