Cycling continues to grow in popularity in Franklin and many other Tennessee communities. Whether they’re commuters, casual riders, or training for competition, cyclists are a common sight throughout the area. However, although most cyclists make efforts to stay safe, they are still at risk of traffic accidents.
If you have injuries from a bicycle accident, you need to speak to a Franklin personal injury lawyer immediately. The team at GriffithLaw Injury Lawyers can help you pursue fair compensation for your injury-related losses, such as medical bills, lost work income, and more.
Our team has over 100 years of combined legal experience and a passion for serving justice. Contact our offices today to discuss your case with a bicycle accident lawyer in Franklin.
Franklin Cyclists Are Often Unfairly Blamed for Accidents
There are times when cyclists make mistakes or fail to follow traffic laws. However, all too often, motorists are to blame for bicycle accidents. Cyclists must be vigilant when they ride, but even the safest cyclists can’t predict when reckless drivers are headed their way. Many bicycle accidents in the Franklin and Nashville area happen because:
- Drivers don’t understand the rules for cyclists.
- Drivers are distracted behind the wheel.
- Motorists choose to drink and drive.
- Commercial drivers aren’t looking for bicycles.
- Drivers are speeding or breaking other traffic laws.
- Drivers aren’t paying attention at intersections.
- Drivers pass cyclists too closely.
- Drivers don’t respect designated bike lanes and routes.
- Parked drivers cause “dooring” accidents.
- Motorists simply aren’t watching for cyclists on the road.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accident lawyer serving Franklin, call (615) 807 7900
Types of Injury Cases Our Franklin Bicycle Accident Lawyers Handle
Because bicycles offer less protection than motor vehicles, cyclists often face serious injuries after traffic accidents. People on bikes aren’t protected by bumpers and shock absorbers, so the damage in these accidents is often more serious than in accidents between two motor vehicles.
Collisions that are minor for drivers can cause severe injuries for cyclists. Common bicycle injuries include:
- Road rash and scrapes
- Bruising and soft tissue injuries
- Wrist, hand, and arm injuries
- Broken femurs
- Broken hips
- Torso and chest injuries
- Head and traumatic brain injuries
- Eye, teeth, and facial injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Crushing injuries and amputations
- Death
Franklin Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (615) 807 7900
Your Rights After a Bicycle Accident in Tennessee
You followed the rules of the road, but another driver did not. You got hurt as a result. What happens next? You should be aware that, by filing a personal injury claim, cyclists in Tennessee may be able to recover compensation for losses associated with the bicycle accident. This may include the following:
- Past, present, and future medical expenses related to the injury
- Lost wages and reductions in future earning capacity
- Property damage and replacement costs
- Pain and suffering
- Miscellaneous injury-related expenses
However, this can be very difficult to do on your own. Insurance companies will try to minimize claims or even turn the blame around on the victim, but the tricks and traps can be hard to spot if you don’t have experience negotiating these kinds of claims.
This is why it is so important to remain vigilant about protecting your rights, even when drivers or insurance companies seem to be taking your injuries seriously. If you have concerns, here are some basic steps you can take in the aftermath to protect yourself:
- Get medical attention and obtain copies of all relevant documentation.
- Document the accident scene, driver and witness information, and your injuries.
- Don’t give a recorded statement or sign anything from the insurance company that you don’t understand.
- Speak with a lawyer who has experience with Tennessee bike accident cases as soon as possible.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
What If I Am Partially at Fault?
If you are partially responsible for the accident, you can still recover financial compensation for your injuries. However, Tennessee’s comparative negligence laws will reduce any final award based on your percentage of shared fault.
For instance, if you are judged 30% at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you would receive $70,000 after accounting for shared negligence.
Comparative negligence can be a barrier to recovering full compensation, but a lawyer can minimize accusations of shared fault.
Time Limit for Filing a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Franklin
According to Tennessee’s personal injury statute of limitations, you have one year to file a personal injury lawsuit for injuries after a bicycle accident. Once the one-year timer expires, you will lose your ability to recover compensation for your medical treatment and other losses.
Tennessee’s time limit is much shorter than that in other states, so you need to start the claims process as quickly as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to gather evidence like accident reports, witness statements, or traffic camera footage. Your best option is to speak with a Franklin bicycle accident attorney promptly.
Start Investigating Your Rights With an Experienced Bike Accident Lawyer in Franklin
A bicycle crash can throw your life into chaos, but the legal team at GriffithLaw is here to assist. We have recovered millions of dollars for accident victims and will use every resource at hand to help bicycle riders hold road users liable for their wrongdoing.
Contact our office today to schedule a free case evaluation with a bicycle accident lawyer in Franklin.
Call (615) 807 7900 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
