Motorcycle Accidents | The Evans Law Firm
Tennessee Personal Injury
& Civil Litigation
Knox, Jefferson, Sevier, Blount, Loudon, and other counties in East TN.
From Wreckage to Recovery
Don't Let Insurance Companies Dictate Your Settlement
Knoxville Motorcycle Accident Attorney
When Drivers Fail to See Motorcycles, Riders Pay the Price
Motorcyclists have the same rights to Tennessee roads as everyone else.
Unfortunately, many drivers fail to pay attention, fail to yield, or simply fail to see motorcycles until it is too late.
The result can be devastating.
Unlike occupants of passenger vehicles, motorcyclists have little protection during a collision. Even relatively low-speed accidents can result in serious injuries, lengthy recoveries, permanent disabilities, and overwhelming medical expenses.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Knoxville or anywhere in East Tennessee, you deserve an attorney who understands both the legal challenges and the unique biases motorcycle riders often face.
At The Evans Law Firm, we fight for injured riders and their families. We work to hold negligent drivers accountable and pursue the compensation our clients need to rebuild their lives.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, contact The Evans Law Firm today for a free consultation.
Motorcycle Accidents Are Different
Motorcycle accidents are often far more serious than traditional car accidents.
Without the protection of a vehicle frame, airbags, and seatbelts, riders frequently suffer severe injuries when a collision occurs.
Even when wearing proper safety gear, a motorcyclist can suffer life-changing injuries from a crash caused by someone else's negligence.
Many motorcycle accident victims face:
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Emergency surgery
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Extended hospitalization
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Rehabilitation
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Lost income
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Permanent disability
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Emotional trauma
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Ongoing pain
Unfortunately, they often face another challenge as well: unfair assumptions.
Insurance companies frequently attempt to portray riders as reckless, even when the evidence clearly shows another driver caused the collision.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Most motorcycle accidents are not caused by the rider.
Instead, they are often caused by inattentive or careless drivers who fail to share the road safely.
Left-Turn Accidents
One of the most common motorcycle crashes occurs when a vehicle turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle.
Drivers frequently misjudge the speed or distance of an approaching rider.
Failure to Yield
Many drivers fail to yield the right-of-way at intersections, stop signs, and merging lanes.
Distracted Driving
Texting, social media use, GPS devices, and other distractions contribute to countless motorcycle collisions each year.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Drivers often fail to check blind spots before changing lanes.
Because motorcycles have a smaller profile than passenger vehicles, they are frequently overlooked.
Drunk Driving
Alcohol and drug impairment remain major causes of serious and fatal motorcycle accidents throughout Tennessee.
Rear-End Collisions
A rear-end collision that may cause minor damage to a car can result in catastrophic injuries for a motorcyclist.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle crashes frequently produce severe injuries because riders lack the protection available to occupants of larger vehicles.
Common injuries include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Even with a helmet, riders may suffer concussions and traumatic brain injuries that affect memory, concentration, and daily functioning.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Damage to the spinal cord can lead to chronic pain, loss of mobility, paralysis, and lifelong medical needs.
Broken Bones
Fractures involving the arms, legs, ribs, hips, and pelvis are common in motorcycle accidents.
Road Rash
Road rash can range from minor abrasions to severe skin damage requiring surgery and skin grafts.
Internal Injuries
Internal bleeding and organ damage may not be immediately apparent after a crash but can become life-threatening without prompt treatment.
Permanent Disability
Many motorcycle accident victims face lasting physical limitations that affect their careers, hobbies, and quality of life.
What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
The steps you take immediately after a crash can significantly impact your health and your claim.
Seek Medical Treatment
Always seek medical evaluation as soon as possible.
Adrenaline often masks pain and symptoms immediately after an accident.
Prompt treatment protects both your health and your legal claim.
Call Law Enforcement
A police report provides important documentation regarding:
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Driver information
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Witnesses
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Insurance coverage
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Road conditions
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Preliminary fault determinations
Document the Scene
If possible, gather:
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Photos of all vehicles
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Motorcycle damage
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Roadway conditions
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Skid marks
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Traffic signs
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Visible injuries
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Witness information
Preserve Your Gear
Do not throw away:
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Helmets
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Riding jackets
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Gloves
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Boots
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Protective equipment
These items may become important evidence later in the case.
Contact an Attorney
Insurance companies often begin investigating immediately.
Having legal representation early can help protect your rights and preserve critical evidence.
Tennessee Motorcycle Accident Laws
Tennessee follows an at-fault system.
To recover compensation, an injured rider must generally prove that another party's negligence caused the accident.
Examples of negligence may include:
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Distracted driving
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Speeding
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Failure to yield
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Impaired driving
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Improper lane changes
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Reckless driving
Evidence may include:
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Police reports
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Witness statements
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Surveillance footage
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Traffic camera footage
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Cell phone records
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Accident reconstruction analysis
Comparative Fault in Tennessee
Insurance companies often try to shift blame to motorcyclists.
Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault system.
If you are partially responsible for the accident, your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
However, you may still recover compensation as long as you are less than 50% responsible.
Because insurers frequently attempt to exaggerate a rider's fault, experienced legal representation is often critical.
Compensation Available After a Motorcycle Accident
Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include:
Medical Expenses
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Emergency treatment
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Hospital bills
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Surgery
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Physical therapy
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Rehabilitation
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Future medical care
Lost Wages
Compensation for income lost while recovering from injuries.
Future Lost Earning Capacity
Serious injuries may affect your ability to work for years to come.
Property Damage
Compensation for motorcycle repairs or replacement.
Pain and Suffering
Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life may all be compensable.
Permanent Disability
Long-term injuries often justify significant additional compensation.
Insurance Companies and Motorcycle Bias
Many riders encounter unfair assumptions during the claims process.
Insurance adjusters may attempt to argue:
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The rider was speeding
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The rider was reckless
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The rider was difficult to see
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The rider assumed the risk
These arguments are often unsupported by the evidence.
At The Evans Law Firm, we work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and investigators to challenge these stereotypes and focus on the facts.
Uninsured and Underinsured Drivers
Unfortunately, many Tennessee drivers carry little or no insurance coverage.
When that happens, injured riders may still have options through:
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Uninsured motorist coverage
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Underinsured motorist coverage
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Additional insurance policies
We explore every available source of compensation.
Why Choose The Evans Law Firm?
Motorcycle accident claims require more than simply submitting paperwork to an insurance company.
Our firm helps clients by:
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Investigating crashes
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Preserving evidence
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Working with accident reconstruction experts
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Obtaining medical records
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Calculating damages
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Negotiating with insurers
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Filing lawsuits when necessary
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Taking cases to trial when appropriate
We understand the challenges riders face and fight aggressively to protect their rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I wasn't wearing a helmet?
You may still have a valid claim. The impact of helmet use depends on the facts and circumstances of the case.
What if the driver says they never saw me?
Failing to see a motorcyclist does not excuse negligent driving.
How much is my motorcycle accident case worth?
Every case is different. Factors include injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, future treatment needs, and long-term impacts.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Tennessee generally imposes a one-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
What if I was partially at fault?
You may still recover compensation under Tennessee's comparative fault rules if you are less than 50% responsible.
How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?
Most motorcycle accident cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney's fee unless compensation is recovered.
Contact The Evans Law Firm Today
A motorcycle accident can leave you facing serious injuries, mounting expenses, and uncertainty about the future.
You should not have to battle insurance companies while trying to heal.
Let The Evans Law Firm handle the legal process while you focus on your recovery.
Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve after a motorcycle accident.
