Injuries from motorcycle accidents can be extremely serious. This is because motorcycles do not have an outer metal protective layer like a car or a truck. Because a motorcyclist has no buffer between them and another motorist’s vehicle, an accident can lead to severe and catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain and spinal injuries, broken bones, road rash, and permanent disabilities.
After a motorcycle accident, a person should immediately seek medical attention and contact law enforcement to report the incident. If the other motorist is available and you are able, ask for their contact and insurance information and take pictures of the accident scene. Collecting this information could help you and a Clarksville motorcycle accident lawyer in filing a claim.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney for assistance. You may be able to receive compensation for your injuries.
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When operating a motorcycle, a person should understand the rights and responsibilities on the roadway. According to Tenn. Code. Ann §55-8-181, individuals operating a motorcycle have the same rights and duty of care as a driver of any other vehicle. Motorcyclists are entitled to use a full lane. Drivers of cars or trucks may not drive in a manner that deprives the motorcyclist of using a full lane.
In addition, just as other drivers, a motorcyclist should refrain from driving recklessly and endangering other vehicles by doing any of the following:
Adhering to these rules could significantly reduce a motorcyclist’s risk for encountering an accident on the roadway. Consult a Clarksville motorcycle accident lawyer to learn more about motorcyclist rights and responsibilities.
Filing a negligence claim for a motorcycle accident typically entails establishing that another party breached their duty of care as a motorist. To substantiate a claim of negligence in an incident, a plaintiff’s skilled attorney could determine whether the following elements apply:
Under Tennessee law, drivers have a duty to operate their vehicle at a reasonable speed, maintain control of their car, properly maintain the vehicle, and keep a proper lookout for other vehicles and pedestrians. If the driver has breached any of these duties, they may have acted negligently.
When a person incurs injuries from a motorcycle accident, they may be eligible for compensation. In many cases, someone who has experienced an accident faces damage to their motorcycle or a total loss of property, medical bills, loss of wages, potential earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
An opposing party may claim they do not shoulder all of the responsibility in causing the accident. They could assert that the person filing the claim may have acted without care and therefore caused the incident. If an opposing party can show that fault for the accident was shared between the parties, the amount of compensation available may be reduced. A Clarksville motorcycle crash lawyer could advocate for a person’s best interests and argue against potentially harmful counter claims.
A motorcycle accident can leave someone with devastating injuries and can be a life-changing experience. Approaching the Tennessee court system following a collision could be intimidating and difficult as there are many different rules and regulations surrounding it.
A dedicated Clarksville motorcycle accident lawyer could serve as a valuable resource in negotiations and in court. Reach out to an attorney today to set up a consultation.
The insurance company has a legal team. You should too.
