Motorcycle Accidents in Tennessee

Nashville Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Motorcyclists don’t have the luxury of “minor” accidents. When you’re hit on a bike, there’s no protective metal frame, airbags, or crumple zones—just you, the road, and whatever hit you. One careless driver can leave you with broken bones, surgeries, road rash, a traumatic brain injury, or worse. On top of that, insurance companies often stereotype riders as “reckless” and try to blame them for their own injuries.

At Freeman & Fuson, we represent injured motorcyclists and their families throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. We understand how Tennessee’s negligence, insurance, and injury laws apply to motorcycle crashes, including the one-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims under T.C.A. § 28-3-104, comparative fault rules under T.C.A. § 29-11-103, and damage provisions in T.C.A. Title 29, Chapter 39. Our goal is to cut through the bias, prove what really happened, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Practice Areas 

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Most motorcycle wrecks aren’t caused by the rider—they’re caused by drivers who fail to see or respect motorcycles on the road. We regularly handle cases involving:

Regardless of how the crash happened, we work to secure the crash report (as required under Tennessee’s accident reporting laws in T.C.A. § 55-10-106 and related sections), investigate the scene, and prove exactly how the other driver was at fault.

Overcoming Bias & Tennessee Comparative Fault

Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault system under T.C.A. § 29-11-103. That means:

• If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover.
• If you are less than 50% at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Insurance companies often try to use this rule against riders. They may argue you were:

• “Going too fast” simply because you were on a motorcycle
• “Weaving” or “lane splitting” with little or no proof
• “Not visible enough” even when the driver clearly failed to look

We push back by gathering evidence such as:

• Scene and vehicle photos
• Witness statements
• Surveillance or dash-cam footage, when available
• Measurements, skid marks, and physical evidence
• Data from the other vehicle (in some cases)

Our job is to tell the real story of the crash—and to protect you from unfair blame.

Serious Injuries, Serious Consequences

Because riders are so exposed, motorcycle crashes often involve:

• Fractures and orthopedic injuries
• Road rash and soft-tissue damage
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Amputations and crush injuries
• Wrongful death

These injuries don’t just hurt—they affect your ability to work, support your family, and enjoy life. Under Tennessee law, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent impairment or disfigurement
• Property damage to your bike and gear

In cases involving especially reckless conduct, we also examine whether punitive damages may be available under T.C.A. § 29-39-104.

Insurance Issues in Motorcycle Cases

Motorcycle riders often face unique insurance challenges. Drivers who cause the crash may carry minimal limits, which don’t come close to covering serious injuries.

We carefully review all available coverage, including:

• The at-fault driver’s liability policy
• Any applicable commercial or umbrella coverage
• Your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, often governed by T.C.A. § 56-7-1201 et seq.

We also handle:

• Medical payments (MedPay) coverage where available
• Health insurance coordination and lien issues
• Subrogation claims from health insurers

Our goal is to identify every potential source of recovery so you are not left bearing the financial burden of someone else’s negligence.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

If you are involved in a motorcycle crash in Tennessee:

• Get medical care immediately – Even if you think you can “walk it off,” some injuries show up later, and early documentation is vital.
• Call law enforcement – Make sure a crash report is created.
• If you can, document the scene – Photos of vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, and injuries; names and contact information of witnesses.
• Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company—yours or theirs—before talking to a lawyer.
• Keep your gear and helmet – They may be important evidence.
• Contact an attorney as soon as possible – The earlier we’re involved, the more effectively we can protect your claim.

Why Hire Freeman & Fuson for a Motorcycle Accident Case?