Memphis Bicycle Accident Attorney
Bicyclists in Memphis face many dangers and obstacles when riding their bikes through busy and crowded city streets. Memphis traffic is problematic all hours of the day and night, especially in crowded tourist areas where Uber and Lyft drivers are cruising for new passengers. When an accident does occur, bicyclists often sustain life-threatening injuries that can de-rail their entire lives and compromise their futures.
If you were hurt in a bicycle accident anywhere in Memphis, you need a law firm on your side that understands how complicated these cases can be. You need a law firm with the resources and time to devote to your lawsuit. At Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, our Memphis bicycle accident attorneys have what it takes to win bicycle accident cases. For years, our team of injury attorneys has been helping injured cyclists like you recover millions.
Bicycle Accidents in Memphis
In Memphis, a bicycle accident can occur virtually anywhere. From busy downtown streets to quiet suburban neighborhoods, bicyclists risk suffering an injury in an accident.
Bicycle use in Memphis has grown substantially in recent years. Over the last year, cycling and pedestrian deaths in Shelby County nearly doubled. Speed, alcohol, and distracted driving are significant factors in these crashes.
Another issue is that a quarter of the population lives below the poverty line. Many people cannot afford a car, and public transportation isn’t always an option, and it isn’t always reliable. Individuals here often use bicycles as a way to get around the community and access jobs and education. However, the city’s infrastructure doesn’t always support bicycling well, leading to numerous accidents in recent years.
How dangerous is Memphis for bicyclists? It was recently rated the 8th most dangerous city for bicyclists in the United States. Here bicycle fatalities occur at a rate of 4.6 per 1 million people. It is also the most dangerous city in Tennessee for bicyclists.
Bicycle accidents in Memphis occur on many of the major roads in downtown Memphis. However, they appear in other parts of the city as well.
Some of the most dangerous roads include:
- The intersection of Farm Road and Walnut Grove Road
- Winchester Road
- Riverdale Road
- Kirby Parkway
- Front Street
- Monroe Avenue
- Danny Thomas Boulevard
- Riverside Drive
Do I Have a Case?
If you were involved in a bicycle accident in Memphis, you might wonder if you have a case. By law, the driver responsible for the accident is also responsible for paying the damages. This is because Tennessee is an “at-fault” state. So, if you suffered injuries in a bicycle accident that wasn’t your fault, you can file a claim or a personal injury lawsuit.
At Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, our Memphis bicycle accident lawyers are committed to helping you after a crash. We can evaluate your accident to determine if you may be able to file a lawsuit against the responsible party.
So, “do you have a case?” You can answer that question by considering the following criteria:
- Were you injured in a bicycle accident? If you suffered an injury in a bicycle accident, you have a case. The at-fault driver will need to pay for the injuries that you suffered after the crash.
- Was the accident your fault? If you did not cause the accident, you can likely file a claim against the responsible party. Even if you share some of the blame, you can still file a lawsuit to collect damages. An injury attorney can help you determine if you have a case.
- Did you accept a settlement? If you already signed a settlement with the insurance company, you cannot file a future claim. Do not sign anything without first speaking to our experienced bicycle accident lawyers.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident?
After a Memphis bicycle accident, you may feel lost and confused as to what to do next. The steps you take can significantly impact your ability to file a claim and collect maximum compensation after an accident.
Take the following steps after you are involved in a bicycle accident in Memphis:
- Seek medical help
- Call 911
- Obtain police report
- Follow doctor’s orders and treatment plan
- Exchange information with the at-fault driver
- Gather eyewitness information
- Obtain evidence from the accident
- Keep bike damage
- Document recovery by keeping a pain journal
- Don’t speak to insurance companies without talking to a lawyer
- Never give a recorded statement
- Do not sign anything without speaking to an attorney
- Stay off of social media
- Call our law firm immediately
Common Causes of Memphis Bicycle Accidents
Bicyclists in Memphis face many challenges and dangers because of other drivers. However, even the Memphis roads can cause an accident. Potholes, debris, and other obstacles can make it more likely for bicyclists to lose control when riding.
At Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, we know that there are many reasons why bicycle accidents occur. Our attorneys are committed to investigating each accident closely to identify what caused your accident and who is to blame.
Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents in Memphis include:
- Inattentive drivers
- Drunk drivers
- Distracted drivers
- Fatigued drivers
- Defective bike parts
- Negligent pedestrians
- Poor roadways
- Dooring accidents
- Speeding
- Following too closely
Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicyclists do not have protection from the forces of an accident. Even if they are wearing a helmet, they can suffer serious and fatal injuries.
Our Memphis bicycle accident lawyers work tirelessly to help injured cyclists get the justice they deserve after a serious accident. We know how serious bicycling injuries are and how they can permanently affect your entire life and future.
We have helped Memphis cyclists who suffered a variety of injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Brain injury
- Paralysis
- Spinal cord injury
- Head and neck injury
- Lacerations and bruises
- Muscle damage
- Burns
- Whiplash
- Internal organ damage
- Disfiguration
- Amputation
What Types of Compensation Can You Receive?
After a bicycle accident, you can collect compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. The driver who caused your accident is responsible for paying these damages. Injured cyclists can seek compensation for:
Medical bills. Medical bills are often extraordinary after a bicycle accident. You may need money to pay for hospitalizations, therapies, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
Future medical expenses. Sometimes injuries take months and even years to heal. Sometimes they never fully recover. Any settlement you receive should take into consideration future medical expenses.
Lost wages. Being injured in a bicycle accident often means you’ll miss some time at work. This can result in a loss of income. You can seek compensation for that loss of income
Loss of future earnings. When your bicycling injuries result in a permanent disability, you may be unable to return to work. Your settlement should cover the loss of future earnings you would’ve been able to make had you not gotten injured
Pain and suffering. A bicycle accident can make it difficult to enjoy your life in the same way. You may be unable to pick up your children, enjoy active hobbies, or even attend parties. You deserve to receive compensation for the pain and suffering you experienced because of your accident.
Why Hire a Memphis Bicycle Accident Attorney
After a bicycle accident, insurance companies often try to assign some or all the blame on the cyclist. They also put pressure on injured bicyclists while still in the hospital or recovering because they know they need money now. They’re hoping to get them to sign low settlements that are only a fraction of what they deserve. They do this to reduce their own liabilities.
Because of this, injured bicyclists need an accident attorney on their side who is there to fight for them.
Hiring a bicycle accident attorney in Memphis is the first step towards obtaining maximum compensation. Insurance companies often negotiate differently when they know an injured cyclist has legal representation.
Here are more reasons to hire an attorney after your bicycle accident:
- Avoid missing deadlines
- Understand the full scope of your injuries and damages
- Proving liability
- Finding all liable parties
- Laws are different in each state
- Avoid financial losses
Why Choose Rainwater, Holt & Sexton?
When you suffer an injury in a bicycle accident, you need a Memphis personal injury laywer that can protect your rights to compensation. Bicyclists often face an uphill battle when collecting the money they deserve. Insurance companies may try to pin some of the blame on them or refuse to offer an adequate settlement. We know Tennessee law and can protect you after a serious bicycle accident.
With over 30 attorneys on our staff, we have the resources to take on any bicycle injury case – and our track record of success speaks for itself. We have helped injured accident victims in Memphis obtain millions after an injury accident, and we can help you too. Let our winning team help you after a Memphis bicycle injury accident.
Contact Our Memphis Bike Accident Injury Lawyers Today
Our Memphis bicycle accident attorneys serve all of Memphis, including Midtown, North Memphis, South Memphis, East Memphis, the University of Memphis, Cooper-Young, Orange Mound, Parkway Village, Downtown, Binghamton, Berclair, Colonial Acres, Uptown, Central Gardens, Oakhaven, Nonconnah, Whitehaven, and more.
Fill out a free contact request form, which only takes a minute, or simply dial (800) 434-4800 and tell us your story. We offer FREE consultations in person or over the phone to better assist you. You have nothing to lose! Call us today!