At Bill Easterly & Associates, our team is committed to fighting for justice on behalf of those who have suffered injuries, property damage, emotional trauma, and other losses at the hands of another.
Were you or a loved one seriously injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by the negligence of another? If so, Bill Easterly & Associates is prepared to assist you. With more than 25 years of combined experience, our team of Nashville motorcycle accident injury lawyers works to restore justice on behalf of individuals who have been wrongfully injured.
Motorcycles offer riders a completely different type of driving experience. Not only do they give riders a sense of freedom out on the road, they are also becoming a popular and economical way to get around town. Whether riders choose to take to two wheels for recreational or economic reasons, they can all end up encountering one of the most dangerous hazards on the road, negligent drivers.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that in 2017, 5,172 motorcyclists were killed in traffic accidents in the U.S. Victims who survive a serious motorcycle accident often find themselves with life-changing injuries and a mountain of medical bills.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you are quickly finding out just how challenging the recovery period can be. Serious medical issues may be keeping you away from your job, and missing paychecks can mean less money for bills. Many riders feel forced into accepting an insurance settlement. Even if it isn’t enough, at least it’s something, right? Wrong.
At Bill Easterly & Associates, we help clients get the compensation that they need, not what an insurance company is willing to part with. To explore your legal options and find out how the experienced attorneys at Bill Easterly & Associates can help you get what you deserve, call us at (615) 244-2222 to schedule a free case evaluation today.
As motorcycles offer significantly less protection than passenger vehicles do, motorcyclists are much more likely to suffer serious motorcycle injuries in an accident. Since motorcycles have a slim profile, it is not uncommon for the driver of a car or truck to not see a motorcycle, which makes common driver negligence significantly more hazardous to motorcyclists. Thus, it is the responsibility of all motorists on the road to remain alert and focused. If a negligent driver causes an accident with a motorcycle, they will likely be liable for any resulting injuries.
Of all motorcycle accidents, about 42 percent are caused by cars making negligent left turns. These accidents typically occur when a motorcycle is traveling through the intersection, passing the car, or trying to overtake the car, and the driver of the car is not paying attention or does not see them. Unless a motorcyclist was driving illegally, the car making a left-hand turn will almost always be liable for the accident.
Some of the more common causes of motorcycle accidents also include:
The state of Tennessee has several motorcycle laws in place that aim to make operating a motorcycle a safe option. To begin, the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security has a wealth of information on how individuals may go about earning their Class M motorcycle operator license. Tennessee requires all riders to have a valid class M license in order to operate a motorcycle. Having a valid Tennessee driver’s license does not automatically make you qualified to legally operate a motorcycle unless the motorized bike is 50cc or less.
The state also has a law that requires all riders and their passengers to wear a properly certified safety helmet at all times. Motorcyclists must also have eye protection, unless their motorcycle has a windshield, and the use of daytime headlights is required. Motorcyclists are also expected to follow all the same traffic laws that passenger cars must follow. Lane-splitting or driving between rows of stopped or slowed cars is illegal in the state.
It is also significant to note that any vehicle that is involved in a serious accident must report that accident to the Commissioner of Safety within 20 days. A serious accident is one where any person was injured or killed, or the property damage from the accident is in excess of $1,500. This reporting is mandatory under Tennessee Code 55-12-104, and it does include motorcyclists, not just passenger vehicles.
These measures are meant to try and increase the safety and visibility of motorcycle riders on Tennessee roads, which are notoriously dangerous for riders. Reports highlight the fact Tennessee can be a dangerous place to ride, with the state faring badly in motorcycle fatality rates.
Unfortunately for motorcyclists, there is still a popular misconception that many motorcyclists are reckless. Most motorcyclists are responsible citizens that just happen to like to travel on two-wheels instead of four. However, this daredevil image can color the perception of insurance adjusters working on your claim. They may try to place more of the blame on your shoulders, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. That type of attitude and manipulative tactic means that you could be getting less money than what you really deserve.
Don’t fall prey to the tactics of insurance adjusters whose job it is to keep insurance companies in the black. Trust the experienced legal team at Bill Easterly & Associates to aggressively fight to protect your rights and negotiate a fair compensation package that covers your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Do not wait to pursue justice; call (615) 244-2222 and contact our firm in Nashville today!
While each motorcycle accident has unique factors that must be evaluated, there are general steps that a downed rider should take after an accident. They include:
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