Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Memphis, TN

A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Memphis, TN Bikers Recommend Discusses Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents

Although any Tennessee vehicle accident can result in serious or severe injuries, those sustained in motorcycle accidents are often catastrophic. This is because there is nothing that protects motorcyclists when they are slammed into by a vehicle. At least when an accident victim is in a car or other type of vehicle, the body of that vehicle can act as a buffer or barrier from the impact, but no such protection occurs on a motorcycle. A motorcycle rider is almost 10 times more likely to be injured and 35 times more likely to be killed in a motorcycle accident than the occupant of a vehicle in a crash. If you have been injured, contact a motorcycle accident lawyer in Memphis, TN.

Who is responsible for most motorcycle accidents?

Despite what many non-riders may think, most motorcycle accidents are not caused by motorcyclists but are instead caused by other vehicle drivers. One of the most common statements that an at-fault driver of a motorcycle accident makes is that they did not see the motorcycle. This often occurs because the driver was distracted by something or engaged in some type of distracted driving behavior (such as texting) and slams into the bike. Failing to see the motorcycle can also result in the driver failing to yield the right-of-way to the motorcyclist and hitting the bike.

No matter how it happens, the end result is that the much larger vehicle slams into the unprotected motorcycle rider. Even if the vehicle does not actually make contact with the bike, the motorcyclists can still lose control of the bike in their attempt to not get hit and the bike can crash or fall over, seriously injuring the bike’s driver.

What are the most common reasons for motorcycle accidents?

A Memphis, TN motorcycle accident lawyer knows that federal data shows that the most common types of motorcycle crashes that involve another vehicle happen because:

•       The vehicle’s driver was speeding
•       The vehicle’s driver attempted to take a left turn as the motorcycle was going straight in the other direction and had the right-of-way (This accounts for more than 40 percent of motorcycle crashes).
•       Approximately two-thirds of all motorcycle crashes are classified as head-on collisions

How do victims and their families survive the overwhelming hardships that result from these types of crashes?

The injuries that a motorcycle accident victim sustains often leave them with permanent disabilities and unable to live the life they had before the crash. Many victims are left with injuries that will require a lifetime of medical care and it is not uncommon for these victims to also require other lifetime services, such as personal care assistance. These injuries often leave them unable to ever return to work.

A Memphis, TN motorcycle accident lawyer can assist in filing a motorcycle accident claim against the responsible driver. Victims can pursue damages for:

•       Past, present, and future medical costs. These include all doctor visits, surgeries, rehabs, physical and occupational therapy, medication, medical equipment, and even travel cost to get back and forth for medical treatment.
•       Earnings loss, as well as future income loss
•       Pain and suffering
•       Emotional anguish
•       Permanent disfigurement or scarring
•       Property damage

Have You Been Injured?

If you or anyone you know has suffered injuries from a motorcycle accident, a motorcycle accident lawyer in Memphis, TN from Patterson Bray knows that you may be facing a long recovery period. Medical bills will surely pile up and you might wonder what can be done to pay them, as well as ease your pain and suffering. You will face uncertainty because you don’t know how long our recovery period will be. All of these unknowns will make the following months challenging to go through, but with help from a trusted lawyer you can get peace of mind. They will be able to prepare a strong case for you so that you can recover the compensation that you deserve as an accident victim. Whether you are a motorcycle rider, pedestrian, or driver, a motorcycle accident lawyer has the skills and resources necessary to achieve positive results for you. 

We suggest consulting with our team from Patterson Bray to discuss what to expect when filing a personal injury claim against the responsible driver, and if you stand to receive a settlement. It is also possible that one of our attorneys can represent you and protect your best interests against the insurance company. Without properly evaluating your case, a lawyer will not be able to piece together all the facts and information. Reach out to a top motorcycle accident lawyer to receive personalized legal assistance now. 

Call our office today to schedule a risk-free consultation. There will not be a charge for this and your information will be kept confidential. Everything that you mention in the consultation is kept private and will not be relayed to other parties. 

