Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Kingsport TN
If you’ve suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident in Kingsport, Tennessee, you need to consult an experienced attorney right away. You could be eligible to seek compensation for your losses, and the right lawyer can help you maximize your financial settlement.
At The Terry Law Firm, our Kingsport motorcycle accident attorneys are committed to fighting for justice for injured motorcyclists. We understand that no amount of money can undo the pain, suffering, and hardship of a motorcycle accident. However, compensation can provide the foundation for building a better tomorrow. We’re here to help you pursue financial stability and the best legal outcome possible.
Contact us today to get started with a free legal consultation with our Kingsport motorcycle accident lawyers.
How Can Our Kingsport Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Help You?
If you suffer injuries in a motorcycle accident in Kingsport, and someone else was at fault, the motorcycle attorneys at The Terry Law Firm want to help you. We understand the hardship that can follow a severe injury or wrongful death from a motorcycle crash. Our firm is committed to helping you navigate the complicated legal process with confidence.
Our legal team can investigate the circumstances of the crash, develop strong evidence, and hold liable parties accountable for your losses. Because we know that many injury victims come to us in tight financial situations, we accept cases on a contingency fee basis. We only get paid if we win you money. That way, there’s no risk to you – and no upfront cost – when we take on your case.
Types and Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Kingsport, TN
Motorcycle accidents can occur for many reasons and take many forms, many of which have devastating consequences. Some common causes of motorcycle accidents in Kingsport include:
- Drunk driving – When drivers get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol, they endanger everyone on the road. If you are injured in an accident with a drunk driver, you might be able to hold them responsible for your injuries.
- Distracted driving – Distracted drivers, such as those talking or texting on their phones, can easily crash after they miss road signs or fail to recognize when a motorcycle is nearby.
- Vehicle defects – Faulty brakes, tires, or other components can cause a rider to lose control of their vehicle and crash.
- Driver error – Unsafe changes, failure to yield the right-of-way, speeding, and other forms of driver negligence can cause a motorcycle crash.
- Road conditions – Poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, potholes, and other obstacles can contribute to motorcycle accidents.
A few examples of common types of motorcycle crashes include:
- Left-turn accidents when a car turns into the path of an oncoming motorcycle
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Side-impact crashes
- Dooring accidents
- Blind-spot accidents
Who Could Be Liable for a Motorcycle Crash in Kingsport?
Depending on the circumstances, liable parties in a Kingsport motorcycle accident case could include:
- Other drivers or road users
- Manufacturers of defective vehicle parts
- The owner of the property where the accident occurs
- The government agency responsible for local road maintenance
Common Injuries from Kingsport Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle crashes can be some of the most devastating types of accidents due to riders’ general lack of protection. Common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Road rash and scarring
- Internal organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Lacerations and scarring
- Psychological trauma
Factors That Affect Motorcycle Accident Claims in Kingsport, TN
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, many factors could affect the outcome of your claim, such as:
- The severity of the crash – The more severe the crash, the more likely it is that you will have severe injuries requiring costly treatment, increasing the value of your claim.
- Who is at fault – Determining fault is essential to the success of your claim, as you must prove that another driver was at fault to demand compensation from them or their insurance.
- How the insurance companies behave – Insurance companies are in business to make money, not to take care of crash victims. If an insurance company acts in bad faith or consistently makes lowball settlement offers, you might have difficulty getting full compensation for your losses.
- Whether you have legal representation – An experienced lawyer can give you the best chance of receiving fair compensation for your motorcycle accident claim. Without an attorney, you could walk away with far less compensation than you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Kingsport?
In Tennessee, victims of motorcycle accidents have one year from the date of the accident to file a claim. You must file your claim within the time limit to avoid being barred from recovering money for your losses. To ensure you comply with all relevant laws and deadlines, consult with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible following an accident.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Kingsport
Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be a scary and overwhelming experience, but you can take steps to regain control of your situation. Here’s what you can do if you get hurt in a motorcycle accident in Kingsport, TN:
- Seek medical attention. Even if you initially do not think you are seriously injured, seek medical attention immediately after a motorcycle accident so a physician can diagnose, treat, and document your crash injuries.
- Document the accident. Take photos of the crash scene, your injuries, the damaged vehicles, the contact information of any witnesses, and the other driver’s license and insurance details. If you can’t do this yourself after the accident, have a trusted friend or family member handle the documentation for you.
- Stay off social media. Insurance companies and their lawyers will look for any way they can to reduce what they have to pay you. They will even take social media posts out of context, twist them, and use them against you. Don’t give them ammunition. Avoid posting pictures and comments online.
- Contact a Kingsport motorcycle accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can explain your rights and handle every aspect of your motorcycle accident claim while you recover.
Talk to Our Experienced Kingsport Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
At The Terry Law Firm, we understand that a motorcycle accident can leave you overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Our dedicated motorcycle accident lawyers have the knowledge, experience, and resources to help you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact The Terry Law Firm today for a free legal consultation with our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys in Kingsport.
Motorcycle Accidents
Do Motorcycle Accident Laws Differ from State to State?
Yes. Each state handles motorcycle accidents differently. In Tennessee, motorcycle accidents involve a fault system regarding financial responsibility for injuries and losses. That means you can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company to seek compensation. It’s important to work with a local attorney who understands Tennessee law and how it applies to your case. The Terry Law Firm has been helping people in East Tennessee since 1960.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
You might worry about the cost of hiring a lawyer, but the motorcycle accident attorneys at The Terry Law Firm take cases on contingency. That means no upfront fees or costs are involved in seeking legal representation. You only have to pay if your motorcycle accident attorney secures compensation for you. If you are not awarded compensation, we do not get paid.
What if the Driver Who Hit Me on My Motorcycle Is Uninsured?
If you discover the at-fault driver doesn’t have liability coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance company if you have optional uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Under UM coverage, you could receive from your insurer compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other financial losses resulting from the motorcycle accident. An attorney can assist with your claim and help you maximize your financial recovery.
Will My Motorcycle Accident Case Go to Trial?
It depends. Most motorcycle accident claims do not go to trial, but some do. Whether yours requires litigation will depend on numerous factors. It may be necessary for you to consider filing a lawsuit if you believe the insurer unfairly denied your claim or won’t agree to a fair settlement. Litigating a motorcycle accident case is sometimes necessary if liability is unclear, multiple parties are involved, or the insurer tries to shift blame onto the injured party.
What Should I Do if I’m Offered a Motorcycle Accident Settlement?
You should always consult an experienced attorney before accepting any settlement from the insurance company. The first offer usually is not the best. Insurers often make a lowball offer to settle the claim quickly, seeking to save money.
Despite what they may have you believe, the at-fault party’s insurer doesn’t want to help you. Their main priority is avoiding costly settlements whenever possible. Discuss the offer with your lawyer to determine if negotiating a higher number is possible or if filing a lawsuit may be necessary.
What Should I Say if the Insurance Company Contacts Me After a Motorcycle Accident?
You should not talk to the insurance carrier if they contact you after a motorcycle collision. Be aware that the at-fault party’s insurer is not on your side. Their goal is to settle your claim for as little money as possible or find reasons to deny the claim.
If the insurance adjuster calls you to discuss the accident, politely decline to speak with them. You can give them your attorney’s number if you have hired someone to represent you. If you have yet to seek legal representation, hire a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer immediately. Your attorney can then communicate with the insurer on your behalf, so you don’t have to worry about saying something that may adversely affect your case.