Riding a motorcycle can be a thrilling experience, but it also comes with a greater risk of accidents and injuries than driving a car. Knoxville, Tennessee, is no exception, with its winding roads and scenic routes that attract motorcyclists from all over the country. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents happen all too often in Knoxville, and when they do, it’s important to have a competent and experienced attorney on your side.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Knoxville, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. Here’s what you need to know about motorcycle accidents in Knoxville and how a motorcycle accident attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Knoxville Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, there were 2,875 motorcycle crashes in the state in 2021, resulting in 161 fatalities and 2.875 injuries. Knox County, where Knoxville is located, had 164 motorcycle crashes in 2021.
In Tennessee, motorcycle riders are required to wear helmets unless they are over the age of 21 and have proof of insurance or have completed a motorcycle rider education course. Despite this requirement, many riders still choose not to wear helmets, putting themselves at greater risk of head injuries in the event of an accident.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including driver error, road conditions, and weather. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Knoxville include:
Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other distracting activities are more likely to cause accidents.
Speeding: Excessive speed is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents in Knoxville, particularly on winding roads where riders may lose control of their bikes.
Impaired driving: Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are more likely to cause accidents.
Lane splitting: Lane splitting, which is illegal in Tennessee, occurs when a motorcycle rider drives between two lanes of traffic, putting themselves at risk of a collision with other vehicles.
Left-hand turns: When a driver makes a left-hand turn in front of a motorcycle, the rider may not have enough time to stop or swerve to avoid a collision.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Knoxville, it’s important to take the following steps:
Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible after an accident. Some injuries, such as concussions and internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent.
Call the police: If you’ve been involved in an accident, call the police immediately. The police will file a report and gather evidence that can be used to support your case.
Exchange information: Get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all parties involved in the accident, as well as any witnesses. This information will be important if you decide to pursue a claim for damages.
Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to your motorcycle and any injuries you’ve sustained. This evidence can be used to support your case.
Contact a motorcycle accident attorney: A motorcycle accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
How a Knoxville Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Knoxville, a motorcycle accident attorney can help you in a number of ways:
Investigating the accident: Your attorney will gather evidence from the accident, including police reports, witness statements, and photos, to determine who was at fault for the accident.
Calculating damages: Your attorney will help you calculate the damages you are entitled to, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
Negotiating with insurance companies: Your attorney will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure that you receive a fair settlement for your damages.
Representing you in court: If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will represent you in court and fight for your rights.
Providing legal guidance: Your attorney will guide you through the legal process and answer any questions you may have along the way.
Choosing the Right Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Choosing the right motorcycle accident attorney is crucial to the success of your case. Here are some factors to consider when selecting an attorney:
Experience: Look for an attorney with experience in handling motorcycle accident cases. Ask about their track record and the results they have achieved for their clients. At the Law Firm of Kass & Moses, we have over 30 years of experience representing thousands of injured bikers.
Reputation: Check online reviews and ask for references from past clients to ensure that the attorney has a good reputation.
Communication: Choose an attorney who communicates clearly and regularly with you throughout the process. We take pride in being available any time a client needs us, even on evenings or weekends.
Availability: Make sure the attorney is available to answer your questions and address your concerns.
Fees: Find out how the attorney charges for their services, whether it’s on a contingency basis or hourly rate. At Kass & Moses, we charge on a contingency basis. We believe it can be a hardship to pay money when you are struggling to just meet your basic bills after a motorcycle accident. Therefore, we do not charge you anything until your case is resolved.
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Knoxville, it’s important to seek the help of an experienced and competent motorcycle accident attorney. Your attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
Remember to always wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle and follow all traffic laws to reduce your risk of being involved in an accident. And if you are ever involved in an accident, follow the steps outlined above to protect your legal rights and ensure that you get the help you need.