Death of Motorcycle Driver Leads to Tennessee Negligence Lawsuit

We have a duty to care for others in almost anything that we do. Whether it is going out for a walk on the sidewalk, eating dinner in a restaurant, or going out for a drive, we have an expectation that people will comply with the duty of safety and care to others. Unfortunately, there are many times when people breach their duty to others. This breach of duty can often lead to serious injuries or even death. Negligence is a legal claim that is used to describe those who have been injured by a failure to care for others in the same way that a reasonable person would have done so. If you have been injured as a result of negligence, we encourage you to contact our Tennessee injury attorneys.

A Nashville family recently lost their father as a result of the alleged negligence of two construction companies. On February 5, Gary English, age 75, was heading to meet some friends for dinner after finishing up a game of tennis. Mr. English hopped on his Honda motorcycle and drove toward Brown’s Diner, a popular dining establishment in the Hillsboro Village area. While driving along Chesterfield Avenue, close to the intersection of Blair Boulevard and Sharondale Drive, English ran his bike into a hole in the road. The unmarked hole in the road was located near a subdivision of new homes being built.

Upon driving into the hole on his bike, Mr. English lost control of his bike and hit a metal guardrail before striking the trailer hitch of a parked truck. Mr. English was then taken to the hospital with serious spine, brain, and other injuries. He died four days later.

The lawsuit alleges that there were not any warning lights, barricades, or signs indicating that there was a hole in the street. The attorney representing the English family stated, “There was nothing at all to alert Mr. English to the fact that a substantial portion of the roadway had been dug out and left unrepaired on a dark street. The plaintiffs will attempt to show that the actions of the defendants breached a duty of care to those traveling on the excavated road. The plaintiffs will attempt to show that a reasonably prudent person would not have acted in the same way.

The suit names J2K Builders and Wieland Contracting as the defendants in the case. The defendants had been involved with the construction and planning of the new neighborhood as well as the road work at the scene of the accident. The lawsuit claims that J2K Builders and Wieland Contracting acted negligently in not protecting the excavated road in a sufficient manner. The suit also claims that the defendants did not comply with local laws that govern public roads. Brought forth on behalf of Mr. English by his children, the lawsuit is seeking up to $3 million in damages.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident or any other motor vehicle accident, you may have a claim that results in compensation. We encourage you to contact the Tennessee motorcycle accident attorneys at The Higgins Firm. We would be happy to answer any questions that you may have related to your accident.

Author Bio

Jim Higgins, founder of the Higgins Firm, is a seasoned personal injury attorney with deep roots in Nashville, Tennessee. A 4th generation Nashvillian, Jim carries on the legal legacy of his father, a judge for over 30 years. After graduating from the University of Memphis School of Law, Jim’s career began on the other side of the courtroom, defending insurance companies and learning their tactics for minimizing settlements. However, he soon realized his true calling was fighting for the rights of the injured, and for the past several years, he has exclusively represented plaintiffs in personal injury cases.

Since then, his dedication and skill have earned him membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an organization limited to attorneys who have secured million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for their clients. Licensed to practice in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia, Jim focuses on personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation cases. His exceptional work has been recognized by his peers, earning him a spot on the Super Lawyers list from 2021 to 2024, a distinction awarded to only a select group of accomplished attorneys in each state.

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