Nashville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

After a motorcycle accident, your priority should be your health and recovery, not dealing with legal issues and insurance negotiations. That’s where a skilled Nashville motorcycle accident lawyer steps in.

At Steinger, Green, & Feiner, we are dedicated to securing justice for those injured by negligence. Our experienced team has helped many clients like you, ensuring they receive proper medical care and a fair settlement to support their recovery. We help to facilitate appropriate medical care and a fair settlement to help you recuperate.

If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in Nashville, we’re here to help you through this difficult time. Call us today at (615) 590-3106 for a free consultation or visit our office at: 3102 West End Ave, Suite 1050, Nashville, TN 37203.

How Common are Motorcycle Accidents in Nashville?

In the United States, there are approximately 8.4 million motorcyclists, yet they account for 15% of all traffic-related deaths. According to the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, there were 305 motorcycle accidents in 2023, with 20 resulting in fatalities. Additionally, 68 involved serious injuries, and 148 resulted in injuries, reflecting the high injury rate among motorcycle crashes.

Common Injuries After a Motorcycle Accident

Every year, 80% of motorcycle injuries result in serious injuries. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you must be transported to a hospital or have a family member drive you in order to be evaluated by a doctor.

No matter how minor an injury may seem, injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents should always be reviewed by a medical professional. The most common injury and cause of death in motorcycle wrecks is head injuries due to being ejected from the motorcycle during the crash.

Traumatic brain injuries can result in comas, inability to walk, processing disorders, decreased quality of life, and inability to live an independent live.

Make sure to inspect your helmet prior to using and replace your helmet following the proper requirements of helmet maintenance. The second most common injury sustained during a motorcycle accident that does not result in death is road rash. Road rash is not a simple scrap or cut on the skin, it can be much more serious.

Several layers of skin can be shaved off and create an open wound vulnerable to bacteria. If your damaged skin is not properly treated right away you can develop permanent skin damage and irritations, infections, and nerve damage to the surface of your skin.

Additional injuries include bone fractures, broken bones, and burns (the tailpipe is extremely hot). If these injuries do not immediately receive medical care, it can lead to disfigurement, permanent nerve damage, and permanent disability.

It is imperative that medical attention is administered after a motorbike accident; this is discussed in a later section as well.

Typical Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists, due to their lack of protective covering, are far more vulnerable in accidents, making them five times more likely to suffer injuries than individuals in cars. Many factors contribute to motorcycle accidents, and understanding these causes is critical for both prevention and determining liability.

According to the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, 305 motorcycle crashes occurred in 2023. Some key contributing factors include:

• 25.57% of accidents involved motorcycle riders under the age of 25
• 6.89% were caused by speeding
• 5.57% were linked to reckless or aggressive driving
• 76.72% of accidents involved a non-motorcycle vehicle.

These statistics help highlight some of the typical causes of motorcycle crashes. Additional causes include:

• Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers may fail to signal or change lanes too quickly, cutting off motorcycle riders who are often less visible.
• Vehicle Doors: Parked cars can become hazards when doors are suddenly opened into a motorcyclist’s path, a common issue in urban settings.
• Drunk Driving: Intoxicated drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and poor coordination, making the roads dangerous for everyone, especially motorbike drivers.
• Speeding: Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden obstacles or stop in time, increasing the likelihood of rear-end collisions with motorcycles.
• Dangerous Road Conditions: Poor weather, road construction, and special events can create hazards that are especially dangerous for drivers, who have less stability than cars.
• Right of Way Issues: Failure to yield, especially at intersections, often leads to severe motorbike accidents. When a vehicle misjudges the distance or fails to see the motorcycle, the results can be catastrophic.

It’s also vital to maintain all protective gear and ensure your motorcycle is in proper working condition to minimize risks where possible.

Our experienced Nashville motorcycle accident attorneys have worked with victims of all types of crashes, whether they involve reckless driving, unsafe road conditions, or vehicle errors. We are here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve, no matter the cause of your accident.

Types of Compensation Types of Compensation You May Recover After Your Accident

There are two different types of compensation, also known as damages, that can be awarded in a motorcycle accident case. One is called special damages, commonly referred to as economic damages, and general damages, also called non-economic damages. 

Special damages are those expenses that can easily be assigned a value.

For example, medical bills, loss of income, cost of medical home care, medical transport, gas to and from doctor’s appointments, etc.  General damages are those that cannot be easily assigned a monetary amount or estimated.

The most common name for this category is “pain and suffering” awards. The amount of pain a victim suffers or their inability to participate in their favorite hobby is difficult to assign a price.  Pain and suffering can include many situations and events.

For example, the victim’s humiliation, embarrassment, loss of enjoyment, loss of companionship, inability to fulfill family obligations, inability to be an active parent, and many more instances that cause victims emotional anguish serve as claims under general damages. There are several factors that are considered when determining the value of general damages:

• The severity of the injury
• Duration of the pain and suffering experienced in the past and future
• Whether the injury is permanent or temporary
• Medical intervention needed, such as surgeries and medications
• Any pre-existing conditions that became exacerbated

Your Nashville motorcycle accident lawyer can answer your questions about what qualifies as a general damages item.

