(901)-388-5805
(901)-388-5805

MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS

Memphis Motorcycle Accidents Lawyers

Motorcycles offer riders a feeling of freedom that one simply cannot experience in a car or other vehicle. They also offer riders an increased risk of suffering serious – even fatal – injuries if they become involved in a motorcycle crash. Statistics do show that motorcyclists in Tennessee are involved in crashes: a total of 2,710 in 2014 alone and an average of 3,013 per year between 2008 and 2014.

Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in a motorcycle crash caused by the negligent behavior of another driver or person? If so, you may be able to recover financial compensation for your injuries, expenses, and losses. Contact the Memphis motorcycle accident law firm of Douglass & Runger, PLLC, Attorneys at Law, now to learn more about your legal rights.

Common Causes Of Motorcycle Crashes

Both the motorcyclist and the driver of another vehicle or truck may have played a role in causing the accident. So long as the motorcyclist is determined to be 49% or less at fault, he or she may be able to recover monetary compensation for his or her injuries, expenses and losses (the total amount of compensation would be reduced in proportion to his or her fault for causing the accident).

Motorcyclists can cause or contribute to a motorcycle accident or increase their chances of suffering serious injuries by:

  • Failing to wear proper safety equipment, including an approved and fitted helmet;
  • Speeding or driving too fast for prevailing road conditions;
  • Weaving in and out of traffic or in between cars;
  • Disregarding traffic signals and signs;
  • Operating a motorcycle while distracted, intoxicated, and/or impaired.

Drivers of motor vehicles and commercial vehicles can also cause a motorcycle crash by:

  • Driving while distracted or impaired;
  • Not checking “blind spots” before changing lanes, turning, or making other traffic maneuvers;
  • Making sudden or abrupt stops, starts, and/or turns;
  • Opening a car door when parked on a street without first checking for motorcycle traffic;
  • Disobeying traffic laws, generally accepted “rules of the road,” and/or signs and signals meant to direct or control traffic.

How Is Fault Determined In A Motorcycle Crash?

Some motorcycle crashes are such that it is clear who the at-fault party is and the other party is innocent of any negligent or reckless conduct. In other cases, there may be a great deal of disagreement between the parties regarding who is at fault and/or how much each party’s actions contributed to the accident. In these situations, a judge or jury will determine fault based on:

Eyewitness testimony
From individuals who saw the accident occur, who saw the parties immediately before the accident, or who spoke with the parties immediately following the accident.
Law enforcement investigations
Conducted at the scene of the crash. Law enforcement reports are completed based on the officer’s observations and measurements taken at the scene of the crash. Based on this, the officer’s report may conclude that one party or the other was at fault. These reports, while helpful, are not determinative in motorcycle accident cases.
Engineers or accident reconstructionist
Can take raw data and measurements collected from the accident scene and create a “picture” of what likely happened just before the crash. These reports tend to be more scientifically-based and thus tend to carry more weight with judges and jurors.
Contact A Knowledgeable Memphis Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

At Douglass & Runger, PLLC, Attorneys at Law, we understand that an injured motorcyclist’s first concern is his or her health and the safety and wellbeing of his or her family. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, we can help ensure that your legal rights are protected so that you can focus on your health and your family. Contact Douglass & Runger, PLLC, Attorneys at Law at (901) 388-5805 immediately following a motorcycle crash for dedicated and trustworthy legal representation.

Let Us Help

For more information about our firm and our approach to the practice of elder law, contact our office. Call (901) 388-5805 to schedule a confidential consultation and case review today. Douglass & Runger, Attorneys at Law, serve clients throughout Memphis, Shelby County, and the surrounding areas.

Let Us Help

For more information about our firm and our approach, contact our office. Call (901) 388-5805 to schedule a confidential consultation and case review today. Douglass & Runger, Attorneys at Law, serve clients throughout Memphis, Shelby County, and the surrounding areas.

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