Bristol, TN Bicycle Accident & Bike Injury Lawyer

Bicyclists who ride in close proximity to vehicles are more exposed than individuals driving or riding in vehicles.  Though protected by the basic rules of the road, the reality is that many motorists fail to respect the rights of cyclists, often with tragic consequences.

If you or a loved one suffered debilitating or other injuries caused by a driver or another third party (such as a municipality) while cycling, then you are entitled to compensation for all damages you incurred, including damages for matters such as pain and suffering.  Call Bristol bike accident attorney Mark Hurt today at 276-623-0808 to schedule a free consultation to learn about the types of damages to which you may be entitled.

We represent bicycle injury victims and the families who have suffered from the death of a loved one on a contingency fee basis.  This means that we do not receive a fee unless compensation is recovered.  We additionally advance all litigation expenses while a matter is ongoing, so our clients do not need to come “out of pocket” for these costs.

Call Our Office Today to Schedule Your Free Consultation!

Negligent Driving Is Common and Can Lead to Significant Injuries and Deaths in Bike Accidents.

Under Virginia and Tennessee law, negligent driving occurs when a driver fails to operate a vehicle in a safe manner.  A driver can be negligent in a number of respects, such as by:

• Failing to adhere to traffic signals, signage, and other traffic control devices
• Breaking the law, such as speeding or driving recklessly
• Not paying attention to roadway conditions, such as by texting, operating a cell phone, or engaging in any other condition that might constitute distracted driving,
• Driving while intoxicated or under the control of illegal drugs or prescription drugs that impair a person’s ability to drive,
• Operating a vehicle that is not safe, such as if the vehicle’s braking system is not working properly, or
• Any other action or inaction that impairs a driver’s ability to drive a vehicle in a safe manner.

From texting while driving and watching videos to eating or viewing a navigation system, many drivers frequently engage in distracted driving on a regular basis, a category of behavior that is increasingly causing debilitating and life-altering bike injuries, as well as tragic wrongful deaths.

Cyclists are already more challenging to spot than most vehicles that occupy the road, and the prevalence of distracted driving only puts cyclists at a greater risk of injury and death.  Tennessee in particular has been labeled the worst state for distracted driving fatalities, many of which involve cyclists.  To combat this unfavorable statistic, the state has instituted a ban on handheld mobile device usage, along with other distracted driving laws.

The following are currently prohibited in Tennessee:

• Handheld cell phone use (except in the case of an emergency)
• Reading, writing or sending text messages while operating a motor vehicle
• Reaching for a wireless device in a manner that causes a driver to no longer be seated in a driving position
• Recording or broadcasting video on a handheld electronic device

We Stand Up for the Rights of Injured Cyclists in Seeking Full Compensation for Their Injuries, and for the Families Who Have Lost a Loved One

Bicycling is a popular form of recreation for those of all ages.  When cycling injuries and fatalities occur, we know well that if action is not taken to stop dangerous driver actions (including distracted driving), it may be one of our family members who is injured in the next crash.

As a result, we are tenacious in investigating bike accidents and crashes so that all those responsible can be held fully accountable for their role in injury or wrongful death causation.  Put simply, drivers need to be aware that when they choose to drive, their full attention needs to be on the road and safe driving – not on answering texts or engaging in other distracting behaviors.

What Types of Compensation Can I Pursue for Bicycle Accident Injuries in Tennessee?

Depending on the circumstances surrounding a bicycle accident, if an accident was caused by the inattention or negligence of another, a victim may be entitled to compensatory damages to cover:

• Medical bills and other medical costs
• Prescription drugs
• Surgery
• Long-term care
• Lost wages, which may include both past and future lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Damages related to lifestyle matters and activities in which a person is no longer able to participate
• Many other types of damages, which will depend upon the nature of the damages suffered from a crash.

If an accident resulted from illegal activity, such as texting while driving, using a cell phone, speeding, or drunk driving, punitive damages might also be available in some limited circumstances to punish a negligent driver for their egregious conduct and to discourage others from engaging in such behaviors.

Once we meet with you and learn about the details of your cycling accident (or the death of your loved one, if a wrongful death occurred), we can tell you about the types of damages that may apply in your case.

Why Should I Hire An Experienced Bristol Bicycle Injury Lawyer?

Recovering from serious injuries or grieving the loss of a loved one can be challenging and emotionally draining.  If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a Tennessee bike accident, please consider allowing a personal injury attorney to take the reins of your legal case in pursuit of maximum compensation.

As an experienced Bristol TN Bicycle accident attorney with over two decades of injury and wrongful death representation, Mark Hurt can help injury clients in many ways, including:

• Thoroughly investigating an accident
• Identifying all liable parties (e.g., drivers, employers, defective car part manufacturers, companies, the government, etc.)
• Documenting evidence of the circumstances that led to an accident
• Aiming to prove a defendant’s negligence
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Initiating a lawsuit against all persons and entities believed to be legally liable for a bike crash
• Tenaciously advocating for clients through building a compelling case focused on proving liability and seeking full compensation
• Representing clients in settlement negotiations, mediation, and at trial.

Under Tennessee law, you only have one year to file a personal injury lawsuit for bike accident injuries.  This means if you intend to file a claim, you have one year from the date of the accident to do so.  However, under limited circumstances, this deadline may be extended.  For example, if injuries were not readily detectable for many months, the statute of limitations may be tolled until a victim discovers those injuries.

Call Today To Schedule A Free Consultation With Experienced Bristol Bicycle Accident Lawyer Mark Hurt.

If you have suffered serious injuries or lost a loved one in a bicycle accident, we encourage you to contact The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt at your earliest convenience to learn how we can help.  Our team is dedicated to treating those injured with the compassion and respect, and to working tirelessly in pursuing full compensation.  We take on the burden of your case as much as possible so that you can focus on healing from the physical and/or emotional trauma you have experienced.