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Motorcycle Crashes Near Driveways

Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney Helping Residents of Maryville and East Tennessee

Motorcyclists face many risks, and if they are struck by a larger vehicle or encounter a hazard on the surface of the road, the injuries that they sustain may be catastrophic. Often, riders in East Tennessee are particularly at risk when cars or trucks enter the roadway from a private or commercial driveway, or when they turn into a driveway. If you have been hurt in this type of wreck, Maryville motorcycle crash lawyer Mark Hartsoe is ready to aggressively assert your right to compensation.

Holding a Careless Driver Liable for a Motorcycle Crash Near a Driveway

Under Tennessee law, anyone driving onto a roadway from a private driveway or making a turn into a private driveway is supposed to use reasonable care for the safety of others when doing so. A driver should look to see whether anyone is coming and determine whether they have enough time and space to enter the road safely. Failing to take reasonable precautions, such as looking both ways, is likely to be considered negligent and a basis for liability if injuries result.

In many cases, drivers will claim that they did not see a motorcyclist. Since motorcycles take up less space on the road, drivers often miss their presence. This is usually not a valid excuse. In some cases, a driver's view may be restricted by shrubbery around the driveway or other parked cars. However, a driver should only edge out of the driveway until they can see the entire road.

Defendants in motorcycle wreck cases often argue that the motorcyclist was negligent as well. Tennessee follows the doctrine of modified comparative negligence. A motorcyclist's damages will be reduced by an amount equal to their proportion of fault if they were 49% or less responsible for the crash. If a motorcyclist is found 50% or more at fault, they are completely barred from recovering damages. This stark difference in potential outcomes makes it particularly important to consult an experienced motorcycle crash attorney like Mark Hartsoe, who can develop a sophisticated strategy and vigorously push back against allegations that you were negligent.

In some of these cases, a property owner may bear some responsibility for creating an obstruction that makes it difficult for a driver trying to turn onto a roadway. For example, a poorly placed or overgrown bush that blocks a driver's view of the roadway, or makes it so that the driver would not be able to see a motorcyclist, should be fixed. A property owner that creates a hazard for people on the road or knows about a hazard may be held liable for negligence.

Retain Maryville Lawyer Mark Hartsoe for Your Motorcycle Crash Case

Motor vehicle collision lawyer Mark Hartsoe can represent you with dedication and tenacity if you have been struck by a careless driver. Call the Hartsoe Law Firm at 865-804-1011 or contact us via our online form to set up a free consultation with Maryville motorcycle crash attorney Mark Hartsoe. He assists victims throughout East Tennessee, including in Knox, Blount, Monroe, Loudon, Jefferson, Grainger, Cocke, Campbell, Hamblen, Greene, Anderson, Cumberland, and Fentress Counties.


Client Reviews
★★★★★
Mark: We would like to thank you for all the hard work you put in winning our medical malpractice lawsuit. The money we were awarded will certainly change our lives. The fact that you never treated us like clients but instead like friends meant so much to us. Again from our hearts we say thank you. Client
★★★★★
The Peroulas family and I deeply appreciate your help and expertise. Although I am certain that it would have been most enjoyable to work with you on the trial, my clients are happy with what they and I believe to be a very favorable settlement, thanks in large part to your guidance. James S. Tipton, Jr.
★★★★★
We appreciate the great job that you did on our case. You watched out for our interest even before you took our case. Mark Hartsoe did a wonderful job. He showed great expertise as he went up against a multi-national corporation with multiple lawyers. He had a thorough understanding of the many details and events that occurred. We were especially impressed with his skill during mediation. Mark’s PowerPoint presentation was excellent, overwhelming the opposition. It was refreshing to work with someone who does what he says he will and truly had our best interest in mind. Thank you for everything. Dennis and Julie Greene
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Just a short note to let you know we appreciate all of your hard work! Rhonda and Mike Cherrin
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We would very much appreciate it if you would be so kind as to e-mail to our office the Powerpoint presentation that you made at the commencement of the mediation. Our General Manger was very impressed and would like to show it to the CEO and may in turn show it to other corporate personnel as an example of what can happen to the same or similar case when placed in the hands of an excellent lawyer such as Mark Hartsoe. William T. Wray
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