You should safely enjoy pedaling through the streets of Memphis, whether you're cruising along the Mississippi River on Riverside Drive, commuting to work on Madison Avenue, or enjoying a leisurely ride through Shelby Farms Park. Unfortunately, bicycle accidents can happen instantly, turning a pleasant ride into a life-altering event.
After a bicycle accident, you may not know how to recover the compensation you deserve. A Memphis bicycle accident lawyer from Cory Watson Attorneys understands the challenges of these accidents, and we are here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
With over 38 years of experience and more than $4 Billion recovered for our clients, Cory Watson Attorneys understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll a bicycle accident can take on you and your family.
Our dedicated team is ready to fight for your rights and recover the compensation you deserve.
Don't let the insurance companies take advantage of you during this vulnerable time. Contact us today for your free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and legal options.
Why Choose Cory Watson Attorneys for Your Memphis Bicycle Accident Claim?
When dealing with a bicycle accident, choosing the right legal representation can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At Cory Watson Attorneys, we bring a unique blend of experience, compassion, and tenacity to every case we handle.
Our team of Memphis bicycle accident lawyers has a deep understanding of Tennessee traffic laws and how they apply to cyclists. We've successfully represented numerous bicycle accident victims, guiding them through the complex legal process and securing the compensation they need to recover and move forward with their lives. We're not just lawyers; we're advocates who genuinely care about our clients and their well-being.
We also believe in keeping things personal and approachable. Our attorneys work directly with you, explaining each step in clear, understandable language—no legal jargon, just straightforward advice to help you make informed decisions.
How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in Memphis?
Bicycle accidents are an unfortunate reality:
- According to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 966 bicyclists died in traffic crashes in the United States last year.
- In Tennessee, the Department of Safety & Homeland Security reported 370 bicycle crashes last year, resulting in 12 fatalities and 317 injuries.
- According to a comprehensive report by the real estate site Clever, Memphis is the least bike-friendly city in the U.S. among the 50 cities studied.
- Clever also reported that Memphis had 0.37% cyclist-involved fatal car crashes per 100,000 residents—21% more than the average rate of 0.3%.
At Cory Watson Attorneys, we believe that even one bicycle accident is one too many. That's why we're committed to helping victims seek justice and promoting safer streets for all Memphis residents.
Should I Accept the First Offer From the Insurance Company After a Memphis Bicycle Accident?
After a bicycle accident, an insurance company may approach you with a settlement offer. Never accept this offer quickly. Even if you face mounting medical bills and lost wages, pause and consider your options carefully.
Insurance companies are businesses whose primary goal is to minimize their payouts. Their first offer is often far less than what your claim is actually worth. They hope you'll accept a lowball offer before fully understanding the extent of your injuries and long-term needs.
Before accepting any offer, consult an experienced Memphis bicycle accident attorney.
At Cory Watson Attorneys, we can:
- Evaluate the true value of your claim, considering all current and future medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to help you receive fair compensation.
- Advise you when to accept a fair deal, continue negotiations, or proceed to litigation.
Once you accept a settlement offer, you typically waive your right to seek additional compensation. Don't sell yourself short—let our experienced team help you understand your rights and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Memphis Bicycle Laws
Bicyclists in Memphis must follow specific laws designed to enhance safety while sharing the road with motor vehicles.
These laws include:
- Riding with Traffic: Cyclists must ride in the same direction as motor vehicle traffic and use bike lanes where available. If there is no bike lane, cyclists should ride as close to the right side of the road as possible.
- Helmet Laws: Tennessee law requires all cyclists under the age of 16 to wear a helmet when riding. While adults need not wear helmets, they should wear them for safety.
- Lights and Reflectors: Bicycles must have a white front light visible from at least 500 feet and a red rear reflector visible from 50 to 300 feet when riding at night.
- Yielding to Pedestrians: Cyclists must yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks and be cautious when approaching crowded areas.
Laws Motorists Must Follow to Safely Share the Road with Bicyclists
Motorists in Memphis must also follow several laws to ensure the safety of bicyclists.
These include:
- Safe Passing Distance: Tennessee law mandates that drivers must provide a minimum of three feet of space when passing a cyclist. This prevents accidents caused by sideswiping or getting too close.
- Yielding to Bicyclists: Motorists must yield the right of way to cyclists just as they would to other vehicles, especially when the cyclist is in a designated bike lane or at an intersection.
- No Turning Across Bike Lanes: Before making a right turn, drivers must ensure that no cyclists are approaching from behind in the bike lane. Failing to do so can cause dangerous collisions.
- No Blocking Bike Lanes: It is illegal for drivers to park or stop in a bike lane, as this forces cyclists into traffic, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Watch for Cyclists at Intersections: Motorists should always check for cyclists when approaching intersections or making turns. Bicycles are smaller and less visible than cars, so extra caution is necessary.
