Bicycle Accidents

With higher gas prices, bicycle riding is not only a popular form of exercise, it is becoming an increasingly popular form of transportation in Middle Tennessee. Even the Nashville and surrounding police departments uses bicycles in frequently congested parts of the city where it takes less time to get to a destination on a bicycle than in a car. Unfortunately, with more bicyclists on the road, there are also many more bicycle accidents. Hundreds of bicyclists die in cycling accidents each year, usually because a careless motorist does not see them. About half of all bicycle accidents involve minor children. Bicyclists are frequently involved in truck accidents, automobile accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents and collisions with stationary objects such as trees, parked cars or traffic lights. For information on preventing bicycle accidents, visit our bicycle safety tips page. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a bicycle accident that was somebody elses fault, you may be able to recover damages from the party responsible for your injuries. Contact us and let us help you.
We will represent you and seek the recovery damages that you are entitled to that include:

medical expenses
lost wages
future earnings
future medical care
pain and suffering
grief and sorrow
mental suffering
loss of quality of life and
other possible damage claims.

Act Promptly
There are time limits for you to act, called statutes of limitations, which require you to bring a lawsuit within a limited period or risk losing the right to seek a recovery. If you have any question, you should contact us by either clicking here for e-mail or call us at 615-352-8326 and ask for Patrick Johnson.

Bicycling Safety Tips
Obey all traffic signs & signals: Bicyclists must drive like other vehicles if they are to be taken seriously by motorists.
Never ride against traffic: Motorists aren't looking for bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the road. Ride with traffic to avoid potential accidents.

Use hand signals: Hand signals tell motorists what you intend to do. Signal as a matter of law, of courtesy and of self protection.

Ride in a straight line: Whenever possible, ride in a straight line to the right of traffic but about a car door's width away from parked cars.

Don't weave between parked cars: Don't ride into the curb between parked cars unless
they are far apart. Motorists may not see you when you try to move back into traffic.

Ride in the middle of the lane in slow traffic: Ride in the middle of the lane at busy intersections and whenever you are moving at the same speed as traffic.

Follow lane markings: Don't turn left from the right lane. Don't go straight in a lane marked right-turn only.
Choose the best way to turn left: There are two ways to make a left turn: (1) like an automobile by signaling, move into the left lane and turn left; or (2) like a pedestrian by riding to the far-side crosswalk and then walk your bike across.

Don't pass on the right: Motorists may not look for, or see, a bicycle passing on the right.

Go slow on sidewalks: Pedestrians have the right of way on walkways. By law, you must not ride on the sidewalk with a willful and wanton disregard for safety. Don't cross driveways or intersections without slowing to a walker's pace and looking very carefully for traffic (especially traffic turning right on a green light).

Watch for cars pulling out: Make eye contact with drivers. Assume they don't see you until you are sure they do.

Scan the road behind you: Learn to look over your shoulder without losing your balance or swerving left. Some riders use rearview mirrors.

Avoid road hazards: Watch out for parallel-slat sewer grates, slippery manhole covers,oily pavement, potholes, and gravel. Cross railroad tracks carefully at right angles. For better control as you move across bumps and other hazards, stand up on your pedals.

Keep both hands ready to brake: You may not stop in time if you brake one-handed. Allow extra distance for stopping in the rain, since brakes are less efficient when wet.

Watch for chasing dogs: Ignore them, try a firm, loud "NO" or try squirting them with your water bottle. If the dog doesn't stop, dismount with your bike between you and the dog. Dogs are attracted by the spinning of the wheels and feet.

Get in shape: Begin with short trips, working up to longer rides. This will ease muscles into shape and allow you to become more comfortable handling a bike in traffic. Before starting on a longer trip, spend a few minutes stretching your legs and body.

Ride a well equipped bike: Be sure your bike is adjusted to fit you properly. For saftey and efficiency, outfit it with bells, rearview mirrors, fenders (for rainy rides), and racks, baskets or bike bags. Always use a strong headlight and taillight at night as required by law.

Dress appropriately: Wear a hard-shell helmet whenever you ride. Wear light colored clothes at night. Dressing in layers allows you to adjust to temperature changes on longer rides. For longer rides a change of clothes, loosely rolled up, can be carried with you or you can store clothes at the office.

Lock your bike when you're gone: Buy the best lock you can afford, none is as expensive as a new bike. A U-shaped high security lock is best. Lock the frame and rear wheel to a fixed object. If you have a quick release, you should also lock the front wheel.

Keep your bike in good repair: Maintain your bike in good working condition. Check brakes regularly and keep tires properly inflated. Routine maintenance is simple and you can learn to do it yourself. Or you can leave it to an expert at a local bike shop.

Bicyclist Etiquette: How to Ride with Cars
Bicyclists on public roadways assume all the same rights and responsibilities as automobile drivers, and are subject to the same state laws and local ordinances. For everyone's safety observe these bicycling rules:

Ride with traffic.
Stop at all stop signs and red lights.
Use lights and reflectors at night.
Ride as near to the right as safely possible.
Use hand signals to indicate your intention to drivers.
Follow lane and highway markings. As if you were a vehicle, ride single file.
Don't block the road by riding two bikes abreast.
Honor others' right of way.
Be predictable; ride in a straight line even with parked cars.
Value your life: Wear a helmet!
Make eye contact with motorists to make sure they see you.

Motorist Etiquette: How to drive with Bikes

Drivers of motor vehicles must treat bicycle riders the same as drivers of other motor vehicles.
Be aware bicyclists have legal access to the roadway and must obey stop signs, traffic lights, and most other traffic laws and signs. Special care must be used near bicyclists because any accident with them will probably result in serious injury.
- Automobile drivers must leave safe passing room, if you are not sure you have enough room to pass, don't. Be Patient.
- When turning, you MUST not turn so close to them that the bicyclist is in danger of being hit. Bicyclists can legally move to the left lane to turn left, to pass another vehicle or bicycle, or to avoid debris or parked cars.
- Bicyclists may have to swerve to avoid a car door suddenly opening, glass, storm grates, dogs and other hazards on the road.
- Expect any of these moves by bicyclists in a main traffic lane.
- When the lane is too narrow to pass a bicyclist safely, wait until the next lane is clear and give the bicyclist all the rights of any other slow moving vehicle.
- A motorist parked at a curb must not open a door on the traffic side of a vehicle without looking for other vehicles, including bicycles or motorcycles.
- Bicycle riders may give right turn signals with their right arm held straight out or pointing right. Remember, bicycles are small and sometimes drivers do not see them.
- Don't honk at bicyclists. Loud noise may startle the bicyclist and cause them to move into the lane of traffic.