Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Chattanooga

FAQs

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

  The Chattanooga City Police Department in Broad Street can be reached at (423) 643-5180, while the one in Spears Avenue can be contacted at (423) 267-5800.

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

  For accidents in the Chattanooga region, requests for police reports can be mailed to the Chattanooga Highway Patrol Office at 4120 Cummings Highway Chattanooga, TN 37419. It is recommended to call in advance at (423) 634-6890 to provide more information that would help the agency locate the report. If the accident occurred inside Chattanooga City and the Chattanooga Police Department responded, individuals can call (423) 643-5000 in advance to make sure the report has been completed and head to the Police Service Center at 3410 Amnicola Highway.

• What negligence-related factors are frequent causes of motorcycle accidents in Chattanooga?

  Some of the common negligent causes of motorcycle accidents in Chattanooga are texting while driving, driving while impaired by drugs, excessive speeding, aggressive driving, and failure to obey traffic laws. Motorists also get into accidents for not paying attention to other vehicles on the road and for committing left turn violations.

• What variables influence how frequently motorcycle accidents occur in Chattanooga?

  Chattanooga has big outdoor spaces, with pedestrian-friendly crosswalks and some well-marked areas for pedestrians and drivers to understand that pedestrians are nearby. Unfortunately, in Chattanooga, motorcycle accidents outnumber pedestrian accidents by a wide margin because motorcycles do not receive the same level of attention as pedestrians.

• Does Tennessee's Modified Comparative Fault Law apply to accidents in Chattanooga?

  Yes, all drivers in Tennessee, including Chattanooga, are covered by the Modified Comparative Fault Law. With this law, a jury will determine whether the motorist contributed to an accident if he or she is involved in one. An individual forfeits any and all recovery if the jury finds that he or she is at least 50% at fault.

• What actions should someone take in Chattanooga following a motorcycle accident?

  The individual should immediately move to a safe location to prevent a secondary accident from happening and the injured parties should document information about the motorbike wreck. It is also best to contact Chattanooga Law Enforcement so that they can make a report of the accident which could, later on, be used as an important piece of evidence if a legal case is pursued.

• What are Chattanooga's top five most dangerous intersections?

  The riskiest intersections in Chattanooga include the off-ramp from Highway 153, northbound onto Hixson Pike, and the opposing side of the same interchange. During rush hour, both sides of I-24 at Germantown and North and South Terrace turn into car bottleneck areas. More severe accidents also happen at 4th Avenue and 23rd Street, but actions such as installing red light cameras are already in progress.

• 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.