Your Chattanooga Motorcycle Injury Lawyer
Riding a motorcycle through Chattanooga’s scenic roads can be a thrilling experience, but accidents happen far too often, leaving riders with injuries and unanswered questions. When a crash occurs, you need someone who understands Tennessee law and the unique challenges faced by motorcyclists in Chattanooga. At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, our team of Chattanooga motorcycle accident lawyers knows how to fight for the compensation you deserve.
From the steep inclines of Lookout Mountain to the congested streets near tourist attractions like the Tennessee Aquarium, motorcyclists encounter risks requiring a strong advocate. Here’s a look at the key issues that often lead to motorcycle accidents and how we can hold negligent parties accountable.
FREE CASE REVIEWCommon Driver Mistakes That Lead to Motorcycle Accidents in Chattanooga
Motorcycle accidents frequently result from careless or reckless behavior by drivers who fail to respect motorcyclists’ right to the road. In Chattanooga, specific local driving habits and road conditions increase the risks for riders.
Failing to Yield in Roundabouts
Roundabouts, such as those near Northshore and Coolidge Park, are designed to improve traffic flow but can be dangerous for motorcyclists. Drivers who fail to yield the right of way often cut off motorcycles, leading to severe collisions. Under Tennessee law, drivers must yield to vehicles already in the roundabout. When they don’t, their negligence can result in injuries to riders.
Our attorneys can gather evidence, such as traffic camera footage or eyewitness statements, to demonstrate how the driver’s failure to yield caused your accident. Holding them accountable ensures you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Distracted Driving Near Tourist Hotspots
Chattanooga attracts visitors year-round to places like Ruby Falls and the Incline Railway. Unfortunately, these areas see many distracted drivers focusing more on GPS directions or sightseeing than the road ahead. For motorcyclists, even a brief moment of inattention by a driver can lead to devastating consequences.
Tennessee law prohibits texting while driving, but distracted driving encompasses more than just cellphone use. A driver fumbling with a map or looking for a parking spot near the Chattanooga Choo Choo can be just as dangerous. Our team can help establish that the driver was distracted at the time of the crash and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Reckless Behavior on Curvy Backroads
The winding roads around Signal Mountain and Lookout Valley attract motorcyclists looking for a challenging ride. Unfortunately, these roads also see their fair share of reckless motorists speeding, tailgating, or taking curves too fast.
Tennessee law requires all drivers to operate their vehicles with reasonable care. When a driver ignores the traffic laws and causes a motorcycle accident, our attorneys are prepared to investigate and build a strong case. By analyzing crash reports and road conditions, we can demonstrate how the driver’s reckless actions led to your injuries.
The Role of Local Infrastructure in Chattanooga Motorcycle Accidents
Infrastructure plays a significant role in motorcyclist safety. In Chattanooga, poorly maintained roads, blind curves, and ongoing construction projects create hazards that can lead to serious accidents.
Poorly Maintained Roads
Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to potholes, uneven pavement, and debris on the road. Areas like Hixson Pike and parts of Highway 153 are notorious for their rough conditions. A pothole that a motorist might barely notice can cause a rider to lose control, resulting in injuries or worse.
Local governments are responsible for maintaining safe roadways. When they fail to repair hazards promptly, they can be held liable for accidents. Our attorneys understand how to pursue claims against municipal entities to ensure you are compensated for injuries caused by dangerous road conditions.
Construction Zones and Temporary Hazards
Chattanooga’s rapid growth means construction zones are common, particularly in areas like East Brainerd and near the Volkswagen plant. These zones often have loose gravel, abrupt lane shifts, or unclear signage, creating serious risks for motorcyclists.
When a construction company or government entity fails to provide adequate warnings or maintain a safe environment, they may be held responsible for accidents. Your Chattanooga motorcycle accident lawyer can help determine who is at fault and pursue the compensation you need to recover.
Blind Curves and Obstructed Views
Chattanooga’s hilly terrain and curvy roads, such as those on Missionary Ridge, present unique challenges for motorcyclists. Blind curves and obstructed views increase the likelihood of head-on collisions or accidents where drivers fail to see a motorcyclist in time to react.
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can work with accident reconstruction professionals to illustrate how these factors contributed to your crash, strengthening your case and ensuring you are fully compensated for your injuries.
How Insurance Companies Handle Motorcycle Accident Claims
Dealing with insurance companies after a motorcycle accident can be an uphill battle. Insurers often use tactics to minimize or deny your claim, leaving you struggling to cover medical bills, repair costs, and other expenses. Understanding insurance companies’ methods and how to counter them can make all the difference in securing the compensation you deserve. Here are just a few of the tactics an insurer will likely use to damage your case.
Downplaying Your Injuries
Motorcycle accidents frequently result in severe injuries, ranging from broken bones and road rash to severe head injuries and life-altering paralysis. Despite the severity of these injuries, insurance companies may attempt to argue that they aren’t as serious as claimed.
Insurers often request extensive medical documentation and may dig into your medical history to find pre-existing conditions they can use to downplay your injuries. For example, if you’ve had prior back pain, they might claim that your current injury is unrelated to the accident. This tactic allows them to justify offering less compensation or denying your claim altogether.
