Despite the many dangers inherent in biking, it remains a popular mode of transportation and recreation. Unfortunately, this means that bike accidents also happen with some regularity. If you’ve been involved in a bike accident, you may be wondering if you need a lawyer. The answer is almost always yes—and here’s why.
What You Need to Know About Bike Accidents in Tennessee
If you’ve been involved in a bike accident, you may be feeling shaken up, confused, and even overwhelmed. The good news is that you’re not alone. Tens of thousands of people are injured in bike accidents every year, and we’re here to help you understand what to do next. In this blog post, we’ll cover some of the most common causes of bike accidents in Tennessee so that you can be better informed and prepared in the future.
The Most Common Causes of Bike Accidents in Tennessee
There are a few factors that contribute to the high number of bike accidents in Tennessee each year. First and foremost among these is the state’s large rural population. Because fewer people are living in Tennessee it means that drivers are less likely to be paying attention to cyclists. Additionally, rural roads are often in poor condition, with potholes and other hazards that can cause an accident.
Another factor that contributes to the high number of bike accidents is the state’s hilly terrain. This makes it more difficult for cyclists to maintain control of their bikes, and it also makes it more difficult for drivers to see cyclists on the road. Additionally, the hot summer temperatures in Tennessee can make it harder for cyclists to stay hydrated, which can lead to fatigue and an increased risk of an accident.
Common Injuries Sustained in Bike Accidents
Blog Introduction: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are around 840 cyclists killed in traffic accidents every year in the United States. That averages out to more than two per day. And while that number has been trending downward over the past decade, the number of cyclists injured in accidents has remained relatively steady. There were around 49,000 cyclists injured in traffic accidents in 2017, the most recent year for which data is available.
Of those 49,000 injured cyclists, what types of injuries are they sustaining? Here are five of the most common injuries resulting from bike accidents.
1. Head Injuries
Head injuries are far and away the most common type of injury sustained in bike accidents. Head injuries account for more than 60 percent of all bicycle-related fatalities each year. Wearing a properly fitting helmet can dramatically reduce your risk of sustaining a head injury if you are involved in a bike accident.
2. Facial Injuries
Facial injuries are the second most common type of injury sustained by cyclists in bike accidents. Because cyclists do not have any type of windshield or another barrier between them and oncoming traffic, they are especially vulnerable to sustaining facial injuries when involved in an accident. Wearing a helmet can help reduce the severity of facial injuries by providing some protection for your face in the event of an accident.
3. Broken Bones
Broken bones are another common type of injury among cyclists who are involved in bike accidents. Because cyclists do not have any sort of protective cage around them like motorists do, they are at a higher risk of sustaining serious broken bones if they are involved in an accident. Wearing pads on knees, elbows, and wrists can help reduce the severity of broken bones if you do happen to be involved in an accident.
4. Road Rash
Road rash is a catchall term used to describe scrapes and cuts sustained when a cyclist falls off their bike and slides along the pavement. Road rash is especially common among mountain bikers and BMX riders who frequently ride on dirt trails filled with obstacles that can cause them to crash. Wearing long pants and sleeves can help protect your skin from road rash if you do happen to crash while riding your bike.
5. Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries include bruises, strains, and sprains sustained in bike accidents. These types of injuries are caused by the impact of being involved in an accident as well as by contact with road debris such as rocks and gravel kicked up by oncoming traffic. While there is no surefire way to prevent soft tissue injuries short of not riding your bike, wearing padded clothing can help reduce their severity if you do happen to be involved in an accident.
About Bike Accident Claims in Tennessee
If you’ve been injured in a bike accident, you may be wondering how to file a claim. In this blog post, we’ll give you an overview of the steps you need to take to file a bike accident claim in Tennessee.
The first step is to gather evidence. This includes taking photos of the scene of the accident, getting the contact information of any witnesses, and collecting any medical records or bills related to your injuries.
Next, you’ll need to file a police report. This will document the accident and can be used as evidence in your claim.
Once you have gathered all of the necessary evidence, you’ll need to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Be sure to include all of the evidence you’ve gathered in your claim.
If the insurance company denies your claim or offers an amount that is less than what you deserve, you may need to hire an attorney. An experienced attorney will be able to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Who is Responsible for My Bike Accident Injuries in Tennessee?
