What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Sevierville?

Injured motorcycle rider on the ground with helmet off

A motorcycle accident can be a stressful experience. In the critical moments following the crash, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what actions to take. However, what you do next is crucial to ensure your safety, protect your legal rights, and pave the way for a smoother recovery process.

Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the world of motorcycles, being informed about the proper course of action can make all the difference in the aftermath of an unfortunate accident.

Steps to Take After an Accident on a Motorcycle in Sevierville

  • Prioritize your safety. The most important thing you can do after a motorcycle accident is to protect yourself from further harm. After the initial collision, motorcyclists remain vulnerable to post-impact dangers, such as inattentive drivers and vehicle explosions or fires. Get yourself out of danger and safely away from the wreckage.
  • Stay calm. A sudden collision can set loose a range of emotions, from anger to fear to anxiety. It’s common to feel emotionally and mentally overwhelmed after a motorcycle accident. Try your best to stay calm at the accident scene, knowing you will have time to mentally process what occurred later. Focus on your safety and these immediate steps.
  • Call the authorities. Report even seemingly minor accidents to the police. More severe accidents should be reported to 911. Depending on the nature of the accident, the dispatcher may send emergency medical services (EMS), who can provide immediate medical care as needed. The police will take control of the scene, direct traffic to avoid further collisions and produce a report on the accident. The report will likely include critical information about the accident and can serve as a starting point for your lawyer’s investigation.
  • Gather evidence. While the police will produce a crash report, you should also collect your own evidence at the scene, if possible. You may notice things the police do not. Write down the names and contact information of everyone involved in the accident and any bystanders who witnessed the accident as it occurred. Take photos and videos of everything pertinent to the accident, including all vehicles involved and the overall scene from multiple angles. Jot down info on the weather, the direction from which each vehicle came, and recollections of what occurred before, during, and immediately after the accident. If you’re too hurt to complete these tasks on your own, don’t worry. Our experienced attorneys can conduct an independent investigation after the fact.
  • Seek medical attention. See a doctor even if you think your injuries are minor. It may seem unusual but keep your motorcycle gear on until you see a medical professional. Riding gear like helmets, gloves, and boots protect your body. Hastily removing them could worsen an injury.
  • Follow your doctor’s orders. Your treatment doesn’t end after your emergency care or initial doctor’s visit. Carefully follow your doctor’s treatment plan to the letter. Not only will this improve your prognosis for recovery, but it will also demonstrate to insurers that you’re taking your health seriously and not worsening your injuries.
  • Consult an attorney. Get in touch with a personal injury lawyer from The Terry Law Firm as soon as you can after the accident. Our attorneys can advise you on your rights, handle all communications with insurance companies, and quantify the full extent of your injuries and accident-related losses. These steps will increase your chances of recovering sufficient compensation for your needs.
  • Document your recovery. Maintain a file of medical bills and records, prescription and medical equipment costs, and other accident-related expenses. Keep a daily record of your pain levels and physical, emotional, and mental state. Document the cost of your bike’s damage and any wages you lose because of time missed at work. This information will become crucial evidence of economic and non-economic losses.
  • File an accident report. Tennessee law requires anyone involved in an accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,500 ($400 for government property) to file a personal report with the Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
  • Be careful with your words. Be wary of making any statements about the accident, whether on social media or to anyone other than your lawyer. If you get a call from an insurance adjuster asking for your side of the story, tell them to talk to your attorney. Insurance companies will try to use your own words against you to undercut your compensation claim.

How Long After a Motorcycle Accident Do I Have to File a Claim in Sevierville?

Under Tennessee’s statute of limitations on personal injury claims, victims have just one year from the day of the motorcycle accident to file a lawsuit. Being aware of the specific time constraints will help you act swiftly and diligently to protect your right to compensation.

Do You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

If you make the wrong move after a motorcycle accident, you can risk jeopardizing the strength of your legal case. And mistakes are all too easy to make when you’re physically hurting and emotionally overwhelmed. That’s why you need a motorcycle accident lawyer to help you through this difficult time.

The Terry Law Firm is here for you, just as we have been for injured people in East Tennessee since 1960. With over 50 years of combined legal experience, our Sevierville motorcycle accident lawyers know how to protect your rights and fight for maximum compensation. Let us lessen your burden and handle your legal case, so you can focus on your recovery.

Talk to Our Experienced Sevierville Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today

The aftermath of a motorcycle accident in Sevierville can be overwhelming, but knowing how to respond can positively affect the outcome of any resulting personal injury case. By following the essential steps outlined on this page, you can take charge of the aftermath with confidence, safeguarding your rights and well-being.

Need help pursuing your claim? Contact us online or call The Terry Law Firm today for a free consultation and speak with an experienced Sevierville personal injury lawyer about your next steps.

Motorcycle Accidents

Do Motorcycle Accident Laws Differ from State to State?

Yes. Each state handles motorcycle accidents differently. In Tennessee, motorcycle accidents involve a fault system regarding financial responsibility for injuries and losses. That means you can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company to seek compensation. It’s important to work with a local attorney who understands Tennessee law and how it applies to your case. The Terry Law Firm has been helping people in East Tennessee since 1960.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

You might worry about the cost of hiring a lawyer, but the motorcycle accident attorneys at The Terry Law Firm take cases on contingency. That means no upfront fees or costs are involved in seeking legal representation. You only have to pay if your motorcycle accident attorney secures compensation for you. If you are not awarded compensation, we do not get paid.

What if the Driver Who Hit Me on My Motorcycle Is Uninsured?

If you discover the at-fault driver doesn’t have liability coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance company if you have optional uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Under UM coverage, you could receive from your insurer compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other financial losses resulting from the motorcycle accident. An attorney can assist with your claim and help you maximize your financial recovery.

Will My Motorcycle Accident Case Go to Trial?

It depends. Most motorcycle accident claims do not go to trial, but some do. Whether yours requires litigation will depend on numerous factors. It may be necessary for you to consider filing a lawsuit if you believe the insurer unfairly denied your claim or won’t agree to a fair settlement. Litigating a motorcycle accident case is sometimes necessary if liability is unclear, multiple parties are involved, or the insurer tries to shift blame onto the injured party.

What Should I Do if I’m Offered a Motorcycle Accident Settlement?

You should always consult an experienced attorney before accepting any settlement from the insurance company. The first offer usually is not the best. Insurers often make a lowball offer to settle the claim quickly, seeking to save money.

Despite what they may have you believe, the at-fault party’s insurer doesn’t want to help you. Their main priority is avoiding costly settlements whenever possible. Discuss the offer with your lawyer to determine if negotiating a higher number is possible or if filing a lawsuit may be necessary.

What Should I Say if the Insurance Company Contacts Me After a Motorcycle Accident?

You should not talk to the insurance carrier if they contact you after a motorcycle collision. Be aware that the at-fault party’s insurer is not on your side. Their goal is to settle your claim for as little money as possible or find reasons to deny the claim.

If the insurance adjuster calls you to discuss the accident, politely decline to speak with them. You can give them your attorney’s number if you have hired someone to represent you. If you have yet to seek legal representation, hire a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer immediately. Your attorney can then communicate with the insurer on your behalf, so you don’t have to worry about saying something that may adversely affect your case.