Maryville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle fatalities have seen a sharp increase in the past few years, with 168 motorcyclists killed in 2018, and 152 in 2019, the most recent years for which there is data, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. In fact, each of these years led to more motorcyclist deaths than any other year in the last two decades, and this comes at a time when car occupant fatalities are decreasing in the state of Tennessee. Unlike car occupants, who benefit from greater and more advanced safety features every year, motorcyclists are left to deal with the increasing speed, aggression, and distraction that drivers are causing. If you were injured in a motorcycle crash, the negligent party who caused the collision should be held accountable, and the Maryville motorcycle accident lawyers at Fox, Farley, Willis & Burnette are here to help.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes
Most motorcycle crashes in which the other party was at fault include:
- Aggressive driving;
- Distracted driving;
- Impatient driving;
- Speeding;
- Drunk driving; and
- Impatient driving.
A motorcyclist’s relatively smaller size is not an excuse for a car or truck driver to “not see” them when making a turn or pulling out into traffic. Yet, this is one of the most frequent excuses that drivers make. Drivers who change lanes into the motorcyclist’s lane of traffic, veer or merge into a motorcyclist who has the right of way, or otherwise cut off the motorcyclist, are at fault. Other examples of at fault drivers include:
- Driver rear ends a motorcyclist;
- Driver makes a dangerou pass on a country road, causing a head on crash;
- Driver comes too close and causes the motorcyclist to lose control or forces them to take an emergency action, such as braking or dumping the bike;
- Driver backs up into the motorcyclist from a driveway, parking lot, parking spot, or side street; and
- Many more.
Common Injuries Sustained by Motorcyclists
Whether a motorcyclist wears a helmet or not, they often suffer extreme injuries when involved in collisions with cars, trucks, and other larger vehicles. In fact, almost all of the motorcyclist fatalities that have occurred in the past few years have been helmeted. Motorcyclists have zero protection aside from their helmet and potentially a thin layer of leather or a riding jacket. Common injuries include:
- Road rash;
- Deep lacerations;
- Contusions;
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Fractured arm or leg;
- Fractured pelvis;
- Spinal cord injury;
- Fractured vertebrae;
- Facial injuries; and
- Whiplash.
Call a Maryville Motorcycle Collision Lawyer
In order to win a lawsuit verdict or settlement, you must be able to show liability as well as establish your damages. Injured motorcyclists can file personal injury lawsuits to be compensated for damages including medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, lost lifetime earnings, property damage, loss of joy of life, emotional distress, and much more. To hold the negligent driver accountable for their careless or reckless actions, call the Maryville motorcycle collision lawyers at Fox, Farley, Willis & Burnette today at 865-457-6440 to schedule a free case evaluation.
