Motorcycle accidents often lead to severe injuries because of the minimal protection motorcycles provide compared to cars, leaving riders more exposed to direct impacts. Further, the smaller size of motorcycles can make them less visible to other drivers, leading to collisions that result in significant harm to riders.
In the aftermath of your motorcycle crash in Smyrna, TN, you may be able to file a claim against the at-fault party and their insurance company. There are multiple types of damages that may be compensated. During our free assessment of your potential case, our legal team will determine the appropriate course of action and identify the monetary damages that may be available.
Seek guidance from our motorcycle accident lawyers by calling Howe Law today at (844) 876-4357.
Time Limit to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Smyrna, TN
Deadlines to file specific types of lawsuits are governed by states’ statutes of limitations. In Tennessee, the time window to file a motorcycle accident case is established by T.C.A. § 28-3-104. Usually, you will have one year from the date of your crash to bring your claim to court. If you do not act in adherence with this deadline, then you may miss your chance to obtain financial compensation.
Furthermore, even though you may have up to a year to file your lawsuit, you should begin working on your case as soon as possible after your accident. Important evidence required to support your claim may become hard to preserve or gather as time goes on. For example, witnesses may forget important details and physical evidence can deteriorate. The more quickly you seek help from our motorcycle accident attorneys, the more efficiently we can gather the information needed to win your case.
Considering Settlement Offers in Smyrna Motorcycle Accident Cases
When you file a motorcycle accident lawsuit, the defendant will likely present you with a settlement offer at some point before going to trial. If you accept their offer and enter into a settlement agreement, then you will be awarded a certain amount of damages in exchange for the dismissal of your case.
There are advantages to settling early. However, defendants and their insurance companies often attempt to settle motorcycle accident claims quickly and cheaply. Our experienced legal team can help negotiate for a more appropriate offer in your case. Additionally, if an acceptable offer is not presented, then we will take your case to trial and fight for the full extent of damages you deserve.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Smyrna, TN
There are several potential causes of harmful motorcycle crashes. If your collision occurred because another party exhibited any of the following forms of negligence, then our legal professionals can explain the best route to compensation:
Unsafe Lane Changes
Unsafe lane changes occur when motorists switch lanes without properly signaling or checking their blind spots. As a motorcyclist, you might have experienced the consequences of a car or truck abruptly veering into your path, leaving you with little time to react and avoid a collision. These accidents often result from inattentive or negligent driving.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a significant concern for bikers. Many accidents happen because of drivers who are texting, talking on their phones, or engaging in other activities that divert their attention away from the road. When a driver fails to notice you because they are preoccupied with their mobile device or other distractions, it can lead to devastating consequences.
Speeding
Excessive speed is another major factor in motorcycle accidents. When drivers exceed the speed limits or drive too fast for the road conditions, they have less time to react to unexpected events. High-speed collisions can cause severe injuries to motorcyclists because they often result in more significant impacts.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents. Impaired drivers have impaired judgment and reaction times, making them more likely to collide with motorcycles. These accidents can be particularly dangerous because the impaired driver may not be able to avoid the crash.
Failure to Yield the Right of Way
Accidents frequently occur because other vehicles fail to yield the right of way to motorcyclists. This could happen at intersections, when cars make left turns in front of an oncoming motorcycle, or when a vehicle fails to give way at a merge point. You might have experienced a collision because another driver didn’t respect your right of way, causing a hazardous situation.
Sudden Stops
Motorcycle accidents can also result from a vehicle making a sudden stop in front of you. These incidents can happen because of a distracted driver, a sudden traffic jam, or a driver misjudging their braking distance. As a motorcyclist, you have less protection than those in enclosed vehicles, making it difficult to avoid rear-end collisions.
Defective Road Conditions
In some cases, accidents occur because of defective road conditions. Potholes, uneven road surfaces, debris, or inadequate signage can create hazardous situations for motorcyclists. It’s important to be aware of these factors, but in many cases, accidents happen because the responsible authorities have neglected their duty to maintain safe roads.
Inadequate Weather Precautions
Motorcycle accidents can be more likely to happen during adverse weather conditions. Rain, snow, and fog reduce visibility and road traction, making it challenging to control your motorcycle. In some cases, other drivers may not adjust their driving behavior to accommodate these conditions, putting you at greater risk.
Opening Car Doors
Sometimes, accidents occur when occupants of parked cars open their doors without checking for oncoming traffic, including motorcycles. This sudden obstruction in your path can lead to a collision, causing injuries or damage to your bike. It’s essential to stay vigilant when passing parked cars to avoid these accidents.
Vehicle Malfunctions
Lastly, vehicle malfunctions can also lead to motorcycle accidents. When a car or truck experiences mechanical issues like brake failure or tire blowouts, it can lead to a loss of control and potential collisions with motorcycles. These accidents are typically beyond the control of both the motorcyclist and the vehicle driver.
Call Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for Assistance with Your Case in Smyrna, TN
Get help from our motorcycle accident attorneys at Howe Law by dialing (844) 876-4357.
