If you often ride through Nashville, TN, you already know that our roads can be congested — and that congestion can increase the risk of being involved in a crash. Unfortunately, there’s no foolproof way to avoid motorcycle accidents, but being aware of motorcycle laws in Tennessee can still be helpful.
We hope that you never find yourself in a situation where you need the assistance of a Nashville motorcycle accident lawyer. If you do, however, you can trust Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers to be there for you. Contact us today at (615) 685-8546 for a free consultation.
How Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After An Accident In Nashville, TN
Have you been hurt in a motorcycle accident you didn’t cause? If so, the right Nashville, Tennessee, motorcycle accident attorney may be able to help you recover the compensation you need to pay for your medical care and make up for lost wages. Here are a few reasons to consider working with Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers:
- We are skilled negotiators who will strive to get you the compensation you deserve
- We are fully prepared to take your case to trial if need be
- We are members of the Nashville, Tennessee, community
- We’re committed to delivering the guidance and support you need in a difficult time
Our clients are consistently happy with our service and their case results. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident you didn’t cause, call us to schedule a free consultation.
Understanding Motorcycle Laws In Tennessee
Riding a motorcycle puts you at greater risk than driving a car. Following Tennessee motorcycle laws isn’t just important for avoiding traffic violations; it also reduces your risk of serious injury or death while out on the road. These are some of the most critical motorcycle laws to know:
You Must Wear An Approved Helmet And Eye Protection
Tennessee law requires motorcyclists and passengers to wear approved helmets. Motorcycle helmets must pass rigorous safety testing to ensure they can provide adequate protection. Many different organizations offer these certifications. They include the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), Snell Foundation, and Southern Impact Research Center (SIRC).
The law also requires you to have wind protection. This can be in the form of a windshield or eye protection (like goggles or a helmet with a face shield).
Lane Splitting Is Illegal
Lane splitting — the practice of riding between two moving lanes of traffic — is highly controversial. Some motorcyclists claim that it’s actually safer and helps reduce traffic congestion. Others believe it increases the risk of getting into a crash. Whatever your views on lane splitting may be, it’s important to understand that it’s illegal in Tennessee.
You Must Have Footrests
Footrests may be a very small part of your motorcycle, but they’re critical for safety. In Tennessee, any motorcycle operated on public roads must be equipped with footrests for both operators and passengers.
You Must Ride With A Rearview Mirror An Illuminated Headlight
To ensure visibility, Tennessee requires you to ride with your headlamp illuminated, even during the day. Your bike also must be fitted with a rearview mirror.
Mufflers Are Required
Tennessee further requires motorcycles to be equipped with mufflers. Using a cutout to bypass the muffler is illegal.
How Tennessee Motorcycle Laws Could Impact Your Claim
If you’ve been a motorcyclist for any length of time, you’re no stranger to anti-motorcycle bias. Unfortunately, that bias often plays a role in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits involving motorcyclists.
Insurance companies and juries have a tendency to see motorcyclists as reckless and therefore responsible for their own injuries. This is often true even when they were not at fault for an accident.
As a result, it can be much harder to recover compensation for an injured motorcyclist than for an injured driver. Because motorcyclists face biases even when they do everything right, breaking any motorcycle laws may make it harder to win a motorcycle accident lawsuit.
For instance, imagine that your loved one is struck and killed by a speeding car while riding a motorcycle. If they were not wearing a helmet, a court or insurance company might see them as responsible for their own injuries, even if medical experts explain that the accident would have been fatal with or without a helmet.
Contact Our Nashville, TN, Accident Lawyers For A Free Consultation
Following state motorcycle laws is an important part of being a responsible motorcyclist. Unfortunately, not everyone on the road is as careful as they should be. If you’ve been hurt on a motorcycle, don’t take on the legal system alone. Call Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers or get in touch with us online to book your free consultation today.