These laws are essential for creating a safe environment for cyclists and reducing the risk of accidents on shared roads.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Memphis Bicycle Accident?
A Memphis bicycle accident can involve multiple parties, including:
- Motorists: You can hold drivers who fail to yield the right of way, drive distracted, or violate traffic laws responsible for bicycle accidents.
- Government Entities: If poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or improperly designed bike lanes contributed to the accident, you can hold local government agencies liable.
- Bicycle or Parts Manufacturers: If a defective bicycle or component caused the accident, you can hold the manufacturer responsible under product liability laws.
- Property Owners: If hazardous conditions on private property led to the accident, you can hold the property owner liable.
- Other Cyclists or Pedestrians: In some cases, reckless behavior by another cyclist or a pedestrian could cause an accident.
- Employers: If the at-fault driver was on the job during the accident, their employer might share liability.
At Cory Watson Attorneys, we conduct thorough investigations to identify all potentially liable parties. This comprehensive approach helps us pursue all avenues of compensation for our clients, maximizing their potential recovery.
What if I'm Partly to Blame for My Injuries?
It's not uncommon for bicycle accident victims to worry that they might be partially at fault. Perhaps you weren't wearing a helmet, or maybe you didn't signal a turn properly. In Tennessee, the law recognizes that accidents are often complex events where multiple parties may share some degree of fault.
Tennessee follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 50% bar.
Here's what this means for your bicycle accident claim:
- You can still recover damages even if you're partly at fault, as long as your share of fault is less than 50%.
- Your compensation will decrease by your percentage of fault.
- If you're 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation.
This system underscores the importance of having skilled legal representation. At Cory Watson Attorneys, we work diligently to minimize any fault attributed to our clients and maximize their potential recovery. We gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction experts to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Even if you think you might have been partly at fault, don't let that stop you from seeking legal advice. The reality of what happened may be different from your perception, and there may be factors you're unaware of that could affect the determination of fault. Our experienced Memphis bicycle accident lawyers can evaluate your case and help you understand your rights and options.
Compensation Available in a Memphis Bicycle Accident Case
After a bicycle accident in Memphis, Cory Watson Attorneys can help you recover full and fair compensation for all your losses, which may include:
- Medical Expenses: This covers all accident-related medical costs, including emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and any future medical care you may need.
- Lost Wages or Income: If your injuries have caused you to miss work, you can seek compensation for lost income. This also includes potential future earnings if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term.
- Pain and Suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries.
- Property Damage: You can seek compensation for your damaged bicycle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities you once loved, such as cycling or other hobbies, you may be compensated for this loss.
- Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: If the accident results in lasting disability or visible scarring, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
- Wrongful Death: In the tragic event that a bicycle accident results in a fatality, the victim's family may pursue a wrongful death claim. This can include compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and the pain and suffering of the deceased before death.
Every case is unique, and the compensation you may be eligible for depends on the specific circumstances of your accident and injuries. Our experienced Memphis bicycle crash lawyers will carefully evaluate all aspects of your case to seek the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and losses.
Memphis Bicycle Accident FAQs
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in Memphis?
In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including bicycle accidents, is generally one year from the date of the accident. However, exceptions to this rule may apply, so consult a lawyer as soon as possible so you don't miss any important deadlines.
What if the driver who hit me was uninsured?
If you're hit by an uninsured driver, you may still have options for recovering compensation. These could include filing a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage (if you have it), pursuing a personal lawsuit against the at-fault driver, or exploring other potential sources of compensation. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can explain and pursue all available options.
How much does it cost to hire a Memphis bicycle accident law firm?
At Cory Watson Attorneys, we work on a contingency fee basis for bicycle accident cases. This means you pay no upfront costs, and we only get paid attorney’s fees if we successfully recover compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict we obtain on your behalf, so you can seek justice without worrying about out-of-pocket legal expenses.
Contact the Memphis Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Cory Watson Attorneys Today
When you've been injured in a bicycle accident, the road to recovery can seem long and daunting. But you don't have to handle this challenging time alone. The dedicated Memphis personal injury lawyers at Cory Watson Attorneys can support you every step of the way.
With our extensive experience and proven track record of success, we have the skills and resources to handle even the most complex bicycle accident cases.
When you choose Cory Watson Attorneys, you're choosing a team that will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of your accident to gather crucial evidence
- Handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies
- Work with medical experts to fully understand and document your injuries
- Fight tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation you deserve
- Provide compassionate support and guidance throughout the legal process
Don't let the insurance companies take advantage of you or pressure you into accepting less than you deserve. Contact Cory Watson Attorneys today at (901) 479-0227 or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. Remember, time is of the essence in bicycle accident cases, so don't wait to seek the legal representation you need and deserve.