If you’ve been injured in a bike accident in Tennessee, you may be wondering who is responsible for your injuries. The answer to this question can be complicated, as there are many factors that need to be considered. However, in general, the driver of the vehicle that hit you will likely be held responsible. Here’s a closer look at this issue.
When Can the Driver Be Held Liable?
In order for the driver to be held liable for your injuries, it must be proven that they were at fault for the accident. This can be done in a number of ways, but most commonly, it is done by showing that the driver was negligent. Negligence occurs when a person fails to take reasonable care to avoid causing harm to others. For example, if a driver was speeding or texting while driving and hit a cyclist, they would likely be considered negligent.
In some cases, even if the driver was not being negligent, they may still be held liable for your injuries if they broke a traffic law. For example, if a driver ran a red light and hit a cyclist, they would likely be considered at fault regardless of whether they were being negligent.
What if I Was Partly at Fault?
In some cases, both the driver and the cyclist may be found partially at fault for an accident. For example, if the cyclist was riding without lights at night and was hit by a car, they may be partly at fault. However, even if you are partly at fault for an accident, you may still be able to recover compensation from the other party involved.
Under Tennessee law, if you are 50% or less at fault for an accident, you can recover compensation from the other party involved. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $10,000 in damages but are determined to be 40% at fault for the accident, you would only receive $6,000 from the other party involved.
It’s important to note that even if you are more than 50% at fault for an accident, you may still be able to recover compensation under certain circumstances. For example, if the other party involved does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover your damages, you could seek compensation from them directly. You could also seek compensation from your own insurance company through your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM).
What Does Tennessee Law Say About Bike Accidents?
If you’ve been involved in a bike accident, you may be wondering what Tennessee law has to say about the matter. Here’s a brief overview of what you need to know.
In Tennessee, bike accidents are governed by the rules of negligence. This means that to recover damages, you must prove that the other party was at fault for the accident. Three elements must be met to prove negligence: duty, breach, and causation.
Duty is the legal obligation to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances. In other words, did the other party have a duty to exercise care to avoid causing an accident? For example, drivers must yield the right of way to cyclists.
Breach is a failure to meet the standard of care established by law. For example, if a driver fails to yield the right of way and hits a cyclist, that would be considered a breach of duty.
Causation is proving that the defendant’s actions were the cause of your injuries. In other words, if you can’t prove that the other party’s actions directly led to your injuries, you won’t be able to recover damages.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bike Accident Lawsuit?
You might be reading this because you were involved in a bike accident. Maybe you were hit by a car while you were out for a leisurely ride, or maybe you were training for a race and took a spill on some loose gravel. Whatever the circumstances of your accident, you’re probably wondering how long you have to file a bike accident lawsuit.
The answer to that question depends on a few factors, including the severity of your injuries, the state in which the accident occurred, and whether or not the person who caused the accident was insured. In Tennessee, you have one year to file a lawsuit.
However, it’s important to note that the sooner you file your lawsuit, the better. Not only will this ensure that your claim is processed promptly, but it will also give you a better chance of receiving full and fair compensation for your injuries. The longer you wait to file your lawsuit, the more likely it is that evidence will be lost or damaged, witnesses will forget what they saw, and memories will fade.
Don’t Talk to Anyone on the Other Side Before Speaking with a Lawyer
It is always advisable to consult with an attorney before giving a recorded statement or answering any questions from the other driver’s insurance company. Your attorney will be able to advise you on what information you should and should not provide. Additionally, your attorney can protect your interests by negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf.
If you have already given a recorded statement or answered questions from the other driver’s insurance company, it is not too late to consult with an attorney. Your attorney can review the information that you have provided and advise you on how to proceed going forward.
How are We Different from Other Firms?
We all want the best for our loved ones, which is why finding the right personal injury law firm is so important. You want a team that will fight for you and get you the compensation you deserve. But with so many firms to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? Here’s a look at how we differ from other personal injury law firms:
Compensation & Fees
Other personal injury law firms may try to lowball you on your compensation or charge hidden fees. We believe in being upfront and honest with our clients, which is why we will always give you a realistic estimate of what your case is worth. We also don’t believe in nickel-and-diming our clients, which is why we don’t charge any hidden fees. You shouldn’t have to worry about money when you’re already dealing with an injury, which is why we make sure our clients are always kept in the loop when it comes to their cases.