Motorcycle accidents can result in particularly serious injuries, due to the minimal protection that motorcyclists have and the high rate of speed that motorcycles can quickly reach. Here are some of the most common types of serious injuries that one may suffer in a motorcycle accident:

Injuries to The Head

In many cases, this is a complex injury to treat and requires expensive medical care. One of the reasons why this is the case, is because of the long-lasting damage that can be caused, from head injuries. This ranges from concussions, severe brain trauma that can even lead to people being placed in comas for days and more.  For reasons such as these, injuries to the head tend to be very expensive. Moreover, any head injury, regardless of severity, must be treated promptly. If the collision was not your fault, a Tennessee motorcycle accident lawyer in Memphis from Patterson Bray can seek compensation from the negligent party. A motorcycle doesn’t afford as much protection as a car does in accidents. There are no airbags or walls to cushion the blow from impact so many motorcyclists wear protective gear to help avoid sustaining an injury from a collision. Riders only have their helmet and gear to rely on as protection. If an accident were to occur, there is not much protecting a rider from the impact against the pavement. 

A helmet cannot prevent all possible head injuries, but it can protect the head and lessen the severity of an injury. It can decrease the likelihood of a severe injury and brain damage. However, many riders do not wear helmets when riding even though it is widely known as a good safety practice. One of the reasons why this might be the case, is that some people who ride motorcycles may become so accustomed to never having an accident, they feel like wearing a helmet would be a waste of time.  However, like wearing a seatbelt, helmets prevent the possibility of severe brain damage and trauma that could come, with ever getting into an accident. Moreover, another reason why some motorcycle riders refuse to wear helmets is because of the following.  Helmets can feel restrictive to some riders, so they prefer not to wear it even on busy streets. This is a dangerous practice because of the high risk of injury that riders face. Not wearing a helmet in a collision can result in one or more serious head injuries including, but not limited to:

• Swelling
• Tissue damage
• Concussion
• Neck injuries
• Cracked skull
• Brain damage

Damage to Nerves and Muscles

You are at serious risk of muscle and nerve damage when riding a bike in a collision with another vehicle or fixed object. If untreated or undiagnosed, you may suffer permanent damage and may not be able to completely recover from the trauma. Injuries that affect the nerves and muscles are difficult to treat, so they require immediate medical attention. Even if you are experiencing minor symptoms, it’s best to have it evaluated by a doctor. Some injuries don’t present symptoms right away, so it is always best to visit a doctor immediately to get checked out, even if you feel fine.

If your prognosis is positive for a serious injury, consider contacting a Tennessee motorcycle accident lawyer in Memphis from Patterson Bray to learn about your legal options for compensation from the at-fault party.

Injuries to Legs

You have very little protection for your legs when riding a motorcycle. Usually, you are susceptible to fractures and breaks, shattered bones, and other injuries in an accident. You may be able to protect yourself somewhat by wearing reinforced leggings and leather pants, but they will not protect you from an impact with another vehicle. The force of a vehicle impact is too strong, so leg injuries are likely. This type of injury often has a long recovery period and you may not be able to return to work during that time. You rely on your legs to get around and complete any tasks, so a major leg injury is likely to force you to miss weeks or months of work. If you have recently been injured in a motorcycle accident and are struggling with the medical expenses, there is help available. Call Patterson Bray to speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Memphis and learn how we may be able to help you during your recovery.

If you or a family member is concerned about injuries sustained from a motorcycle accident, it may be in your best interest to consult with our experienced law firm. A top lawyer can evaluate your case and find out how much your case is worth. Once they determine the damages, they can build your case and advocate for your rights as a victim. You may be able to receive a financial settlement for your injuries and an attorney can help decide how best to proceed with a claim. We have helped many victims of serious accidents recover substantial settlements from those responsible.

4 Reasons Why Weather Affects Motorcyclists

Riding on your motorcycle down the highway or through back roads can be a fun, exhilarating time. However, when it starts to snow or rain, you may notice that your vehicle handles differently than before.

Learning about how weather affects motorcycles can help you understand how crashes may occur.

