For many Americans, motorcycles are synonymous with free-spirited fun. There is an undeniable allure associated with motorcycles and the surrounding culture. However, motorcycles also have an unfortunate association with nasty injuries when motor vehicle accidents happen. Sadly, that association has some basis in reality. Victims in motorcycle crashes often suffer incredibly grievous injuries – or even lose their lives. Moreover, the cost of treating and managing injuries from a motorcycle crash can be debilitating in and of itself.
When you get injured in a motorcycle crash, you need to contact legal counsel right away. We can assist you with all of your motorcycle accident-related needs before, during, and after the trial.
Reach out to our Kingsport, TN motorcycle accident lawyers by calling Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.
Why You Need Help from Our Bristol, TN Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Victims of motorcycle accidents frequently are burdened with very serious injuries. The last thing you want to be thinking about after a motorcycle crash is the legal ramifications. Let our motorcycle accident lawyers fight the legal battle for you while you focus on recuperating and recovering from your injuries.
Investigating the Accident
When lawyers work on a client’s case, they base their arguments on evidence that supports the client’s claim. In this case, our attorneys would be collecting information of all kinds about your motorcycle crash. This would include details about where the accident took place, who was present, your injuries, medical records, and more. All of this information can be difficult to track down. Let our lawyers handle this so you can devote all of your time to recovering from the crash.
Talking to Insurance Companies and Opposing Counsel
We can also speak to insurance companies and opposing counsel on your behalf. In Tennessee, the insurance of the driver who is responsible for the accident is required to provide coverage for your injuries. For that reason, their insurance company is going to do everything it can to make it look like their client is not liable. Let our lawyers speak to these companies so that they are made to give you the coverage you need.
Opposing counsel is also, understandably, not your friend. They have to advocate for their client just like our lawyers advocate for you. You will have to speak with opposing counsel during potential depositions, but we will also be there to make sure you are treated fairly during the process.
Injuries in Motorcycle Crashes in Bristol, TN
One of the reasons that motorcycle injuries are often quite severe is that motorcycle riders do not have as much protection as drivers of ordinary motor vehicles. A motorcycle is smaller than most cars, does not have protective features like “crumple zones,” and the rider is more exposed. In that way, a motorcyclist is somewhat like a pedestrian, who could also get badly injured in an accident.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Motorcycle accidents commonly result in injuries to the spinal cord and nervous system. You could end up with chronic pain, tingling sensations, or partial or full paralysis.
Bruises and Internal Bleeding
Bruises are common in accidents of all kinds. The root cause of bruising is blood pooling underneath the skin, which leads to black and blue discoloration. While bruising in and of itself is no cause for serious alarm, it can denote much more serious conditions, like internal bleeding, which need to be treated right away.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are caused by forceful contact with the head, resulting in damage to the brain. People are usually familiar with “mild” TBIs – more commonly known as concussions. Mild TBIs have nasty symptoms like memory loss, pain when exposed to bright light or loud noise, and mood swings.
More serious TBIs have much more severe consequences, which can include losing basic functions, e.g., walking or talking. They can even lead to an early death in some cases.
Broken Bones
Getting hit by a motor vehicle can break bones due to the force of the impact and other factors. You could get injuries like fractured ribs or a broken arm or leg in a motorcycle accident.
Broken bones will likely require a splint, cast, or other immobilization device to properly heal. In some cases, you might need surgery to ensure broken bones are in the right position to heal properly.
Damages from Bristol, TN Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits
When you file a claim, you ask the court to compel the defendant to award you damages. In a motorcycle accident lawsuit, you can get damages for a number of different things, including:
Medical Costs
A large portion of many plaintiffs’ damages are the cost of medical care. This includes both immediate emergency care and long-term care, like physical therapy or a full-time caregiver.
Lost Income
You can get damages for lost past and future income. For example, if you had to spend six months in rehab for your injuries instead of working, you can get damages based on what you would have earned during that time. Additionally, you can get damages if you must take a less lucrative job following an injury. Finally, if your injuries are such that you can no longer work, you can get compensation based on your projected income for the rest of your working career.
Physical Pain
You can also get damages for the physical pain you experienced due to your injuries. However, unlike medical bills and lost wages, there is nothing tangible you can point to for the value of physical pain. Instead, you will have to convince the court of its worth in your case.
Mental Anguish
You can also be awarded damages for the mental distress and anguish you experience because of your motorcycle crash. Like damages for physical pain, you have to prove the worth of these things to the court.
Speak to Our Bristol, TN Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
Howe Law’s team of motorcycle accident lawyers can help with your claim when you call (844) 876-4357.
