Portland TN Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Portland, TN

Get an experienced law firm on your side with our Portland motorcycle accident attorneys

Motorcycle accidents can result in devastating injuries and financial hardships, often leaving victims and their families trying to cope with the aftermath. At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, we are dedicated to providing compassionate legal representation to individuals who have been injured in motorcycle accidents. With our extensive experience and deep understanding of motorcycle laws and regulations, our Portland motorcycle accident lawyers are committed to fighting for the rights of riders and ensuring that they receive the justice and compensation they deserve. If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident, you don't have to navigate the legal process alone. Our team is here to support you every step of the way and help you rebuild your life.

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Why are motorcycle accidents so dangerous?

Motorcycles have no protective frame, airbags, or seatbelts, so accidents involving these types of vehicles can be devastating. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports, “Although motorcycles make up only 3% of all registered vehicles and 0.6% of all vehicle miles traveled in the United States, motorcyclists accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities, 17% of all occupant fatalities, and 3% of all occupant injuries in 2021.”

The NSC also reports that fatalities among motorcyclists and passengers increased eight percent from 2020 to 2021, even though the rate of vehicle miles traveled decreased by two percent. In 2021, the most recent data available, the number of motorcycle fatalities was 5,932. This is a rate of 30.05 per every 100 million miles.

What are the main causes of Portland motorcycle accidents?

Motorcycle accidents can have many causes, including:

  • One of the most common causes of motorcycle fatalities, head-on collisions occur when a passenger vehicle crashes into a motorcycle from the front.
  • Speeding is another leading cause of motorcycle accidents because motorcycles can reach high speeds quickly, leaving little time for braking.
  • Distracted driving can include activities like texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio. When a driver is distracted, they are less aware of their surroundings and are more likely to cause an accident.
  • Dooring happens when drivers or passengers fail to look when they open the door of a parked car into the path of an oncoming motorcyclist.
  • Another common type of motorcycle crashes, rear-end collisions happen when a car rear-ends a motorcycle. It is often the result of the car driver not paying attention or following too closely.

Other causes of motorcycle accidents might include:

  • Lane splitting
  • Reckless driving
  • Weather
  • Traffic
  • Lack of licensing and experience
  • Lack of antilock brakes

If you’ve been involved in any type of motorcycle accident, the skilled Portland motorcycle accident lawyers at Rocky McElhaney Law Firm can work to secure compensation for your injuries and losses.

What are common injuries from Portland motorcycle accidents?

Injuries from motorcycle accidents can range from minor to severe and may include:

  • Road rash: This occurs when a rider's skin slides along the pavement during a crash, causing abrasions, cuts, and bruises. Road rash can vary in severity depending on the speed of the motorcycle and the protective gear worn by the rider.
  • Fractures and broken bones: Motorcycle accidents often result in fractures and broken bones, especially in the hands, arms, legs, and feet. These injuries can be caused by the impact of the crash or by the rider being thrown from the motorcycle.
  • Head injuries: Head injuries are a significant concern in motorcycle accidents, even if the rider is wearing a helmet. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, and skull fractures can occur if the rider's head strikes the ground or another object during the crash.
  • Spinal cord injuries: Motorcycle accidents can cause damage to the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis or loss of sensation and movement below the injury site. These injuries can have lifelong implications for mobility and quality of life.
  • Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma from a motorcycle accident can cause internal injuries, such as organ damage, internal bleeding, and abdominal trauma. These injuries may not always be immediately apparent and require prompt medical attention.
  • Soft tissue injuries: Motorcycle accidents can also cause soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, and contusions. These injuries can result from the sudden impact and force exerted on the rider's body during a crash.
  • Emotional trauma: Motorcycle accidents can lead to emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The psychological impact of a serious accident can be long-lasting and may require counseling or therapy to address.

Motorcycle riders need to wear appropriate safety gear, including helmets, gloves, jackets, pants, and boots, to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident. Additionally, obeying traffic laws, practicing defensive riding techniques, and staying alert and focused while riding can help prevent accidents from occurring. If you’re involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault, get in touch with our Portland motorcycle accident lawyers today.

What is the value of my Portland motorcycle accident claim?

Determining the value of your motorcycle accident claim depends on various factors, including the extent of your injuries, the damage to your motorcycle, lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other relevant factors. Consult with a personal injury attorney who can assess your case and provide guidance tailored to your specific situation. However, here are some key factors that can influence the value of your Portland motorcycle accident claim:

  • The severity and long-term implications of your injuries significantly impact the value of your claim. This includes medical expenses for treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
  • If you've missed work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. Additionally, if your injuries affect your ability to work in the future, your earning capacity may be considered in determining the value of your claim.
  • The cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle and any other property damaged in the accident will be factored into your claim.
  • Compensation for pain and suffering encompasses the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries. This is a subjective component of the claim and can vary based on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of your suffering.
  • The insurance policies of both parties involved in the accident, including your own motorcycle insurance policy and the liability coverage of the at-fault party, will influence the potential compensation available to you. Our Portland motorcycle lawyers work tirelessly to maximize your compensation.

To determine the value of your motorcycle accident claim accurately, it's best to consult with a qualified Portland motorcycle accident attorney who can evaluate your case, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and pursue the maximum compensation available to you. At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, we advocate for your best interests.

Who is liable for my Portland motorcycle accident?

Determining liability in a motorcycle accident can depend on various factors, including the specific circumstances of the accident, local traffic laws, and insurance coverage. Here are some common scenarios of liability:

  • Negligence of another driver: If another driver's negligent actions caused the accident — such as running a red light, speeding, or making an unsafe lane change — that driver may be held liable for the accident.
  • Road conditions: Poor road conditions, such as potholes, uneven pavement, or lack of proper signage, could make a government agency responsible for maintaining the road liable if their negligence contributed to the accident.
  • Manufacturer defects: If a defect in your motorcycle or its parts contributed to the accident, the manufacturer or distributor of the defective part may be held liable under product liability laws.
  • Third-party liability: In some cases, liability may extend beyond the immediate parties involved in the accident. For example, if a bar or restaurant served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who later caused the accident, the establishment might share liability under dram shop laws.

It's essential to gather evidence from the accident scene, such as witness statements, police reports, and photographs, to determine liability accurately. Additionally, consulting with our qualified Portland motorcycle accident attorneys can help you understand your rights and options for seeking compensation.

Do you have a Portland motorcycle accident attorney near me?

Rocky McElhaney Law Firm has several locations throughout Tennessee to serve our clients better. We can also schedule phone or video consultations if you are too ill or injured to visit us.

Talk to an experienced Portland motorcycle accident lawyer today

If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident, don't wait to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. As experienced Portland motorcycle accident attorneys, we understand the challenges you face and are here to help you navigate the legal process. With our expertise and dedication, we'll fight tirelessly to ensure your rights are upheld and that you receive the compensation you're entitled to for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. To schedule a meeting with a skilled lawyer, call our offices or fill out our contact form today.

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