1. Less Traction

To successfully complete a quick turn or sudden stop, you need a lot of traction between the road and your tires. Tires without much traction can easily slip and slide as you drive, which can lead to an accident if you attempt to turn too quickly or stop too suddenly.

Even a small amount of rain can leave the roads slick. Some drivers underestimate the amount of water or snow it takes to make it slippery enough to crash. Talking to a motorcycle accident lawyer in Memphis, TN after an accident may help you determine what to do next.

2. More Overheating

Motorcyclists are exposed to outside weather directly, unlike drivers in trucks or cars that have roofs and doors. This means in the middle of a particularly hot and humid summer, you are more prone to heatstroke or other overheating issues.

One symptom of overheating is fainting, which can happen because of dehydration caused by too much exposure to the sun. Make sure to wear lightweight clothes. Contact a Motorcycle accident lawyer in Memphis, TN like Patterson Bray if you are in a heat-related crash.

3. Worse Grip

Driving a motorcycle in the middle of a rainstorm or a snowfall can leave you struggling to hold onto the handlebars. Keeping your hands and feet warm is even more important when you are on a motorcycle since you are exposed to extreme cold temperatures for a lengthy amount of time. If your hands or feet go numb, it makes it hard to properly steer or control your vehicle.

Wearing gloves and thermal outfits can help keep you insulated enough to avoid frostbite. If you are in an accident, consider looking for a Motorcycle accident lawyer in Memphis, TN.

4. Less Visibility

Sheets of rain or snow drifting into your direct line of sight can leave you struggling to see more than a few feet ahead of you on the road. Since there are no windshield wipers on a motorcycle, you cannot quickly clear your vision.

If you are in an accident, a motorcycle accident lawyer in Memphis, TN like Patterson Bray may be able to help you during this time.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

Lots of people in the local area love the freedom of the open road, the wind in their hair, and the sun at their backs. If this sounds like you, you probably enjoy riding a motorcycle. Unfortunately, accidents can happen at any time, and motorcycle accidents can be particularly dangerous. Because you don’t have any protection between your body and the pavement, you can suffer serious injuries even if you think the motorcycle accident is relatively minor. What are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents? Make sure you work with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Memphis, TN, such as the team from Patterson Bray, if you have been involved in a motorcycle collision.

Distracted Driving

Unfortunately, distracted driving is still a serious issue. Because motorcycles have a smaller silhouette, they are hard to spot on the road. As a result, a lot of distracted drivers will not realize that there is a motorcycle near them. They might want into the back of another motorcycle, or they may run over a motorcycle when they change lanes. If a serious motorcycle accident takes place, riders could suffer a traumatic brain injury. That is why all motorcycle riders need to wear a helmet every time they go out for a ride. If you have suffered an injury, you should rely on a motorcycle accident lawyer in Memphis, TN to help you. 

Bad Weather

Furthermore, bad weather can be a significant cause of motorcycle accidents. If you drive a car, you are protected by the frame of the car, the windshields, and your windshield wipers. Unfortunately, there is no such protection if you ride a motorcycle. Rain can make the road slick, which is significantly harder for motorcycles that only have two wheels. If there is poor weather, try to avoid going out on a motorcycle. If a thunderstorm develops unexpectedly, you may want to pull off to the side of the road.

Rely on a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

These are just a few of the many reasons why a motorcycle accident might take place in the local area. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, the first thing you do is seek the care of a medical professional. Then, make sure you rely on a motorcycle accident lawyer in Memphis, TN, such as an attorney from Patterson Bray, who can defend your rights and represent your best interests. 

About Patterson Bray

If you are looking for a motorcycle accident lawyer in Memphis, Tennessee, look no further than Patterson Bray. With two locations to choose from, Memphis and Nashville, our team of attorneys is waiting to meet with you and hear how we can help you today. Our staff of knowledgeable, determined, and experienced attorneys can walk you through the legal process and be there for you from the beginning to the end. We can provide you with a Memphis motorcycle accident lawyer you can trust.

