Nashville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), “The federal government estimates that per mile traveled in 2016, the number of deaths on motorcycles was nearly 28 times the number in cars.” While any motor vehicle accident can result in serious injuries, motorcycle accidents often have devastating and sometimes fatal results.
If you or a loved one was involved in a motorcycle accident due to another individual’s negligent behavior, you have legal rights. At Mitch Grissim & Associates in Nashville, Tennessee, we are passionate about helping injured victims and their families obtain the compensation they are rightfully owed.
Every case is unique, and the compensation you receive will depend on the specific details of your claim. For this reason, we highly recommend contacting our Nashville motorcycle accident lawyers to understand your legal options better.
Our team offers a free case evaluation so that we can discuss the merits of your case and inform you of your legal options. Many victims are hesitant to enter a legal procedure that could be complicated, but with the right attorney team on your side, we can handle the more burdening tasks to help you obtain justice.
Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Wrecks
Motorcycle wrecks happen for numerous reasons, but some of the actions that most commonly cause motorcycle accidents include:
- Driving under the influence.
- Failing to notice a motorcyclist changing lanes.
- Failing to obey the posted speed limit.
- Driving too close or not leaving enough space between vehicles.
- Disobeying traffic laws.
Negligent behavior on the roadways can result in a serious accident. If you or a loved one sustained injuries due to the careless actions of another driver, compensation may be available for damages.
Types of Nashville Motorcycle Accident Collisions
Motorcycle riders are at a greater risk of injury in any collision than those in other types of motor vehicles. Here are a few of the most common motorcycle crash incidents.
- Dooring: A driver or passenger opens the door of their automobile into the path of a motorcycle
- Sideswipe: A motorcycle and another vehicle are traveling in the same direction, and a side impact occurs
- Rear-end Collision: A vehicle runs into the back of a motorcycle or vice versa because of a failure to stop or decelerate
- Head-on Collision: A motorcycle and another vehicle collide going opposite directions head-to-head
Though the last incident is most likely to result in a worst-case scenario, each of these collisions could result in injury victims suffering from neck injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, limbs amputated, or even wrongful death.
Common Injuries After a Motorcycle Accident
Victims of motorcycle accidents tend to suffer serious injuries due to the lack of protection between the rider and the road. The most common types of injuries include:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Traumatic brain injuries can include concussions, brain contusions, and diffuse axonal injuries. A traumatic brain injury can be extremely serious and cause permanent, life-changing damage to the victim.
Bone fractures
Broken and fractured bones are common after motorcycle wrecks, especially since riders have little to protect them from the impact of a crash.
Burn injuries
Some victims suffer minor to severe burn injuries due to gas spillage.
Skin abrasions
Skin abrasions, commonly known as “road rash,” can cause severe damage and scarring. While the extent of your injuries will depend on the accident’s severity, most motorcycle collisions result in some form of injury.
Why Motorcycles Present a Greater Risk
Driving a motorcycle presents various risks due to their lack of safety and the level of skill required to operate them. Even the most experienced riders risk motorcycle accidents and bodily harm whenever they take out their bike. Here are a few reasons motorcycles are much more dangerous than passenger vehicles.
More Vulnerable to Poor Road Conditions
While passenger vehicles like cars and trucks have no problem driving over rough road conditions, motorcycles can have difficulty staying stable. Potholes, debris, and uneven road surfaces can pose a serious threat and cause motorcycle crashes.
Less Visible to Drivers
One of the main causes of motorcycle accidents is drivers’ inability to see riders in their blind spots. The size of a motorcycle itself presents a problem as it limits visibility to other drivers. It’s common for motorcyclists approaching an intersection to be blocked visually from other drivers by signs or larger vehicles.
Less Protection In A Crash
The most dangerous problem with motorcycles is that they are open vehicles with litter protection for the rider. Motorcycles don’t have airbags or large amounts of metal and plastic surrounding you in the event of an accident. Due to their small size and increased rider exposure, motorcycles present a greater risk of injury than regular automobiles.
Encourages High-Risk Behavior
Motorcycles can accelerate at much higher rates than an average passenger vehicle. In addition, their small size makes it easier for riders to weave through traffic. However, these qualities can encourage riders to drive faster than they should, resulting in high-risk behavior that puts both the rider and other drivers at risk of a motorcycle accident.
Less Stability
Even on flat surfaces, the two-wheel design of motorcycles makes it challenging to keep the bike stable. This can result in serious motorcycle crashes as braking and taking turns is harder.
Challenging To Drive
Overall, motorcycles are one of the hardest vehicles on the road. Safely riding a motorcycle requires vigorous training and a driver’s complete attention whenever they are on the road. Just one small shift in weight distribution can cause deadly motorcycle accidents.
Steps to Take to Protect Your Legal Rights
The moments immediately following a motorcycle accident are crucial, especially if you file a claim. Our Nashville motorcycle accident lawyer team has created a list of suggestions that can help protect your legal rights after a motorcycle accident:
1. Remain at the scene
It’s vital that you remain at the scene of the accident. If you decide to leave, you could lose the opportunity to obtain any compensation for damages and even face criminal charges.
