Tennessee Bicycle Accident Lawyer

How Our Tennessee Bike Accident Lawyers Can Help You

A family tradition since 1960, The Terry Law Firm is proud to be a small-town firm with big-city know-how. We understand the complexities of bicycle crashes and the laws that protect riders like you. We know what can happen when other road users violate those laws.

Our experienced attorneys are ready to handle every aspect of your personal injury claim and demand the total compensation you deserve. Our staff is available 24/7 to answer any questions you might have, so don’t hesitate to contact us when you’re ready to move forward.

Understanding Tennessee Bicycle Laws

In Tennessee, specific laws govern the use of bicycles on roadways to ensure the safety of bicyclists and the smooth flow of traffic. Here is a straightforward summary of the key Tennessee bicycle laws:

• General bicycle traffic laws – Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles, except for vehicle-specific laws that do not apply to bicycles.
• Helmet requirement for minors – It is illegal for anyone under 16 years old to ride or be a passenger on a bicycle without wearing a properly fitted and fastened helmet.
• Child passenger safety – A child passenger who weighs less than 40 pounds or is shorter than 40 inches must sit in a secure restraining seat.
• Proper seating – Riders must always sit on a permanent, regular seat.
• Passenger limits – No rider may use their bicycle to carry more people than it is designed for.
• Prohibited attachment—It is illegal to Attach a bicycle (or rider) to any vehicle on the roadway except for bicycle-specific trailers.
• Roadway riding rules – When riding slower than other traffic, cyclists should stay as close as possible to the right-hand edge of the road, with exceptions for passing, turning left, or avoiding hazards. Cyclists may ride two abreast but must not block traffic and should stay within one lane.
• Safe passing law – Motorists overtaking cyclists must maintain a minimum distance of three feet until they are safely past.
• Carrying items – Bicyclists may not carry anything that prevents them from holding their handlebars with at least one hand while riding.
• Nighttime visibility – Any cyclist riding at night must equip their bike with a front lamp emitting white light visible from 500 feet and a rear red reflector or light visible from 500 feet.
• Required brakes – Bicycles must have brakes that can stop the bike within 25 feet from a speed of 10 mph on dry, level, clean pavement.

Bicycle Injury Statistics in Tennessee

In one recent year, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security reported 430 bicycle accidents across the state. Unfortunately, most of these incidents were serious. Three-hundred-sixty bicycle accidents – almost 84 percent – resulted in injuries, and 11 were fatal. These statistics highlight the risks that cyclists face when they must share the road with motorists, particularly those who drive aggressively, carelessly, or even recklessly.

Common Types and Causes of Crashes Involving Bicycles

While bicycle accidents can happen in many different ways and under a wide range of conditions, the most common types include:

• Right-turn accidents
• Left-turn collisions
• Dooring accidents
• Rear-end crashes
• Sidewalk riding accidents
• Collisions with stationary objects
• Crashes at intersections
• Accidents due to road hazards
• Crosswalk accidents
• Mechanical defect accidents

Bicycle accidents often occur due to a mix of environmental factors, human error, and unexpected hazards. Here are some typical causes of Tennessee bicycle accidents:

• Driver inattention
• Speeding
• Failing to yield the right-of-way
• Poor road conditions
• Improper lane changes
• Drunk driving
• Opening car doors into the path of cyclists
• Defective bicycle or vehicle parts
• Misjudging traffic gaps

Determining Liability for a Tennessee Bike Accident

In Tennessee, the parties who cause a bike accident are liable for the harm it causes to injury victims. Determining liability requires a thorough investigation into how the accident occurred, typically with the aid of evidence like police accident reports, traffic camera footage, and eyewitness testimony.

In many cases, motor vehicle drivers are at fault due to careless behaviors like speeding or distracted driving. Our bicycle accident lawyers can review the incident to understand the dynamics of the crash and build a solid case to hold any responsible parties accountable for the collision.

Types of Compensation for Tennessee Bicycle Accident Injuries

If someone else was liable for the bike accident that injured you, you can demand they compensate you for your:

• Medical expenses
• Future healthcare costs
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Repair or replacement costs for your bicycle

Choosing the Right Tennessee Bicycle Accident Lawyer

When choosing a lawyer for your bicycle accident case in Tennessee, look for someone with extensive experience in personal injury law in general and cycling accident claims in particular. They should have a strong track record of winning cases similar to yours and securing full and fair compensation for their clients.

Ensure they communicate clearly and listen closely to your concerns. Also, make sure you are comfortable talking to them on a personal level, as you will likely be sharing intimate details of your health and finances with them. Gauge their availability for discussions, updates, and timely responses to your inquiries. Finally, remember to ask them about their fee structure so you avoid any financial surprises later on.

Contact the Tennessee Bike Crash Lawyers at The Terry Law Firm

Are you looking for legal support after being injured in a bicycle accident in Tennessee? Reach out to The Terry Law Firm. Our team is ready to discuss your case and guide you through your options for seeking maximum compensation from the at-fault party.

Start with a free initial consultation by contacting us now.