We believe that smaller firms produce better work and better results. One of the reasons why clients do more efficient and refined work, is because there is a strong focus on having organizational aspects.  The main reason is because since the firm is smaller, it is easier for them to focus on specific tasks, rather than something that is of a grander scale.  Our clients feel very welcomed at our office and often become like family to our staff. If you are looking for a law firm that provides that personal level of work, we are the firm for you. We focus on several different areas of law, but we primarily focus on those listed below:

• Business Organization
• Estate Planning
• Business Litigation
• Personal Injury

About Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists often fall victim to the negligent actions of others on the road. Motorcycle riders have the right to ride and to do so freely. However, other drivers often ignore or threaten bikers’ rights with their negligent, reckless, or unlawful conduct, leading to motorcycle accidents and other bike-related incidents that cause physical and financial harm to victims. Some drivers are reluctant to share the road with motorcycle riders, and often become aggressive around them. Instances of road rage are one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents that can be prevented. Negligent drivers put themselves and others near them at risk of becoming seriously injured in an accident. When people are causing road rage, they are only thinking about their feelings, and there is a complete disregard for others.  This can end up causing car crashes, injuries to pedestrians, and of course, motorcycle accidents and severe injuries.  

Fortunately, bikers who are injured may be entitled to seek a monetary award to cover damages through a personal injury claim. If you are worried about being partially at fault in an accident, you may still be able to recover a portion of compensation to cover your losses. A Memphis, TN motorcycle accident lawyer can take you through the process of a personal injury case and make the tough decisions for you, so you can focus on recovering and getting back to your normal life. Motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries or even death.

If you have experienced any injuries listed below, you or a family member will want to seek out help from Patterson Bray right away. The following motorcycle accident injuries are just some injuries that a lawyer often sees in their cases:

• Road Rash
• Broken Bones
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Death

Many injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident can be life-threatening and prohibit you from living a normal life. They can also result in large medical bills, rehabilitation, loss of income, long-term care, or even leaving a family member to plan a funeral. We want to step in and help you receive the compensation you deserve, which will help ease the expense of some of these outcomes. We realize there is no amount of money that can bring someone back, or reverse the current conditions, but we believe a lawyer for motorcycle accidents in Memphis, TN can help bring some peace and justice to the situation. It is worth looking into your complete legal options so that you can obtain compensation that you deserve. 

Personal injury cases can be complicated to prove. As soon as the accident happens, you or a family member will want to gather as much evidence as possible. If there were witnesses, try and receive testimonies. Additionally, see if any street cameras viewed the crash and take pictures of the scene. The person who was at fault may not own up to the accident and may place the blame on the victim. Our attorneys can use the information gathered to pin the accident on the negligent person.

FAQ: Motorcycle Accident Settlements

In addition to the recovery process, an accident victim is likely consumed with whether to pursue a settlement with the insurance company for their losses. Our team can help in answering questions, and managing your accident case. Common settlement questions often plagued by accident victims include:

What type of injuries might I sustain?

Motorcycles are quite frankly less stable than cars and less visible to other drivers. Moreover, motorcyclists do not have the shielded protection of being inside of a car, which is why certain injuries may end up being more severe in motorcycle accidents, than that of a car crash. For example;  in a crash, motorcyclists like the protection of an enclosed vehicle, and according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the NHTSA, motorcycle riders are 26 times more likely to die in traffic than the passengers of vehicle occupants. Another statistic is that motorcyclists are five times more likely to be injured in a vehicle crash.

Some common injuries in a motorcycle accident can cause are listed below and this is not a born exhaustive list, but rather an overview.

