Nashville Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Nashville has many bike routes and scenic Greenway trails; however, Nashville was also ranked as the 47th worst city for bike-friendliness out of 50 cities in a 2022 study. Cyclists are vulnerable and an accident with a motor vehicle can cause injuries that have serious consequences. When a preventable bicycle accident occurs due to someone else’s careless or reckless actions, the law holds the at-fault party accountable. A successful bicycle accident claim helps Nashville bicycle accident victims recover their economic damages plus compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Nashville, Attorney Adam Selvidge at Selvidge Injury Law is ready to help maximize your financial recovery while you focus on your physical recovery. Call our car accident lawyers in Nashville today at (615) 864-0343 so we can begin prompt action on your claim.

Why Choose Us for Your Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Nashville?

At Selvidge Injury Law, we have deep compassion for injury victims and understand the painful physical and emotional trauma resulting from an accident caused by another person’s negligence. Your attorney, Adam Selvidge, at Selvidge Injury Law advances your case through the following:

• Free consultations so we can hear about your case and discuss your options for recovering the most possible compensation available to you
• There are no fees until we secure your settlement or win your case in court
• A large-city law firm with a small-town feel, including individualized attention to your case by an attorney who takes the time to get to know you personally as well as to learn the details of your bicycle accident case
• Forthright honesty and open communication throughout the process of your claim so you’re never in the dark about the progress of your case—we treat our clients like family, with the care, dignity, and respect they deserve

Your bicycle accident attorney at Selvidge Injury Law will investigate all aspects of your accident, determine the negligent or reckless action that caused your injury, and make a compelling case for full compensation for damages by the liable party’s insurance company.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Nashville

According to Nashville residents, distracted drivers and motorists who fail to adhere to traffic laws cause significant safety concerns. Common causes of bicycle accidents in Nashville and the surrounding area include:

• Distracted drivers
• Speeding or aggressive drivers
• Left turn accidents
• Tailgating drivers
• Intoxicated drivers
• Car door accidents
• Drivers who fail to yield the right of way
• Sideswipes caused by drivers who don’t leave enough space while passing a cyclist

In less common cases, the responsible party in a Nashville bicycle accident claim is the manufacturer of a defective bicycle part or a road maintenance agency that failed to address a hazard to cyclists. Your attorney from Selvidge Injury Law will thoroughly investigate your accident to make a clear liability case against whoever caused the accident.

Common Injuries From Bike Accidents in Nashville, TN

Bicyclists are particularly vulnerable on Nashville’s busy streets, and accidents can result in severe injuries. Without the protection afforded to drivers in motor vehicles, cyclists often face significant physical and emotional consequences. These injuries can range from minor abrasions to life-altering conditions, requiring immediate medical attention and long-term care.

Head Injuries

Head injuries are among the most common and severe outcomes of bike accidents. Even with a helmet, cyclists can suffer concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) due to the impact of a collision. TBIs may result in cognitive impairments, memory loss, and ongoing medical challenges. 

These injuries can occur when cyclists are thrown from their bikes or hit by a car. Helmets reduce the risk but cannot entirely prevent head injuries in high-impact crashes. Seeking medical care immediately after an accident is critical, even if symptoms seem minor at first.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Collisions often lead to fractures, with the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones being particularly vulnerable. These injuries typically occur when cyclists brace for impact or are struck by a vehicle. Broken bones may require surgical intervention, physical therapy, and significant recovery time. 

In some cases, these fractures can lead to complications, such as nerve damage or chronic pain. Cyclists may also face limited mobility, preventing them from returning to work or daily activities.

Spinal Cord Injuries

High-impact crashes can result in spinal cord injuries, including herniated discs, paralysis, or permanent nerve damage. These injuries often have life-changing implications, affecting mobility and requiring ongoing medical care. The financial and emotional toll of these injuries can be immense.

 Spinal cord injuries frequently result from being thrown off the bike or pinned beneath a vehicle. Prompt medical evaluation is necessary to determine the extent of damage and create a treatment plan. You may also face significant long-term expenses, which can be included in your claim for compensation. Contact our Nashville spinal cord lawyers at Selvidge Injury Law if you are experiencing pain and suffering from a bicycle accident. 

What Compensation Can I Gain Out of a Successful Claim After a Nashville Bicycle Accident?