Years of Experience
When it comes to something as important as your personal injury case, you want a team that has the experience to get the job done right. With over years of experience, our team has the knowledge and expertise to handle even the most complex cases. We’ve seen it all, so we know what it takes to win.
Results-Driven
We’re results-driven because we understand that our clients are depending on us to get them the compensation they need and deserve. That’s why we work tirelessly on every case, leaving no stone unturned in our quest for justice. Our record speaks for itself—we’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients, and we’re not stopping anytime soon.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Bike Accident Case?
If you’ve been injured in a bike accident, you may be wondering if you need to hire a lawyer. The short answer is: it depends. If the accident was caused by another person or entity, and you sustained serious injuries, then you will most likely need to hire a lawyer to get the compensation you deserve. However, if the accident was your fault or the other person involved sustained only minor injuries, then you may not need a lawyer.
Reasons to Hire a Lawyer for Your Bike Accident Case
There are several reasons why you may need to hire a lawyer for your bike accident case. First, if the accident was caused by another person or entity, such as a driver who wasn’t paying attention or a company that didn’t maintain its property, then you will need a lawyer to help you prove that they were at fault. Second, if you sustained serious injuries in the accident, then you will need a lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve. Third, if the other person involved in the accident has hired a lawyer, then you will most likely need to hire one as well.
Reasons You May Not Need a Lawyer for Your Bike Accident Case
If the bike accident was your fault or the other person involved only sustained minor injuries, then you probably won’t need to hire a lawyer. Additionally, if the other person involved in the accident hasn’t hired a lawyer and is willing to work with you directly to settle the case, then you also probably won’t need to hire one. Finally, if you have very limited resources and can’t afford to pay a lawyer’s fee, then it may not be worth it to hire one. However, if any of these factors are not true in your case, then it’s probably best to consult with a lawyer about your options.
How Much Do We Charge?
If you’ve been involved in a bike accident in Tennessee, you may be wondering how contingency fees work. In this blog post, we’ll give you a brief overview of how contingency fees work in Tennessee bike accident cases.
What is a contingency fee?
A contingency fee is a fee that is charged by an attorney only if the attorney is successful in obtaining a settlement or verdict on behalf of the client. If the attorney is not successful, the client does not owe the attorney any fee.
How do contingency fees work in Tennessee bike accident cases?
In most cases, we charge one-third of the total amount recovered. For example, if we recover $100,000 for our client, our fee would be $33,333.33. The client would also be responsible for any costs we incurred in pursuing the case.
What are some advantages of contingency fees?
There are several advantages of contingency fees for clients. First, it allows clients to have access to justice regardless of their financial resources. Second, it gives attorneys an incentive to zealously represent their clients because their fee depends on the outcome of the case.
Finally, it allows clients to know exactly how much their attorney will be paid since it is based on a percentage of the amount recovered.
Where Do I Start This Process of Pursuing a Recovery for My Loss for My Bike Accident Claim?
The first step is hiring an experienced personal injury attorney who knows the ins and outs of filing bike accident claims, specifically in Tennessee. Your attorney will manage all correspondence with the other party’s insurance company and will work with you to negotiate a fair settlement. If you receive a settlement offer that you believe is too low, your attorney will advise you on whether it makes sense to go to trial or not.
The second step is gathering evidence. This includes obtaining police reports, medical reports, witness statements, and photos/videos of the accident scene if possible. Your attorney will also request your medical records and any other relevant documentation. It’s important to note that you should never give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without consulting with your attorney first.
The third step is negotiating with the other driver’s insurance company. This is where having an experienced personal injury attorney comes in handy. Your attorney will know how to properly value your claim and will fight for a fair settlement on your behalf. If the insurance company denies your claim or makes an unreasonable settlement offer, your attorney may recommend taking the case to trial.
Conclusion:
After a bike accident, it’s important to seek legal help as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can make all the difference in getting fairly compensated for your injuries—so don’t hesitate to call Tennessee Accident Law today if you’ve been involved in an accident.
We’re here to review your case at no charge!