• Traumatic brain injuries otherwise known as TBI’s are in the brain injured in an accident. The NHTSA conducted a study across 100,000 motorcyclists who were injured in traffic crashes and in 15% of helmeted and 21% of un-helmeted writers a separate TBI’s. Traumatic brain injuries also accounted for 54% of the rider’s within this group who did not survive. This is why it is essential for one to wear a helmet, when they ride a motorcycle.  Brain damage is one of the biggest risks of being in a motorcycle accident, when one does not wear a helmet.  Moreover, depending on the severity of the head injury, some damage can be irreversible. 
• Spinal cord injury is when the spinal cord is injured from the impact of the collision. This can cause paralysis such as paraplegia or quadriplegia in this type of catastrophic injury usually causes permanent disability for the victim.
• Lower extremity injuries, the NHTSA did another study of lower extremity injuries and motorcycle crashes and concluded that these injuries are sustained by rider’s more frequently than any other type of injury. Leg injuries are the most common lower extremity injury and bone fractures were more common than soft tissue injury.
• Internal injuries where there is damage to the internal organs and internal bleeding can be caused by blunt force trauma, such as a blow from something card that does not break the skin or penetration, when something sharp such as broken glass and debris penetrates the skin.
• Fractures are most common because motorcycles are not stable upright and they often fall over especially in an accident. Crashes happen quickly and the rider’s legs can be under the bike when it falls, wrists and arms can also be fractured when writers catch themselves to break the fall.
• Road rash is when the rider makes contact with the road surface during a crash, though – is considered a serious skin abrasion. The severity of this type of injury may range from mild to serious injury that will require prompt medical attention if these types of injuries are highly susceptible to serious infections.

Understanding the type of injuries that you may sustain in a motorcycle crash and how wearing a helmet or not wearing a helmet can affect your odds, may help you to be safer on the road, and help your lawyer later on if you go to trial over a motorcycle accident. 

What is the monetary value of the settlement I am entitled to? 

For obvious reasons, this is one of the first questions accident victims have for attorneys. Depending upon the severity of an accident, a victim could be dealing with significant injuries and losses. It’s not likely that a Memphis motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to directly answer this question right away. We will have to evaluate your case by carefully reviewing every last detail. By taking all of the below details into account, we will be able to assign an estimated value to your case:

• The severity of injuries
• Whether you are able to work
• Whether your ability to work in the future has been impacted
• Medical treatment for injuries
• Medical expenses

How long will it take to secure compensation for my motorcycle accident?

In most cases, pursuing an accident settlement with the insurance company is the fastest way to obtain compensation. However, should you hit snags or fail to reach an agreement, the process may be prolonged. In some cases, the larger the settlement, the longer it may take to resolve.

A trusted Memphis motorcycle accident lawyer in Tennessee will be able to assist and guide you through the entirety of this process. They will be working to ensure that you obtain the compensation you deserve, not just the first low offer from the insurance company. If an agreement is unable to be reached by both parties, you may choose to file a lawsuit.

What is the best way to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company?

One of the best ways to endure negotiations with the insurance company is with the help of our team at Patterson Bray. With our assistance, you can ensure that your claim is valued properly and negotiated by a professional who has experience with negotiation tactics.

Negotiating a claim on your own can be a stressful process. Because of this, it’s easy to be tempted into accepting the first offer an insurance company presents you with. We can review all offers and speak with the insurance company regarding their reasoning for the offer.  They can then advise you whether you should continue to negotiate or accept the offer being presented.

Should I pursue a lawsuit if my accident claim is rejected by the insurance company?

This will depend on the details surrounding your accident and the damages you have sustained as a result. In some cases, an insurance company may not be willing to offer you a settlement that covers all of your losses. Our team can be helpful in reviewing your accident claim and determining the best course of action. In some cases, pursuing a lawsuit may be the best way to obtain the compensation you deserve.

Pursuing a motorcycle accident claim with the insurance company may be the best way to secure compensation for your losses. With the help of our team, your claim and the negotiation process to follow can be managed with far less stress. Utilizing a trusted TN motorcycle accident lawyer’s services can ensure that your claim is receiving the attention it needs so that you can focus on your recovery.

Ignoring a Motorcycle Rider’s Right-of-Way Can Be Deadly

Far too often, people who drive cars, SUVs, trucks, and commercial vehicles in Tennessee fail to consider the threat they pose to motorcyclists on the streets and highways. These drivers must mind their own personal conduct and how it affects the safety of motorcyclists on the road. Obeying traffic laws and extending common courtesies to motorcyclists helps to keep everyone safe, particularly when high speeds are involved.

