A Chattanooga motorcycle rider riding down the highway at sunset.

Injured in a Chattanooga Motorcycle Accident?

If you’ve been injured in a serious motorcycle accident in Chattanooga that wasn’t your fault, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer in Chattanooga from The McMahan Law Firm is ready to stand by your side and help you pursue the compensation you may deserve for your injuries, medical bills, and other losses.

Get a FREE Case Review

This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form

Your Chattanooga Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle riders throughout Chattanooga enjoy some of Tennessee’s most scenic roads—from the winding corridors near the Tennessee River to the busy stretches of I-24 and Highway 153. But those same roads carry real risks when other drivers fail to pay attention or share the road responsibly.

Because motorcycles offer far less protection than enclosed passenger vehicles, even a low-speed collision can cause life-changing injuries. If another driver’s negligence caused your crash, a Chattanooga motorcycle accident lawyer at The McMahan Law Firm can help you pursue the compensation you could deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and the pain and suffering you have endured.

Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and review your case at no charge. Get in touch today for a free consultation.

Get Your FREE Case Review

You Deserve Compensation

If you suffered serious injuries because someone else was reckless and caused your accident, you deserve compensation for your losses.

We Make It Easy

It only takes one call to get Jay & Brent on your case today. You’ve been through a lot. Let us work for you while you focus on recovering.

No Costly Upfront Fees

At McMahan Law Firm, you don’t have to pay any upfront or hidden fees for our services. In fact, you won’t owe us anything unless we win for you.

Table of Contents

What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

See More Testimonials

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Chattanooga

The steps you take immediately after a crash can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation. If you’re able, follow these steps:

Get out of traffic and away from additional danger. Do not attempt to move your motorcycle unless it poses an immediate hazard.

Request medical assistance and law enforcement immediately. A responding officer will file a police report, which can become important evidence in your claim.

Protective gear may help stabilize neck and head injuries until first responders arrive. Let medical personnel remove your helmet.

Even if you feel fine, don’t skip a medical evaluation. Conditions like internal bleeding, spinal injury, and traumatic brain injury often have delayed symptoms. A prompt medical record also creates a direct link between the crash and your injuries, which is something insurers will scrutinize.

If you’re able to move safely, collect:

  • Photos of all vehicle damage, from multiple angles
  • Road conditions, skid marks, and debris
  • Traffic signals, signage, and lane markings
  • Contact and insurance information from all drivers involved
  • Names and phone numbers of any witnesses

Don’t apologize, speculate about what happened, or make any statements beyond exchanging information. Insurance companies may later use your words against you, even if they’re casual comments.

Before giving a recorded statement to any insurance company, speak with an attorney. A lawyer can help preserve evidence, communicate with insurers on your behalf, and explain your legal options before anything is said or signed.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Tennessee and Hamilton County

According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Hamilton County recorded 11,057 total traffic crashes in 2025, including 36 fatal crashes and 2,651 injury crashes. Statewide, Tennessee reported 172,754 total crashes, with 982 fatal crashes and 44,079 injury crashes. While the report notes that 2025 data is preliminary and subject to change, these numbers show that serious crashes remain a real concern on Tennessee roads, including in the Chattanooga area. For injured riders, this risk is one reason having an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Chattanooga on your side can matter when pursuing a claim.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in Chattanooga

Many motorcycle accidents happen because drivers fail to notice riders or misjudge their speed and distance. Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars, which means even attentive drivers sometimes overlook them, and inattentive drivers miss them entirely.

Common causes of motorcycle crashes in Chattanooga and Hamilton County include:

  • Left-turn accidents at intersections: One of the most frequent crash types, often caused by a driver turning left across a motorcyclist’s path
  • Distracted driving: Texting, phone use, and other distractions reduce a driver’s reaction time dramatically
  • Unsafe lane changes: Drivers who fail to check blind spots before merging
  • Following too closely: Motorcycles can stop faster than cars; tailgating leaves no room for error
  • Speeding and aggressive driving
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Failure to yield the right-of-way
  • Road hazards: Potholes, uneven pavement, gravel, and debris that would be minor for a car can cause a motorcyclist to lose control
  • Defective motorcycle components: Manufacturing defects in brakes, tires, or other parts may give rise to a product liability claim

Certain Chattanooga roads and intersections, including stretches of I-24, Highway 153, Brainerd Road, and Lee Highway, see heavy traffic congestion that creates elevated crash risks for motorcyclists.

Our Chattanooga Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Attorney Jay Kennamer

Attorney James Kennamer

View Bio
Attorney Brent Burks

Attorney Brent Burks

View Bio
Attorney William Joe Hollis, Jr. - McMahan Law Firm

Attorney W. Joseph “Joe” Hollis, Jr.

