A careless driver does not have to collide with a motorcycle to cause a crash. No-contact motorcycle accidents can happen when another driver’s actions force a motorcyclist to swerve or take other evasive actions, leading to a single-vehicle accident that does not involve a collision with the at-fault motorist’s vehicle. While drivers are still liable for these crashes when they cause them, proving the driver’s role in the accident is harder due to the lack of direct contact.
How Do No-Contact Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Tennessee?
Some ways that no-contact motorcycle accidents happen in Tennessee include:
- Unsafe lane changes – A driver who changes lanes without signaling or checking their blind spots can force a motorcyclist to swerve to avoid a sideswipe collision.
- Failure to yield – Riders may have to take sudden action when a driver enters an intersection or merges into traffic without yielding, leading to a motorcycle crash.
- Tailgating – Following a motorcycle too closely can pressure the rider into abrupt maneuvers to avoid being hit from behind.
- Sudden braking – A driver who slams on their brakes unexpectedly in front of a motorcyclist can cause the rider to swerve or lose control.
- Distracted driving – Drivers who are texting, adjusting vehicle controls, or otherwise not paying attention may drift into a motorcycle’s lane, forcing the rider to swerve to avoid impact.
- Improper turns – A motorist making an illegal or poorly executed turn can force a motorcyclist into aggressive maneuvers to avoid a collision.
Can I Get Compensation for a No-Contact Motorcycle Accident?
You can recover compensation for a no-contact motorcycle accident that another driver caused. However, you must prove that the other driver acted carelessly, that their actions caused the accident, and that you suffered measurable injuries due to the crash.
It can be challenging to meet these requirements because the other driver did not hit you, but a Tennessee motorcycle accident lawyer can help. In some situations, it may be possible to recover compensation from your insurance company under your policy’s uninsured motorist coverage (UM). UM coverage may apply if the at-fault driver did not stop and could not be identified.
With proper legal support, you could recover compensation related to your severe injuries, including the following examples:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost income and reduced future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- The cost to repair or replace your motorcycle
How to Prove a No-Contact Motorcycle Accident Case in Tennessee
Our Tennessee motorcycle accident lawyers can collect evidence to prove how another driver caused your injuries in a personal injury claim. Some examples of potential evidence include:
- Witness statements – Testimony from people who saw the accident can confirm that another driver’s careless or dangerous actions forced you to swerve or take other actions that resulted in the no-contact crash that injured you.
- Police report – An officer’s written account may note the other driver’s traffic violations, unsafe maneuvers, or other behaviors that contributed to the crash.
- Dashcam or helmet cam footage – Video evidence may have captured the other driver’s movements, showing how they caused you to lose control. Along with dashcam or helmet cam footage, recordings from nearby surveillance cameras can provide an unbiased view of the crash.
Get Legal Help with Your No-Contact Motorcycle Accident Claim
You need an experienced ally to prove how another driver caused a no-contact accident. The Terry Law Firm has fought for injured people in Tennessee for over 60 years and won millions for our clients. Let us handle all the legal work so you can focus on healing. You do not pay us anything unless you recover compensation.
Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation about your potential personal injury case with an experienced attorney at our law firm.