What to Do if You Are in a Bicycle Accident
According to statistics from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, there were 321 total pedal-cyclists crashes statewide in 2021. Riding a bicycle can be a great alternative to commuting or exploring Tennessee's environment. Unfortunately, the negligence of some motorists may expose bicyclists to possible harm, accidents, risks, or other road hazards. An experienced Tennessee personal injury attorney can enlighten you about the next steps to take after a bicycle accident.
At the Law Office of Joshua S. Reed, we have the resources and skills to assist and represent bicycle accident victims in their injury claims. Our dependable legal team will evaluate the surrounding facts of your unique situation and determine the best way to proceed with your insurance claims. In addition, Mr. Reed will fight compassionately for your legal rights and help you seek the fair financial compensation you deserve. We're proud to serve clients across Knoxville and Farragut, Tennessee.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
Following a bicycle accident, it is important to remain calm and take appropriate action. What you do – or do not do – can affect the outcome of your injury claims. Hence, you should take the following steps after a bicycle accident, where possible:
Get to Safety: Carefully leave your bicycle and get to safety.
Get Medical Help: Call 911 to seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries. Getting prompt medical help is important for your health, well-being, and other legal reasons.
Report to the Police: Report the incident to the police or law enforcement agency. Tennessee laws require you to report any accident that results in an injury, death, or property damage of $1,500 or more.
Get Drivers’/Witnesses’ Information: Get relevant information from the other drivers involved in the accident. This included the driver's phone number, license information, witness statements, and testimonies.
Document Details: Document accident details such as accident scene photos, the police report, medical reports, and your personal account of the incident.
Hire an Attorney: Hire a trusted attorney to help you file an injury claim, negotiate a settlement with the insurance provider, or represent you in your personal injury lawsuit.
You need to take these steps immediately after the incident to avoid misplacing vital documents or forgetting important information. An experienced Tennessee bicycle accident lawyer can review the facts of your case and walk you through the injury claims process.
Filing a Claim
Tennessee is an "at-fault" accident state. According to the system, the person who caused the bicycle accident or injury (the at-fault party) will be held civilly and financially responsible for your injuries and damages suffered. To recover damages, you can proceed by:
Filing an injury claim with your own insurance company.
Filing a third-party claim with the at-fault party's insurance carrier.
Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party in civil court.
A knowledgeable attorney can help identify the liable party and ensure that you file your claims within the specified time limit for filing.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Tennessee requires auto accident victims, including passengers, drivers, pedestrians, motorcycle riders, bicyclists, and electric scooter riders, to file a claim against the at-fault party within one year of the date of the accident or injury.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Tennessee
If the victim died in the bicycle accident, the decedent's surviving family members may be eligible to hold the liable party responsible and seek financial compensation for their loved one's death. Under Tennessee law, the following individuals may file a wrongful death action in order:
The decedent's surviving spouse
The decedent's surviving children
The surviving next of kin of the decedent
The personal representative or executor of the deceased person's estate
The decedent's surviving parent or parents
An experienced Tennessee wrongful death attorney can advocate for your family's best interests and help you recover the maximum possible compensation for your unexpected loss.
Legal Advocacy at Every Step
Being involved in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent party can be difficult and overwhelming. Due to the limited protection, you may sustain serious injuries, become hospitalized, or become unable to work. Thankfully, Tennessee personal injury laws allow bicycle accident victims to seek fair financial compensation for their injuries by filing a claim or lawsuit. An experienced personal injury attorney can help protect your legal rights and explore your options to recover damages.
At the Law Office of Joshua S. Reed, we have devoted our careers to advocating for the best interests of bicycle accident victims and their families. With our extensive knowledge of Tennessee laws, we can guide you through the claims process. Above all, our skilled legal team will fight for you and help you pursue fair financial compensation to cover your injuries, damages, or losses.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a negligent bicycle accident, you may pursue damages. Contact the Law Office of Joshua S. Reed today to schedule a simple case assessment with a trusted bicycle accident attorney. We're proud to serve clients across Knoxville and Farragut, Tennessee, as well as throughout surrounding counties, including Clinton, Oak Ridge, Blount, Anderson, Union, and Maryville.