View Bio
Attorney Herbert Thornbury - McMahan Law Firm

Attorney Herbert Thornbury

View Bio
Attorney Katie Reed from The McMahan Law Firm in Chattanooga.

Attorney Katie Reed

View Bio
Gerard M Siciliano, Personal Injury Lawyer from The McMahan Law Firm in Chattanooga

Attorney Gerard M. Siciliano

View Bio
Attorney Mike Richardson of The McMahan Law Firm

Attorney Mike Richardson

View Bio

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Because riders are fully exposed during a collision, motorcycle accidents frequently result in catastrophic and permanently disabling injuries. Even crashes at relatively low speeds can cause serious harm when a rider is thrown from the bike or makes contact with asphalt, guardrails, or other vehicles.

Common motorcycle accident injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Paralysis, partial or complete
  • Broken bones and fractures, including pelvis, femur, and wrist injuries
  • Road rash ranging from minor abrasions to deep tissue damage requiring skin grafting
  • Internal bleeding and organ damage
  • Severe burns
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Amputations

Many of these injuries require ongoing surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term medical care that can create devastating financial pressure for victims and their families. A thorough motorcycle accident claim accounts for both current and future medical costs, not just the bills you’ve already received.

Proving Fault in a Tennessee Motorcycle Accident Claim

Establishing who caused the crash is one of the most important and contested parts of any motorcycle accident case. Insurance companies often attempt to shift blame onto the rider, capitalizing on unfair biases against motorcyclists. Our Chattanooga injury lawyers work to challenge those allegations and build a case grounded in evidence.

Evidence that may support your motorcycle accident claim includes:

  • Police reports and crash scene diagrams
  • Witness statements
  • Traffic camera and surveillance footage
  • Vehicle damage analysis
  • Accident reconstruction expert testimony
  • Your medical records and treatment history
  • Cell phone records in suspected distracted driving cases
  • Electronic data from the at-fault driver’s vehicle

An attorney can assist you in gathering the right evidence to prove your case.

Tennessee’s Modified Comparative Fault Rule

Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault system. Under this rule, you may still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the crash, as long as your share of fault is less than 50%. However, your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you could recover $80,000.

This is another reason why working with an experienced Chattanooga motorcycle accident attorney matters: every percentage point of fault that insurers shift to you reduces your potential recovery. We work to ensure the evidence tells an accurate story.

Get Your FREE Case Review

Tennessee Motorcycle Laws That May Affect Your Case

Several Tennessee laws are particularly relevant to motorcycle accident claims. Understanding them and how insurers may try to use them can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case.

Helmet Requirements

Tennessee law generally requires motorcycle riders and passengers to wear helmets that meet federal safety standards (Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-302). If you were not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, an insurer may attempt to argue that your injuries were worsened by that choice. Our attorneys know how to address this argument effectively.

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting (riding between lanes of slowed or stopped traffic) is not permitted in Tennessee under Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-182. If an insurer believes lane splitting contributed to your crash, they may raise it as a basis to reduce your recovery. Whether or not this argument holds up depends on the specific facts of your case.

Statute of Limitations

Tennessee generally gives injured accident victims 1 year from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit under Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from pursuing compensation, regardless of how strong your case is.

Exceptions and special circumstances may apply, for instance, in cases involving a minor, a government entity, or a delayed discovery of injury. Speaking with a Chattanooga motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after a crash is the best way to protect your rights and ensure no deadlines are missed.

Our Results Speak For Themselves!

Workers’ Comp/Third-Party

$8,000,000.00+

Motorcycle Accident

$1,250,000.00

Motorcycle Accident

$1,000,000.00

Brain Injury

$950,000.00

Truck Accident

$850,000.00

Motorcycle Accident

$800,000.00

Truck Accident

$500,000.00

Motorcycle Accident

$500,000.00

Car Accident

$230,000.00

Workers’ Comp

$225,000.00

See More Results

Compensation Available After a Motorcycle Accident

Depending on the facts of your case and the severity of your injuries, you may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages compensate for measurable financial losses, including:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Emergency care, surgeries, hospitalizations, and follow-up treatment
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Lost wages from time missed at work
  • Reduced earning capacity if your injuries limit your ability to work long-term
  • Motorcycle repair or replacement costs
  • Out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate for the personal impact of your injuries, including:

  • Physical pain and suffering, both past and ongoing
  • Emotional distress and psychological trauma
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement
  • Loss of consortium (impact on spousal relationship)

Tennessee law places caps on certain non-economic damages in some personal injury cases under Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-39-102. Our attorneys can explain whether and how any caps might apply to your situation.

