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, Nashville personal injury lawyer, Adam Selvidge, at Selvidge Injury Law is ready to help maximize your financial recovery while you focus on your physical recovery. Call our proven 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.

Meet Nashville Bicycle Accident Lawyer Adam W. Selvidge

Personal injury attorney Adam Selvidge at his office at Selvidge Law Firm

Adam Selvidge is a proven bike accident attorney who takes a hands-on approach with every client. Licensed in both Tennessee and Mississippi, Mr. Selvidge has practiced law since 2015 and has helped hundreds of injury victims throughout Middle Tennessee secure fair compensation.

Mr. Selvidge personally guides clients through the legal process, handle negotiations, and pursue justice aggressively. He has the experience and knowledge to help you, and your loved ones, navigate their claim, and work to achieve the best settlement possible. He has even earned the repeated recognition as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in both Nashville and the Mid-South.

Millions Recovered in Damages

Proven Case Results

$6.45 Million Won in Traumatic Brain Injury Settlement

$535,000 Won in Fire Death Settlement

$525,000 Won in Premise Liability Settlement

See More Results

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 Nashville, TN 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

Common causes of bicycle accidents in Nashville and the surrounding area include distracted driving, speeding or aggressive behavior, left-turn collisions, tailgating, intoxicated drivers, car door accidents, failure to yield the right of way, and sideswipes from drivers who don’t leave enough space when passing a cyclist.

In less common cases, a bicycle crash may be caused by a defective bike part or a poorly maintained road.

What Are Common Injuries From Bike Accidents in Nashville?

Common injuries include head trauma, such as concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can occur even with a helmet and may lead to memory loss or cognitive issues.

Broken bones, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, or collarboneIn more severe cases, spinal cord injuries, including herniated discs or even paralysis, which can have permanent effects on mobility and quality of life. These injuries often require extensive medical care, therapy, and time off work.

Can I Be Found at Fault for a Bike Accident?

Under Tennessee law, you can be found partially or fully at fault for a bicycle accident, depending on the circumstances. As long as you are less than 50% at fault, you may still recover damages, reduced by your percentage of fault.