The beautiful fall weather in Tennessee persuades many individuals to ride their bikes. Riding to and from work or school allows for great exercise and a chance to enjoy the sunshine. Unfortunately, thousands of bicyclists face injuries due to vehicle collisions every year, so it is essential to follow all bicycle laws.
Tennessee operates under laws of modified comparative negligence. The process involves a court’s determination of your own negligence during an accident. Should a court find that you violated any of Tennessee’s bike laws, you may not have the authority to receive compensation from a driver that injured you. Following all bike laws allows you to receive maximum compensation in a case regarding your injuries.
In any case involving injury and negligence, you want to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney to help you understand your right to compensation. When filing, he or she can help supply all necessary documents and aid in preparing a sound case for your reimbursement of expenses due to your bicycle accident. Do not fight for your required compensation alone.
Did your actions contribute to your injuries?
Due to comparative negligence laws, a court can find you partially responsible for your injuries. When assessing the situation, if a court finds that you contributed to the accident more than 50 percent, you may not have the opportunity to seek damages from the driver that hit you.
If you follow all bike laws, you can receive maximum compensation from the driver’s insurance company, as well as receive damages related your bicycle. Negligence will likely be placed on the driver, and you can begin receiving reimbursement for medical costs, lost wages and rehabilitative care.
The importance of abiding by bicycle laws
Following all bike laws offers you monetary benefits. If you legally operate a bike, you may not prove responsible for any injury-related cost.
According to Tennessee law, bicyclists must abide by the following laws.
- Use hand signals to let drivers know when and where you will turn.
- Ride in bike lanes, if present. If not present, ride on the right side of the road in the same direction as moving vehicles.
- Place a white light on the front of your bicycle to alert drivers coming toward you.
- Place a red light on the back of your bicycle to let drivers know you are biking in front of them.
- Utilize spotlights, stop signs and other road signs as you would if driving a vehicle.
By abiding by all bicycle laws, not only do you avoid personal injury, but if an accident occurs, you have the best chance of receiving accurate compensation for your injuries in Tennessee.
