While most riders in Tennessee understand the state’s motorcycle laws and exercise adequate care and caution while riding, it’s impossible to account for the actions of others. A severe injury accident could happen if another motorist is careless or reckless while driving near a motorcyclist.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident through no fault of your own, you have the right to hold the at-fault party accountable. The Jonesborough motorcycle accident attorneys at The Terry Law Firm represent people injured by negligence. We’ll be ready to listen to you and fight for your rights.
Contact us today for a no-cost consultation to discuss your case.
Do You Have a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Just because you were injured in a Jonesborough motorcycle accident doesn’t necessarily mean the other parties involved automatically owe you compensation. However, if any of the following criteria apply to your situation, chances are good you have a claim:
- You believe that one or more other drivers, road users, or third parties were responsible for the accident.
- You suffered severe physical or emotional injuries as a result of the wreck.
- Your accident-related injuries caused you to miss time at work.
- You and your doctor suspect your accident-related injuries may leave you with a long-term or life-long disability.
Why Are Motorcycle Accidents More Complicated?
Many people mistakenly assume that motorcycle accidents are the same as other motor vehicle wrecks. In truth, motorcycle accident cases tend to be significantly more complicated because of:
- More severe injuries – If you sustained catastrophic injuries, you will likely suffer extensive losses in the form of medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost income, reduced earning capacity, and more.
- More expensive claims – More severe injuries and vehicle damage mean more expensive claim settlements and greater incentive for insurance companies to minimize or outright deny your compensation claim.
- Unfair stereotypes – Most motorists do not fully understand how motorcycles operate and harbor biases against motorcyclists that make it harder for injured riders to make a convincing case. In their efforts to keep payouts low, insurance companies often play on these unfair prejudices in an attempt to shift the blame.
Benefits of Hiring a Jonesborough Motorcycle Accident Lawyer to Handle Your Claim
At The Terry Law Firm, our experienced Jonesborough motorcycle accident lawyers can support your claim by:
- Helping you understand your rights and your options for financial recovery
- Conducting a thorough investigation into the wreck to determine who was at fault
- Identifying and preserving critical evidence to support your claim
- Communicating with third parties such as medical providers, insurance representatives, and other attorneys on your behalf
- Managing critical legal documents and deadlines on your behalf
- Negotiating forcefully on your behalf during insurance settlement talks
- Representing your interests in court if settlement negotiations fail
How Is Fault Determined for a Motorcycle Crash in Jonesborough?
Investigators who work to determine who was at fault in most Jonesborough motorcycle accident cases typically consider the following types of evidence:
- Police accident reports – When law enforcement officers respond to the scene of an accident, their subsequent reports often contain helpful information such as toxicology test results, traffic citations issued, and the officer’s opinions about fault.
- Photo and video evidence – Photographic evidence of skid marks, vehicle damage, and visible injuries from the accident scene, as well as video footage of the crash from dash-cams or nearby traffic cameras, can provide significant clues about how the collision occurred.
- Eyewitness statements – Statements from reliable and impartial eyewitnesses who saw the accident occur can provide key insights into fault for the crash.
- Expert witness testimony – Testimony from expert witnesses such as medical professionals and accident reconstruction specialists can provide expert opinions regarding the causes and effects of the crash.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Tennessee
The following motorcycle accident statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security shed light on the dangers that face Jonesborough motorcyclists:
- Per vehicle miles traveled, motorcyclists are four times more likely to be injured and 29 times more likely to be killed than motor vehicle occupants in traffic accidents.
- The number of annual Tennessee motorcycle accident fatalities has steadily increased since 1998, peaking in 2018 with 168 motorcyclist fatalities.
- In one recent year, 28 percent of motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes had a blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeding the legal limit of 0.08 percent, and 19 percent had a BAC exceeding 0.15 percent.
What Compensation Can Be Recovered After a Motorcycle Wreck?
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your Jonesborough motorcycle accident, you could be entitled to compensation for the following types of losses in a motorcycle accident claim:
- Medical bills – Any expenses related to treating your motorcycle accident injuries, such as the cost of hospital stays, doctor’s visits, and prescription medications
- Lost wages and earning potential – The value of any reductions in your take-home pay or long-term earning potential if you are forced to miss time at work or unable to return to your previous career path after the wreck
- Pain and suffering – The personal costs of the physical pain and emotional suffering you endure due to the crash and your crash-related injuries
- Incidental costs – Out-of-pocket costs you suffer due to the accident, such as transportation costs to and from necessary medical appointments
- Motorcycle repair costs – Repair or replacement costs from any damage your motorcycle sustained in the accident
Statute of Limitations on Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits in Tennessee
Tennessee’s statute of limitations gives injury victims – including those involved in motorcycle accidents – just one year from the date of the accident to file personal injury lawsuits in civil court. The knowledgeable attorneys of The Terry Law Firm can help you clearly define the timeline you have to take legal action and ensure preventable delays or administrative errors don’t derail your case.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Jonesborough Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
If you’re dealing with expensive medical bills and lost wages from missed time at work, it’s understandable to feel concerned about the cost of legal representation. The good news is that The Terry Law Firm represents clients on a contingency basis. This means we are happy to start work on your case at no upfront or out-of-pocket cost to you. You will owe us legal fees only if and when we secure compensation for your claim.
Contact Our Experienced Jonesborough Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for Help Today
To discuss the details of your Jonesborough motorcycle accident claim with an attentive and compassionate attorney, contact us online or call The Terry Law Firm today to get started with your free initial case review.