Motorcycle accidents are some of the hardest for victims to overcome. A motorcyclist is so exposed to the elements that they can suffer horrifying injuries in any type of collision. Being struck by a larger, heavier vehicle at even low speeds can result in serious bodily impairments.
Dennis & Winningham handles motorcycle accident claims for people like you. We meet with motorcyclists to understand what happened from their perspective. Often, our clients are hit by negligent or even outright reckless drivers who fail to respect our clients’ rights. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a Chattanooga motorcycle accident lawyer. We have won generous settlements for people like you.
Motorcycle Accidents vs. Car Accidents: Main Differences
Here are some critical differences between these accidents and how they will impact your case.
- Motorcycle accidents cause more serious injuries. Without the protection of crumple zones and steel beams, a motorcyclist is fully exposed in any collision. They can suffer horrifying internal organ injuries, paralysis, or major brain injuries. These injuries are often catastrophic and lead to a lifetime of expense and pain. Consequently, motorcyclists often struggle with more financial stress after a crash.
Impact on your case: Significant painful injuries will impact your personal injury case in many ways. It is harder to find evidence, communicate with insurance companies, or negotiate. We recommend contacting our office for assistance.
- Insurers assume motorcyclists are negligent. This is another difference between car and motorcycle accident cases. The insurance claims adjusters often believe that motorcyclists are risk takers by nature. Consequently, they will believe any allegation that you were riding dangerously or weaving in and out of traffic.
Impact on your case: Tennessee has various comparative negligence laws, which can limit what a negligent plaintiff receives. Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 29-39-102(b), you will receive less if you are partially to blame for your collision and injuries. You might not receive any compensation for pain and suffering if your share of fault is more than 50%.
- Motorcycle accidents cause unusual injuries. Many motorcyclists suffer the same injuries as passengers in sedans and SUVs: fractures, concussions, whiplash, and back injuries. But motorcyclists can also suffer some unusual or unique injuries, including road rash. This is a friction burn, which is quite painful. Road rash can become infected and lead to permanent scarring.
Another motorcycle injury is a degloving injury. Tissue can permanently separate from the bone, much like a glove removed from a hand. This gruesome injury can lead to permanent disability if not treated quickly.
Another common motorcycle injury is “biker’s arm.” This injury involves damage to the nerves in your shoulder or arm, often because a biker braced themselves for impact. Biker’s arm is slow to heal and can make it hard for someone to return to work due to prolonged weakness in the arms or hands.
Impact on your case: A motorcycle accident lawyer knows how to properly value these injuries. We seek compensation for pain and suffering, mental distress, and other losses. Hire an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to handle your claim.
- Different laws in play. One important law is Tennessee’s requirement that motorcyclists wear a helmet. (Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-302.) If you refuse to and get into a crash, this failure could impact your case. You might be partially negligent for your injuries, which means you will not receive as much compensation
Impact on your case: Any violation of one of these laws could result in reduced compensation. Call our office. We are aware of all the most critical laws that apply to motorcyclists.
- Defective roads can lead to a crash. A four-wheel vehicle can often ride smoothly over a road hazard, like a big crater in the middle. By contrast, a motorcyclist might get their front wheel jammed in the pothole and go flying over the handlebars. Other defects can lead to accidents, including construction debris or crumbling shoulders.
If you are hurt by a road defect, you might sue the government. That requires significant planning. The state is immune from suit in most cases, but we can try to fit your case into an exception.
Impact on your case: If you miss critical deadlines, then you won’t bring a successful legal claim against the government. Work with a law firm that knows how to bring these injury cases.
Call Our Office Today to Discuss Your Right to a Settlement
A Chattanooga motorcycle accident lawyer with Dennis & Winningham can meet to go over what you remember of the crash. We also want to learn more about your injuries, including your prognosis for recovery. Many of our clients are struggling. We understand. We can meet at a convenient location that works for you and your family.
Contact us today. We offer a free consultation where we can discuss the crash and other factors. Our job is to minimize your own negligence and put the blame on the shoulders of a negligent driver. We are happy to meet with anyone injured in the 37411 zip code and surrounding communities.