At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we know how to counter these strategies. Our team collects thorough medical records and consults with healthcare providers to establish the full scope of your injuries. We stop the insurance company from minimizing your claim by presenting compelling evidence of how the accident has impacted your life.
Shifting Blame to the Rider
Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto motorcyclists to reduce their liability. If you’re found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. You may be barred from recovering damages entirely if you’re deemed more than 50 percent at fault.
To shift blame, insurers might allege that you were:
- Speeding or driving recklessly.
- Weaving in and out of traffic.
- Not wearing proper safety gear, such as a helmet.
These arguments are often unfounded and based on stereotypes about motorcyclists rather than the facts of the case. For instance, if you followed traffic laws and rode responsibly, but the other driver failed to yield or was distracted, the fault clearly lies with them.
Our attorneys are dedicated to refuting these claims. We gather witness statements, analyze accident reports, and, if necessary, work with accident reconstruction specialists to prove the other party’s negligence. By focusing on the evidence, your Chattanooga motorcycle accident lawyer will fight for your right to fair compensation.
Lowball Settlement Offers
One of the most common tactics insurance companies use is offering a low settlement shortly after the accident. These offers are often designed to take advantage of your immediate financial stress, hoping you’ll accept without fully understanding the extent of your damages.
For example, if your injuries require ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation, or you’ve lost income due to the accident, the initial settlement may not come close to covering these costs. Insurance adjusters may pressure you to accept quickly by claiming that the offer is final or that delaying can jeopardize your claim.
Our team won’t let you settle for less than you deserve. We analyze all aspects of your damages, including future medical expenses, lost earning potential, and non-economic losses like pain and suffering.
By presenting a comprehensive case, we negotiate assertively with the insurance company to secure fair compensation. We’ll take the matter to court if they refuse to make a reasonable offer.
Why Insurance Tactics Demand a Strong Advocate
Insurance companies are businesses focused on protecting their bottom line. Their strategies often prioritize minimizing payouts, regardless of the long-term impact on your life. When you’re facing mounting bills and recovering from injuries, navigating these tactics alone can be overwhelming.
Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys is committed to standing up to these practices on your behalf. Our team understands how Chattanooga’s insurance companies operate and knows how to hold them accountable. By advocating for your rights, we ensure you aren’t left with less than what you need to rebuild your life after a motorcycle accident.
How Tennessee’s Statute of Limitations Could Impact Your Motorcycle Claims
Tennessee law sets a strict deadline for filing personal injury claims, including those involving motorcycle accidents. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to seek compensation, making it critical to act promptly after an accident.
Understanding the Deadline
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Tennessee is typically one year from the accident date. This short timeframe means you have limited time to gather evidence, evaluate damages, and file your claim. While one year may seem like plenty of time, the aftermath of a motorcycle accident often involves medical treatment, recovery, and navigating insurance claims, all of which can quickly consume valuable time.
At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we ensure all necessary paperwork is completed and submitted within the required timeframe. Our team works diligently to build your case while informing you of every deadline. Acting quickly allows us to preserve your rights and focus on securing the compensation you need to recover.
Delays Caused by Municipal Claims
Motorcycle accidents involving government-owned vehicles or dangerous road conditions can introduce additional hurdles. For instance, if a pothole or poorly maintained road caused your accident, or if the at-fault driver was operating a city vehicle, you may need to file a claim against a government entity.
Claims involving municipalities often have shorter filing deadlines and additional procedural requirements. In Tennessee, in some cases, you may need to provide notice of your intent to file a claim within just 90 days. These shorter deadlines make acting quickly after an accident even more important.
Our experienced accident attorneys understand the complexities of pursuing claims against government entities. We work to ensure all required notices and documentation are submitted correctly and on time. By addressing these unique challenges promptly, a Chattanooga motorcycle accident lawyer will help protect your ability to seek compensation for your injuries.
Dealing with Uninsured Drivers
Accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers add another layer of complexity. If the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance, your ability to recover damages may depend on your own uninsured motorist coverage.
Filing a claim under your uninsured motorist policy involves its own set of rules and timelines. Insurance companies may attempt to delay or deny these claims, further complicating the process. Ensuring compliance with the statute of limitations and any policy-specific deadlines is essential to preserving your right to compensation.
Our team is well-versed in handling uninsured motorist claims. We communicate directly with your insurance company to ensure your claim is processed efficiently and you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether negotiating with your insurer or litigating your case, we protect your interests and address delays head-on.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
The statute of limitations in Tennessee doesn’t leave much room for error, especially when additional complexities like municipal claims or uninsured drivers are involved. Acting quickly and working with experienced attorneys ensures you don’t lose the opportunity to recover the damages you’re entitled to after a motorcycle accident. At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we prioritize your case so you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal details.
Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys – the Right Choice
Motorcycle accidents can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. The Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys team believes every rider deserves a strong advocate who will fight for their rights and recovery.
If you’ve suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, don’t wait to seek legal representation. Let Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, your trusted Chattanooga personal injury lawyer, help you get justice. Visit our Chattanooga office at 1604 Reggie White Blvd., Suite 104, about one minute north of Finley Stadium. You can schedule a free case evaluation by calling 423-583-9569.
Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys – Chattanooga Office
Address: 1604 Reggie White Blvd ste 104
Chattanooga, TN 37402
Phone: (423) 583-9569