Cycling is popular in Sevierville for good reason. Whether you’re rolling along Pigeon Forge Riverwalk or Veterans Boulevard or marveling at the Great Smoky Mountains on Foothills Pathway, there’s a ton of scenic beauty to take in. However, there are risks to cycling in the area, and one careless driver can change your life in an instant.
At The Terry Law Firm, we’ve seen the devastating consequences of these accidents and the toll they take on victims and their families. Our experienced Sevierville bicycle accident lawyers can help you hold the responsible party accountable and seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for your free, no-obligation consultation and learn about how we can protect your rights to financial recovery.
Do I Have a Valid Bicycle Accident Claim in Sevierville?
If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you may have a valid claim. Common examples include the following:
- A driver failing to yield to you in a crosswalk or intersection
- A motorist drifting into the bike lane
- A driver opening a car door into your path (dooring)
- A distracted driver causes an accident
- Speeding or reckless driving
Even if you were partially at fault for the accident, Tennessee law may still allow you to recover compensation provided you were less than 50 percent responsible for the crash. Don’t make assumptions about your case before speaking with our Sevierville bicycle accident attorneys.
What Compensation Can I Get for My Bicycle Accident Injuries?
Bicycle accidents can cause severe physical, emotional, and financial damage. Compensation for these accidents can account for not only the monetary cost of your injuries, but their impact on your life. Your Sevierville bike accident lawyer will likely seek compensation for the following on your behalf:
Medical Expenses
Cyclists have little protection from the impact of a collision compared to motorists, which means injuries are often severe. The responsible party may be liable for the following:
- Emergency services
- Hospitalization
- Surgeries
- Follow-up appointments
- Prescription medications
- Medical devices
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Future medical expenses
Lost Wages
Your bike accident injuries may have caused you to miss time at work, or they may have permanently impacted your ability to earn a living. Either way, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages. That includes the following:
- Hourly wages or salary
- Missed raises, bonuses, or promotions
- Commissions
- Medical benefits
- Sick days
- Vacation time
- Future lost wages
Property Damage
If your property sustained any damage in the accident, the liable party may be responsible for repairing or replacing it. This can include your bike, custom components, electronics, and even clothing. Compensation will be calculated based on receipts, photos, and repair estimates, so keep careful records.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering compensation covers the physical pain, emotional distress, and overall loss of quality of life you experience after a bicycle accident. Your Sevierville bicycle accident lawyer can assess the impact of the accident on your life using medical records, personal testimony, and expert opinions to calculate maximum compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sevierville Bicycle Accident Cases
The following are the answers to some of the questions The Terry Law Firm frequently hears from injured bicyclists. Reach out to us for answers to anything else you’re wondering about.
What if the driver says I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Under Tennessee law, adults are not required by law to wear a bicycle helmet. While insurance companies may argue that a lack of head protection contributed to your injuries, it doesn’t automatically bar you from recovering compensation. The key issue is whether the driver was at fault for the accident.
Can I sue if the accident happened in a bike lane?
Yes. If a driver hit you while you were in a designated bike lane, they most likely violated traffic laws, and you may have a valid personal injury claim. In fact, this traffic violation should strengthen your case.
What if I was hit by a tourist visiting Sevierville?
Even if the at-fault party is not from Sevierville, you can still file a claim against their insurance. If necessary, your attorney can pursue legal action in Tennessee courts even if the driver lives in another state.
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in TN?
Under Tennessee law, you typically have one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can mean waiving your right to seek compensation for your injuries. Contacting a Sevierville bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible can help you avoid detrimental delays and build the strongest case possible.
What if the driver was texting when they hit me?
Texting while driving is illegal in Tennessee. If the driver was distracted by their phone or anything else when the accident occurred, it can be strong evidence of negligence.
Can I get compensation for my damaged bicycle and gear?
Yes. Your claim can include repair or replacement costs for your bike, helmet, clothes, and other gear damaged in the collision.
What if I was riding against traffic when the accident happened?
Tennessee law generally requires cyclists to ride in the same direction as traffic, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t have a valid claim, provided you were less than 50 percent at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.
Why Bicycle Accident Cases Are Complex and Need Experienced Legal Help
Bicycle accidents present unique challenges that require an experienced Sevierville bike accident lawyer to address. Those challenges include the following:
- Severe Injuries – Bike accidents often result in severe injuries, requiring more in-depth investigation and complex compensation calculations.
- Insurance Company Tactics – Insurers frequently try to shift blame onto the cyclist by claiming they were riding recklessly or disregarding traffic laws.
- Out-of-State Drivers – Sevierville bike claims, in particular, can be challenging due to the significant tourism in the area. Out-of-state drivers can make pursuing your claim more complicated due to both long-distance coordination and complex jurisdiction considerations.
Don’t Let Insurance Companies Minimize Your Bicycle Accident Claim
Insurance companies don’t want to pay you the compensation you deserve after a bicycle accident, and they’ll employ various tactics to avoid it. You need a reputable Sevierville bicycle accident law firm to stand up to them and protect your rights.
The Terry Law Firm has proudly represented Sevierville accident victims as they seek justice for their injuries since 1960. We’ll advocate aggressively for your best interests while you focus on recovery. Contact us today for your free, no-obligation consultation.