Knowledgeable Lebanon Motorcycle Injury and Accident Lawyers
Representing motorcyclists in Mt. Juliet, Cookeville, and Middle Tennessee
Motorcycles offer the promise of freedom, of rides on the highway with the wind on your face and a powerful machine between your knees. However, along with the potential freedom comes the nagging worry about whether this ride will be the one where you get hit and suffer a serious injury or even death. Some motorcycle accidents are so terrible it seems like a miracle that the rider survived.
At the law firm of Lowery, Lowery & Cherry PLLC, our experienced Lebanon motorcycle accident attorneys protect the right of our clients who have been injured in motorcycle crashes. We help them to recover financial compensation to help them recover from their injuries, so they can get back to their lives. Our personal injury attorneys offer free case reviews where you can discuss your case and get your questions answered, and you never pay attorney fees until we recover compensation for you. We are here to help you.
The problem with cars and motorcycles
An issue that often arises regarding motorcycle crashes is limited visibility. The driver of the vehicle that has struck a motorcyclist might say, "I just didn't see them," when they realize that they caused the crash. An article in Road & Track Magazine describes the mechanics of human vision and how faulty it can be. According to the author, "If you don't expect to see a motorcycle or pedestrian during a certain part of your morning commute, your brain will often ignore a motorcycle or pedestrian right in front of you, particularly if they aren't moving sideways across your field of vision." The story describes how drivers can look at motorcyclists, pedestrians, or bicyclists in front of them and not see them. The author stresses the importance of looking around, checking mirrors, and taking the time to take in what you are seeing. If you are looking out for motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians, you will see them when they are around. Even if driver claims they did not see you, you can still hold them responsible for negligence if they caused the crash that injured you.
What are the common causes of Lebanon motorcycle accidents?
The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that motorcyclists are much more likely than occupants of a passenger vehicle to die or sustain an injury in a crash. Older riders also seem to sustain more serious injuries, possibly because of declining vision, slowed reaction time, increase fragility, and the larger bikes that older riders prefer but that roll over more frequently.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2018, there were 4,985 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes. The following are some examples of factors that can cause motorcycle accidents because the drivers did not see the motorcyclist:
- Distracted driving, which might include texting or talking on a cell phone, distractions from other passengers inside the vehicle, or visual distractions outside the vehicle
- Driver fatigue; drivers who are too sleepy to drive can be as hazardous as a driver who has had too much alcohol
- Drunk or drugged driving slows a driver's reaction time and makes it difficult to focus on driving safely
- Poor weather conditions such as fog or falling snow
- Night driving, making visibility difficult
- Dooring accidents when a vehicle occupant does not look before opening their door in the path of a motorcyclist
- Failure to check blind spots
- Defective equipment, such as faulty brakes
Riding a motorcycle is an enjoyable activity for many Americans. However, sharing the road with other motorists can increase the chances of getting involved in a crash. Some motorcycle crashes can be caused by the motorcyclist's speeding, lack of training, or inability to control the bike, but the most common causes of motorcycle crashes are other motorists’ failure to see motorcyclists in traffic. Intersections are a common place for accidents between motorcyclists and other motor vehicles when drivers fail to yield the right of way, or they simply turn without looking or seeing the motorcycle.
What are some examples of typical motorcycle crash injuries?
There are many different possible injuries that a motorcyclist might suffer in a crash. The following are some of the more common ones:
- Broken bones
- Facial fractures
- Head and brain injury
- Back and neck injury
- Road rash
- Spinal cord injury
- Limb loss
- Death
Motorcycle helmet use in Tennessee
The Insurance Information Institute reports that motorcycle helmets have been shown to be effective in both preventing death and reducing the severity of injuries in motorcycle riders. The challenge is that less than half of the states in the country have mandatory helmet laws. Tennessee has a universal helmet law, which means that all riders must wear a helmet. The NHTSA conducted a study on helmet safety, which looked at what happened when ten states which once had universal helmet laws, repealed the law. Helmet use dropped from 99 percent to 50 percent. In states where the universal helmet law was reinstated, helmet use rates went back up above 95 percent.
How can a Lebanon motorcycle accident attorney help me?
If you are going to pursue compensation from the party responsible for your injuries, it is vital that you work with an experienced accident attorney. At Lowery, Lowery & Cherry, our skilled Lebanon motorcycle accident lawyers are here to serve you by investigating the cause of the crash, gathering evidence, work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary, and develop a strong case on your behalf.
If we are successful in proving that the defendant's negligence was the direct cause of your injuries, you may be able to recover financial compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses, like hospital bills, rehabilitation, physical therapy, chiropractic care, and other medical services now and in the future related to the injury.
- Pain and suffering from your injuries and how they detract from your quality of life.
- Lost wages, and the impact of any permanent disability if it diminishes your earning capacity in the future.
- Punitive damages may be available depending on the circumstances of the motorcycle crash. If the at-fault party was reckless and purposefully trying to harm you or was drunk or drugged at the time of the crash, punitive damages may be an option.
Some people will automatically blame the motorcyclist when there is a crash. There has been a general perception that some motorcyclists do not drive safely. When you know that you have been driving safely and observing the law, your Lebanon motorcycle accident attorney is prepared to protect your right to recover fair compensation when your injuries are because of someone else's negligence.
Contact a knowledgeable Lebanon motorcycle accident attorney today
Motorcycle accident injuries can have a devastating impact on your life. You may be in pain, unable to work, and facing staggering medical bills. At Lowery, Lowery & Cherry PLLC, our skilled motorcycle accident attorneys are here to represent your interests when you have been injured in a motorcycle crash. You are invited to call 615-444-7222 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve clients in Lebanon, Mt. Juliet, Cookeville, Nashville, and throughout Tennessee.