Nashville Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Our experienced Nashville bicycle accident attorneys understand the toll an accident takes on your life. Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys is committed to helping you secure fair compensation. Contact us today for compassionate, professional support.

(800) 229-7989

2550 Meridian Blvd
Franklin, TN 37067

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experienced Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Nashville

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Bicycling through Nashville’s busy intersections poses risks for both tourists and locals. Too many bikes and scooters sharing the road with cars, trucks, and buses leads to dangerous collisions. 

Nashville’s bustling roads, like Broadway, West End Avenue, and Charlotte Pike, and intersections like Demonbreun Street and 12th Avenue, see a lot of bicycle traffic. 

Busy areas increase the risk of accidents, making it mandatory for riders to understand their legal options after a collision. 

Accidents often cause serious injuries, leaving victims with medical bills and lost time from work. 
We are a Nashville bicycle accident lawyer who cares.

Why Choose Us?

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Choosing the right attorney after a bicycle accident is pivotal. Nationally known, Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys fight for the rights of injury victims in Tennessee.

With a team of over 500 attorneys and professionals, we have the experience and resources to take on the most challenging insurance companies, ensuring you receive every dollar of compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

Here’s why Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys stands out for bicycle accident victims in Nashville:

  • Proven Results: Our team has recovered over $1.5 billion for accident victims, helping them secure the financial support they need to rebuild their lives.
  • Client Satisfaction: We’re committed to providing excellent service, and our numerous five-star reviews reflect this dedication. Clients appreciate our transparency, commitment, and success in even the most challenging cases.
  • Aggressive Representation: We refuse to accept less than our clients deserve. If insurers don’t offer fair settlements, we go to court, constantly pushing for the maximum compensation.
  • Local Knowledge, National Resources: Our deep understanding of Tennessee law, combined with our national reach, ensures you receive personalized service backed by the power and resources of a leading law firm.
  • No Fees Unless We Win: Our contingency fee arrangement allows you to access top-tier legal representation without any upfront costs. We only get paid when you do.

Choosing our Nashville personal injury lawyers means partnering with a firm that prioritizes your needs and fights relentlessly for the best possible outcome.

Call us at (800) 229-7989 to schedule a free consultation.

How a Nashville Bicycle Accident Lawyer Helps

The legal terrain after a bicycle accident is maddening. An experienced lawyer guides you through the process and protects your rights. 

Here’s what they do for you:

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  • Investigate the Accident: A lawyer thoroughly investigates the accident, gathering essential evidence such as witness statements, police reports, and accident scene photos to establish what happened and who is liable.
  • Navigate Insurance Complexities: Rideshare accidents often involve multiple insurance policies, including those of the driver and the rideshare company. 
  • A lawyer knows how to traverse these policies to maximize compensation and ensure the proper parties are held accountable.
  • Represent You in Court: A lawyer will take your case to trial if a fair settlement isn’t reached through negotiation. With courtroom experience and a thorough understanding of the law, they present a strong case before a judge or jury.
  • Provide Legal Guidance: Throughout the process, your lawyer is a trusted advocate, informing you of your case’s progress and offering clear, compassionate advice. 

Hiring a skilled personal injury lawyer ensures every aspect of your claim is addressed, giving you the best chance for a successful outcome.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

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Drivers often overlook cyclists, leading to dangerous situations. 

Some common causes of bicycle accidents include:

  • Distracted Driving: Drivers focused on their phones or GPS often fail to see cyclists sharing the road, resulting in sudden collisions.
  • Failure to Yield: At intersections, drivers sometimes disregard cyclists’ right of way, turning into their path without warning.
  • Speeding: High speeds on roads like Broadway or Charlotte Pike leave drivers with less time to react, making it harder for them to avoid hitting cyclists.
  • Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, and debris create dangerous obstacles for cyclists, who must swerve into traffic to avoid injury.
  • Aggressive Driving: Some drivers behave aggressively toward cyclists, following too closely or attempting unsafe passes that force cyclists off the road.

Each situation makes cyclists vulnerable, leading to major injuries and financial burdens.

Common Injuries from Bicycle Accidents

Attorney Benjamin Harrelson

Bicycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of physical protection for cyclists. When a vehicle collides with a bike, the impact frequently leaves riders with life-altering injuries. 

Some of the most common injuries include:

  • Head and Brain Injuries: Even with helmets, cyclists risk suffering concussions, traumatic brain injuries, or skull fractures in a crash, leading to long-term cognitive challenges.
  • Broken Bones: The force of a collision or a fall often causes fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones, which may require surgery and extended recovery time.
  • Spinal Injuries: Accidents involving sudden impacts or being thrown from a bike may damage the spinal cord, resulting in severe pain, mobility issues, or even paralysis.
  • Road Rash and Lacerations: Sliding across asphalt often leaves cyclists with deep cuts and abrasions, possibly leading to scarring or infections.
  • Internal Injuries: The impact from a collision sometimes damages internal organs, requiring immediate medical intervention to address internal bleeding or trauma.

These injuries create physical, emotional, and financial challenges for victims, making it crucial to seek legal support for recovery.

