How Dangerous Is Motorcycle Riding?

There were 200 fatal motorcycle accidents in Tennessee in 2023—nearly 25% more than there were in 2022—marking it as the deadliest year for motorcycle riding in State history. Of course, fatal motorcycle accidents are not limited to Tennessee. Nationally, motorcyclists are 22 times more likely to die in an accident than the drivers and passengers of larger vehicles.

While the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports that motorcyclists are involved in around 15% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents, motorcycle accidents are not always fatal. The operators and passengers of motorcycles are also four times more likely to become seriously injured in these accidents, often resulting in excessive medical bills, an inability to work, and a host of other issues. When you suffer a serious injury in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to seek compensation for these damages, along with compensation for forced changes to lifestyle, pain and suffering, and other concerns.

Injured While Motorcycle Riding in Johnson City? We Can Help!

The best way to determine if you can take legal action is through a free case evaluation with one of the Johnson City motorcycle accident attorneys at The Haynes Firm. Call us at 423-928-0165 today to schedule your consultation and learn how we can help. Located in Johnson City, our lawyers proudly represent individuals and families dealing with the consequences of serious injury throughout the state.

What Are the Most Common Motorcycle Riding Injuries?

Motorcycles offer little by way of protection. Unlike larger vehicles, which surround occupants with protective features, motorcycle riding is a more vulnerable form of transportation. Lacking structural safety features like reinforced frames, seatbelts, and airbags, motorcyclists are often exposed to the full impact of an accident—even when helmets, leathers, and other safety gear are worn. However, the use of protective gear does decrease the risk of fatal or severe injury.

Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries are:

• Head Injuries. Among the most frequent and devastating outcomes of motorcycle accidents is head trauma. Unfortunately, brain injuries can occur even when riders are wearing a helmet, though the risk of death or serious injury is significantly reduced when a helmet is used. Brain injury may lead to long-term cognitive difficulties, memory issues, permanent disability, and, in severe cases, death. Helmets are required while motorcycle riding in Tennessee.
• Road Rash. Road rash happens when unprotected skin makes direct contact with the pavement. Even at lower speeds, this can result in abrasions that require skin grafts. Road rash can also lead to infection, pain, and permanent scarring.
• Broken Bones. Even with motorcycle armor, there is really nothing protecting the limbs during a motorcycle crash. Because riders often extend limbs involuntarily to brace for impact, fractures to wrists, arms, and legs are very common. So too are injuries to the collarbones and ribs. These injuries may require things like invasive surgeries or uncomfortable pins and plates to ensure proper healing.
• Spinal Cord Injuries. Motorcycle wrecks can cause significant trauma to the spine, leading to partial or complete paralysis. Spinal cord injuries (SCI) often result in life-altering consequences, with some victims losing mobility and sensation below the injury site. Rehabilitation can take months or even years and there is no guarantee of its success. Some individuals will require lifelong care following SCI.
• Internal Injuries. The blunt force trauma from motorcycle accidents can lead to internal injuries, such as liver, kidney, and spleen damage. These injuries are particularly dangerous because they may not be immediately noticeable, only becoming apparent after life-threatening complications have arisen.
• Lower Extremity Injury. Due to the positioning and exposure of the legs, injuries to the knees, ankles, and feet are common in motorcycle accidents. These issues can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues, even when treated appropriately.

Motorcycle accident injuries often require extensive medical care, including surgeries and long-term physical rehabilitation. They may necessitate permanent lifestyle changes, interfere with your ability to support yourself and your family, and result in untold amounts of personal pain and suffering. When your injuries are the result of someone else’s negligence, you deserve compensation for these damages.

The Haynes Firm is here to help. Our experienced legal team will review your case—free of both cost and obligation—to help you understand your options and choose the best course of action.

Motorcycle Accident Damages

When you are the victim of a motorcycle riding accident, you may be able to seek damages for:

• Medical Expenses
• Lost Wages
• Adaptability Modifications and Devices
• Physical Pain
• Emotional Duress
• And More

Motorcycle accidents can result in significant financial and personal losses. Unfortunately, insurance offers are not always representative of the actual damages suffered. Having an attorney review your claim remains one of the surest ways to understand what you may be owed and to learn which method of seeking compensation will be best for your situation. It should be noted that, if you choose to accept an offer from insurance, you will not be permitted to seek additional compensation through legal action.

There is no limit to the amount of compensation you can collect for medical bills, lost income, and other provable expenses and losses. However, there is a cap placed on non-economic damages in Tennessee, such as pain and suffering or forced changes to lifestyle, that can limit your recovery. During your initial motorcycle riding injury consultation at our Johnson City Office, we can carefully evaluate your damages to give you a clearer idea of what you may be entitled to seek.

Motorcycle Riding Accident Victims Need a Lawyer

Having a lawyer on your side helps to ensure the proper parties are held liable, the full extent of your damages are considered, and you are protected from the tactics that insurance adjusters and defense lawyers may use to try and coerce you into accepting less than you are due. Having a lawyer from The Haynes Firm on your side means you are selecting proven litigators with a proud history of securing large verdicts and settlements for victims of serious injury.

At The Haynes Firm, we have more than 70 years of combined experience providing attentive and personalized legal services for families and individuals who have been harmed through the negligence of others. Knowledgeable and client-focused, our award-winning attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial hardships that can follow motorcycle accidents. We are fully committed to ensuring our clients’ voices are heard as we fight for the true compensation their injuries demand.

Our lawyers are here to listen to your story. We will take the time necessary to fully investigate your case and develop a strong and results-driven plan to help you recover your damages. No matter if your claim involves negotiating a settlement or fighting for your rights in front of a judge and jury, The Haynes Firm will stand by your side every step of the way, offering guidance, support, and tireless representation.

Contact Us for a FREE Motorcycle Riding Injury Claim Consultation

Motorcycle accidents can turn lives upside down. Our goal is to help victims regain control and move forward. If you have been injured while motorcycle riding, we encourage you to contact us online or call our office today to schedule your FREE case review and learn more. The Haynes Firm is a personal injury law firm based in Johnson City. We welcome clients from all surrounding areas of Tennessee.