Nashville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Nashville Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Many motorcycle operators enjoy the freedom that comes with riding motorcycles. Unfortunately, due to their design, motorcycle operators are in significant danger from other vehicles on the road. If a passenger vehicle or commercial truck causes a motorcycle accident, then the outcome could be catastrophic. If you were in a motorcycle accident, a Nashville motorcycle accident lawyer can help you recover compensation from the driver responsible for the accident.

Support From a Skilled Motorcycle Accident Attorney

It is recommended to work with an attorney when pursuing damages after a motorcycle accident. With several Lawyer of the Year honors, the Law Offices of Daniel L. Clayton has the skill and competence to help you reach a favorable outcome for your case. Helping our community in the Country Music Capital of the World is important to us, and this desire to serve extends to ensuring our clients receive the strongest legal strategy we can offer.

Motorcycle Accidents in Tennessee

In 2024, there were 310 total motorcycle crashes in Davidson County. More than 70% of these crashes involved a non-motorcycle vehicle. Many of the 310 accidents resulted in some type of injury:

• Possible injury: 24
• Minor injury: 147
• Serious injury: 65

Sixteen of the motorcycle crashes involved fatalities of the motorcycle operator. Though many motorcycle accidents occurred in Nashville and Davidson County, they are a small number compared to the 3,078 motorcycle accidents and 2,214 resulting injuries across the state.

Potential Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle operators are in danger from other motorists on the road because motorcycles do not offer the protection found in passenger vehicles. When a motorcycle is involved in an accident, the outcome can be catastrophic or even deadly injuries. Potential causes of motorcycle accidents include: 

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Road hazards
• Alcohol or drug-impaired driving
• Drowsy driving
• Mechanical failures
• Left turns

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident that was caused by another party, it is important that you seek damages from the responsible party. Receiving compensation can alleviate any financial burdens that resulted from the accident, such as medical bills or time off work, and allow you a financial cushion that allows you to focus on your recovery.

Determining Liability in a Motorcycle Accident

One of the first steps in recovering compensation after a motorcycle accident is determining that the other party was primarily at fault. If you can show that the other party was at least 50% responsible for the accident, then you are more likely to be able to recover compensation for injuries and property damage. Evidence that can be used to show fault includes: 

• Eyewitness statements from bystanders, other drivers, passengers, or anyone who saw the accident
• Photographs taken at the motorcycle accident scene
• Video surveillance captured by a camera on the motorcycle, nearby homes, or businesses
• A police or accident report written for the accident
• Mobile device records

Understanding which evidence is helpful for your case and compiling it to most effectively support your case can be difficult. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can examine your case and build a strong legal strategy using the evidence they gather. This allows you to focus on your recovery and helping your family through this challenging time.

Recoverable Compensation in a Motorcycle Accident Case

There are two main types of recoverable compensation in a motorcycle accident case, defined in the Tennessee Code Annotated § 29-39-101. They are:

• Economic damages. Economic damages are objectively verifiable financial losses. Expenses for medical care, such as hospital bills, rehabilitation services, and mental health treatment. Also covered are losses that result from an inability to work, such as loss of income, loss of job, or loss of earnings and earning capacity. Compensation can also be pursued to repair or replace property, and any costs related to the loss of its use.
• Non-economic damages. Non-economic damages are sought in response to physical and emotional pain, physical impairment, mental anguish, inconvenience, non-economic effects of disability, and all other nonpecuniary losses of any nature. These types of damages allow the injured to recover costs that are not easily quantifiable.

In some instances, the injured party or their representatives can pursue punitive damages. Punitive damages can only be awarded if there is clear and convincing evidence that the responsible party acted intentionally, fraudulently, maliciously, or recklessly. Punitive damages are meant to act as a punishment, deterring others from engaging in the activity that caused this accident.

It can be difficult to calculate the number of damages to pursue in a motorcycle accident personal injury case, especially for future expenses and non-economic damages. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can evaluate your case and help you determine an appropriate amount to seek. They can help ensure you are requesting an amount to prevent financial losses from the motorcycle accident.

Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Nashville

The aftermath of a motorcycle accident is likely to result in serious injury or even death in the most serious of cases. Whether you are recovering from an accident or grieving the loss of a loved one, taking on a legal battle against the responsible party may feel overwhelming. Allowing a motorcycle accident attorney to step in and take over your case frees you to focus on your life and helping your loved ones.

The Law Offices of Daniel L. Clayton understands the potential stakes during motorcycle accident cases and can throw our weight into helping you succeed. Though any motor vehicle accident attorney may help you get a settlement from the responsible party, working with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney is likely to yield the most favorable results. We are the right choice because we are:

• Experienced. Our team has more than 35 years of experience handling cases. This allows us to predict potential outcomes for your case and build legal strategies that can help us reach them. We can also anticipate potential issues and mitigate any issues that could arise.
• Communicative. We understand how anxiety-inducing a personal injury or wrongful death case can be. To help reduce some of this fear, our team is available to answer any questions or concerns that our clients may have.
• Well-respected. Our team contains members who are well-honored in the legal community. We have been named to Best Lawyers in America and included in the Mid-South Super Lawyer list as a top 50 Nashville Super Lawyer and top 100 Tennessee Super Lawyer.

FAQs About Nashville, TN Motorcycle Accident Laws

What Should I Do if I Am in a Motorcycle Accident in Tennessee?

If you are in a motorcycle accident in Tennessee, one of the first things you should do is seek medical care. Even if you do not believe you are injured, it is still recommended that you be evaluated, as some injuries can be hidden by adrenaline from the accident. After your injuries are treated, you should then reach out to a motorcycle accident attorney to see if you have a case to make a claim against the responsible party.

How Much in Damages Can I Recover After a Motorcycle Accident?

The total amount in damages that you can recover after a motorcycle accident in Tennessee depends on the circumstances of the accident. Some factors that can influence the amount you can pursue include the severity of your injuries, whether you are disabled, the presence of scarring, the amount of property damage, and the documented level of pain and suffering. A Nashville motorcycle accident can help you determine an appropriate settlement amount to pursue.

Does Shared Fault Impact Nashville, TN, motorcycle accident claims?

Shared fault can impact Nashville, TN, motorcycle accident claims. If more than one party is responsible for causing the accident, it can impact the amount each person can receive, if anything. In Tennessee we use a modified comparative fault system, which means if someone is found more than 50% responsible, they are unable to receive compensation regardless of the other party’s negligence. Contact a lawyer to learn more about your recovery potential.

Should I Provide Insurance Companies With a Recorded Statement After a Motorcycle Accident?

It is not generally recommended that you provide an insurance company, either yours or the other party’s, with a recorded statement after a motorcycle accident until you have spoken with an attorney. Often, insurance companies look for ways to reduce the compensation they owe and can use any statement you provide to accomplish that. An attorney can act as a shield, only providing the required information and protecting your interests.

Contact a Nashville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

The physical and mental trauma after a motorcycle accident can be immense. If you have been in an accident in Nashville, it is crucial that you reach out to a knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney.

The Law Offices of Daniel L. Clayton understands the problems you are likely to face after the crash and can manage the legal aspect of your recovery while you focus on your physical and mental recovery. We value our community and want to support you through this challenging time. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Nashville, schedule a consultation with our office to explore your options.