Who May Be Held Liable for a Nashville Bicycle Accident

Attorney Benjamin Zimmern

Determining liability in a bicycle accident involves identifying who acted negligently or failed to uphold safety standards. 

Several parties might share responsibility for the incident, including:

  • Negligent Drivers: Drivers who speed, fail to yield, drive while distracted, or operate their vehicles aggressively often bear responsibility for collisions with cyclists.
  • Commercial Vehicle Operators: Delivery trucks, rideshare drivers, and other commercial operators must follow strict safety guidelines. When they disregard these rules, they put cyclists at risk and may face liability for accidents.
  • Government Entities: Poorly maintained roads, unclear signage, or dangerous construction zones create hazards for cyclists. Local or state governments might share liability if unsafe conditions contributed to the accident.
  • Bicycle Manufacturers: Defects in the design or manufacturing of a bicycle may lead to a dangerous malfunction, causing the rider to crash. In these cases, the manufacturer or retailer may be held responsible.

Each of these parties has a role in creating safer roads for cyclists. Holding the right party accountable helps injured cyclists recover the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.

What Kind of Damages May Be Claimed from a Bicycle Accident?

After a bicycle accident, injured cyclists often face significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Pursuing compensation helps address the losses suffered due to another party’s negligence. 

Attorney Alyssa Daniels

Some of the damages that may be claimed include:

  • Medical Expenses: Compensation covers hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and ongoing medical care related to sustained injuries.
  • Lost Wages: When injuries prevent a return to work, victims may claim compensation for lost income, including any future earning potential impacted by the accident.
  • Pain and Suffering: This accounts for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident, including anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life.
  • Property Damage: Damages to the bicycle and other personal property, such as phones or gear damaged in the accident, may also be included in a claim.
  • Rehabilitation Costs: If the injury requires long-term care or specialized therapy, compensation may help cover those expenses to support the recovery process.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Injuries that prevent cyclists from participating in activities they once enjoyed may entitle them to compensation for this loss.

Each of these damages aims to help injured cyclists rebuild their lives and regain stability after a traumatic event.

Emotional Damage After a Bicycle Accident

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Bicycle accidents often leave lasting emotional scars that go beyond physical injuries. The trauma of the incident and the challenges of recovery significantly affect a victim’s mental and emotional well-being. 

Some common types of emotional damage include:

  • Anxiety and Fear: Many victims experience anxiety after an accident, especially when riding a bike again or even just being near busy roads. The fear of another collision makes it difficult to resume normal activities.
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): The shock and trauma from a severe accident leads to PTSD, causing nightmares, flashbacks, and intense distress when reminded of the incident. This condition requires professional mental health support.
  • Depression: Struggling with physical injuries and the loss of independence results in feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair. Depression often arises from drastic changes in lifestyle and the pain of dealing with the aftermath of an accident.
  • Isolation and Loneliness: Recovery may involve long rest periods or limited mobility, leaving victims isolated from friends, family, and their usual social activities. This isolation further deepens feelings of loneliness and sadness.
  • Loss of Confidence: Being involved in an accident leads to losing self-confidence, especially for those who previously felt comfortable and capable on their bikes. This diminished self-esteem extends to other areas of life as well.
  • Emotional Exhaustion: Dealing with insurance claims, medical bills, and legal proceedings, on top of physical recovery, creates a sense of overwhelming emotional exhaustion.

These emotional struggles significantly affect a person’s daily life, relationships, and ability to enjoy activities they once loved. 

Addressing emotional damage is crucial for a holistic recovery, often requiring support from mental health professionals as part of the healing journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident in Nashville?

After a bicycle accident, prioritize your safety and health. Seek medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor. Call the police to report the accident and get a copy of the report. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any damage to your bike. Collect contact information from witnesses and the driver involved. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and start building your case.

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally one year from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline may prevent you from seeking compensation. Consulting a lawyer early ensures you meet all necessary timelines and preserve your right to recovery.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Tennessee follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you may still recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. A lawyer assesses the circumstances and builds a case to minimize your share of responsibility.

What types of compensation may be available for a bicycle accident claim?

Victims of bicycle accidents may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and rehabilitation costs. The amount you may recover depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the evidence presented.

How do I prove that the driver was at fault in my bicycle accident?

Proving fault requires evidence such as witness statements, traffic camera footage, police reports, and accident scene photos. A skilled lawyer gathers and analyzes this evidence, work with accident reconstruction experts, and build a strong case to establish the driver’s negligence.

Is it worth hiring a lawyer for a bicycle accident claim?

Yes, hiring a lawyer ensures that you have an advocate who understands the complexities of Tennessee’s laws and the claims process. A lawyer negotiates with insurance companies, gathers evidence, and pursues the maximum compensation possible, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

What if the insurance company offers me a settlement right away?

Insurance companies may offer a quick settlement that might not fully cover your medical bills and other expenses. It’s wise to consult with a lawyer before accepting any offer.

How much does hiring a Nashville bicycle accident lawyer cost?

Most personal injury lawyers, including those handling bicycle accidents, work on a contingency fee basis.

This means you don’t pay upfront legal fees; the lawyer is only paid if they secure compensation for you. This arrangement allows you to access legal support without worrying about immediate costs.