Fatalities Caused by Motorcycle Accidents

Maryville Motorcycle Injuries and Fatalities

Hartsoe Law Firm is an experienced advocate in Knoxville and Maryville motorcycle accident law. For over 27 years, Mark Hartsoe has helped injured people and their families through the devastation caused by a serious motorcycle injury or death. When a motorcycle accident results in death, he is the “go to” lawyer to get results. Hartsoe Law Firm provides quality representation to families across Tennessee.

Motorcycle Accidents in Maryville, Tennessee, and Surrounding Areas

Like all cities, Maryville and Blount County, Tennessee, sees more than its share of motorcycle accidents and fatalities. Blount County alone records more than 220 crashes per year. While some collisions are truly accidents, most are preventable. Too many cyclists are hit by negligent drivers. When a motorcycle accident results in serious injury or death to a loved one, the family is left searching for justice. A wrongful death claim provides family members with a legal recourse against the liable parties. Motorcycle accidents caused by negligence often involve:

• Intoxication
• Inexperience
• Four-way stops
• Speeding, racing
• Distracted driving
• Talking and texting
• Unprotected left turns
• Crossing intersections
• Failure to yield right-of-way
• Sudden braking, lane changes

Motorcycle Injuries and Fatalities

Because they lack the same protection as cars, a vehicle wreck is often devastating for motorcycle riders. While drivers suffer property damage and serious bodily injury in collisions, many riders never make it out alive. Even with the best helmet and protective gear, riders are easily ejected from their seats and thrown into traffic. They may be crushed by the weight of their motorcycle or hit by oncoming cars. The impact of steel traveling at high velocities can mean instantaneous death. Even those who survive the crash sometimes never recover from the physical trauma. Those who make it out of the hospital often suffer debilitating injuries, permanent disfigurement, and partial or total paralysis that change their lives and family situation forever.

Families of Motorcycle Accident Victims

Motorists have a legal duty to safely operate their vehicles. When negligent conduct causes a motorcycle fatality, the cause of action survives. A wrongful death claim may be brought by eligible family members to recover for their loss. Tennessee law generally limits eligibility to immediate family, including:

• Parents
• Spouses
• Children
• Legal guardians
• Executors or administrators of estate

Surviving family members who show a direct relationship between another’s negligence and the fatality are entitled to compensation from the liable party. Lawyers from other areas of the country commonly refer to motorcycle wreck cases to Mr. Hartsoe. He is widely known as the “go to” guy for Tennessee motorcycle wreck cases.

Damages in a Wrongful Death Suit

A wrongful death action is distinct from a regular personal injury claim because it rewards lost potential and future, unproved consequences of the motorcycle death. While compensation can never fill the gaping hole left by negligence, financial recovery is often crucial to struggling family and dependents. Surviving family may be entitled to several types of damages, including:

• Medical costs
• Funeral expenses
• Lost income over time
• Conscious pain and suffering
• Punitive damages in some cases
• Lost consortium (family relationship)

Experienced attorneys must translate the most important, emotional loss into harsh economic terms. These damages for loss of relationship place value on the lost companionship, guidance, and support that a family member provides.

Consult a Knowledgeable Tennessee Motorcycle Attorney

If a motorcycle accident caused the wrongful death of a loved one, contact an experienced Knoxville and Maryville accident and injury lawyer at Hartsoe Law Firm today. Mark Hartsoe helps families whose lives have been wrecked by the negligence of others. He is respected for his experience in motorcycle accidents and has recovered millions of dollars for families in Maryville and throughout Tennessee. By working closely with accident experts, Mr. Hartsoe recreates the scene of the accident and presents evidence to help demonstrate the cause of the motorcycle wreck. At Hartsoe Law Firm, we understand the devastating nature of your loss. That is why we are dedicated to pursuing your claim with the utmost dignity and respect. Call 865-804-1011 for a confidential consultation or contact us online.