Nashville Bicycle Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that hundreds of bicycle riders are killed every year in traffic accidents, and tens of thousands suffer serious injuries. Many accidents involving bicycles and vehicles result from the negligence and carelessness of drivers on the roadways. In the state of Tennessee alone, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security indicates that bicycle accidents on the roadways with motorists are unfortunately all too common. If you were involved in a Nashville bicycle accident, learn how you may have the right to receive compensation by visiting with experienced bicycle accident lawyers at Labrum Law Firm at (615) 338-9500 today for a free consultation.

Tennessee Bicycle Safety Laws

The Tennessee Department of Transporation lists all of the bicycle laws in the state of Tennessee. Bicycle riders have a similar legal status as motor vehicles but must also follow similar laws and guidelines. For example, some of the bicycle safety laws include the following:

• Always ride a bicycle on the right-hand side of the road to ride in the same direction as motorists on the roadway
• Always obey all traffic signs and signals
• Always use hand signals to indicate movements on the roadways
• Make sure all bicycles have a front light visible from 500 feet and a red reflector or red light visible from 500 feet to the rear

Common Reasons for Nashville Bicycle Accidents

Nashville is a growing city and many people are now using bicycles as a form of transportation on a daily basis to get to work or to simply get around the city. While many different cities throughout Tennessee have worked to make their areas safer for bicyclists, bicycle accidents unfortunately still occur. Some of the common reasons for Nashville bicycle accidents include the following:

• Driver negligence
  • Failure to monitor blind spots and areas around their vehicle
  • Driving while drowsy
  • Texting while driving
  • Driving while talking on a cell phone
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Speeding
  • Reckless driving
  • Driving too closely to the bicyclist
  • Failing to check all areas around their vehicle before they make a turn at an intersection
  • “Dooring” accidents (when the driver opens the door of a vehicle without checking their surroundings and hits a bicyclist traveling next to their car)
• Poorly maintained roads (potholes, uneven roads, loose debris, etc.)

Truthfully, most bicycle accidents occur as a result of driver negligence. However, if a bicycle accident occurs as a result of a poorly maintained road, the bicyclist may have the legal right to pursue a claim against the city or local government. These types of government claims have different statute of limitations deadlines and have additional paperwork involved. If you had a Nashville bicycle accident as a result of a poorly maintained road or due to driver negligence, contact a Nashville bicycle accident attorney at Labrum Law Firm in order to ensure your legal rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve under the law.

Motorists Often Attempt to Blame Bicyclists for Accidents

While it is true that some bicyclists ride through streets dangerously, many bicyclists take extreme caution and attempt to “share the road” carefully and cautiously with motorists. In some cases, a motorist will attempt to blame a bicyclist for an accident and indicate that the bicycle rider was reckless in some way. In many cases, this simply occurs because drivers do not understand the legal rules and regulations for bicyclists in Tennessee and are attempting to find an excuse for their negligent actions as a driver. However, it is important to understand that if bicyclists violated any laws with respect to riding on the streets of Nashville, they may also be held responsible for their own injuries or the injuries of others in a bicycle accident.

Your Legal Rights After a Nashville Bicycle Accident

If you experienced injuries and property damage to your bicycle after a Nashville bicycle accident, you may have the right to receive compensation for those injuries and losses. Make sure to protect your legal rights after a Nashville bicycle accident by doing the following:

• Contact the police to have an official police report of the accident
• Accept emergency medical evaluation from emergency medical personnel if they arrive at the scene of the accident
• Go to the emergency room if necessary
• Seek immediate medical care if you do not go to an emergency room for a medical evaluation and treatment
• Make sure to keep all of your bills and expenses related to your physical and psychological injuries
• Keep a listing of all of your lost wages, vacation and sick leave taken, missed employee benefits and pension contributions, and any other loss of income resulting from your Nashville bicycle accident
• Take your bicycle to a professional bicycle shop in order to receive a formal evaluation and document any repairs necessary
• Create a list of all property lost or damaged as a result of the bicycle accident including the bicycle itself, helmet, or any other personal property on your person at the time of the accident
• Document any psychological trauma needing therapy such as post-traumatic stress disorder
• Keep a journal of all of your pain and suffering following the bicycle accident that indicates your inability to perform daily tasks or enjoy life

Contact an Experienced Attorney After Your Nashville Bicycle Accident

Under Tenn. Code § 28-3-104, a victim of a Nashville bicycle accident only has one year to bring a claim in a court of law to receive compensation for their injuries. Therefore, time is of the essence in these types of cases. While a year may seem like a long period of time, you will have medical appointments, the potential need for an independent investigation, witness interviews, consulting with expert witnesses, and more in order to develop a strong case to receive compensation for your losses. Contact an experienced bicycle accident attorney at Labrum Law Firm today to visit with us for free about your case at (615) 338-9500. We look forward to visiting with you and helping you understand your legal rights.