Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Memphis, Tennessee
In a busy city like Memphis, TN, bicycle accidents happen far too often. If you or a loved one has been hurt while riding a bike, you may be facing painful injuries, lost wages, and a long road to recovery. During such a difficult time, you need an experienced Memphis bicycle accident lawyer on your side.
At Mogy Law Firm, we understand how devastating a bike accident can be. Our team is here to take the stress off your shoulders and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation!
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Memphis
Bicycle accidents in Memphis can occur for a variety of reasons. Understanding these causes can help cyclists stay safer on the road. Here are some of the most common reasons for bike accidents.
- Distracted Drivers: One of the leading causes of bicycle accidents is driver distraction. When drivers take their attention away from the road, they may not see cyclists.
- Failure to Yield: Many accidents happen when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to cyclists. This is especially common at intersections or when making turns.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, and uneven surfaces can pose significant risks for cyclists. Poorly maintained roads can lead to loss of control.
- Speeding: Drivers who exceed speed limits have less time to react to cyclists. High speeds can also increase the severity of injuries.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Impaired drivers are less likely to notice cyclists and may not react appropriately.
- Left-Turn Accidents: These accidents occur when a driver makes a left turn in front of an oncoming cyclist. The driver may not see the cyclist or misjudge their speed.
- Dooring Accidents: When a driver opens a parked car’s door, it can cause a cyclist to crash or swerve into traffic.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a bicycle accident, it’s important to consult with a knowledgeable Memphis bicycle accident attorney to explore your legal options.
What to Do After a Bike Accident in Memphis, TN
Bicycle accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and in the aftermath, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. But taking the right steps after an accident is crucial—not only for your health and safety, but also for protecting your legal rights. Here are some essential things to do if you’re involved in a bicycle accident in Memphis.
Report the Accident to the Police
After a bicycle crash, your priority should be your safety. If you’re able to, move to a safe area off the road and call 911 immediately. The Memphis Police Department or another law enforcement agency will come to the scene and create an accident report.
This report will include details such as the date, time, location, and statements from witnesses and the parties involved. The police report is a key piece of evidence in a bicycle accident case.
Gather Evidence
If you’re physically able, start collecting evidence at the scene. Take photos of your bike, the vehicle that hit you, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries. Look for things like skid marks, broken traffic signs, or debris that might help explain how the accident happened. Gather contact information from any witnesses. Their statements can support your case.
Don’t forget to get the driver’s name, phone number, license plate number, and insurance information. If the driver refuses to cooperate or flees the scene, try to write down as many details as possible and tell the police.
Seek Medical Attention
Always seek medical care after a bicycle accident, even if you feel okay at first. Some injuries, like concussions, may not show symptoms until hours or even days later. A medical professional can evaluate your condition and document any injuries you’ve suffered.
Medical records are also vital evidence in a personal injury claim. They link your injuries directly to the accident. Make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and attend all follow-up appointments.
Contact a Bike Accident Attorney
The legal process can be complicated, and insurance companies often try to pay out as little as possible. A Memphis bike accident attorney can protect your rights, handle all communications with the insurance company, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Mogy Law Firm, we offer free consultations, so there’s no risk in speaking with a lawyer about your case.
A Memphis Bicycle Accident Lawyer Fights for Cyclists
Hiring a Memphis bicycle accident lawyer is one of the most important decisions you can make after a crash. At Mogy Law Firm, we handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track.
Building a Strong Case
We start by gathering all the evidence needed to prove who was at fault and how the accident affected you. This includes police reports, witness statements, and medical records. We may also work with accident reconstruction experts to better understand how the crash occurred. By building a solid case, we position you to negotiate from a place of strength, whether that’s with an insurance company or in court.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. They may argue that the cyclist was partly at fault, downplay injuries, or offer lowball settlements. Our attorneys know these tactics and are skilled at pushing back.
We’ll handle all communications with the insurance company and make sure you’re not pressured into accepting an unfair offer.
Representing You in a Lawsuit
While many cases can be resolved through settlement, sometimes filing a lawsuit is the only way to get the justice you deserve. If negotiations break down or the insurance company refuses to act in good faith, we won’t hesitate to take your case to court.
What Compensation Can Memphis Bicycle Accident Victims Recover?
When a cyclist is injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, Tennessee law allows the victim to pursue compensation. This money is meant to help you recover from the physical, emotional, and financial toll of the crash. A skilled Memphis bicycle accident lawyer can help you calculate what you’re owed and fight for full compensation.
Medical Bills
Bicycle accidents can result in serious injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, road rash, spinal damage, and more. Treating these injuries often involves emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and long-term rehabilitation. Even minor injuries can lead to significant medical costs.
