Tennessee Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Bicycle Accident Law Firm in Knoxville, Tennessee
If while riding a bicycle you were injured, or a family member was injured or killed, due to the fault (or negligence) of a Tennessee motorist or other party, you can bring a lawsuit against the negligent party to recover damages.
We know that the effects of bicycle accidents can be dramatic and long-lasting. Likewise, our Tennessee personal injury lawyers are willing to do what it takes to ensure that you are compensated for injuries you sustained as a result of someone else’s negligence. In the event that litigation becomes necessary to enforce your rights under the law, our lawyers have had great success in proving liability by effectively utilizing witnesses, evidence, and extensive knowledge of the laws that govern civil trials.
To speak with one of our bicycle accident lawyers based in Knoxville and Sevierville, contact Baker Associates today.
Rights of Bicyclists
Did you know that pursuant to T.C.A. 55-8-172, every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway is granted all of the same rights as a Tennessee motorist? What this means is that a Tennessee motorist who wrongfully collides into a bicycle is liable in the same way as if the motorist collided into another motorist. Thus, if the operator of a motor vehicle violates any of Tennessee’s Rules of the Road (pertaining to such actions as following too closely or excessive speeding), then the operator will be liable for any foreseeable consequences of the violation.
For example, if a motorist is following a bicyclist too closely and the bicyclist for whatever reason comes to a complete stop and the motorist collides into the bicyclist, that motorist is liable for any injuries the bicyclist sustains.
Further, under the Jeff Roth and Brian Brown Bicycle Protection Act of 2007, when passing a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on the roadway, a Tennessee motorist must maintain a distance greater than three feet from a bicyclist and must maintain that distance until safely past the overtaken bicycle. Failure to do so is a misdemeanor. If the failure results in injury to the bicyclist, the motorist is also responsible for any injuries sustained.
Who Else Besides Motorists Can I Recover from for My Injuries?
- If the accident was caused by a defective product, manufacturers or retailers of bicycles, bicycle parts, and/or bicycle accessories.
- If the accident was caused by a dangerous condition created by an unsafe roadway, the city, county or State who maintains the roads.
- If the accident was caused by negligent repair of a vehicle or bicycle, shops or mechanics.
- If the accident was caused by the negligent maintenance or upkeep of private property, the private property owner and/or lessor.
What Are My Rights and Responsibilities As a Bicycle Rider?
Because a bicyclist is subject to the same rights as a motorist, he or she also shares the same duties, including the duty to keep a lookout for potential hazards. Consequently, if a bicyclist is involved in a collision with a motor vehicle and the defendant proves that the bicyclist violated a duty recognized by law, then the bicyclist’s recovery will be reduced according to the bicyclist’s measure of fault (as determined by a jury).
There are also special rules that apply to bicyclists that if violated could reduce any potential damage award. Some of these rules are:
- A bicyclist must not drive in the center of a lane unless he or she is going the same speed as other traffic, making a left-hand turn, or circumstances prevent him or her from riding close to the shoulder.
- A bicyclist cannot carry any more persons than the number of persons for which the bicycle is designed.
- A bicyclist cannot carry any object that prevents him or her from keeping both hands on the handlebars.
- Every bicyclist when operating a bicycle at night must have equipped on the bike a working front and back lamp.
Conclusion
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Tennessee bicycle accident, it is crucial that you immediately contact our experienced and successful attorneys at Baker Associates.
Complete the form below to contact one of our Sevierville, Tennessee personal injury attorneys if you have been in a bicycle accident – our lawyers can help.
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Knox County
2126 First Tennessee Plaza
800 South Gay Street
Knoxville, Tennessee 37929
Phone: 865-521-0001
Sevier County
121 Court Avenue
Sevierville, Tennessee 37862
Phone: 865-428-2888
