Motorcycle enthusiasts in Memphis know the thrill of cruising down Riverside Drive with views of the Mississippi River, winding through the scenic roads of Shelby Farms Park, or enjoying the tree-lined stretches of Walnut Grove Road. But when a careless driver turns your ride into a nightmare, a Memphis motorcycle accident lawyer from Cory Watson Attorneys is ready to fight for your rights.
Whether you were hit on busy thoroughfares like Poplar Avenue and Union Avenue or sideswiped on I-240 or I-40, our experienced team understands the unique challenges motorcycle accident victims face.
Don't let insurance companies downplay your injuries or unfairly blame you for the crash. Contact Cory Watson Attorneys today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Cory Watson Attorneys for My Memphis Motorcycle Accident Claim?
When you're dealing with a motorcycle accident in Memphis, you need a law firm that combines local knowledge with national reach. Cory Watson Attorneys offers exactly that.
With over 40 years of experience and more than $4 Billion recovered for our clients, we have the resources and skills to take on even the most complex motorcycle accident cases. Our team understands the unique challenges motorcyclists face on Memphis roads, from the heavy traffic on Poplar Avenue to the tricky intersections downtown.
At Cory Watson Attorneys, we're not just lawyers—we're advocates for injured riders. We know that motorcyclists are often unfairly blamed for accidents, and we work tirelessly to counter these biases.
Our attorneys have a deep understanding of Tennessee motorcycle laws and insurance regulations, allowing us to build strong cases that protect your rights and maximize your compensation. We're committed to treating every client with respect and dignity, ensuring that your voice is heard throughout the legal process.
Choosing Cory Watson Attorneys means partnering with a firm with a proven track record of success in personal injury cases, including motorcycle accidents. We have the resources to thoroughly investigate your accident, consult expert witnesses, and, if necessary, take your case to trial.
Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide updates on your case. When you work with us, you're not just getting a lawyer—you're gaining a dedicated ally in your fight for justice.
Do I Have a Motorcycle Accident Case?
If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident in Memphis, you may be wondering if you have a valid legal claim. Most personal injury cases, including motorcycle accidents, are based on the concept of negligence. Negligence occurs when someone fails to exercise reasonable care, harming another person.
To determine if you have a motorcycle accident case, it's important to understand the four elements of negligence that must be established:
- Duty of Care: The first element establishes that the other party (usually another driver) owed you a duty of care. On the road, all drivers have a legal obligation to operate their vehicles safely and follow traffic laws.
- Breach of Duty: Next, we must show that the other party breached their duty of care. This could involve speeding, running a red light, driving while distracted, or failing to yield the right of way to your motorcycle.
- Causation: The third element requires proving that the other party's breach of duty directly caused your accident and resulting injuries. This means demonstrating a clear link between their negligent action and the harm you suffered.
- Damages: Finally, we must show that you suffered actual damages due to the accident. These can include physical injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
You likely have a valid motorcycle accident case if all four of these elements can be established. However, determining negligence can be complex, especially in motorcycle accidents where bias against riders can come into play. That's why it's crucial to consult an experienced Memphis motorcycle accident lawyer who can evaluate the specifics of your case and help you understand your legal options.
Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company after a Motorcycle Accident?
After a motorcycle accident in Memphis, you may be contacted by the at-fault driver's insurance company with a settlement offer. Never accept this offer to just put the ordeal behind you. The first offer is rarely in your best interest.
Insurance companies are businesses focused on minimizing payouts and maximizing profits. Their initial offers are often far below what your claim is actually worth, especially in motorcycle accident cases where injuries can be severe and long-lasting.
These lowball offers typically don't account for:
- Future medical expenses related to your injuries
- Long-term rehabilitation or therapy costs
- Lost earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work
- Pain and suffering or reduced quality of life
Accepting an early offer before you fully understand the extent of your injuries can be risky. Some injuries, particularly those common in motorcycle accidents like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage, may not fully manifest until weeks or months after the accident.
Before accepting any offer, consult an experienced Memphis motorcycle accident lawyer.
At Cory Watson Attorneys, we can:
- Accurately assess the full value of your claim
- Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf
- Ensure all current and future accident-related expenses are considered
- Protect you from tactics insurance companies use to devalue your claim
Remember, once you accept a settlement offer, you typically waive your right to seek additional compensation later. Don't let the insurance company pressure you into a quick settlement. Let Cory Watson Attorneys review your case and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
What Compensation is Available in a Motorcycle Accident Case?
After a motorcycle accident, you may recover compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: This covers all accident-related medical costs, including emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical care.
- Lost Wages or Income: If your injuries cause you to miss work, you can claim compensation for lost income. This also includes loss of future earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term.
- Property Damage: You can seek compensation for repairs or replacement of your motorcycle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: This non-economic damage compensates you for physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident and your injuries.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from engaging in activities you previously enjoyed, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Given the severe nature of many motorcycle accidents, compensation may be available for permanent scarring or disfigurement.
