Motorcyclists have much less protection than people in cars do. This substantially increases their risk of sustaining life-threatening or fatal injuries in crashes. Unfortunately, fatal motorcycle accidents in Memphis are common, and the rate of these tragic events is rising.
When another driver’s carelessness causes collisions in which riders pass away, families have the legal right to pursue legal action and collect a settlement from the at-fault party with a wrongful death claim. Schedule a meeting with a seasoned wrongful death attorney from Reaves Law Firm, PLLC now to review your case and legal options.
A negligent driver’s thoughtless actions behind the wheel can quickly turn into a severe collision—with tragic results for motorcyclists traveling near them. Common causes of fatal accidents include:
Accidents involving cars and motorcycles are often severe, especially at high speeds or with larger vehicles like semi-trucks. An attorney skilled with fatal motorcycle crashes in Memphis could investigate how the accident happened, determine the actions leading up to the incident, and gather evidence to prove liability.
Losing a loved one is always hard, but finding peace and moving on is more challenging when the accident was entirely preventable. The grief is often overwhelming, and if the deceased supported the family financially, there is also a great deal of stress from facing an unknown future.
Wrongful death legislation allows surviving family members to file lawsuits against negligent Memphis drivers who cause fatal crashes with bikers and their passengers. Per the guidance of the Tennessee Code Annotated § 20-5-107, the following parties could file the petition in civil court to commence legal action against the at-fault party:
The wrongful death statute of limitations specifies that the family has just one year to file the lawsuit in civil court to recover a settlement from the at-fault party. If they miss this deadline, the case may be dismissed entirely.
While handling the legal work to prepare a case is usually the last thing families want to think about, it can provide financial relief and a sense of closure while holding the person or business accountable for their actions.
Damages in wrongful death cases may include monetary expenses such as funeral burial costs, outstanding medical care from the accident leading to death, and lost financial support. The court may also award compensation for more subjective losses, such as emotional distress and loss of guidance and consortium. A Memphis law firm that handles fatal motorcycle crashes could oversee the legal work on the family’s behalf and fight for a fair award amount.
While avid motorcyclists love getting out and riding as much as possible, there is a risk of severe harm, including death in crashes. Even when riders take every safety precaution and comply with traffic rules and regulations, they are still put at risk by the negligence of other motorists around them.
When someone’s carelessness caused the sudden death of someone you love in a motorcycle crash, you have the right to take legal action. The team at Reaves Law Firm, PLLC is here to support you through this difficult time. Schedule a free consultation with a compassionate lawyer skilled in handling cases resulting from fatal motorcycle accidents in Memphis.
