Traffic congestion is making bicycles a more popular option everyday. Exercise, cost, zero emissions and easy parking are all reasons why we see more bicycles on the streets of Middle Tennessee. However distracted drivers, broken equipment and bad road conditions can cause serious bicycle accidents. George is a Franklin bicycle accident lawyer who will help hold those responsible for your losses. Call 615-422-7171 to begin your free consultation today.
According to the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, “You can ride your bike on many paved paths and greenways across the state, or in the road.” In the state of Tennessee, bicycle riders have the same rights as that of a car driver. This also means they must adhere to the same laws as that of a motor vehicle when they’re on the road.
You or a loved one are trying to recover from bicycle accident injuries and continue with a normal life. We handle the medical bills, manage the insurance companies and reduce your stress. Hiring George lets you focus on what matters and lets us get you the money you deserve. We only take injury cases. An immediate investigation and preservation of evidence is only the beginning.
How to win a Bicycle Accident Case
Personal Injuries sustained after a Tennessee bicycle accident are usually Negligence actions. Plaintiffs must prove duty, breach, causation and damages. If you can do this then you have a case. Winning the case is where George steps in. We have the experience to prove liability and recover all your damages.
The big question is whether the at fault party acted as a reasonable person would in the same situation. Should they have seen your bicycle? How fast should have they been driving? How could they have avoided the bicycle injury or death? Were they distracted or drunk? If the party who caused the bicycle injury acted in a manner less than what is expected then that conduct was Negligent. Proving conduct below the standard of care does not win your case, however if you can’t prove it then you lose.
Hit and Run Bicycle Accidents
Unfortunately negligent drivers sometimes collide with cyclists then continue on without even stopping to check on the person they hurt. Hit and run accidents are bad enough in a car. On a bike they can be much worse. The at fault automobile driver’s insurance would be the first source of recovery, but when they leave the scene your uninsured motorist policy may be the only source of recovery. If you are in this situation call George immediately. Your insurance carrier does not want to pay these claims and will gather information in an effort to deny or minimize your claim.
What to do after a Hit and Run Bicycle Accident?
- Call the police. Even when the driver runs the police have resources to track them down. If they cannot be found your insurance carrier will likely require a report. It is never too late to file the report.
- Get Medical Attention. Don’t put property over your body. Let the EMS personnel do their job and follow their advice. Bicycle accidents can result in long painful recoveries. Sometimes injuries do not seem immediately apparent. Not only is this common sense, but it helps document your case for damages.
- Gather Evidence. Having the contact information for any witnesses is critical. If the at fault driver took off a witness can help with a description or in some cases remember the license plate of the at fault driver.
- Notify your insurance company and Call George. Your insurance policy will require prompt notice of the claim to pay your damages. This is tricky because you are required to talk with them, but any Lawyer will tell you to avoid this conversation until you are represented. Call George and lets handle this the right way together.
Bicycle Accident Compensation
Not all bicycle accidents are minor. Lost wages, pain, suffering, replacement cost of your bike, helmets, riding gear and medical expenses are all compensable. Serious accidents, especially between bicycles and cars, can result in permanent injuries or even death. Tennessee law protects bicyclists who are injured because of the fault of another. Money is the remedy. It is free to find out if or how much you are owed.