Motorcycle Accident Attorney Gallatin
Motorcycle riders are some of the most vulnerable people on the road. The lack of protection from the vehicle, as well as its smaller size, makes it easier for motorcyclists to get injured when accidents occur.
If you got into a motorcycle accident because of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file an injury claim to recover compensation.
For the best chance of winning your case, partnering with Gallatin motorcycle accident lawyers from Mitch Grissim & Associates is crucial. Our team will help you establish liability, assess damages, and build a strong case against the defendant, starting with a free consultation.
Types of Motorcycle Accident Cases We Handle
While most motorcycle accidents are very dangerous, some are more severe than others—which is why motorcyclists must be very careful on the roads.
Our attorneys have experience with a wide range of serious motorcycle accidents, including left-hand turns, rear-end collisions, lane-splitting accidents, head-on collisions, collisions when changing lanes, and accidents involving trucks.
No matter what type of collision you have experienced, our motorcycle accident attorneys can help.
Motorcycle Safety Laws in Gallatin, TN
Motorcyclists have all the rights and responsibilities of other drivers on the road, but there are some additional motorcycle safety laws in Tennessee that are more specific to bikers.
First, the bike must be street-legal and have headlights, taillights, front and rear brakes, mirrors, and turn signals. Motorcycle passengers are only allowed if there is a designated seat on the bike. All motorcyclists must wear a helmet regardless of age, as well as eye protection. Lastly, you must have a current license to operate a motorcycle.
Why You Need a Gallatin Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Filing motorcycle accident claims against the at-fault party is a complex process. Multiple parties will get involved in the defense of that person or entity, and hiring your own accident lawyer will level the playing field and increase your chances of winning adequate compensation for your legal damages. Gallatin motorcycle accident lawyers will support you in several ways.
Investigating the Cause of the Accident
To establish liability in a motorcycle accident case, an investigation is conducted. During this phase, your lawyer will gather evidence to support your case, which could include police reports, eyewitness statements, doctor’s reports regarding your serious injuries, and more.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
The insurance company of the defendant wants to avoid a large payout. As a result, they will employ numerous tactics to undermine your case and reduce the settlement offer. Your accident lawyer will provide negotiation power against the insurance company to ensure you get the financial compensation you deserve based on your damages.
Assessing the True Value of Your Claim
Legal damages determine how much compensation you can win from the defendant. A legal representative from the Mitch Grissim & Associates team will assess all damages to determine the value of your claim. This will inform the negotiation process between the claimant and the defendant.
Preparing for Legal Proceedings
In some cases, though it is pretty rare, insurance companies and defendants will refuse to settle. This does not mean the end of your case. Motorcycle accident attorneys will guide you through these legal issues, prepare you for the court appearance, and represent your rights throughout the proceedings.
Common Types of Injuries
Injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident can range from mild to life-threatening. In some scenarios, the motorcyclist may even die because of the collision. Whatever the extent of the injuries suffered in your accident, our team will assess the resulting damages for maximum compensation.
Common injuries in motorcycle accidents include road rash, broken bones, nerve damage, head injuries, neck injuries, back injuries, crush injuries, amputations, and even death.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
There are several steps you should take in the immediate aftermath of a car accident involving a motorcycle. Following these steps will ensure motorcycle riders prioritize their health and can recover from financial losses.
- Call 911 – Get local authorities to the accident scene as quickly as possible to protect the area, start an investigation, and provide a police report of the accident.
- Seek medical care – Your health is priority number one, so submit to prompt medical attention from first responders if you are suffering from severe injuries to see if you need to go to the emergency room.
- Gather information – The more information you collect from the scene of the accident, the better for your case. This includes witness statements, images of the crash, and the police report.
- Contact a Mitch Grissim & Associates lawyer – The sooner you initiate a motorcycle accident claim, the higher your chances of success will be, so call our office immediately at 615-255-9999.
Who Can Be Liable for Damages in Gallatin Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle accident victims must know who is responsible for their injuries in legal claims. While the other driver may be the most obvious choice, it is not always this simple.
Liable parties in motorcycle accidents can include negligent drivers of other vehicles, local governments for not addressing road hazards, product manufacturers for motorcycle defects, trucking companies, or even another motorcyclist.
Proving Negligence in Gallatin, TN
To prove liability in Gallatin, TN, there is a four-step process. Each of these steps must be supported by evidence in your claim to win a fair settlement.
- Duty of care – The defendant had a reasonable level of responsibility to protect the safety of others.
- Breach of duty – The defendant failed to uphold the duty of care in this scenario.
- Causation – The defendant’s actions led to the motorcycle accident in which the claimant was injured.
- Damages – The claimant suffered legal damages because of their injuries.
Comparative Negligence Laws
Tennessee has a statute called comparative negligence. This means that when motorcycle accidents happen, the claimants must be less than 50% responsible for them to recover compensation for damages. The amount of responsibility for the claimant will also reduce the potential settlement they can win by a similar rate.
Recoverable Damages in Gallatin Motorcycle Accident Cases
In a personal injury case, the claimant is seeking compensation for damages suffered.
Potential damages fall into three categories: economic, non-economic, and punitive. Punitive damages are only awarded in rare cases where the defendant was deemed to have behaved with particular malice or intent. The other two categories are as follows:
Economic
Economic damages in motorcycle accidents can include lost wages, medical expenses, property damage, household services, travel expenses for treatment, or loss of financial support in a wrongful death claim.
Non-Economic
Non-economic damages can include emotional suffering, PTSD, mental anguish, physical pain, disfigurement, disability, loss of enjoyment of life, or loss of companionship in wrongful death cases.
Gallatin Motorcycle Injury Statistics
Motorcycle accident injuries are all too common across the country, and the area of Sumner County is no exception. In 2021, 59 motorcycle crashes were recorded in the county in which Gallatin resides. Over 13,000 residents have class M licenses to ride a motorcycle in this county, which means there are plenty of motorcycles on the road in the area.
Across the state, the highest number of crashes occurs at 5 PM—and 72% of those crashes occur in the daylight, so darkness is not usually a factor in causing most accidents [1].
Contact Skilled Gallatin Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
As you recover from your injuries, you need a plan to protect your financial future after a car accident or motorcycle collision. You are likely facing lost earning capacity if you have to miss work, as well as bills for medical treatment and emotional trauma.
With the help of our motorcycle accident lawyers, you deserve the right to hold the at-fault driver or entity accountable for causing the accident.
Our personal injury law firm is ready to guide you through the claims process. Starting with a free consultation, we will discuss your legal options, build a strong case with compelling evidence, and help you recover compensation if you have suffered damages. Call today at 615-255-9999 or fill out a contact form online to schedule a free case evaluation.
Resources: [1] TN.GOV,
