Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Knoxville

FAQs

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

  For non-emergencies, the Knoxville Police Department can be reached at 865-215-4010.

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

  A copy of the police report can be available at the Knoxville Police Department Records Unit, 800 Howard Baker Jr. Ave. Knoxville, TN 37915. Its contact number is 865-215-7231. The office is open from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Unredacted reports may only be obtained by individuals, insurance companies, and legal representatives directly involved in the case.

• What sort of damages can I claim for a motorcycle accident in Knoxville, TN?

  Depending on the situation, motorcycle accident victims can claim for loss of earnings, permanent injuries and disfigurement, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. Families who have lost a loved one due to a motorcycle accident may be awarded compensation for funeral expenses and loss of consortium. This is in addition to the compensation for the damages the decedent suffered until the time of their passing. Tennessee law also allows for punitive damages

• What should you do after a motorcycle accident in Knoxville?

  First, you must call 911 to receive immediate medical care. Motorcyclists commonly face stereotyped allegations when involved in accidents, such as overspeeding and popping a wheelie. Identifying scene witnesses to counter these stereotypes and obtaining their names and mobile numbers is also important. Then, record the other party’s details, such as name, address, phone number, driver’s license, and insurance policy number. Take photos of the accident scene, your motorcycle’s condition, and other vehicles in the area to serve as evidence. It is recommended to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer in Knoxville to help you claim maximum compensation.

• How much is a motorcycle accident case in Knoxville worth?

  Personal injury cases in the state are worth, on average, $19,000. Note that Tennessee law does not put a cap on economic damages, like medical expenses and loss of earning capacity. In Knoxville, if the plaintiff’s actual economic damages amount to $3,000,000 and they win the case, they will be awarded $3,000,000. However, for non-economic damages, Tennessee law caps it at $750,000.

• How long can you file a lawsuit for a motorcycle accident in Knoxville?

  According to the Tennessee Code Section 28-3-104, the victim must file a claim within one year from the date of the accident. The same stature applies to motorcycle accident lawsuits in Knoxville involving wrongful death.

• Who can you sue after a motorcycle accident in Knoxville?

  A party at fault must be identified to make a motorcycle accident case in Knoxville valid. Common negligent parties that may be sued in a motorcycle accident case include other motorists for negligence, motorcycle and manufacturers for defective parts, the dealership where the motorcycle was purchased, and government entities for unsafe road conditions. Note that Tennessee has a modified comparative negligence system where the injured party may also be found liable for the damages and may receive lesser compensation.

• 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.