Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Clarksville, TN

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Clarksville, Tennessee?

  (931) 552-1011 is the non-emergency contact number of the Clarksville police station.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Clarksville, Tennessee?

  You can obtain a copy of a police accident report in the Records Division of the Clarksville Police Department. To process your request, have the following information ready: • Copy of driver's license • Letter of representation (for attorneys) • Insurance policy number signed by the policyholders (for agents)

• Who can you sue for a motorcycle accident in Clarksville?

  Individuals who have obtained motorcycle accident injuries in Clarksville can sue other riders, car and truck drivers, vehicle and helmet manufacturers, dealerships, and government entities. However, filing lawsuits against state or local government is different from suing an individual or company. Plaintiffs must provide a notice of legal action within 12 months of the accident date.

• What are the common causes of motorcycle accidents in Clarksville?

  Unsafe lane changes, improper turns, speeding, and distracted driving are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Clarksville. Dangerous road hazards, defective and malfunctioning motorcycles, and drivers not checking blind spots are also included on the list. According to the Clarksville Police, more than 95 motorcycle accidents were reported in 2022.

• How long after an accident can you file a motorcycle accident claim in Clarksville?

  Under Tennessee law, injured riders and their families must file a personal injury claim one year from the date of the motorcycle accident. Pieces of evidence required to support victims' claims may be hard to retrieve as time passes. Important collision details can be forgotten, and physical evidence can deteriorate.

• What should you do if a family member has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Clarksville?

  You must gather the information needed to support their case. These include witnesses' names, numbers, and testimonies, as well as photos of the damaged motorcycle and injured rider. You should also coordinate with the police to make an official report, as insurance companies may try to blame the victims for the accident.

• Can your damaged motorcycle be a piece of evidence in an accident case in Clarksville?

  Yes. Preserving a damaged motorcycle in Clarksville can help you secure a fair settlement. Your legal team can use your damaged vehicle to detail the effects of the accident on your physical well-being. If you decide to repair or replace your motorcycle right away, you will lose a shred of important evidence that can establish the other driver's liability.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.