Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable people on the road. Without the structural protection of an enclosed vehicle, riders who are involved in collisions face a much higher risk of suffering fatal injuries. When a motorcycle accident in Tennessee takes someone’s life because of another driver’s carelessness, the surviving family members are often left dealing with devastating grief on top of sudden financial hardship.
Tennessee law provides a path for families in this situation to seek justice and compensation. Continue reading to learn about how Nashville wrongful death claims work after a fatal motorcycle accident and what steps you can take to protect your family’s rights.
What Makes Motorcycle Accidents Especially Serious?
The lack of physical protection available to motorcycle riders is the primary reason these crashes result in death at such a high rate compared to other types of vehicle accidents.
Some of the injuries that most commonly lead to fatal outcomes in motorcycle crashes include:
- Severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Crushing injuries to the chest or abdomen
- Internal organ damage
- Massive blood loss from compound fractures
A rider who is struck by a passenger vehicle traveling at moderate speed, whether or not they are wearing the right protective gear, can suffer injuries that are simply not survivable.
Common Causes of Fatal Motorcycle Crashes in Tennessee
Most fatal motorcycle accidents are caused by the negligence of another motorist rather than by the rider. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- A driver turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle
- Failure to check blind spots before merging
- Distracted driving
- Tailgating
- Running a red light
- Driving under the influence
State law allows surviving family members to file a wrongful death lawsuit when their loved one passes either from “injuries received from another” or “by the wrongful act, omission, or killing by another.”
Tennessee’s Modified Comparative Fault Statute
Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault standard. If the deceased motorcyclist is found to have been partially at fault for the crash, the family’s compensation will be reduced by that percentage. If the rider’s share of fault reaches 50% or more, the family is barred from recovering anything.
This is one reason why having a wrongful death attorney who can aggressively defend the rider’s actions and minimize any fault assigned to them is important in these cases.
Contact a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Tennessee To Schedule a Free Consultation
If your family has lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else, you may be entitled to significant compensation. However, the insurance companies won’t make the process easy and will work hard to minimize their liability as much as they can.
Woodard Injury Law is here to help you level the playing field and take appropriate legal action on your behalf. Reach out to us today to get started with a free consultation at (615) 314-4626. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients so far and work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay attorney’s fees if we win money damages for you.