If you have lost a relative in a motorcycle accident, you have our deepest sympathies. The sudden loss of someone you love in a crash can cause confusion and heartbreak, forcing families to try to make sense of the accident while mourning their loss. Unfortunately, the law only provides family members with a limited amount of time to file a claim after a fatal accident—and if you don’t take action quickly, you could be facing financial difficulties along with emotional suffering.
The Sad Truth About Motorcycle Risks on Tennessee Roads
Even with increased safety measures such as rider awareness campaigns and mandatory helmet laws, motorcyclists are still more likely to be injured in accidents than drivers. Exposure to open air and a lack of seat belts is no match for the protection of a steel cage, and riders are often thrown from their bikes in the impact of a crash.
To make matters worse, research shows that motorcyclists are at high risk of a fatal crash while riding in:
- The United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5,172 motorcyclists were killed while riding in 2017. For every mile traveled, motorcyclist deaths occurred about 27 times more often than car passenger or driver fatalities in traffic crashes.
- Tennessee. Data from the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security shows that the number of fatal motorcycle accidents has been steadily increasing over the past two decades. Deaths reached an all-time high of 168 in 2018, and an average of 150 people are killed every year on motorcycles across the state.
- Certain counties. In 2020, there were 265 motorcycle accidents in Davidson County and 116 crashes in Rutherford County, making the greater Nashville area particularly deadly for bikers.
- Weekend rides. The number of motorcycle crashes in Tennessee increases with each weekday, peaking in the period between Friday and Sunday. Nearly half of all motorcycle wrecks happen over the weekend, with one out of every five crashes occurring on Saturdays.
- Daylight hours. The vast majority of motorcyclists are killed in broad daylight, usually in clear weather and ideal riding conditions. Accident rates peak around dusk, with bikers at nearly four times the risk of an accident at sunset than in early morning hours.
- The city. NHTSA data from 2017 shows that over 90% of fatalities took place on non-interstate roads, suggesting lower speeds and back roads can still pose dangers for bikers. In addition, 60% of fatal motorcycle crashes occurred in urban areas—places that are more likely to have traffic congestion, confusing street signs, ongoing road construction, and potholes.
Why Relatives Need Help After a Fatal Motorcycle Wreck
We understand that a legal case is probably the last thing you want to think about while you’re grieving. That’s why we take everything off of your plate, protecting your rights and handling legal matters while you take the time you need to honor your loved one’s life.
When you consult with a motorcycle crash attorney, we can tell you:
- Who may be at fault. We carefully examine the circumstances of the crash to determine if a driver, trucking company, road works crew, government agency, or another negligent party may be sued for wrongful death.
- What your options are. Although these cases are complex, we always offer straightforward answers to our clients’ questions, giving them the guidance they need toward the best possible outcome in their case.
- How we can help you through this. After we are retained as your counsel, we can take over your calls and correspondence with hospitals and insurance companies, easing the burden you are under. Since we represent all of our injury clients on a contingency fee basis, you will also not have to pay us anything until we get you the compensation you deserve.
The legal team at GriffithLaw is standing by to advise you and your family during this difficult time. Get in touch with us today using our online form, or give us a call at (615) 807-7900 to schedule a free case evaluation.
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