Did you get into a motorcycle accident in Nashville, Tennessee that was someone else’s fault? If so, you likely have the legal right to file a claim for compensation against them with help from our Nashville motorcycle accident lawyers at Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers. You can call us at (615) 338-9500.
We’re one of Tennessee’s premier personal injury law firms. Our motorcycle accident lawyers have nearly a decade of combined experience and are highly familiar with the local courts, procedures, and rules. When you hire us, we’ll treat you like family and give your case the full force of our attention and resources from the beginning.
Contact us today to learn more. We offer a completely free initial consultation with no strings attached.
How Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident in Nashville
Tennessee is one of the best states in the country to own a motorcycle, with its plentiful, virtually year-round riding opportunities. As a highlight, the nearby Smoky Mountains offer roads with seemingly endless twists and turns, not to mention the surrounding scenery. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in the area, state law allows you to pursue compensation from the at-fault party that makes you whole again.
The Nashville motorcycle accident lawyers at Labrum Law Firm are here to help you assert your legal rights and interests every step of the way. Our award-winning Nashville personal injury attorneys have been recognized by Expertise.com on numerous occasions for their quality legal services. We have the skills, confidence, and experience to assist you with any type of motorcycle accident case – no matter who’s on the other side. If you hire us, we can help by:
- Investigating your accident to determine your best legal course of action
- Evaluating all of the damages you have sustained
- Handling all the negotiations, paperwork, and communications
- Protecting you from accusations of comparative negligence
- Maximizing the value of your claim with help from experts (such as accident reconstructionists) as needed
- Filing a lawsuit against the opposing party if they refuse to offer an adequate settlement
Contact our law offices today to begin forming an attorney-client relationship. We’ll do everything we can to help you recover the compensation you need and deserve.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Davidson County?
The Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security publishes detailed motor vehicle accident statistics for every county in the state. The numbers are as follows for motorcycle accidents in Davidson County, specifically:
- 2018: 309 accidents
- 2019: 327 accidents
- 2020: 265 accidents
- 2021: 299 accidents
- 2022: 273 accidents
Based on these data, there are an average of 295 motorcycle crashes in Davidson County on a yearly basis.
Tennessee Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Motorcyclists in Tennessee face significant risks every time they take to the road. Recent data from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security highlights the severity and frequency of motorcycle accidents across the state:
- Statewide Fatalities: In 2023, Tennessee recorded 200 motorcycle-related fatalities, marking an increase of 51 deaths compared to 2022.
- Serious Injury Crashes: There were 1,020 motorcycle crashes involving fatal or serious injuries in 2023, up from 869 in 2022.
- Davidson County Specifics: In Davidson County, which encompasses Nashville, 19 motorcyclists lost their lives in 2023.
- Crash Rates: The motorcycle crash rate in Tennessee has been on an upward trend, emphasizing the growing need for awareness and safety measures.
Contributing Factors to Motorcycle Accidents
These statistics underscore the heightened vulnerability of motorcyclists on Tennessee’s roads. Factors contributing to these accidents include:
- Impaired driving
- Distracted driving
- Poor road maintenance or conditions
- Lack of visibility
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Fatigued driving
- Speeding, tailgating, and other aggressive driving
- Drunk driving
- Inattentiveness
- Failing to check blind spots
- Improper lane changes
- Reckless driving
At Labrum Law Firm, we are acutely aware of these dangers and are committed to advocating for motorcycle accident victims. Our deep understanding of Tennessee’s traffic laws and accident data enables us to build compelling cases for our clients. If you or a loved one has been affected by a motorcycle accident, we are here to help you navigate the legal process and seek the compensation you deserve.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Nashville
A motorcycle crash can be chaotic and traumatic. Taking the right steps in the moments and days that follow can protect both your physical recovery and your legal claim. Here’s what to do if you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident:
1. Call 911 and Get Medical Help Immediately
Whether or not you feel injured, it’s critical to get checked out by emergency medical personnel or visit an ER. Internal injuries, head trauma, and soft tissue damage may not be immediately visible but can have long-term consequences if left untreated.
