Johnson City, TN Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Crashes, Injuries & Death

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Johnson City, TNMotorcycle Accident Lawyer Johnson City, TN

Motorcycling is enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people. While motorcycling itself is generally safe, unfortunately it is made dangerous by drivers who are distracted, drive drunk, text while driving, fail to obey traffic signals, speed, or otherwise drive recklessly. When drivers cause crashes and collisions with motorcyclists, it is often the motorcyclist who pays the price in terms or severe injury or death, while responsible driver walks away uninjured.

As Johnson City motorcycle accident lawyers, we serve injured motorcyclists and their families, and seek for them full compensation from all those responsible. We serve clients not only in Johnson City, but also the surrounding communities in norther Tennessee and southwest Virginia.

Tennessee Motorcycle Accidents Statistics – How Many Motorcyclists are Injured or Killed?

Johnson City, Tennessee – located in Washington County – has its share of motorcycle crashes and fatalities. Based on the report entitled “Tennessee Traffic Crash Data” published by the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, there were 69 motorcycle crashes in Washington County in 2018, ranking the county 21 out of 95 counties for motorcycle crashes that year. This Department also reported that there were 168 motorcycle accident-related fatalities in Tennessee during 2018. Of these fatalities, at least 157 of the motorcyclists killed were wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Case Take in Tennessee?

When a motorcycle accident or crash occurs, one of the first things an injured client or family will naturally ask is how long their motorcycle crash will take. Typically, a case can take from six months to two years or even longer, although there are a variety of factors that will affect every case.

It’s important to understand that at our firm, when representing an injured motorcyclist or family, our goal is not to try to work out a quick settlement with the insurance company for the liable driver for pennies on the dollar. Instead, we are tenacious is seeking full compensation for our clients, and recovering for them the full value of their case.

Defendants and insurance companies rarely offer full compensation at the outset of a case. Typically, they usually offer what is often referred to as “nuisance” value; which is often a very low-ball amount to make a case “go away.” They do not usually offer full compensation until it can be shown (i) why they are liable, (ii) the full amount of the damages suffered, and (iii) that they will risk losing even more money by taking a matter to trial and letting a jury determine the outcome.

We are meticulous in uncovering the facts of every case, and also seeking to identify and hold accountable all those who we believe are legally liable for a motorcycle crash. This includes not only the driver causing the crash, but in some cases others, such as bars that overserve alcohol to patrons that are already intoxicated, construction companies that may have created dangerous conditions to exist causing a crash, and governments who fail to keep roadways safe.

We are also meticulous in documenting and demanding full damages. In cases of a wrongful death or serious injury that will affect a motorcyclist for years to come, these damages may include lost wages, future pain and suffering, the cost of likely surgeries, and other matters. In order to recover for these damages, we often retain experts, including physicians and others, to fully make the case of our clients.

When we have carefully built a case for liability and full damages, typically settlement negotiations will take place. If those who are responsible are not willing to pay fair compensation, we will not hesitate to take the cases of our clients to trial. At trial, a jury will then determine fault and damages.

Our Experience in Settlements and at Trial

If you retain our firm, you will be represented by firm founding attorney Mark Hurt. Over a practice of nearly 30 years, Mark has helped clients recover millions of dollars in compensation, both through settlements and at trial.

Mark is an experienced trial lawyer. He has represented clients in the numerous state courts, in federal court, and even before the United States Supreme Court. You can rest assured that you will have an experienced and dedicated attorney on your side.

Understanding the Typical Defenses Used in Motorcycle Injury Cases

Frequently, in motorcycle crash cases, the defense will try to blame the injured or deceased motorcyclist. They may try to prey on perceptions of motorcyclists as riding dangerously, or somehow being “outlaws.”

We know the truth. Motorcyclists in general do not ride any more aggressively or dangerously than how the average driver will drive. In fact, it is highly likely that motorcyclists are safer than drivers, as motorcyclists can’t engage in certain inherently dangerous activities, such as texting, when they ride. Motorcyclists also know that if they do not ride safely, they can easily be severely injured, even if they are not doing anything wrong. For these reasons, motorcyclists have a strong incentive to ride defensively.

The Tragic Injuries of Motorcycle Crashes

Unlike vehicle drivers and their passengers, motorcyclists are at much more risk of severe injury or death in the event of a crash, simply because they do not have reinforced steel, air bags, engineered safety crash zones, and other protections as those in vehicles will have. Instead, their sole protections tend to be helmets and perhaps protective clothing.

In addition to death, common injuries suffered by motorcyclists are:

  • Broken bones, lacerations, and “road rash”
  • Internal organ trauma
  • Head trauma and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Paraplegia and quadriplegia
  • Amputations, especially involving lower legs and feet

When severe injury results, it’s important to fully understand the prognosis of the injury, the future care and surgery that may be required, and the appropriate damages and compensation that are deserved. We work painstaking in the case of severe injury and death, so that we can fully account for all past and future damages of our clients.

Can I Recover Compensation in a Motorcycling Crash if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?

Yes.

Even if a motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet in violation of the law, a motorcyclist is still entitled to recover compensation if they are hit by a vehicle.

Wearing a helmet does not affect liability. If the other driver was driving negligently when you were hit, they are still liable, even if you were not wearing a helmet.

The attorney for the other driver may claim that your damages would not have been as severe if you were wearing a helmet, which, at trial might impact the amount of compensation that you receive. It will be the role of the defense to try to minimize damages, to which we will strongly refute. Unfortunately, as noted in the Tennessee motorcycle fatality statistics above, at least 93% of the motorcyclists who died in Tennessee in 2018 were wearing helmets; thus wearing a helmet cannot always prevent death or serious injury.

