Whitfield County Bicycle Accident Lawyer
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over 500,000 individuals seek emergency treatment each year for injuries from bicycle accidents. While many accidents are either true accidents or the result of the negligence of the bicyclist, there the negligence of motor vehicle operators is also a major cause of accidents. If you suffer injuries in a bicycle accident, a Whitfield County bicycle accident lawyer could help. Contact a distinguished personal injury attorney to begin discussing the details of your case.
Major Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents are a common occurrence. There are some common themes among them. One common cause of bicycle accidents is motor vehicle drivers drifting into bike lanes. Many cities in Tennessee have lanes reserved for bicyclists. A bicyclist traveling beside a motor vehicle operator can suffer serious injuries or even death if the motor vehicle temporarily drifts into the lane and collides with the bicyclist.
Motor vehicles turning in front of bicyclists are also a major cause of accidents. If a cyclist is crossing the street or not traveling directly with the flow of traffic, the chances of an accident occurring increase significantly. As a Whitfield County bicycle accident lawyer knows, many bike collisions are caused by bicyclists crossing the road.
Motor vehicles running stop signs or red lights are especially perilous to bicyclists. Red lights and stop signs help control the flow of traffic and protect the lives of motorcyclists and cyclists. Many drivers fail to notice bicyclists while flying through an intersection, and many collisions occur at the junctions as a result.
Who Can Bicyclists Recover Compensation From?
Besides the motor vehicle operator, there are many other parties from which a bicyclist might be able to receive compensation. The negligent party might be a bicycle parts manufacturer or retailer if the bicycle or parts on the bicycle were responsible for the accident, or it could be a repair shop if the bicycle was poorly repaired and that caused the accident.
If dangerous conditions on the road caused the accident, Whitfield County or even the state of Tennessee could be liable. Alternatively, if the accident happened on private property, the property owner can be liable for the accident if the property was not well maintained.
What Must be Proven to Establish Liability in a Bike Crash
To pursue a legal claim in the state of Tennessee, a bicyclist must establish that another party was responsible for the accident. To prove the other party was responsible for the accident, the plaintiff must show that:
- The motor vehicle operator had a duty to exercise reasonable care
- The driver breached this duty of reasonable care
- This breach of care caused harm to the bicyclist
It is important bicyclists understand they cannot obtain compensation for the accident if they are more than 50 percent responsible. If the bicyclist was less than 50 percent at fault for the accident, the amount of compensation is proportional to the degree that the bicyclist is responsible.
Speak with a Tennessee Bicycle Accident Lawyer
A bicycle accident can cause severe injuries that bring expensive medical bills, extended periods of time away from work, and even death. If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a bike accident that was not your fault, you may be able to recover damages for your pain and suffering. A Whitfield County bicycle accident lawyer may be able to look at your case and help you figure out what compensation you can receive.
