If you were hurt in a Tennessee motorcycle crash, you need effective legal representation to help you demand the compensation you deserve. Let the motorcycle accident lawyers at The Terry Law Firm review your situation and explain your legal options. We have a lengthy track record of success helping injured motorcycle riders in Johnson City and throughout East Tennessee.
Contact our Johnson City motorcycle accident lawyers today to set up a free, no-obligation case review.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Unfortunately, fatal motorcycle accidents in Tennessee have been steadily increasing for the last 20 years.
The Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security recorded 2,875 motorcycle crashes and 164 motorcyclist fatalities in one recent year. Those numbers increased over the 2,669 and 151 deaths the previous year.
Independent insurance analysis places Tennessee in the top 10 most dangerous states for motorcycle riders based on the number of fatalities per registered motorcycle.
Leading Causes and Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Johnson City
Motorcycles are much smaller than passenger cars and trucks, making them harder to see, especially for distracted motorists. Unfortunately, driver error accounts for many motorcycle crashes on Tennessee roadways.
Some of the leading causes of Johnson City motorcycle accidents include:
- Other drivers’ failure to share the road
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Failure to follow traffic signs and signals
Poor weather conditions can also contribute to crashes. However, data from the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security indicates that only around 5 percent of motorcycle crashes in Tennessee are linked to adverse weather.
Although motorcycle accidents come in many forms, some of the most common types of motorcycle accidents in Johnson City are:
- Rear-end crashes
- T-bone collisions
- Sideswipe accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Dooring accidents
- Left turns into the path of an oncoming motorcycle
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Johnson City motorcycle accidents often cause catastrophic injuries. Occupants of passenger vehicles have protection from crashes in the form of a steel frame, crumple zones, airbags, and seatbelts. Motorcycles have none of these safety features.
Even a seemingly minor collision can cause life-altering injuries for a motorcycle rider.
Common examples of injuries motorcycle riders face in a collision include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Neck and back injuries
- Joint damage
- Amputations
- Broken bones
- Facial injuries
- Dental injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Burns
- Road rash
- Contusions
- Lacerations
- Sprains and strains
Traumatizing physical injuries can in turn lead to mental health conditions. Some injured motorcycle riders may experience insomnia, anxiety, and depression, for example.
Tennessee Motorcycle Laws
Don’t put your bike on Tennessee roads until you familiarize yourself with the state’s motorcycle laws. All motorcycle operators must earn a Class M motorcycle license. Tennessee law also requires riders and passengers to wear a U.S. Department of Transportation-approved helmet while riding. Unless your motorcycle includes a windshield, you must wear appropriate eye protection like a face shield or goggles.
Motorcycle riders in Tennessee must also use their headlights at all times, even during daylight hours. Using your headlights during the day increases your visibility for other road users. Lane-splitting, or traveling between slow or stopped lanes of traffic, is also prohibited.
How Do You Prove Liability in a Johnson City Motorcycle Accident?
Someone who causes an accident is liable for the consequences, meaning they are responsible for paying injury victims’ crash-related costs.
Establishing liability takes strong evidence, which can include:
- Information from police reports
- Witness statements
- Photographs and videos from the scene
- Medical records
- Cellphone data
- Expert testimony
- Accident reconstructions
In civil court cases, Tennessee follows a modified comparative negligence regulation, meaning someone’s share of responsibility for causing a crash affects the compensation they can recover for it. For example, if a motorcyclist is 10 percent at fault for causing a collision, the portion of compensation a court awards them is diminished by 10 percent.
Proving fault is crucial for securing maximum compensation. Motorcyclists often face unfair negative biases in court and during insurance negotiations, as there is a popular misconception that riders are inherently reckless or dangerous. These unfair stereotypes, popularized by television and movies, can be weaponized against you to diminish your chances of receiving a fair settlement.
Our experienced Johnson City motorcycle accident lawyers stand ready to fight back against anti-biker prejudice and effectively argue that other parties are genuinely at fault for your injuries.
What Compensation Could I Get Through a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
The circumstances of every motorcycle crash are unique. So is the value of each personal injury case.
Depending on what happened to you, you may be able to secure compensation for the following types of losses:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Discuss your situation with our knowledgeable Johnson City motorcycle accident lawyers for more detailed information on the compensation that may be available to you.
What Is the Deadline for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Johnson City, TN?
Although you may be reeling from the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, you do not have unlimited time to file a personal injury lawsuit. Tennessee gives you just one year from the date of a crash to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries. Once the 12-month window has passed, it may be impossible to file a lawsuit.
Talk to an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Johnson City Today
Were you hurt in a motorcycle accident in Johnson City or elsewhere in the Tri-Cities region? The Terry Law Firm is ready to help you during this challenging time. We have a long track record of helping people in similar positions get the money they need to rebuild their lives.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney in Johnson City, TN.