Bicyclists often suffer severe injuries in accidents, especially those involving motor vehicles. These injuries quickly become expensive as well as painful and debilitating. Common compensation in bicycle accident claims includes monetary amounts for the following damages:

• Property damage to a bicycle and related equipment
• Medical expenses
• Future medical costs related to the injury
• Lost income
• Future lost wages
• Diminished future earning capacity due to disability
• Past and future pain and suffering
• Any other non-economic damages that might apply in your case such as disfigurement compensation, PTSD, or loss of enjoyment of life

What Are Tennessee’s Right-of-Way Laws?

Tennessee’s traffic and right-of-way laws, as outlined in Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-172, are designed to keep roadways safe for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. These laws establish who has the legal right to proceed in specific traffic scenarios, reducing the likelihood of accidents. However, violations of these laws are a common cause of bike accidents in Nashville.

Cyclist Rights and Responsibilities

Under Tennessee law, bicyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. This includes obeying traffic signals, stopping at stop signs, and yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks. Cyclists are also required to ride as far to the right of the roadway as practicable unless passing, avoiding hazards, or preparing for a left turn.

Drivers are required to provide at least three feet of clearance when passing a cyclist. Failing to do so can lead to dangerous side-swipe accidents or cause cyclists to lose control. Cyclists should also use hand signals to communicate their intentions, promoting safer interactions with vehicles.

Pedestrian Right-of-Way

Tennessee law requires vehicles, including bicycles, to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks. Pedestrians have the right to cross streets safely; both drivers and cyclists must exercise caution to avoid collisions. Failing to yield to a pedestrian is considered a traffic violation.

Pedestrians also have responsibilities, such as not suddenly stepping into traffic when it is unsafe to do so. However, in cases where a driver or cyclist fails to yield and causes an accident, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries or damages. Our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers can help you understand your rights and file a claim today.

How to Prove Liability in a Bicycle Accident Claim

Proving liability in a bicycle accident claim requires demonstrating that another party’s negligence directly caused your injuries. This involves gathering evidence to show that the responsible party failed to act with reasonable care, such as violating traffic laws or driving recklessly. Clear documentation and a detailed account of the incident are critical to building a strong case.

Evidence to Support Your Claim

Evidence is the foundation of a successful bicycle accident claim. Key pieces of evidence include police reports, witness statements, and photographs of the accident scene. Medical records documenting your injuries and expert testimony, such as accident reconstruction, can further strengthen your case. 

Preserving evidence immediately after the accident is essential to establishing liability. For instance, photographs of skid marks, vehicle damage, and road conditions can paint a clear picture of how the accident occurred.

Proving Negligence

To hold someone accountable for your injuries, you must prove they were negligent. This involves establishing four key elements: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. For example, drivers have a duty to share the road with cyclists, and violating traffic laws, such as speeding or failing to yield, breaches that duty.

Once a breach is established, you must show that it directly caused your injuries. Evidence such as medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress can illustrate the damages you have experienced. Proving these elements allows you to hold the responsible party liable for your losses. If the accident occurred on someone’s property due to negligence from the owner, you may be eligible for a premises liability claim in Nashville.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Bicycle Accident Claim?

The statute of limitations for filing a bicycle accident claim in Tennessee is generally one year from the date of the accident, as outlined in Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104. This means you have limited time to pursue compensation for your injuries and related damages. Failing to file within this timeframe could result in losing your right to recover damages entirely.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

Filing your claim promptly ensures that evidence is preserved and witnesses’ memories remain fresh. Delays in starting the process can make it more difficult to gather the necessary documentation to support your case. It also provides the opposing party with more opportunities to dispute your claim.

Acting within the statute of limitations also demonstrates the seriousness of your case. Courts and insurance companies are more likely to view your claim favorably if you have acted quickly. This approach positions you for a smoother resolution and potential compensation.

Exceptions to the Deadline

There are limited exceptions to the one-year deadline, such as when the injured party is a minor or mentally incapacitated. In such cases, the statute of limitations may be extended. However, these exceptions are rare and subject to strict interpretation, requiring detailed legal guidance.

Call The Tennessee Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Selvidge Injury Law Today

Insurance companies for at-fault drivers often take advantage of Tennessee’s modified comparison negligence laws. This law incentivizes them to assign an undue percentage of fault to an injured cyclist so they can minimize the amount they have to pay out on the claim.

You shouldn’t take on a bicycle accident claim without skilled legal representation to defend your rights and argue for your best interests throughout the process. Call or contact the Nashville bicycle accident lawyers today so we can begin a strategy to make the most compelling case for your compensation.