The value of a motorcycle accident claim depends on factors including the severity and permanence of your injuries, the at-fault driver’s available insurance coverage, your own insurance policy, your long-term medical prognosis, and the strength of the liability evidence. Every case is different, and we provide honest, case-specific guidance, not generic estimates.

Choose Board Certified – Not Billboard

Just because it’s on a billboard doesn’t mean it’s the best option. Lawyers who shell out all that money for billboard ads are all talk and no substance. You and your family deserve the legal aid only a board-certified attorney can give you. Attorneys Jay, Brent, and Herbert at The McMahan Law Firm are Board Certified Civil Trial Specialists by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. We have the knowledge and experience you can trust to help you seek maximum compensation for your losses.

How Our Process Works

We make the legal process as straightforward as possible for injured riders and their families.

Step 1: Free Case Review

Call us or contact us online at any time. We are available 24/7. We will listen to what happened, answer your questions, and give you an honest assessment of your legal options with no obligation.

Step 2: Investigation

If you choose to move forward, we will begin building your case immediately. We gather and preserve evidence, obtain the police report, interview witnesses, and, where needed, work with accident reconstruction specialists to establish exactly what happened.

Step 3: Claim and Negotiation

We handle all communication with insurance companies on your behalf, so you can focus on recovering. We present a comprehensive demand that accounts for all of your current and future losses and negotiate for a fair settlement.

Step 4: Trial, If Necessary

Most motorcycle accident cases resolve through negotiation. But if an insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, our attorneys are fully prepared to take your case to trial. We build every case from day one as if it will be decided by a jury.

Why Work With The McMahan Law Firm

When you are recovering from a serious motorcycle accident, the legal team you choose matters. At The McMahan Law Firm, we bring decades of combined experience representing injured Tennesseans, and we understand the unique challenges motorcycle accident victims face.

What we provide:

  • Thorough accident investigations, including expert witness coordination
  • Direct access to your legal team, not just support staff
  • Experienced handling of insurance disputes and bad-faith tactics
  • Representation calibrated to the severity of your injuries and long-term needs
  • Trial-ready preparation when settlement negotiations fail
  • Guidance through every stage of the claims process, from the first call through resolution
  • A contingency fee arrangement: you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you

We understand that injured riders are often treated with skepticism by insurers and, sometimes, by the public. We take your case seriously, present the evidence that supports your claim, and push back firmly against unfair characterizations of how the crash occurred.

Reach out today to speak with a Chattanooga motorcycle accident attorney in a free, no-obligation consultation.

Get Your FREE Case Review

Chattanooga Motorcycle Accident FAQs

You are not legally required to hire an attorney, but having one significantly affects outcomes in most cases. Insurance companies have legal teams whose job is to minimize payouts. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Chattanooga who handles these claims regularly understands how to investigate crashes, document full damages, counter bad-faith arguments, and negotiate effectively, or take the case to trial if needed.

The value depends on factors including the severity of your injuries, your total medical costs (current and future), lost income, the long-term impact on your life and ability to work, and the at-fault party’s insurance coverage. Cases involving catastrophic injuries (e.g., spinal cord damage, TBI, amputation, or permanent disability) generally involve substantially higher damages than those involving more limited injuries. We provide case-specific assessments, not generic ranges.

Some claims resolve in a matter of months through a negotiated settlement. Others take longer, particularly when liability is disputed, injuries are severe and ongoing, or the insurance company contests the claim. Cases that proceed to trial take longer still. We keep clients informed throughout the process and work to resolve cases efficiently without compromising fair compensation.

You may still have options. If your own auto or motorcycle insurance policy includes uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, that coverage may compensate you for losses the at-fault driver cannot pay. We can review your policy and identify all available sources of recovery.

Not before speaking with an attorney. Insurance adjusters — including your own insurer’s representatives — may ask questions designed to minimize your claim, lock you into an early statement, or shift fault onto you. You aren’t required to provide a recorded statement or accept any settlement offer before consulting a lawyer. Once you retain The McMahan Law Firm, we handle all insurance communications on your behalf.

Possibly. Under Tennessee’s modified comparative fault rule, you may recover compensation as long as you’re found less than 50% responsible for the crash. Your recovery will be reduced proportionally by your share of fault. Because insurers frequently attempt to inflate the rider’s percentage of fault, having strong legal representation is especially valuable in disputed cases.

The McMahan Law Firm handles motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront attorney fees and no out-of-pocket legal costs. We are only paid if we recover compensation for you, and our fee comes as a percentage of that recovery.

Speak With a Chattanooga Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Chattanooga or anywhere in Hamilton County, The McMahan Law Firm is ready to help. We will review your case, explain your options, and answer your questions at no cost and with no obligation.

We are available 24/7. Call today or contact us online to get started.

Get Your FREE Case Review

"*" indicates required fields

This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form