Nashville Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Fighting For Bicycle Accident Victims in Davidson County

From small towns to large cities, drivers often fail to notice or give enough space to those riding bikes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this failure leads to tens of thousands of injuries and hundreds of fatal accidents involving bike riders each year.

Bicycle accident lawyer Stanley A. Davis knows that cyclists are vulnerable when sharing the road with cars, and drivers must always be mindful of cyclists. He works to protect the rights of cyclists by offering compassionate representation to bike accident victims and their families. Stan is ready to provide the support needed to ensure his clients not only receive respect in the court of law but also compensation to pay for their medical costs and other expenses after suffering injuries in car and bicycle collisions.

If you were injured in a bicycle accident, make sure you reach out to our Nashville bicycle accident lawyer today. Contact us online or call (615) 866-3938 for your free consultation today!

What Should I Do If I Am in a Bicycle Accident?

Bicycle accidents can be traumatic and dangerous. Even if you feel okay, it’s important to take certain steps to protect your health, safety, and legal rights. 

Here’s what to do immediately following a collision:

• Call emergency services: Seek medical attention right away. Some serious injuries, like traumatic brain injuries, may not show symptoms immediately.
• Exchange driver information: Get the driver's name, phone number, license plate number, and insurance information.
• Document the scene: Take clear photos of the accident site, your bicycle, the vehicle, visible injuries, and any road conditions that may have played a role.
• Collect witness details: Write down the names and contact information of anyone who saw the accident happen.
• Preserve physical evidence: Keep damaged clothing, gear, or your bike, as they may serve as important evidence in your case.
• Give a factual report to police: When officers arrive, provide a clear, honest account of what occurred, avoid speculating or admitting fault.
• Contact a bicycle accident lawyer: An experienced bicycle attorney in Nashville can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for medical costs, lost income, and more.

While many law firms offer free case consultations where you can speak with someone about the accident, not all firms offer free consultations with a qualified attorney. When you call, you may be speaking with a secretary, legal assistant, or paralegal who is only taught to get the basics of your claim to determine if you may have a case. You also cannot ask any questions, as most are advised not to give any legal advice.

Attorney Stan Davis believes in the message behind moving verses such as Colossians 3:23. It states, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” When you call the Law Office of Stanley A. Davis, LLC, you will get to talk with Stan as soon as possible. Serving you (the injured, concerned loved one, or grieving family member) after a bike crash is his top priority.

What Are Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

The Federal Highway Administration found that the leading cause of bike crashes is being hit by cars. Other causes also include defective components on the bike, hazardous/defective roadways, and cyclist errors. Tennessee traffic laws consider bicycles to be vehicles like any car, truck, motorcycle, or other automobile on the road. Bike riders have the same rights as any other vehicle. Despite this, motorists continue to overlook them until it is too late.

Common mistakes where motorists may be responsible for causing accidents with bicycles include when a driver:

• Makes a turn in front of a cyclist
• Is inattentive while passing a cyclist
• Fails to yield or stop at a stop sign
• Pulls out of a parking lot in front of a bicycle
• Opens the car door in front of a cyclist
• Is under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Does not look for other traffic after stopping at a stop sign

These are only a few of the common causes. As cycling gains more and more popularity as a fun method to commute and exercise, drivers need to remember to respect the rights of cyclists and be aware of their presence on the road.

Call (615) 866-3938 to schedule a consultation for free advice after a bike accident. Our bicycle accident lawyer in Nashville provides compassionate legal services.

Safety Tips For Cyclists

Cyclists cannot always prevent accidents caused by driver negligence. However, being aware of high-risk situations may allow you to avoid the most common causes of bicycle accidents.

Safety tips for cyclists include:

• Wear bright colors: Often, motorists simply do not see cyclists, so maximizing your visibility is a good way to prevent bike crashes. Bright colors and bike lights increase your chances of a motorist seeing you and yielding.
• Follow right of way laws: Like motorists, cyclists should always take care to follow traffic laws and yield the right of way, when necessary.
• Be cautious at intersections: Even if you have the right of way, it is wise to check that other vehicles have come to a full stop before proceeding through an intersection.
• Avoid riding alongside parked vehicles, when able: Since dooring accidents are potentially one of the most dangerous types of bike accidents, avoiding lines of parked cars is often the safest policy.
• Wear a bike helmet: A helmet will help protect you from serious brain injuries if you are involved in a crash.
• Stay alert for turn signals: If you see a car signaling a turn across your path, then slow down.

Although drivers are usually at fault for car vs. bike accidents, cyclists may be able to avoid serious injury by following these steps. Nevertheless, if you are hurt in a bike crash, you may seek compensation from the at-fault driver.

What Damages Could be Recovered in a Bicycle Accident Claim?

• Medical Expenses: This includes costs for emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any necessary long-term care. 
• Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: If the injuries sustained in the bicycle accident stop the victim from working, temporarily or permanently, they could be entitled to compensation for lost earnings and any reduction in future earning capacity. 
• Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering damages are meant to compensate the victim for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. 
• Property Damage: Victims may seek compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing their bicycles and any other items damaged in the accident, like helmets, clothing, and electronic devices.
• Punitive Damages: In instances where the at-fault party’s actions were reckless or egregious, punitive damages might be awarded. These are intended to punish the offender and deter similar conduct in the future. 
• Wrongful Death: In the event that a bicycle accident results in the death of a loved one, surviving family members could pursue a wrongful death claim. This could include compensation for funeral and burial fees, loss of financial support, companionship, and emotional suffering.

Choose Us For Your Nashville Bicycle Accident Claim

Never forget what the scripture tells us in Romans 12:10: “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” It is important to respect others and treat individuals on bicycles with the same respect you would hope to receive if you were the cyclist. They have just as much right to the road as any other driver. However, when motorists act without care for the safety of others, accidents can leave riders with severe and often fatal injuries.

We work to defend those harmed in car and bicycle accidents. We believe the ability to afford legal representation should not prevent someone from gaining justice. This is why we offer our services on a contingency fee basis. This means that we will not accept attorney fees unless we obtain a settlement or verdict on your behalf.

For a free consultation about your case with our Nashville bicycle accident attorney, call (615) 866-3938 or complete our online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Recover Compensation for My Injuries if I Was Partially At Fault?

Tennessee operates under modified comparative fault rules, which means that as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the accident, you can seek compensation. However, any damages awarded will be reduced by your percentage of fault. This can be a crucial element of the case and emphasizes the need to have a thorough investigation and representation.

Why Is Legal Representation Important in Bicycle Accident Cases?

Legal representation is vital in navigating the complexities of bicycle accident claims, especially when dealing with insurance companies and the legal system. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Nashville can advocate on your behalf, ensuring all relevant evidence is gathered and presented effectively. They negotiate with insurance companies, who often offer low initial settlements, and work to pursue compensation that appropriately reflects the severity of injuries, medical costs, and any long-term impact on your earning capacity.