In and around Davidson, the warmer summer months, as well as, the autumn brings forth an immense opportunity to explore the outdoors. For a large part of the community, biking is a favorite pastime. The area boasts a number of bike trails, presenting exciting excursions for bikers of all ages and levels. However, with the onslaught of these riding opportunities, there are just as many opportunities to get into an accident.
A majority of bike accidents are the result of negligence on the part of another driver. If you or a loved one was injured in a bike accident, and you believe it was the fault of a motorist, please call a Davidson County bicycle accident lawyer today.
A knowledgeable Davidson County bicycle accident lawyer can listen to what happened and help you to determine what your legal options may be. If negligence is a factor, your lawyer may assist you negotiating with the at-fault driver’s insurance company on your behalf. If a settlement cannot be reached, a lawyer may proceed with litigation. Regardless of the extent of your injuries, it may be a good idea to find out what a bike accident lawyer in Davidson County has to say. Call The Higgins Firm now for a case review.
Taking Care Of Yourself To Avoid an Accident
Bicyclists are normally subject to the same rules of the road as motor vehicle drivers. Under Tennessee laws, cyclists must adhere to traffic signals, road signs, and any other traffic device. Additional rules, such as providing pedestrians with audible signals before passing them, using a designated bike lane with applicable, or wearing a helmet if you are under 16 should be followed. If these laws are broken by the cyclist, and an accident occurs, filing a claim could be more challenging. A Davidson County bike accident lawyer can explain these complications to you in further detail.
How Bike Accidents Can Occur
A bike accident can occur in any number of ways; however, most happen when at least one of the following factors apply:
With the onset of increased traffic volumes, and more people using alternative commuting methods, there has been a rise in “dooring” accidents in Davidson County. As a bicycle accident lawyer in Davidson County might explain to you, dooring refers to a situation in which the occupant of a parked car opens the door directly into the path of a bicyclist. This usually results in little to no harm for the occupant, but moderate to severe harm for the cyclist. Often the cyclist may be at risk for falling off their bike, being thrown over the handlebars, or colliding with an oncoming car. A qualified Davidson County bicycle accident lawyer can help individuals recover damages for those injuries.
Demonstrating Liability the Part of a Davidson Motorist
As an injured cyclist, it will be up to you, or your Davidson County bike accident lawyer, to prove negligence. In other words, you must be able to demonstrate the motorist failed to adhere to the Tennessee driving laws, or did not operate their vehicle in a reasonable manner; thereby caused you harm. Depending on the nature of what happened, proving fault could be relatively simple or considerably difficult. In general, the more complicated your case may be, the more you should think about having the right Davidson County bicycle accident lawyer on your side.
Possible Injuries Sustained in a Bike Accident
When a cyclist is involved in an accident with another vehicle, the chances of sustaining significant injuries are high. This is partly do to the limited protection around the cyclist, as well as, the sheer force of the impact. Injuries can include severe road rash, bruising, lacerations, broken bones and fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and death.
Working With a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
In a bicycle accident case, the liable driver’s insurance company is not on your side. They will likely try to downplay what happened or put the blame on your. Even if they do admit fault, the insurance company is going to try to settle your case for as little money as possible. In the event of you accepting their initial offer, you may not recover enough damages to cover all of your losses. A bike accident lawyer can safeguard you from being put into a vulnerable situation such as the aforementioned.
Whether in a courtroom or during settlement negotiations, an experienced Davidson County bicycle accident lawyer can be your voice and legal advocate. If you would like to learn more about bicycle injury cases, or have unanswered questions, call The Higgins Firm today.
The insurance company has a legal team. You should too.