2. Ensure a Police Report Is Filed
Always wait for law enforcement to arrive and make sure a police report is filed. This report serves as an official record of the crash and may be essential for your claim.
3. Collect Key Information
If you’re able, gather the following from the other driver(s):
- Full name and contact information
- Insurance details
- Driver’s license number
- Vehicle make, model, and license plate
Also, try to obtain contact information from any eyewitnesses before they leave the scene.
4. Take Photos of the Scene and Your Injuries
Document everything you can:
- The condition of your motorcycle and other vehicles
- Road conditions, skid marks, debris, and traffic signs
- Your injuries (immediately and as they progress)
These images can serve as powerful evidence in a personal injury claim.
5. Avoid Speaking to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
Insurance adjusters will likely reach out quickly—and may push for a recorded statement. Politely decline and refer them to your attorney.
6. Consult with an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Time is critical. Evidence can disappear and witnesses can become harder to reach. Contact Labrum Law Firm as soon as possible to protect your rights, initiate an investigation, and begin the process of seeking maximum compensation.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Motorcycle Accident?
Personal injury law in Tennessee allows accident victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Punitive damages may be available in rare cases as well.
Economic damages include:
- Vehicle and other property damage
- Lost wages
- Medical bills, current and future
- Diminished earning capacity
- Rehabilitation, therapy, and childcare
- Miscellaneous out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages include:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring/disfigurement
- Mental conditions such as depression and PTSD
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
Punitive damages are only awarded in cases where the at-fault party acted “maliciously, intentionally, fraudulently, or recklessly.” Unlike economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages are not meant to compensate you (though they do go to you nonetheless if awarded). Rather, they are meant to punish the at-fault party for egregious behavior.
We’ll Fight for Compensation Based on All of Your Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable in the event of an accident. Our attorneys can help you recover compensation after suffering any of the following types of injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Road rash
- Burn injuries
- Crushing injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Nerve damage
- Lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones
- Leg injuries
- Back injuries
- Eye injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Our law firm focuses solely on personal injury cases and is passionate about helping accident victims. Reach out to us today for more information.
How Much Is My Nashville Motorcycle Accident Claim Worth?
Many factors go into determining the value of a motorcycle accident claim. Each incident involves unique facts and circumstances, so each is worth a unique amount. The following are some of the primary considerations that may influence how much your claim is worth:
- The type and seriousness of your injuries
- The level of pain and suffering you have experienced
- Whether any insurance policies apply to the accident and their limits
- The level of evidence in support of your claim
- Whether you will make a full recovery and will be able to return to work
- The extent of your financial losses due to the crash
When you hire us, our motorcycle injury lawyers will conduct a thorough evaluation of your claim so that we can demand full compensation from the responsible party. This is a critical step in the process because otherwise, you risk settling your claim for less money than you are entitled to.
What Are The Motorcycle Licensing Requirements In Tennessee?
At age 15 you can apply for a motorcycle learner’s permit. This permit has certain restrictions, such as not being able to ride after dark or carry passengers.
You can apply for a motorcycle license in Tennessee when you’re 16 or older. If you want a full motorcycle license, you’ll need to pass a vision test and a written exam first. You can either get a separate motorcycle license or add a motorcycle endorsement to your regular driver’s license.
If you already have a standard license and have completed a Motorcycle Rider Education Program (MREP) or Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course, you may be able to waive the knowledge test. If you have not participated in these courses, your testing may include:
- Vision screening
- Motorcycle pre-trip inspection
- Motorcycle rules of the road
- Motorcycle road skills test
If you don’t have a license already, you’ll need to provide proof of Tennessee residency and lawful United States residency or citizenship.
If you’re under the age of 18, you can only apply for a license if you can present a Minor/Teenage Affidavit and Cancellation Form and a Certification of Compulsory School Attendance form. You’ll also need a certificate that claims you’ve spent at least 50 hours behind the wheel. If you’re not sure what the requirements will be for your particular circumstances, speaking with your local DMV can be a good option.
Additionally, you will need to have the right gear to operate a motorcycle. Tennessee helmet laws require all riders to wear a helmet, regardless of age, experience, or bike type. You must also have working daytime headlights and goggles or other types of gear to protect your eyes while you ride.
