If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need an attorney on your side right away to help ensure you are not cheated out of fair compensation. Attorney Thornbury has decades of experience helping victims of serious injury get the full compensation they are due. Call our Chattanooga office at 423-752-0544 to schedule your complimentary case review today.
Leading Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that around 70% of all motorcycle accidents impact the front end of the bike. This is consistent with studies that have found a majority of motorcycle accidents occur when the drivers of other vehicles turn into them or cut them off. Low visibility is often blamed for these accidents.
In addition to low visibility, common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Inattention/distracted driving
- Drug and alcohol use
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Poorly maintained roadways
There can be myriad contributing factors to motorcycle accidents. Without a proper investigation, the true cause of yours may never be uncovered.
Herbert Thornbury is prepared to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of your accident to help build an effective case that seeks the compensation you ae due. Before you accept an insurance settlement, be sure to speak with Mr. Thornbury to establish what your case is actually worth.
Reducing Your Risk of Injury
Driving defensively and paying attention are the best ways to avoid causing an accident. These same steps can help you avoid being involved in someone else’s accident as well, though there is no guarantee against other people’s behavior.
To help prevent serious injury in the case of an accident, always ride sober, follow posted speed limits and traffic signs, and remain constantly aware of your surroundings. In addition, you can protect yourself by wearing a helmet, leathers, boots, and gloves while riding. Helmet use is required under almost all circumstances in Tennessee.
In addition to personal safety gear, you must have a Class M license to operate a motorcycle in Tennessee and your bike must have:
- Two mirrors
- Two turn signals
- Front and rear brakes
- Headlight, taillight, and brake lights
- A horn
Motorcycles must also have a windshield or, barring that, all riders must have protective goggles or impact-resistant glasses.
Motorcycle Accident Damages
Damages that may be awarded in a motorcycle accident lawsuit include:
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Wages lost while recovering
- Projected future lost wages
- Home modifications
- Adaptive technologies
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
Damages in a personal injury lawsuit fall into two categories: economic and noneconomic. Economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, are provable and may be covered, at least in part, by initial insurance settlements. Noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering, will likely not be awarded by insurance.
It can seem tempting to settle your claim with an insurance company before filing suit, but this may see you voluntarily giving up damages you are owed. Before you accept an offer from insurance, discuss your rights and your options with Herbert Thornbury to make sure you are choosing the best path forward.
Will My Motorcycle Accident Claim Go to Trial?
Nearly all personal injury claims are settled pretrial, often during mediation and settlement negotiations. Trial occurs only when a settlement cannot be reached beforehand.
Attorney Thornbury prepares every case for trial, even when settlement is likely. This helps ensure that, regardless of settlement outcomes, your best interests will continued to be represented.
How to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim
The surest way to file a viable motorcycle accident claim is working with an experienced and qualified attorney. Having an attorney assist with this process can help prevent common pitfalls and work to ensure your claim is awarded the attention it deserves.
When you choose Herbert Thornbury for your motorcycle accident claim, you are selecting an attorney with more than 45 years of experience. A board-certified trial specialist with a long and impressive track record, Mr. Thornbury welcomes the opportunity to meet with you, free of obligation and cost, to help you determine the best course of action.
Client Testimonials:
- "In my opinion Herbert is the best attorney in Chattanooga. His reputation precedes him. He fights hard for you, keeps you informed on your case, and gets you top dollar." - C.H.
- "Herbert and his wonderful staff made my whole process simple and easy. They kept me well informed and answered all my questions. They were all professional and showed concerned over the stress my family and me were under. He is the most knowledgeable attorney I have ever met. He worked hard for me and the great results proved it. You can't go wrong choosing this attorney and his team." - D.P.
Do I have a Viable Motorcycle Accident Claim?
You may be entitled to seek compensation following a motorcycle accident if you have sustained serious injury and were not solely at fault for the accident. In Tennessee, you can file a lawsuit against all responsible parties, even in cases where your actions played a role in the accident.
The best way to find out if you have cause to file suit is through a consultation at our Chattanooga office. Call us today at 423-752-0544 to schedule your free case review and learn more.
