When bicyclists are struck by careless drivers, devastating injuries can occur. There are several forms of negligent behavior that can lead to bicycle accidents. For instance, distracted driving, speeding, and disobeying traffic signals are all common causes of collisions with riders.
Negligent motorists can be sued for bicycle accidents they cause. However, the process for recovering compensation can be complicated. Defendants are often represented by insurance companies who will attempt to refute key elements of plaintiffs’ cases.
If you were injured because of a bicycle accident in Chattanooga, TN, get help pursuing the monetary damages you deserve. Get in touch with our experienced Chattanooga bicycle accident attorneys by calling Howe Law at (844) 876-4357. Our lawyers can review your case for free.
Common Locations of Bicycle Accidents in Chattanooga, TN
Bicycle accidents are usually unexpected and unavoidable for riders. They can happen anywhere, but crashes happen at certain locations more frequently than others. The following are common locations of bicycle accidents in Chattanooga, TN:
Road Shoulders
Many bicycle accidents occur along road shoulders. Motorists often strike bikers as they attempt to illegally pass them on roadways. Further, riders on road shoulders can be hit when drivers begin to veer out of their lanes. Our Chattanooga bicycle accident attorneys can help victims of such accidents take the appropriate steps toward compensation.
Intersections
Intersections are also a common location where bicycle accidents occur. Riders are often struck by motorists who run red lights or make improper left turns. If you were struck by a driver who failed to yield the right-of-way while travelling through an intersection, then you may be entitled to monetary damages. Our lawyers can help build your case.
Parking Lots
Additionally, a great number of bicycle accidents happen in parking lots. Parking lots are locations where many cars are coming and going in various directions. Drivers who forget to check their surroundings before pulling into or out of parking spaces can cause serious collisions with bikers. Victims of these accidents can contact our Chattanooga bicycle accident attorneys for guidance and support.
Driveways
Lastly, driveways are a common location where bicycle accidents occur. The area where a driveway converges with a street can be particularly dangerous for riders. Drivers who fail to pay attention when backing out of their driveways can cause devastating crashes. If you suffered such an accident, our lawyers can help determine the proper course of action.
Time Limit to File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Chattanooga, TN
Time limits to file specific types of lawsuits are established by states’ statutes of limitations. According to T.C.A. § 28-3-104, you will typically have one year from the date of a bicycle accident to seek compensation for the injuries you suffered. This is one of the quickest filing deadlines in the country. Failure to comply with this deadline could cause you to forfeit your case. Accordingly, you should contact our Chattanooga bicycle accident attorneys as soon as possible after suffering a crash. Our lawyers can help file your case on time.
Additionally, the evidence needed to support your claim may become difficult to collect and preserve as time passes. For example, eyewitnesses can forget important details and physical evidence can be misplaced. The sooner you get in touch with our attorneys, the more easily our team can gather the information needed to win your case.
There are some exceptions to the standard, one-year time limit for filing bicycle accident lawsuits. For example, a parent may file a case on behalf of their injured child at any point until the child turns 18. After reaching 18, the victim will then have one year to file their own claim stemming from a bicycle accident that was suffered as a minor. During your free case review, our Chattanooga bicycle accident attorneys can explain how the statute of limitations will be applied.
Proving Fault for a Bicycle Accident in Chattanooga, TN
In order to recover compensation for your bicycle accident injuries, you must prove that your accident was caused by the defendant driver’s negligent conduct. There are several forms of evidence that can be used to establish this causal link. The following are types of evidence regularly utilized by our Chattanooga bicycle accident attorneys:
Witness Testimony
Witness testimony can be a valuable tool when proving fault for a bicycle accident. Witnesses can offer both oral and written statements that explain how or why an accident happened. For example, a witness may state that they saw a driver run a red light before causing an accident. In that case, the witness’s statement could be used to prove that the driver is at fault.
You should always attempt to retrieve contact information for witnesses to your accident if possible. Afterward, our lawyers can offer guidance and support when reaching out for their potential cooperation.
Accident Reports
Accident reports are another valuable form of evidence that can be used to prove fault for bicycle accidents. After an injurious accident, an officer should visit the scene to draft their accident reports. These reports can contain a variety of information that points to accidents’ causes. For example, an accident report may contain statements from drivers, a drawn crash diagram, or an officer’s personal notes regarding the source of a crash. Our Chattanooga bicycle accident attorneys can help recover and review a copy of the official accident report in your case.
Photos from the Scene
Photos from the scene of a bicycle accident can also be helpful when proving fault. Such photos can be used to prove or disprove theories of fault. For example, photos showing a crushed bicycle may be used to show that a driver was speeding at the time of a crash. Furthermore, photos showing adequate road conditions at the scene may be used to disprove a defendant’s argument that their accident was caused by a pothole.
Accordingly, you should always take photos at the scene of your bicycle accident if possible. Our lawyers can help review any photos you took during your free case assessment.
If You Suffered a Bicycle Accident in Chattanooga, TN, Our Lawyers Can Help
If you were hurt because of a bicycle accident, seek support from our experienced Chattanooga bicycle accident attorneys by calling Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 for a free review of your case.
