Unsafe Lane Changes

Unsafe lane changes can cause serious and sometimes fatal injuries to motorcyclists. Knoxville motorcycle accident lawyer Mark C. Hartsoe can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Mr. Hartsoe has represented numerous clients injured in motorcycle accidents. He will thoroughly gather information, work with accident specialists, and seek to hold the parties responsible for your injuries accountable for their actions. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Mark C. Hartsoe today to discuss your case.

Motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries and, in some cases, even death. A motorcycle lacks the structural protections that cars and trucks have. As a result, many motorcycle accident injuries tend to be more severe and fatal than in passenger vehicle crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 80,000 motorcyclists are injured in motorcycle wrecks each year.

The number of motorcycle accidents in Tennessee has increased in recent years. The Tennessee Department of Safety notes that the majority of motorcycle crashes occur in the spring and summer months. More than half of all motorcycle accidents happen over the weekend, with over one-fifth occurring on Saturdays. Over one hundred motorcycle accidents were fatal each year in both 2011 and 2012.

Motorcyclists in Tennessee have the same rights and responsibilities as other motorists. All motorists have a duty to use reasonable care when they operate their vehicles. Car and truck drivers, however, do not always exercise the required level of care when it comes to sharing the road with motorcyclists. Under Tennessee law, motorcyclists are entitled to occupy an entire lane in traffic. Other drivers cannot prevent motorcyclists from the full use of a lane. They must share the road with motorcyclists just as they would with any other vehicle.

Unfortunately, car and truck drivers may change lanes unsafely in an attempt to dominate motorcycles on the road. They may try to pass or overtake motorcycles without properly gauging the distance between them and the motorcycle. A distracted driver may overlook a motorcycle because of its size.

A motorist’s careless or reckless behavior can lead to serious injuries for a motorcyclist, including loss of limbs, internal injuries, and paralysis. These injuries often require a high level of medical care, and may hinder the injured person’s ability to earn a living.

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you may seek compensation from the motorist whose careless actions led to your injuries. You can potentially recover for a range of damages, including medical bills, pain and suffering, and any loss of income due to the injuries from the accident.

If your relative suffered a fatal injury as a result of a motorcycle accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death suit against the person responsible for your loss. A wrongful death suit allows you to recover for the pain and suffering your loved one endured due to the injuries leading up to his or her death, and lets you recover for funeral, burial, and other expenses.

Knoxville personal injury attorney Mark C. Hartsoe can help you if you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident. Mr. Hartsoe is a seasoned lawyer with over twenty years of experience as a personal injury attorney. He has represented families and estates throughout Tennessee, successfully guiding them in personal injury and wrongful death claims. Mr. Hartsoe will work closely with you to gather information, build a strong case, and seek the compensation you deserve so that you can move forward. If you’ve been hurt or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, call us today at 865-804-1011 or contact us online for a free consultation.