Call Us for a Free Consultation, and to Learn How We Can Help You and Your Family

We accept motorcycle injury crash and wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis, so there are no fees unless compensation is recovered. We also advance all costs of litigation, so that those injured, and their families, do not have to pay these costs while their case is ongoing (these amounts are usually paid back out of settlement to verdict proceeds).
When we meet with you and learn about your case, we can provide you with your options in seeking compensation and justice, and how we can help.


Client Review

Mark took over my car accident case from another attorney that I fired. Mark worked hard on the case for several months to get ready for trial. Shortly before trial he got a settlement that was six times more than the offer my first lawyer tried to get me to take.

5 Star Google Review – Jerry C.

What Our Clients Say

Mary, Bart, and Mark helped me tremendously with my workers compensation case. We navigated a long (over a year) road together and they helped me to not only win my case, but obtain a settlement of over $125k. I would recommend the Offices of Mark Hurt to anyone needing someone to stand with them in their corner! Thanks again Mary and Bart!! :-)
Charles Dutcher
Charles Dutcher
1685471585
Extremely pleased with the prompt support and guidance from Michael. He and the office staff were great to work with. They walked us through the process and were able to have my daughter's traffic violation dismissed with 0 points.
ga thomson
ga thomson
1684936164
Bart and Mary were very professional and helpful with my claim. I appreciate all that you did for me. You were great.Thanks forall that you've done.Clifford E Boyer
Clifford Boyer
Clifford Boyer
1683668004
I started receiving services through this law firm in 2017 for my workers compensation case. Over the years, this firm has been attentive, kind, patient and understanding to my needs. My calls were returned promptly, if the associate was unavailable at that time and I have had ample opportunity to speak with Mr Hurt directly concerning my case. With Mary Wilson, Bart Conway, Mr Hurt and others behind the scene, my case has progressed smoothly. I am very pleased with the services and attention I received at this firm and would recommend Mr Hurt, Mary and Bart for your needs.
Teresa Harris
Teresa Harris
1683569779
We hired Mr. Hurt to help settle a worker’s comp injury case for my husband. Mark, Bart, and Mary worked tirelessly to resolve his case and reach a settlement we were pleased with. They were always available to answer questions and returned calls in a timely manner.
K F
K F
1682489385
We were fortunate to find the Law Offices of Mark T. Hunt to help us set up our estate. Melanie was a joy to work with. She did a wonderful job putting together all of the documents needed to complete our estate planning.
Roxanne Mcfall
Roxanne Mcfall
1681766365
The office got right back to me and were compassionate about my sensitive situation
polly deal
polly deal
1680754180
Jessica was helpful in assisting me with my disability claim!
Amber Snapp
Amber Snapp
1680618358
Jessica was super helpful when I had questions about submitting my claim for disability. She also got me a case manager quickly!
Amber Petrovich
Amber Petrovich
1680618228
I have only praise for the Mark T Hurt firm and especially Michael Miles. Michael was very helpful in guiding me through the court process ans assuring a good outcome. I would recommend this firm and Michael in particular if you need representation in Virginia!
Dave Dalpiaz
Dave Dalpiaz
1680114987
I called and spoke with Jessica in the Disability Dept. after my Denial and she was right on top of getting me the paperwork to Hire them as my Representatives to Handle my claim from here on out
Allen Smith
Allen Smith
1679416063
Jessica was extremely helpful at assisting me with getting me in the process to file my disability case.
Jason Harris
Jason Harris
1678138281
Thank youJessica from the Social security DeptU were very Helpful
Christal Postema
Christal Postema
1678134153
Jessica in theSoccial Secuity Dept was great
Bryon Nimmo
Bryon Nimmo
1678130439
I spoke with Jessica and she was fantastic! She helped me get my social security disability application started and set up with a case manager.
Rebecca Hunt Ford
Rebecca Hunt Ford
1678128980
Jessica @ Social Security Department was very helpful and friendly with us today.
Winonia Blankenship
Winonia Blankenship
1678125271
I had a ticket and was upset. I did not want points on my license. Frankie was amazing and made sure all my bases were covered. The Law Office of Mark Hurt did a wonderful job and got my ticket completely dismissed!!!! I am so glad they helped me. They were so nice and answered all my questions. I never had to worry after I talked with them. I would highly recommend that anyone who needs help with a ticket to talk with this firm!! Thank you so much for everything!!!
Nichloas Wyatt
Nichloas Wyatt
1677981214
Jessica in Disability is awesome!! She replies quickly and gets things done. I’m very satisfied with my choice and feel great that it is in their hands!
laura dykes
laura dykes
1677875154
The individuals I spoke with were courteous, helpful, and thorough. Thank you Jessica.
RoseMarie Whisnant
RoseMarie Whisnant
1677785574
Jessica and the disability dept are very helpful and give excellent assistance with filling a claim very glad I contacted them
Jessie Hawks
Jessie Hawks
1677680471
Was very easy process. Jessica was very friendly and helpful while applying for Social Security Disability.
Darlene Robinson
Darlene Robinson
1677623644
Thank you so much Jessica for helping me with my social security disability case! You were kind, helpful, and understanding. I greatly appreciate you!
Kelly Bragg
Kelly Bragg
1677613932
Jessica and the group started helping me with my disability case the same day I called. 10/10 recommend
Brittany Poole
Brittany Poole
1677612031
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