Nashville Bicycle & Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Bike Accidents in Tennessee

Unfortunately, Tennessee roadways can be dangerous places for cyclists due to careless and inattentive drivers. Bicycle accidents often occur at intersections or on streets without bicycle lanes when drivers refuse to share the road.

Cyclists on roadways in Tennessee have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of cars and trucks under Tennessee law. Bicycles are considered vehicles and share the rights to the road. However, drivers are not always on the lookout for bicycles.

At Witherington Injury Law, we know how to fight to get you the fair settlement you deserve following a traumatic accident. If you’ve been hit by a car while riding a bike, no matter the circumstance, you may be entitled to compensation and aid. Our Nashville bicycle accident lawyer, Patrick D. Witherington, can help.

Call our Nashville bicycle accident lawyer at Witherington Injury Law today at (615) 697-6503 or contact us online to get started with your free consultation. 

You Don't Have to Be in a Car to Get into a Car Accident

Despite the growing effort to increase bicycle awareness and safety, many careless drivers continue to cause accidents with cyclists who are doing nothing wrong. The results can be tragic. People driving motor vehicles are not always watching out for those traveling by bike or on foot. And it is not just jaywalkers and cyclists in traffic who end up injured; cars hit pedestrians in crosswalks and bikers in bike lanes, too. Some pedestrians have even been hit while on the sidewalk.

If you've been hit by a car, you've been in a motor vehicle accident. Rest assured that, however your accident occurred, we are here to help.

Pedestrian Accidents in Tennessee

Over 25 percent of Americans have been in a distracted walking incident, but many still do not realize the part they have to play. Seventy-four percent see “others” as distracted while only 29 percent claim to be distracted themselves. There can be a lot going on when walking outside, so focusing on what is going on around you is critical. By staying visible and focused, you can decrease the chances that you will be in an accident.

Across Nashville, pedestrian incidents often occur around busy corridors, entertainment districts, and near bus stops where drivers are turning quickly or failing to yield at marked crosswalks. Even when a walker is doing everything right, a texting driver or someone rolling through a right-on-red can cause life-changing harm in seconds. When that happens, speaking with a pedestrian accident attorney Nashville residents trust can help you understand how Tennessee law applies to your situation and what steps you can take to protect your claim.

Preventing Pedestrian Accidents

No matter where you are going, it is always a good idea to be a wise walker. By following a few safety tips, you can avoid a distracted walking accident.

When we talk with injured clients in Nashville, we often hear that they assumed a driver saw them or that a crossing signal meant it was safe to proceed without looking again. While drivers have legal duties to watch for people on foot, taking a defensive approach as a pedestrian can reduce risk. Staying alert at intersections, avoiding stepping out from between parked cars, and pausing before entering the street, even when you have the light, are all simple habits that can make it more likely drivers will notice you in time.

Make Yourself Visible

It is not always possible to wear bright or reflective clothing, especially if you are out for more than a casual stroll. Remember that cars have blind spots, and do your best to stay out of them. If you are having a hard time seeing the driver, there is a good chance the driver is not able to see you either.

Make Eye Contact with Drivers

You cannot always count on drivers to see you and respond accordingly. Making eye contact with a driver is one way to make sure you are both communicating about whose turn it is in the intersection. If you are unsure if a driver sees you, do not risk it.

Avoid Distractions

So much of our information is on our phones. It is where we get our email. It is how we communicate with family and friends. It even helps us get where we are going. But driving is not the only time your phone can be a distraction. Walking with your eyes focused on your phone can distract you from traffic and other things going on around you.

Common Bicycle & Pedestrian Accident Injuries

It is no surprise that pedestrians and cyclists suffer the worst consequences when hit by a car.

The impact of the collision, coupled with the mass of a car compared to that of a human body, means that walkers and bikers can suffer:

• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injury
• Or even death

Beyond the immediate trauma, many of our clients face months of rehabilitation, follow-up appointments, and time away from work after a serious crash in Nashville. Soft tissue injuries, internal organ damage, and psychological injuries like anxiety or post-traumatic stress can be just as disruptive as visible fractures. A Nashville pedestrian accident lawyer can help you account for future medical needs, assistive devices, and the impact on your ability to earn a living so that any claim you bring reflects the full scope of what you are going through.

Understanding Your Rights as a Cyclist or Pedestrian in Nashville

As a cyclist or pedestrian, you have the same rights as any other road user. If you have been involved in a bicycle or pedestrian accident, it is important to understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation for your injuries and damages. Our team of experienced Nashville bicycle and pedestrian accident attorneys can help you navigate the legal process and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Some important points to consider include:

• Understanding right-of-way laws for cyclists and pedestrians: These laws vary and can influence liability determination in an accident.
• Knowing your rights in the event of a hit-and-run accident: Ensure prompt reporting to authorities for a chance at justice.
• Seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering: Legal assistance can enhance the likelihood of recovering full compensation.
• Filing a claim against a negligent driver or party responsible for the accident: Accurate documentation and timely actions are crucial in these cases.

At Witherington Injury Law, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of cyclists and pedestrians in Nashville. 

Compensation After a Bicycle or Pedestrian Accident

After a serious collision in Nashville, many people are unsure what types of losses they can recover through an injury claim. Medical bills and lost wages are only part of the picture. You may also be dealing with ongoing pain, the need for future treatment, and the disruption of daily activities you once enjoyed. Understanding the full range of compensation available can help you avoid accepting a settlement that does not reflect the true cost of what happened to you.

In Tennessee, injured cyclists and pedestrians may be able to seek compensation for current and future medical care, time missed from work, reduced earning capacity if they cannot return to the same job, and the impact of pain and emotional distress on their quality of life. In cases involving very serious harm, there may also be claims for long-term care, home or vehicle modifications, and other practical needs. A Nashville Pedestrian Accident Lawyer can help you identify which categories apply to your situation and gather the documentation needed to support each part of your claim.

When a crash leads to a wrongful death, surviving family members may have separate rights to pursue damages related to funeral expenses and the loss of a loved one’s financial and personal support. These claims often move through the courts in Davidson County, and the process can feel overwhelming while you are grieving. By working with a firm that regularly handles bicycle and pedestrian cases in the Nashville area, you can have guidance on how these laws work and what to expect at each stage.