You deserve to be reimbursed for all your current and future medical expenses related to the accident. This includes ER visits, ambulance fees, specialist care, diagnostic tests, and any assistive devices like crutches or a wheelchair.
Lost Wages and Lost Future Income
If your injuries force you to miss work, you can seek compensation for lost wages. This includes not only the income you’ve already missed but also any future earnings you may lose if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job or limit your ability to work.
For cyclists who are self-employed or work on commission, calculating lost income can be more complex. An experienced lawyer can help gather the necessary documentation to prove how your injuries have impacted your earning potential.
Property Damage
After a bicycle accident, you may also be entitled to compensation for damage to your bike and any personal items that were broken or destroyed, such as your helmet, phone, or backpack. Even a moderately priced bicycle can be costly to replace, and custom or high-end bikes can be worth thousands of dollars.
Make sure to keep receipts or documentation for any repair or replacement costs. Photos of the damage and estimates from a bike shop can support your claim.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering refer to the physical discomfort and emotional distress you’ve experienced due to the accident. This might include ongoing pain, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress.
Though pain and suffering compensation doesn’t come with a clear price tag, it’s an important part of your claim. Tennessee law allows injury victims to seek compensation for non-economic damages like these, and an attorney can help assign a fair value to your suffering.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Many people ride bikes not only for transportation, but also for exercise, recreation, and a better quality of life. If your injuries prevent you from doing the things you once loved, such as biking, hiking, playing with your kids, or even performing daily tasks, you may be able to claim damages for the loss of enjoyment of life.
This type of damage helps account for how your injury has affected your overall well-being and ability to participate in life the way you did before the accident.
Permanent Disability
In severe cases, a bicycle accident may result in a permanent disability or disfigurement. This could involve paralysis, loss of a limb, or long-term brain damage. When this happens, the impact on your life is profound, and the financial consequences can last a lifetime.
If you’ve suffered a permanent injury, compensation should reflect the long-term effects, including ongoing care, home modifications, and the cost of living with a disability. These cases often involve higher settlement amounts and require strong legal representation.
Punitive Damages
Tennessee allows victims to seek punitive damages in cases of gross negligence, such as drunk driving. These are meant to punish the at-fault party for intentional harm or especially reckless behavior. A bicycle crash lawyer can determine if your case is eligible for punitive damages.
Wrongful Death Damages
If a bicycle accident results in the tragic loss of a loved one, surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim. This type of claim seeks damages for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the financial support the deceased would have provided.
At Mogy Law Firm, we know how painful it is to lose someone unexpectedly. Our team handles wrongful death claims with the care and compassion your family deserves, while aggressively pursuing justice on your behalf.
Why Choose Mogy Law Firm as Your Bike Accident Lawyer?
When you face the aftermath of a bicycle accident, having the right legal support is crucial.
Personal Attention
At Mogy Law, we prioritize your needs with a dedicated approach tailored to your situation. Eric Mogy leads our firm with a commitment to personalized, hands-on representation. You won’t just be another case number; your story matters to us. Read what clients have to say about us.
Track Record of Success
Mogy Law has a proven track record of success. We have been recognized by Super Lawyers for our relentless advocacy. Our reputation speaks volumes about our ability to secure favorable outcomes for clients. We understand the unique challenges bicycle accident victims face, and we are here to navigate those challenges on your behalf.
Assistance in Spanish
We offer Spanish-speaking support to ensure clear communication with our diverse community. Whether your first language is English or Spanish, we are dedicated to providing the legal assistance you need.
Memphis Bicycle Accident FAQs
What Is the Deadline to File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the law requires that you file a bicycle accident lawsuit within one year from the date of the crash. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages. It is crucial to act quickly and consult with a Memphis bike accident lawyer to ensure your claim is filed on time.
How Much Will a Memphis Bike Accident Lawyer Cost?
At Mogy Law Firm, we operate on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases. This means you do not pay any upfront fees. Instead, our fees come from a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. A Memphis bicycle accident attorney will explain how our fee structure works.
What If the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured?
If the driver responsible for your bike accident is uninsured, you can file a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage if you have it. This type of coverage helps protect you in situations where the at-fault party lacks insurance. A Memphis bicycle accident attorney can help you understand your options.
Can I Recover Money If I’m Partially At Fault for a Bike Crash in Memphis?
Tennessee follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. An attorney can help minimize the fault assigned to you and strengthen your case.
Contact a Memphis Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
A bicycle accident can turn your life upside down, and our team at Mogy Law Firm is here to help you. We’ll handle the paperwork, negotiate with the insurance company, and fight for the compensation you deserve, so you can focus on healing.
Don’t wait to get help after a bike crash in Memphis. Contact us today for a free consultation by calling (414) 334-5472 or completing our online form.