Unfortunately, a Memphis, TN motorcycle accident lawyer knows that many drivers fail to operate their vehicle safely in regards to motorcyclists by tailgating, aggressively moving in and out of traffic lanes, speeding, and driving distractedly. When a driver puts one’s own interests before the safety of motorcyclists, that can lead to millions of motorcycle and car accidents in the nation every year. If you happen to be involved in such an accident, a motorcycle accident lawyer in Tennessee from Patterson Bray can help.

Drivers Should Watch Out for Motorcycles

When individuals operate a car or other motor vehicle, every decision they make while driving can have a significant impact on their future and the futures of others. If they run a stop sign, turn against a traffic signal, or make some other error that causes a motorcycle accident, they could be liable for traffic charges, or even criminal charges to be brought against them. They could also face hefty court fines and fees, losing their driver’s licenses, jail or prison time, or many other penalties, depending on their actions and the results of a crash.

However, the fallout may not end there. These drivers could be held liable for the monetary harm that resulted from their actions, as well. Accidents do not just have a present impact, but they also can leave a future impact as well.  This does not just refer to physical and mental injuries, but also financial expenses as well.  This can include a motorcycle rider’s:

• Emergency medical expenses
• Future medical costs
• Lost wages
• Lost earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Anything else an accident victim suffered due to your actions 

Car insurance policies may cover some of these costs, but drivers in Tennessee may be underinsured. They may also be personally liable for any damages beyond the insurance coverage they carry.

Get Help from a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If another driver or rider has caused your motorcycle accident, you are well-advised to get professional legal assistance from Patterson Bray. You need to hold a negligent individual accountable for their driving offenses. You also need to know how to maximize any payouts or settlements that you are due for your damages. Contact a Tennessee motorcycle accident lawyer in Memphis to discuss your situation in a case review.

How does lane splitting affect your motorcycle accident claim? 

One of the common causes of truck accidents is when motorcycle riders lane-split in traffic. Lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle rider shares a lane with another car or rides between lanes in traffic. An example would be if you are stopped behind cars and trucks in a traffic jam. While there is not much for the cars and trucks to do in this scenario, motorcycle riders often find this to be a good opportunity to get ahead of the traffic and ride through it to get to their destination. 

Is lane splitting legal? 

Although there are instances where lane splitting may help with the flow of traffic, it is not legal to do so under Tennessee law. It can be incredibly hard to know when to do this maneuver safely and in doing so, other drivers may not see a motorcyclist or they may become angry that the motorcyclist is avoiding traffic. Lane splitting can also be part of the reason accidents happen as many people may not be expecting a motorcycle to drive up next to them or in their lane. 

How does lane splitting affect your injury claim?

When you have been injured in an accident by a car or a truck while riding your motorcycle, you may be wondering if lane splitting will affect the amount of compensation you get. The state of Tennessee is an at-fault state, which means the person who is responsible for the accident is likely going to be the one whose insurance will pay for damages. If you were entirely at fault for the accident because of lane splitting, then you may be on the hook when it comes to insurance paying for damages. However, Tennessee also operates under “comparative negligence.” This means that more than one party may be responsible for the accident occurring. 

So, even if you were lane splitting and were partially responsible for the accident, if the other party was also responsible for the accident, their insurance may be paying for your injuries. In the event the other party is over 50% responsible for your injuries, you should work with a lawyer to help provide evidence showing you need compensation for your injuries. 

When it is unclear who is more at fault for your injuries, working with a lawyer can be very helpful, especially when gathering evidence to determine compensation amount and determine who may have caused the accident. 

Choose Patterson Bray

Our staff of experienced and personable attorneys is ready to take on your case and be there for you from the beginning to the end. Choose from one of our two locations, and stop by today for a free consultation. We can provide you with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Memphis, TN that citizens can trust, so call Patterson Bray today.

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