Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Memphis, TN

FAQs

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

  901-545-COPS or 901-545-2677 is the non-emergency contact number for the Memphis Police Department.

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

  You can obtain a copy of your police report from the Memphis Police Department Central Records Office website. You may also request in person, by mail, or through fax. Police reports cost $0.15 per page for Tennessee residents and $15 for non-residents.

• How long do you have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Memphis?

  You must file your motorcycle accident claim in Memphis within one year from the date of the crash as mandated by state law. This includes suing at-fault parties such as negligent drivers, employers, and corporations. However, in some cases, the statute of limitations may be less than a year, such as filing a personal injury lawsuit against government defendants.

• What kinds of damages can a victim recover in a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Memphis?

  A victim of a motorcycle accident in Memphis has the right to seek compensation for their economic and non-economic damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma and suffering. A plaintiff can also file punitive damages to punish the at-fault party if the court rules that the liable party's actions were intentional, extremely negligent, and heinous.

• What are the most dangerous intersections and streets for motorcycle drivers in Memphis?

  The most dangerous intersections in Memphis are around I-240 and I-40, according to WMC Action News 5. These exits involve interstate ramps, have faster speeds, and are the busiest roads in the metro. Some of these intersections include:

  • I-240 and I-55
  • Lamar Avenue and I-240
  • Poplar Avenue and I-240

  Additionally, some of the most dangerous commuter streets in Memphis where motorcycle crashes typically occur include:

  • Poplar Avenue
  • Park Avenue / Poplar Pike
  • Sam Cooper Boulevard

• What is the maximum amount of compensation that you can recover after a motorcycle accident in Memphis?

  Under state law, you can recover up to $750,000 for non-economic damages such as physical and emotional trauma after a motorcycle accident in Memphis. Meanwhile, you can recover up to $1 million for catastrophic injuries.

• When should a motorcycle accident victim seek a personal injury lawyer in Memphis?

  A motorcycle accident victim should contact a personal injury lawyer in Memphis as soon as possible, preferably immediately after the accident. Reaching out to a motorcycle accident lawyer helps victims preserve evidence to build a strong case, including testimonies from witnesses, medical care providers, and police officers who responded to the scene.

• 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.