Motorcycle accidents can change your life in an instant. Without warning, you can end up facing serious injuries, expensive medical bills, and a fight with the insurance company.
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in Tennessee, you may be wondering: “Do I really need a lawyer? And if so, what exactly does a motorcycle accident lawyer do for me?”
Let’s break it down.
What is a motorcycle accident lawyer?
A motorcycle accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney who focuses specifically on helping motorcycle crash victims.
That matters. Why? Because motorcycle accidents are different.
Motorcyclists face bias. Insurance companies love to blame riders, even when the accident wasn’t their fault.
For example, Tennessee law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear helmets (Tenn. Code § 55-9-302). But even if you weren’t wearing a helmet, that doesn’t automatically mean you’re out of luck in a personal injury case. Fault still has to be proven.
An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer knows how to protect your rights and fight for every dollar you deserve.
What does a motorcycle accident lawyer actually do?
A lot more than most people think.
Here’s how a Tennessee motorcycle accident lawyer helps guide you through the legal process, step by step:
1. Investigates your accident
First things first — your lawyer will dig into what really happened.
That means:
- Getting the police report
- Interviewing witnesses
- Securing video footage (traffic cameras, dash cams, nearby businesses)
- Working with accident reconstruction experts
- Reviewing medical records
Every detail counts. Especially in Tennessee, which follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule (Tenn. Code § 20-1-119). That means if you’re found to be 50% or more at fault for the accident, you can’t recover damages. Your lawyer’s job? To prove you were not the primary cause of the crash.
2. Calculates your damages
What’s your case worth? The answer isn’t simple.
Your attorney will calculate:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages from missing work
- Lost future earnings if you’re unable to return to your job
- Repair or replacement of your motorcycle
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or scarring
Without a lawyer, insurance companies may offer you far less than what your claim is worth.
3. Handles all communication with insurance companies
This part alone can be a huge relief.
Insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible, or sometimes, nothing at all.
Your lawyer will handle all calls, emails, and letters so you don’t accidentally say something that could hurt your case.
4. Negotiates for maximum compensation
Most motorcycle accident cases settle out of court. But getting a fair settlement isn’t easy.
Your lawyer will negotiate with:
- The at-fault driver’s insurance
- Your own insurance (if needed)
- Health insurance companies with liens on your settlement
They fight for the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under Tennessee law.
5. Prepares for court (if necessary)
Sometimes, insurance companies refuse to settle for a fair amount. If that happens? Your lawyer will be ready to take your case to trial.
That means:
- Filing a lawsuit within Tennessee’s statute of limitations
- Presenting evidence
- Arguing your case before a judge or jury
And most importantly — fighting for you every step of the way.
Types of cases motorcycle accident lawyers handle
Motorcycle crashes can happen for many reasons. A few common causes we see in Tennessee include:
- Distracted drivers
- Drunk drivers
- Unsafe lane changes
- Left-turn accidents
- Road hazards like potholes or debris
- Defective motorcycle parts
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Drivers failing to yield
No matter how your accident happened, an experienced lawyer can help determine liability and hold the right parties accountable.
How much does a motorcycle accident lawyer cost?
Here’s some good news. Most motorcycle accident lawyers in Tennessee, including our firm, work on a contingency fee basis. That means:
- No upfront costs
- No hourly billing
- You only pay if we win your case
If you don’t get paid, we don’t get paid.
What should you do after a motorcycle accident in Tennessee?
If you’re hurt in a motorcycle accident, here’s what you should do right away:
- Call 911 and get medical help.
- Report the accident to the police.
- Take photos of the scene (if you’re able).
- Exchange info with the other driver.
- Don’t admit fault — even if you feel bad.
- Contact a Tennessee motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Every step you take after a crash can have a big impact on your health, your recovery, and your legal case, so it’s important to act quickly and carefully.
Talk to a Tennessee motorcycle accident lawyer today
If you or a loved one has been injured — or if a loved one has died — in a motorcycle accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. Medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering — these costs can add up fast. And you shouldn’t have to face them alone.
An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand your rights, deal with the insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve under Tennessee law.
The personal injury lawyers of Delius & McKenzie, PLLC have helped countless motorcycle accident victims like you recover the damages they’re owed. We’ve proudly fought for injury victims and their families across Tennessee for over 25 years. To schedule a free consultation with our Sevierville lawyers, please call us or contact our office today. We represent accident victims in the Sevierville, Seymour, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge regions.
Attorney Bryan E. Delius was born and raised in Sevier County, TN. He founded Delius & McKenzie more than 20 years ago, after receiving his JD from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He is admitted in Tennessee and in several federal court systems. Learn more about Bryan E. Delius.
