Nashville Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Nashville Bicycle Accident Attorney

Being involved in a bicycle accident can leave you feeling anxious. You may wonder how you’ll be able to recover physically and financially. Having a reputable Nashville bicycle accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Daniel L. Clayton review your case can provide guidance and reassurance throughout the claim process.

Why Choose Us?

Since 1981, the Law Offices of Daniel L. Clayton has followed the guidance of four foundational pillars: courage, conviction, commitment, and trust. These values have contributed to our handling of high-profile cases that have resulted in multi-million-dollar settlements.

In order to give each client individual care and attention, we limit the number of cases we take each year. Our efforts have been recognized by Best Lawyers in America since 2010. Attorney Clayton has also been named the 2026 Nashville “Lawyer of the Year” for Personal Injury Litigation.

Why Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

In Tennessee, bicycles have the same legal status as passenger vehicles. Cyclists have rights and responsibilities that are governed by regulations under Tennessee traffic laws. These laws can be difficult to interpret and apply to your accident experience. When you hire a bicycle accident lawyer, they can review the facts of your accident and how the traffic laws apply to your case.

Working with a skilled Nashville bicycle accident attorney familiar with the Nashville Metro area means your attorney knows city and county-specific rules and regulations that may apply to your case. Although the Music City Bikeway offers 26 miles of scenic bike trails, other areas are known for being dangerous for cyclists. The most dangerous roads for cyclists include the following:

• Church Street
• Charlotte Avenue
• Gallatin Pike
• Lafayette Street
• 8th Avenue South
• Trinity Lane
• Murfreesboro Pike

Legal Considerations in Bicycle Accident Claims

There are several legal considerations that are examined when determining the potential outcome of a bicycle accident claim.

1. Statutes of limitations. In Tennessee, you have one year from the date of the accident to file a claim. If you miss this deadline, you will be unable to pursue compensation.
2. Negligence laws. Tennessee follows a modified comparative negligence model when determining compensation awarded. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, no compensation will be awarded. If you are less than 50% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
3. Helmet laws. In Tennessee, only cyclists under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet while riding on any highway, street, or sidewalk.
4. Traffic laws. Cyclists are required to adhere to the same traffic laws that apply to passenger vehicles.
5. Insurance coverage. If the driver does not have insurance or is underinsured, the cyclist may have to rely on their own insurance coverage to compensate for damages.
6. Documentation. Having strong documentation after an accident helps to strengthen the claim and improve the likelihood of receiving fair compensation.

How to Strengthen Your Claim

After a bicycle accident, insurance companies require proof that the cyclist operated within applicable traffic laws and that the driver was negligent in their duty to uphold those same laws. In order to prove negligence, the cyclist should:

• Document the accident scene, including photos, drawings, road conditions, and any extenuating circumstances.
• Gather witness statements and police reports.
• Seek medical attention even if your injuries appear minor. Keep copies of all medical records.
• Secure video footage from dashcams and security cameras, if available.
• Document damages to your personal property.

FAQs About Nashville, TN Bicycle Accident Laws

How Much Compensation Can I Receive After a Cycling Accident?

Compensation after a cycling accident varies based on the individual factors of your case. There is no standard compensation amount. Compensation awarded is based on factors such as the severity of injuries, who is at fault, assessable losses, non-monetary losses, and quality of legal counsel. The surest way to estimate a potential settlement amount is to have your case reviewed by an experienced bicycle accident attorney.

Can I Seek Compensation From Someone Who Hit Me on My Bike?

Yes, you have a legal right to seek compensation from someone who hits you on your bicycle. Tennessee follows a modified comparative negligence model that allows injured parties to seek compensation as long as they are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. For instance, if a judge determines that you are 25% responsible for the accident, you would receive 75% of the awarded compensation.

How Is Fault Determined After a Bicycle Accident?

After a bicycle accident, fault is determined by examining a number of factors that may have contributed to the accident. Determining fault after a bicycle accident is important because it determines how much compensation can be awarded. In states like Tennessee that follow a modified comparative negligence system, determining fault can limit how much compensation can be recovered. A number of factors affect a fault determination:

• Right of way
• Distracted driver
• Dooring incidents
• Improper lane changes
• Safe passing distance
• Intersection confusion
• Road conditions

Is It Worth It to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer for a Bicycle Accident?

Yes, it is worth it to hire a personal injury lawyer to represent you after a bicycle accident. A knowledgeable bicycle accident attorney can work directly with your insurance company and the insurance company of the other party to determine fair compensation. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, an attorney can represent you at trial.

What Shouldn’t I Say to a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Knowingly concealing information from your personal injury lawyer can harm your case, but there are some things you should never say.

• Don’t state false information about your case.
• Don’t embellish injuries, claim false injuries, or claim pre-existing injuries as a result of the accident.
• Never simplify or speculate when asked a question.
• Do not claim the accident was minor, as some injuries may not be evident until later.

A Nashville Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

Experiencing a bicycle accident can be traumatic. Instead of facing a potentially lengthy legal battle alone, hire a trusted Nashville bicycle accident attorney to guide you through the legal requirements so you can focus on your recovery. Contact the Law Offices of Daniel L. Clayton, located at 104 Woodmont Boulevard in Nashville, for a confidential consultation.