2. Call emergency responders
After the accident, make sure to contact emergency responders. Once help arrives, the responding officer will evaluate the scene and write a detailed police report. The report will state who was at fault and other important information about the accident that could later be used to support your claim.
3. Do not admit fault
In some cases, individuals apologize or take the blame for their accident. It’s imperative not to admit fault for any part of the accident because you could damage your chances of receiving compensation. Even if you believe you are partly responsible, it’s best to wait and let the police determine who is at fault.
4. Collect evidence
If possible, make sure to collect any evidence relevant to the accident. This can include taking photos of the accident and your injuries and gathering statements from witnesses. Evidence can prove who is at fault and help you obtain compensation from insurance companies.
A Nashville motorcycle accident lawyer can help you collect sufficient evidence to support your claim after a motorcycle wreck. Other forms of evidence include video surveillance from nearby buildings, eyewitness statements, police reports, mobile device records, and vehicle incident recording systems.
5. Seek medical attention
Most motorcycle wrecks result in injuries. Even if your injuries appear to be minor, it’s important to seek medical attention and allow a professional to evaluate your condition. Seeking medical attention can prove the severity of your injuries and increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve after a motorcycle accident.
6. Contact experienced Nashville motorcycle accident attorneys
Cases involving vehicular crashes are often complex and involve many details. For this reason, contacting a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer will benefit you. A lawyer can conduct an in-depth investigation and collect the necessary documents to support your claim. If you or someone you know suffered injuries in a vehicular accident, call the Mitch Grissim & Associates team today to speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer.
Checklist for Motorcycle Accidents
Yes. After a motorcycle accident, it’s vital to call the police immediately. Once the police arrive, they can review the accident scene and write a report, which can be used as evidence to support your claim. Failing to contact the police can decrease your chances of obtaining compensation. Make sure to ask for the following information from the other party/parties involved:
- Full name
- License plate number
- Insurance company information
- Home address
- Both cell phone and home number
Absolutely! Even if the motorcycle accident was not your fault, informing your insurance company may help protect your legal rights. If the other driver is uninsured, you may have to seek coverage from your insurance company.
Making Your Claim
The primary factor of successful motorcycle accident claims is the ability to prove fault. To receive compensation, it must be proven that the other party or parties acted negligently and directly caused you to become injured. However, establishing negligence is not always easy. This is where it becomes essential to have a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer on your side.
What Damages Can Compensation Cover?
Compensation is awarded to injured victims to help cover expenses related to their accidents. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will need to review your case to determine how much compensation you can receive. If you’re eligible, you may be awarded compensation to account for the following:
Medical Expenses
Depending on the nature of your injuries and how long it takes to recover, compensation may be available for your medical expenses. This can include surgeries, physical therapy, and any necessary ongoing treatment.
Lost Wages
You could be compensated for any lost wages if you were forced to spend time away from work due to your injuries. For example, injured victims often miss work to attend doctor’s appointments or undergo surgery.
Property Damage
In many cases, motorcycles are damaged or even totaled after an accident. Compensation can help cover any property damage done to your motorcycle.
Death of a Loved One
You may be awarded compensation for your loss if you lost an immediate family member, such as a spouse, due to a motorcycle wreck. Compensation can help account for your loss of companionship and other damages related to the death of your loved one.
Pain and Suffering
In addition to monetary expenses, compensation can also account for any emotional trauma you suffered due to the accident. Motorcycle collisions can cause the victim to experience serious mental anguish. While it can be difficult to calculate a fair amount for pain and suffering, you may be able to receive a financial award for what you were forced to endure.
Remember that the amount awarded for damages will depend on the specific details of your case and the severity of your injuries. Contact our law firm to determine your legal options and if you are eligible to receive compensation. Our Nashville motorcycle accident attorney will fight on your behalf, helping you file your personal injury claim and navigate the court system to your advantage.
Why Mitch Grissim & Associates?
Mitch Grissim & Associates understands the stress injured victims face after sustaining injuries that were not their fault. Motorcycle accident cases are complex; missing certain details can result in little to no compensation. We know what it takes to build a strong case for our clients. With our help, you can trust that an experienced and compassionate legal team is fighting for any compensation you are rightfully owed.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries caused by the careless actions of another motorist, our team of knowledgeable attorneys is here for you. We are passionate about helping injured victims in the greater Nashville, Tennessee, area fight for their legal rights and the compensation they need to move forward after an accident.
Contact Our Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
Motorcycle accident claims can be complex and stressful to handle alone. In addition, insurance companies focus on making a profit over the interests of the injured victim. Therefore it is essential to seek assistance from a Trusted Nashville motorcycle accident lawyer. Without an experienced Nashville motorcycle accident attorney handling the details of your case and fighting against the insurance company, you could be left with little to no compensation for your injuries. Contact our legal team to increase your chances of obtaining the compensation you’re owed.
Call our Nashville motorcycle accident lawyers at 615-255-9999 to learn more about your legal options, or fill out our free consultation form. We are available to answer any questions you have about your case.