- Loss of Consortium: Your spouse may be able to claim damages for loss of companionship and support due to your injuries.
Compensation Available After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident
In cases of wrongful death, where a motorcycle accident results in a fatality, the victim's family may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim.
This type of claim can include compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical costs incurred before death
- Loss of the deceased's future income
- Loss of the deceased's love, companionship, and support
- Pain and suffering of the deceased before death
At Cory Watson Attorneys, we understand the complexities of motorcycle accident cases and the full spectrum of damages available. We'll work tirelessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and losses.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Memphis Motorcycle Accident?
Determining liability in a Memphis motorcycle accident is a crucial step in securing the compensation you deserve. While many assume that only the other driver can be held responsible, multiple parties often may share liability.
At Cory Watson Attorneys, we conduct thorough investigations to identify all potentially liable parties in your motorcycle accident case.
Potential liable parties in a Memphis motorcycle accident may include:
- Other Drivers: This is the most common liable party, typically a car or truck driver who violated traffic laws or drove negligently.
- Vehicle Manufacturers: If a defective part on your motorcycle or the other vehicle contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be held liable.
- Government Entities: If poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or improperly designed intersections contributed to your accident, the city of Memphis or other government bodies responsible for road maintenance may be liable.
- Motorcycle Parts Manufacturers: If a faulty part on your motorcycle caused the accident, the manufacturer of that part could be held responsible.
- Bars or Restaurants: In drunk driving accident cases, establishments that over-served alcohol to the at-fault driver may be held partially liable under Tennessee's dram shop laws.
- Employers: If the at-fault driver was on the job during the accident, their employer might share liability.
- Construction Companies: If road construction contributed to the accident, the company responsible for the construction work may be liable.
- Other Motorcyclists: In group riding accidents, another motorcyclist's negligence could make them liable for your injuries.
Identifying all potentially liable parties is crucial because:
- It increases the likelihood of full compensation for your injuries and losses
- It ensures all responsible parties are held accountable
- It can provide alternative sources of compensation if one party is underinsured
Don't assume that your only recourse is against the other driver. Contact Cory Watson Attorneys for a free consultation. We'll review the details of your case and work tirelessly to identify all parties who may be held liable for your motorcycle accident injuries.
What if I'm Partly at Fault for My Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
If you're concerned that you might be partially responsible for your motorcycle accident in Memphis, it's crucial to understand how Tennessee law handles shared fault in personal injury cases. The state follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which can affect your ability to recover damages.
Under Tennessee's modified comparative negligence system, you can still recover damages if you're less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you're found to be 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation.
Fault determination in motorcycle accidents can be complex and often biased against riders. Common misconceptions about motorcyclists being "reckless" or "irresponsible" can unfairly influence fault assessment. This is why having an experienced Memphis motorcycle accident lawyer is crucial.
At Cory Watson Attorneys, we:
- Thoroughly investigate the accident to gather evidence supporting your case
- Work with accident reconstruction experts to establish a clear picture of what happened
- Challenge any unfair blame placed on you as the motorcyclist
- Negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you're not assigned an unfair portion of fault
- If necessary, present a compelling case in court to minimize your percentage of fault
Even if you think you might have been partly at fault, don't let this deter you from seeking legal help. The experienced team at Cory Watson Attorneys can evaluate your case, protect your rights, and work to maximize your compensation regardless of potential shared fault.
Remember, insurance companies often try to shift blame onto motorcyclists to reduce their payout. Don't admit fault or give statements to insurance adjusters before consulting with a lawyer. Contact Cory Watson Attorneys for a free consultation to discuss the specifics of your case and learn how we can help protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact our Memphis Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
When you've been injured in a motorcycle accident in Memphis, you need a legal team that understands the unique challenges you face and has the experience to fight for your rights. At Cory Watson Attorneys, we're committed to helping motorcycle accident victims get the compensation they deserve.
Here's how we can help with your Memphis motorcycle accident case:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of your accident to gather crucial evidence
- Handle all communications with insurance companies, protecting you from unfair tactics
- Work with medical experts to fully understand and document your injuries
- Calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical costs and lost earnings
- Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement on your behalf
- Prepare your case for trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached
- Provide personalized, compassionate support throughout the legal process
Don't let a motorcycle accident overwhelm you. With Cory Watson Attorneys on your side, you can focus on your recovery while we focus on fighting for your rights. Our team has recovered over $4 Billion for injury victims, and we're ready to put our 40 years of experience to work for you.
Contact our Memphis personal injury lawyer at Cory Watson Attorneys today at (901) 479-0227 or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. Remember, we don't get paid unless we recover compensation for you. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve and the justice you need to move forward after your Memphis motorcycle accident.