What Are The Motorcycle Insurance Requirements In Tennessee?
To be able to operate a motorcycle in Tennessee, you also need to meet certain insurance requirements. For example, you must have minimum insurance coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident. Although you’re not required to purchase uninsured motorist coverage, it’s generally encouraged.
Remember that if you’re involved in an accident and don’t have insurance, you may be liable for the losses sustained in the collision. If that’s an issue you’re facing, or if the other person was uninsured and you don’t know your options, contact a personal injury lawyer for help immediately.
What if I’m Being Blamed for My Motorcycle Accident?
In Tennessee, you can still recover compensation even if you share some of the blame for your accident. The state follows a “modified comparative negligence” standard with a 50% bar to recovery.
This means that you may be assessed a percentage of fault for your accident. If this percentage is 50% or higher, you cannot get compensation. Otherwise, your damages may be reduced proportionately to your assessed percentage. For instance, if your percentage of fault is 10%, your damages may be reduced by 10%.
Because of this system, the other party involved in your case will almost certainly try to say the accident was your fault. If they succeed in blaming you, you might walk away with significantly reduced compensation – or none at all. If you hire an experienced motorcycle injury attorney, however, you’ll be in a position to respond to these allegations appropriately.
How Insurance Companies Try to Undermine Motorcycle Claims
After a motorcycle accident, you’ll likely be contacted by the other party’s insurance company—and it’s important to remember that they are not on your side. Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to pay out as little as possible, regardless of how serious your injuries are.
Here are some common tactics insurers use to minimize your compensation:
- Claiming you were at fault (even partially) to reduce payouts
- Using recorded statements against you to distort or twist your words
- Downplaying your injuries or blaming them on pre-existing conditions
- Delaying the process to pressure you into accepting a lowball offer
- Misrepresenting your legal rights or the full value of your claim
At Labrum Law Firm, we know these tactics—and we know how to fight back. We handle all communication with the insurance companies, collect the evidence necessary to support your case, and aggressively pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to under the law.
How Do I Prove Negligence After a Motorcycle Accident in Nashville?
Negligence, which means something like “carelessness,” is the basis for most motorcycle accident cases. To establish negligence liability, you must prove the following four legal elements:
- The other party owed you a duty of care, such as the duty to drive safely and obey traffic laws.
- The other party breached their duty of care to you, such as by running a red light or speeding.
- The accident was caused by the other party, both factually and proximately.
- You sustained damages as a result of the accident.
Enough proof must be brought to support each of these elements “by a preponderance of the evidence,” which means showing each is at least 51% likely to be true. Types of evidence you can bring include:
- Eyewitness testimony
- Expert analysis and testimony
- Medical records
- Photo and video evidence
- And more
If you choose us to represent you, we can take care of your negligence claim while you focus on your health and recovery. Get in touch with us today for further information; our Nashville motorcycle accident lawyers are available to take your call.
What Is the Time Limit for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Tennessee?
Tennessee’s statute of limitations is a law that sets time limits for filing lawsuits. For personal injury cases, including motorcycle accidents, you have just one year to submit a lawsuit against the at-fault party in court. If you miss the statute of limitations, you will essentially lose your right to get compensation.
However, in some instances, you might have a different amount of time to file your lawsuit – there are exceptions to the statute of limitations. It’s best to contact an attorney as soon as you can after your crash to protect your rights and the success of your claim.
Contact Our Trusted Nashville Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
We’re here for you if you were involved in a motorcycle accident. We understand the heavy toll a serious crash can take on you and your family. Our Nashville motorcycle accident attorneys have dedicated their careers to standing up for injured victims in the area and will work hard to achieve a favorable result for your case.
In addition, we work on a contingency fee basis. We only get paid if we obtain compensation for you, and you can hire us with no upfront costs. With this payment system, our goals are aligned with yours.
Contact us today by phone call or online message to schedule your free, no-risk consultation.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office
Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers
315 Deaderick St Suite 1525, Nashville, TN 37238
(615) 338-9500
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