Tennessee Accidents Involving Bicycles and Cars: Rights and Liabilities Explained

Tennessee residents have turned to bicycling as a popular form of recreation and an alternative form of transportation.  However, most road designs have left bicyclists vulnerable to being hit by cars and commercial vehicles.  With the increase of bicycle riders was also the increase in Tennessee bicycle accidents and Tennessee car accidents involving bicycles.  Unfortunately, the involvement of bicyclists with vehicle crashes is not an uncommon occurrence.  It was reported by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that 48,000 bicyclists were injured in motor vehicle accidents in 2011.

Common Injuries in Car vs. Bicycle Accidents

Motor vehicle and bicycle rider accidents often result in serious and life threatening injuries for the bicyclists.  Common injuries seen in bicycle accidents include:

• Back and neck injuries;
• Bone fractures;
• Brain injuries;
• Head injuries;
• Lacerations;
• Road rash;
• Spinal cord injuries; and
• Death.

Rules for Bicyclists and Cars When Sharing the Roadway

Tennessee bicycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities that motorists do.  Bicyclists, like motorists, must obey all posted traffic regulations under Tennessee Code 55-8-172.  They have also been granted almost all of the same rights car and truck drivers in Tennessee are granted.

• Under Tennessee Code 55-8-175, a bicyclists must ride his or her bike as near to the right hand curb or edge of the roadway as is practicable (with some exceptions).
• Under the same section of Code, at most only two bicyclists can ride side by side on roadways (except for paths or parts of the roadway that have been set aside for use exclusively by bicyclists).
• When a car attempts to pass a bike, the car is required to keep a safe distance (3 feet) between the car and the bike, until the car has safely passed the bicycle.
• All bicyclists and motorists must signal prior to turning.
• Bicyclists must use turn outs, passing bays, or parking areas if: (1) the bicyclists is impeding another vehicle’s progress, (2) the turn out, passing bay, or parking area is at or close to the top of a hill or grade, (3) the turn out, passing bay, or parking area has been marked by a traffic sign, and (4) it is not necessary for the bicyclists to go to the left use the turn out, passing bay, or parking area.

Avoiding Bicycle Wrecks

Drivers and bicyclists share the road and they need to remain alert in order to avoid bicycle accidents.  Additionally, here are some other tips drivers and bicyclists should follow to avoid car vs. bicycle accidents.

Drivers can avoid hitting bicyclists by:

• Being cautious when on two lane roads.
• Remaining focused on the task of driving.
• Driving at a safe and appropriate speed for the current weather and road conditions.
• Never driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Bicyclists can also take the following precautions to avoid accidents with a car by:

• Remaining in complete control of their bike by keeping both hands on the handlebars.
• Make sure you have and use flashing lights on your bicycle when riding at night.
• Avoid riding next to cars when going through intersections.
• Do not make left-hand turns from designated bike lanes.  Merge into the left lane without cutting in front of vehicles as they may not be aware of you.
• Always wear a helmet.  It is also required under Tennessee law that anyone under age 16 must wear a helmet when operating a bicycle or when they are a passenger.

Here at Bailey and Greer, PLLC our Tennessee car accident attorneys understand how to effectively pursue your claims.  Our legal team has a proven track record of compassionately representing our clients injured in car accidents which is included in our testimonials page.  Please contact us today to receive your free case evaluation by dialing 901-680-9777.  Remember, you only have one year from the date of the accident to commence your action to recover compensation.