Rogersville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcyclists understand the risks they assume whenever they take their bikes on the open road. However, other motorists often fail to do what they should to safely share the road with bikers in Rogersville and across East Tennessee.
According to the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, more than 2,800 motorcycle accidents occurred across Tennessee in just one recent year, including 161 fatal crashes and 686 crashes with suspected serious injuries.
Injured motorcyclists often face a tough time recovering compensation for their injuries, which is a severe hardship if they have been badly injured and need expensive medical treatment. Insurance companies often use unfair stereotypes in an attempt to shift the blame to the motorcycle rider.
If you were injured in a Rogersville motorcycle accident, call the Terry Law Firm right away. Our Rogersville motorcycle accident lawyers have more than 50 years of experience. We have used that experience to help our clients recover millions of dollars. We are a family-run personal injury firm, and we strive to serve our communities with compassion and advocacy.
Contact us today for your free case review.
Why Are Motorcycle Accident Claims More Complex?
Three key factors make motorcycle accidents more complicated than other types of personal injury cases:
- More extensive injuries — One of the exciting aspects of riding a motorcycle is being more exposed to the elements. The drawback of that freedom is motorcycle riders are more vulnerable to accidents. Even a fairly minor motorcycle crash can eject a rider and lead to significant injuries.
- Higher expenses — Along with more severe injuries, motorcycle accidents tend to be more expensive to treat. Since the stakes are higher, it’s important to pursue every dollar you can when filing a personal injury lawsuit. You can also count on the insurance companies to put up a stiff fight.
- Unfair bias against motorcycle riders — A common misconception is that motorcycle riders are aggressive or dangerous. That unfair stereotype means motorcyclists have a more challenging time proving they are not liable for a crash. In reality, many motorcycle accidents are caused by overly aggressive or distracted drivers who do not take motorcyclist safety seriously.
What You Need to Know About Proving Fault After a Rogersville Motorcycle Crash
Fault in motorcycle accident cases is based on negligence, which means you have to prove someone else failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the accident. You will need to provide evidence that someone else caused the crash and show the extent of your injuries.
Some types of evidence commonly used in Rogersville motorcycle accident cases include:
- Police accident reports
- Eyewitness accounts
- Crash scene photos
- Forensic accident investigations
- Medical records
- Pay stubs and other proof of lost income
One other important thing to know about proving fault after a motorcycle accident is that you can still recover compensation even if you are found to be partly responsible for the crash. Under Tennessee law, you can recover compensation after a motorcycle accident as long as your share of liability is less than 50 percent. If you are found partly responsible for the crash, your compensation will be reduced by your share of liability.
Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident in Rogersville
With help from our Rogersville motorcycle accident lawyers, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Any medical costs related to the accident, including the cost of transportation and any future care you may need
- Reduced income due to a long-term disability resulting from the accident
- Any lost wages while you are recovering from the accident
- Pain and suffering from your injuries
- Mental anguish related to the accident, such as post-traumatic stress disorder
- Any personal property damaged in the crash
How Our Rogersville Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Help
Having a skilled lawyer on your side to guide you through the claims process from beginning to end is imperative in securing a favorable outcome.
Here are a few ways our Rogersville motorcycle accident lawyers can help with your case:
- Help you find the right doctors or other professionals to assist with your recovery
- Gather evidence to demonstrate how another party is liable for the crash
- Document your physical injuries, financial losses, and psychological distress related to the accident
- File the lawsuit promptly
- Handle legal documents and important deadlines
- Negotiate with the insurance companies for a reasonable settlement
- Bring your case to trial if a settlement cannot be reached
Time Limit for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Rogersville TN
You only have one year from the date of a motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, so you need to act fast to secure compensation for any injuries you sustained. Time passes quickly, so talk to a motorcycle accident lawyer right away to avoid running into any issues with Tennessee’s statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits.
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents in Rogersville, Tennessee commonly leave victims with severe injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, which may include partial or complete paralysis
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Burns
- Severed, crushed, or amputated limbs
- Injuries to internal organs
- Internal bleeding
- Broken bones
- Injuries to joints, muscles, and connective tissues
- Psychological trauma
- Wrongful death
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Rogersville
Negligence causes most motorcycle accidents in Rogersville.
Specifically, these potentially life-altering events are often the result of one of the following:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Distracted driving
- Driving while fatigued
- Failing to check blind spots
- Speeding and aggressive driving
- Road rage
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Tailgating
Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Rogersville Today
You deserve justice and compensation if someone else’s thoughtless actions harmed you. The Rogersville motorcycle accident lawyers at the Terry Law Firm are ready to listen to your story and fight for your rights.
To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today for your free case review.
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.