Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Experience Matters When It Comes To Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can be among the most devasting accidents that can occur on our roadways. The attorneys at Crash Carson understand this and are ready to serve as compassionate advocates for injured riders and their families. We have experience with these types of accidents and the injuries that accompany them. We are well prepared to navigate the legal landscape involved with these accidents including investigating the cause, ascertaining liability, and going up against the insurance companies and their defense attorneys.

Severity of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle injuries can be especially severe and traumatic for motorcyclists and their passengers. Unlike car occupants, riders have no protective shell surrounding them. When a crash occurs, the human body absorbs the full impact. Our attorneys understand the long-term costs these injuries create. This can include not only physical injury and medical costs, but also missed work or an inability to work, emotional pain and suffering, as well as ongoing insurance matters.

Motorcycle Injury Claims Are More Complex

Aside from the serious injuries that a motorcyclist can endure, there is also a tendency for them be viewed negatively and that they may invite danger. This perception can be used by insurance companies to create the impression that any motorcyclist involved in an accident is at least partially at fault or to reduce or eliminate any fault on the part of the other driver. The motorcycle attorneys of Crash Carson are prepared to counter these unfair perceptions and make sure that the fault is assessed according to the facts of the case.

Common Motorcycle Injuries Resulting From a Crash

Due to the vulnerabilities a motorcyclist faces, injuries due to road accidents can be especially traumatic and lead to serious disability and even disfigurement. Among the most severe motorcycle injuries are:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) - Even helmeted riders face a TBI risk from a crash. These injuries can alter lives permanently.

Spinal Cord Damage - These injuries can cause paralysis and chronic pain with lifelong care needs and lost earning capacity.

Road Rash & Skin Loss - Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to this type of injury which often requires surgeries, skin grafting, and carries infection risk, scarring, and ongoing pain and discomfort.

Broken Bones - Fractures of the leg, arm, pelvis, and ribs commonly result from a motorcycle crash and often require surgery and recovery time.

Internal Injuries - As a result of impact or being thrown, organ damage and/or internal bleeding may occur but may not be immediately apparent.

Limb Amputation - These areamong the most devastating outcomes, requiring prosthetics and long-term rehabilitation.

PTSD & Psychological Harm - Emotional suffering and trauma are often experience by riders involved in an accident and are compensable damages in both TN and GA.

Wrongful Death - The most devastating consequence of a motorcycle crash is when a loved one doesn't survive. In these cases, we pursue justice for your family.

Common Causes Of Motorcycle Crashes

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

What To Do:

Call 911: Call 911 for an emergency response even if injuries and vehicle damage seem to be minor. Emergency service can help with any injuries that have occurred, help moved damaged vehicles off of the road, and begin the process of documenting the accident.

Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel ok, get medical attention. Most importantly, a situation like a motorcycle accident can cause a surge of adrenaline which could temporarily cause you to not feel the extent of a potentially serious injury such as a spinal injury, internal bleeding, or TBI. Also, seeking immediate medical care can provide significant evidence for any potential case you might be involved with.

Take Photos/Videos of Accident Scene: Taking photos or videos of the accident scene can help to create an important chain of evidence. Not only can these images and videos show any injuries and vehicle damage, they can also capture road or weather conditions, road signs, or any other relevant evidence. NOTE: Only take photos or videos if it is safe to do so, if it is not safe to do so, try to make notes of these observations.

Exchange Driver and Vehicle Info: If possible and safe to do so, exchange driver's license, registration, insurance, and contact information with the other driver.

Obtain Witness Contact Information: If possible and safe to do so, exchange contact information with any witnesses that may have seen the accident.

Call an Attorney: As soon as possible, contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney or law firm. Crash Carson stands ready to hear your story and offer a free case evaluation.

What NOT To Do:

Admit Fault or Apologize: The aftermath of an accident can be a confusing time and you may have a desire to apologize to diffuse the situation or not realize the degree to which the other driver is responsible for the accident. Admitting fault or apologizing can be used to weaken your case or diminish any recovery you may be able to receive.

Wait or Delay Seeking Legal Guidance: Depending on where the accident occurred, you may have as little as one year to seek legal action if you are injured in a motorcycle accident.

Post or Discuss the Accident on Social Media: Your attorneys should be your advocates, not your friends on social media. Statements or comments on your post can complicate your case especially if any contradictions can be construed.

Give Recorded Statement: The other driver's insurer may request that you give them a recorded statement. You are not required to do so and it is STRONGLY recommended that you do not. They may be looking to lead you to make a statement that can be taken out of context or made to look like you are in any way at fault. It is recommended that you discuss any statements that you might make with your attorney or have your attorney present for any questioning by opposing counsel.

Accept a Quick Settlement: Any settlement offer you receive from the other driver's insurance company or attorney will be in all likelihood be lower than what you should be entitled to. An experienced attorney should negotiate any settlement to make sure that you receive the highest amount possible.

Sign Documents without Review: The attorneys or insurers for the other driver may also request that you sign documents pertaining to the accident or any possible legal action. You are under no obligation to sign them it is STRONGLY recommended that you have your attorney review any documents you sign that are related to the accident.

What Compensation May Be Available?

A law firm experienced with motorcycle accidents will consider all relevant factors and the full scope of your damages when negotiating a settlement. The defense and their insurers will attempt to present a settlement offer that will be well below what you should really receive. When calculating damages, we include not only the cost of medical expenses, but also any additional medical care, lost earnings, damages for ongoing physical pain, PTSD, emotional trauma, and in some cases, punitive damages for the most egregious conduct such as road rage or impaired driving.

Contingency Fee Basis, Free Consultation

If you or someone you care about has been involved in a motorcycle accident, the last thing anyone wants to think about is the cost of legal representation. Know that our injury law firm operates on a contingency fee basis. This means that you pay nothing unless we are successful with your claim, either by settlement or in court. Your initial consultation is also free, so there are no out-of-pocket expenses for any of our legal services.

Crash Carson, Experienced Representation for Motorcycle Accident Victims

The team at Crash Carson is familiar with the challenges facing motorcyclists who have been injured as a result of an accident. We cut through the biases that motorcycle riders experience and attempts by opposing counsel and insurance companies to minimize settlements and payouts that an injured motorcyclist should be awarded. We fight for the highest possible settlement that can be paid to our clients. If we can't obtain a reasonable settlement through negotiations, our attorneys are prepared, and have the experience, to take the case to trial.

Licensed to Practice in Tennessee and Georgia

Chattanooga, Tennessee

From the Chestnut Street Bridge corridor to I-24

and Highway 153, we know where accidents happen in Chattanooga and how to prove liability in Hamilton County courts. Our personal injury attorneys handle claims under Tennessee's modified comparative fault rules.

Rossville, Georgia

Crash Carson represents injured riders in Rossville, Fort Oglethorpe, and throughout Walker County. Georgia law has its own statutes of limitations and fault rules and we are prepared to advocate for you in this state.