Gallatin witnesses some of the most severe motorcycle accidents in the state. The injuries sustained by the riders are so severe that they often require considerable financial compensation to receive proper treatment.
Other drivers’ negligence often causes motorcycle accidents. Dealing with motorcycle accidents can be complicated, as riders are often unfairly blamed for causing the accident. This can have a significant impact on your case, especially when Tennessee’s comparative negligence rules come into play. However, our firm understands that most riders are not at fault and deserve to be compensated for their injuries like any other person on the road.
Contact Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 for a free review of your case with our motorcycle accident attorneys.
How to Recover Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident in Gallatin, TN
In case of an accident caused by another party, motorcyclists have several options for seeking compensation. They can file a claim with their own insurance, file a claim directly against the at-fault driver’s insurance, or pursue a personal injury lawsuit. Our motorcycle accident attorneys are dedicated to helping victims recover compensation through any process available in their case. Understanding these options can be vital for motorcyclists to protect themselves and receive adequate compensation in case of accidents.
You can start by filing a claim with the responsible party’s insurance company. Of course, a third-party insurance company might be reluctant to pay out on a claim for someone who is not their client. Your own insurance could help by covering the remaining expenses.
However, you should not have to bear the financial burden of someone else’s negligence. In fact, the best way to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve is through a lawsuit. A lawsuit provides you with the opportunity to recover damages that may not be covered by insurance, such as mental anguish and other non-economic damages. These damages can include things like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In addition, pursuing a lawsuit can also be helpful in insurance negotiations. When an insurer sees that you are serious about pursuing legal action, they are more likely to take your claim seriously and offer a fair settlement. This is because they know that if they do not, they might be facing a costly and time-consuming lawsuit.
How Comparative Fault Works in a Gallatin, TN Motorcycle Accident Case
Even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you might still be eligible for damages. However, the amount of compensation you receive might be reduced proportionally to the degree of your responsibility for causing the accident.
In Gallatin, a modified comparative fault system is in place, which follows the “50% rule.” If you are found to be at fault for any portion of the accident, the compensation you receive from the other driver will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. If it is determined that you are 50% or more at fault for causing your accident, you will not be able to recover any damages from the other driver, whether through insurance or at trial.
Can Motorcycles Lane Split in Gallatin, TN?
Lane splitting is a common practice among motorcyclists, but it remains illegal in Gallatin and throughout Tennessee. The law is clear that unless you are a police officer responding to a 911 call or performing your duties as an officer of the law, you are not permitted to ride your motorcycle between lanes of traffic in Gallatin.
According to T.C.A. , motorcyclists cannot overtake or pass in an already occupied lane. This prohibition also extends to riding between two lanes, i.e., do not ride on the center line. Lane splitting is illegal regardless of the direction of traffic, so splitting between vehicles going in the same direction is still prohibited. Motorcyclists must adhere to the same rules of the road as other vehicles and should not engage in any behavior that puts themselves or other drivers at risk.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Gallatin, TN
In Gallatin, a significant number of motorcycle accidents are a result of other drivers’ carelessness. However, this carelessness can manifest in various ways. The following are some of the typical causes of motorcycle accidents in Gallatin:
Distracted Driving
It is a widely observed fact that distracted driving is prevalent among all drivers regardless of their mode of transportation. Still, it poses a significantly higher risk for motorcyclists, who are more exposed to the dangers of the road than someone inside a car. While it might be noticeable when someone is texting or talking on the phone while driving, there are other ways drivers can become distracted, which can have severe consequences for motorcyclists.
Improper Left Turns
Gallatin is no stranger to motorcycle accidents, and one of the most prevalent causes is because of the negligence of other drivers who fail to properly execute left-hand turns. These careless drivers often fail to give way to oncoming motorcyclists, resulting in catastrophic accidents that can lead to life-altering injuries or even fatalities.
Meanwhile, for motorcyclists attempting to make left-hand turns, the risk is also high as they must cut across the opposite lane of traffic. Regrettably, these types of collisions commonly result in severe injuries and, all too often, tragic consequences.
Speeding
Driving above the speed limit or faster than the surrounding traffic significantly raises the probability of colliding with another vehicle or object. This is because a vehicle requires more time to come to a stop at higher speeds than at lower ones. When driving at excessive speeds, it becomes more challenging for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles, especially when they need to make sudden turns or brake abruptly.
This heightened risk is particularly dangerous for motorcyclists, who are more vulnerable to accidents caused by speeding drivers. Collisions that occur at high speeds have a greater potential to cause severe injury or even death to the rider involved.
Road Construction
Gallatin motorcycle accidents are often caused by road construction, which poses a significant challenge for motorcyclists. The limited visibility at night can make it hard for riders to see the construction zone, especially if they are approaching it at high speeds. Road construction is mostly carried out at night to minimize traffic congestion during the day, but this can make it harder for motorcyclists to navigate through the work zone.
Furthermore, construction workers might not have adequately marked the road or closed off lanes and ramps, thereby causing confusion among motorcyclists. This confusion can make it difficult for riders to determine their correct path or the appropriate speed to avoid an accident.
Our Gallatin, TN Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Help
For a free case assessment with our motorcycle accident lawyers, call Howe Law today at (844) 876-4357.