Steps to Take After Your Motorcycle Accident

The first moments after your accident are the most important. Unfortunately, this is also the time victims are in the most pain and experience the most confusion. The following list helps to break down the process into easy to follow steps and alternatives if you are unable to complete one of the steps

• Make sure you are safe. Check to make sure you are not in the middle of the road and you are in a safe area. Make sure you are not bleeding, vomiting, or dizzy.
• Do not move if you are in severe pain or there has been a spinal injury. If you are unable to get the negligent driver’s information, your accident injury accident attorney can request the police report for you with all driver’s and witness information.
• Call 911. Documenting the accident is important. Police officers are regarded as unbiased third parties; the report from a police officer indicating the driver of the vehicle that hit you was negligent is excellent evidence for your case. When you call 911, make sure to give your name, the description, and license plate number of the vehicle that hit you and state you were hit while riding a motorcycle.
• Record the negligent driver’s information. The following information should be collected: a photo of the driver’s license and insurance card, the driver’s current address and phone number, the policy holders name, policy number, and insurance company name.
• Request an ambulance. As stated before, any motorcycle accident victim should be medically evaluated immediately following an accident.
• Take photographs. If you or a family member are able to take photographs of the scene, injuries, and damage to the vehicles, this can greatly bolster your case. Photos are one of the only pieces of evidence that can capture the scene of the accident as it happened on that day. Taking photos from various vantage points, as well as views several hundred feet away from the scene can help your motorcycle accident lawyer, the insurance adjuster, and the court understand how the accident occurred. Photos are highly influential in personal injury cases.
• Call attorney. Let your attorney know right away that you have been injured. Starting on your case right away protects you from having to talk to the insurance company, protects your rights as a claimant, puts the insurance company on notice that you take this accident seriously, and helps give your Nashville motorcycle lawyer plenty of time to collect evidence.

This cannot be stressed enough, if you are unable to perform any of the steps above, that is completely understandable. If you can call a family member for help, or 911 at the very least, they can help gather the most basic necessary information that is needed at that time.

Tennessee Motorcycle Laws and Regulation

Tennessee enforces several key regulations designed to protect motorcyclists and minimize accident risks. One of the most important is the helmet law—all riders and passengers are required to wear helmets, regardless of age. Wearing a helmet isn’t just for safety; it can also impact your claim. If you weren’t wearing a helmet during the accident, your compensation could be reduced if it’s determined that your injuries were worsened by not following this law.

In addition to helmet requirements, motorcycles must be equipped with essential safety features, including functional headlights, taillights, mirrors, and turn signals. These regulations ensure that motorcycles are visible and compliant with road safety standards. If any of these features are missing or malfunctioning at the time of the accident, it could affect the outcome of your claim, especially if the lack of safety compliance contributed to the crash.

Tennessee also requires that all motorcyclists have a valid motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license. Operating a motorcycle without this endorsement can result in fines and could complicate your legal case if it’s found that you weren’t legally allowed to ride at the time of the accident.

Tennessee’s Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Claims

Tennessee law imposes a one-year statute of limitations for filing an injury claim after a motorcycle accident. This means you have just one year from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation. Missing this deadline can mean forfeiting your right to seek legal action. Time is of the essence, so gathering evidence and contacting a lawyer as soon as possible is vital to building a strong case.

Comparative Fault Rule in Tennessee

Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault system, which can influence your compensation. Under this rule, if you’re partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages as long as you’re less than 50% responsible. However, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found to be 30% at fault, your final settlement will be reduced by 30%. It’s critical to gather solid evidence, such as police reports and witness statements, to minimize any fault attributed to you.

Motorcycle Insurance Requirements and Coverage

Tennessee law mandates that all motorcycle drivers carry liability insurance. The minimum required coverage includes:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $15,000 for property damage.

While these amounts meet the state’s requirements, they often fall short after a serious accident, especially when medical bills and property damage costs are high. To better protect yourself, consider adding uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to your policy. This additional coverage can be invaluable if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance, helping cover your expenses when their coverage falls short.

Additional Tennessee Motorcycle Regulations

Beyond safety and insurance requirements, motorcyclists must also comply with general traffic laws. Violations such as speeding, reckless driving, or failing to signal can not only result in fines but may also weaken your injury claim if they contributed to the accident. Staying compliant with all traffic laws strengthens your case and improves your chances of receiving full compensation after an accident.

By following these laws and regulations, you not only ensure your safety but also position yourself for a stronger legal case if you’re ever involved in a motorcycle crash. An experienced attorney can help you navigate these regulations and build a claim that reflects your rights under Tennessee law.

How Does Shared Fault Affect a Claim?

In Tennessee, shared fault directly impacts the compensation you can recover after a motorcycle accident. Under the modified comparative fault rule, if you are partially responsible for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For instance, if you are found to be 30% at fault, your final award will be reduced by 30%. However, if you are more than 50% at fault, you will not be eligible to recover any damages.

This makes it crucial to gather strong evidence to minimize any fault attributed to you. The more evidence you have, such as witness statements, photos, or video footage, the stronger your case will be. Also, medical records play a key role in supporting your claim. They provide essential evidence of your injuries and the necessary treatments, helping to prove the extent of the harm caused by the accident.

An experienced motorcycle wreck lawyer can help you present the best case possible, ensuring that any shared fault is accurately assessed and that you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.

Why You Should Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Right Away

Our motorcycle accident lawyers represent motorcyclists who have been injured in accidents throughout the city and surrounding areas. With in-depth knowledge of both local and state laws, as well as experience with the specific procedures of Tennessee courts, our personal injury law firm is prepared to handle your case with expertise and care. Whether the accident was caused by reckless driving, poor road conditions, or another factor, we’re here to help when you need it most.

Our experienced accident injury lawyers team will handle every aspect of your claim, from contacting the insurance provider to coordinating with healthcare professionals for your treatment. We’ll keep the insurance company updated on your medical progress, manage the necessary paperwork, and take all the steps to protect your right to compensation. From gathering evidence to compiling discovery and advocating for you in negotiations or at trial, we’re committed to securing the best settlement possible for your case.

Contact us today at (615) 590-3106 for a free consultation with a compassionate and professional Nashville motorcycle accident lawyer. Let us help you explore your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Motorcycle Accident FAQ