Close Menu
Nashville Personal Injury Lawyer > Nashville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

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 collision that was due to the negligent behavior of another individual, 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 amount of compensation you receive will depend on the specific details of your claim. For this reason, we highly recommend that you contact our Nashville motorcycle accident lawyers to better understand your legal options.

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.

Common Injuries After a Motorcycle Collision

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. This type of 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 severity of the accident, 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 every time they take out their bike. Here are a few reasons why 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 a hard time staying stable. Potholes, debris, and uneven road surfaces can pose a serious threat and cause dangerous motorcycle crashes.

Less Visible to Drivers

One of the main causes of motorcycle accidents results from drivers not being able 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 the increased exposure of the rider, motorcycles present a greater risk of injury in comparison to 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.

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 it is harder to brake and take turns.

Challenging To Drive

Overall motorcycles are one of the hardest vehicles on the road to operate. Safely riding a motorcycle requires vigorous training and a driver’s complete attention every time 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 decide to file a claim. Our motorcycle accident lawyers have created a list of suggestions that can help protect your legal rights after an 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 pertaining to 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 to not 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 scene and your injuries and gathering statements from any witnesses. Evidence can prove who is at fault and help you obtain compensation from insurance companies.

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.

6. Contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer

Cases involving vehicular crashes are often complex and involve a significant amount of details. For this reason, contacting a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer will be to your advantage. 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 team at Mitch Grissim & Associates today.

Motorcycle Accident Checklist

Yes. After a motorcycle accident, it’s vital to call the police immediately. Once the police arrive, they can review the scene of the accident 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 information
  • Home address
  • Both cell phone and home number

Absolutely! Even if the wreck 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 own insurance company.

Making Your Claim

The primary factor of successful motorcycle accident claims is the ability to prove fault. In order 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. In order to determine how much compensation you can receive, our attorneys will need to review your case. If you’re eligible, you may be awarded compensation to account for the following:

Medical Expenses

Depending on the nature of your injuries and the amount of time it takes for you to recover, compensation may be available for your medical expenses. This can include surgeries, physical therapy, and any necessary ongoing treatment.

Lost Wages

If you were forced to spend time away from work due to your injuries, you could be compensated for any lost wages. For example, injured victims often have to miss work in order to attend doctor’s appointments or undergo surgery.

Property Damage

In many cases, motorcycles are damaged or even totaled after being involved in an accident. Compensation can help cover any property damage done to your motorcycle.

Death of a Loved One

If you lost an immediate family member such as a spouse due to a motorcycle wreck, you may be awarded compensation for your loss. 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 as a result of 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.

Keep in mind that the amount awarded for damages will depend on the specific details of your case and the severity of your injuries. To determine your legal options and if you are eligible to receive compensation, contact our law firm. Our Nashville motorcycle accident attorneys 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 and if you miss certain details, it can result in little to no compensation. We know what it takes to build a strong case on behalf of our clients. With our help, you can trust that an experienced and compassionate legal team is fighting for any compensation that 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 deeply 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 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. To increase your chances of obtaining the compensation you’re owed, contact our legal team.

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.

Share This Page:
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn