Harlene Labrum | August 20, 2025 | Bicycle Accident
Can You Sue If You’re Hit By A Car While Biking In Nashville?
Cycling has become increasingly popular across Nashville and other Tennessee cities. Many residents use bicycles not just for recreation but also for commuting to work, school, or running errands. With this increase comes more accidents involving someone being hit by a car while biking in Nashville.
If you or a loved one has been hit by a car while biking in Nashville, you may be wondering about your legal rights. Understanding Tennessee law, your options for filing a claim, and the types of compensation available can make a significant difference in your recovery.
At Labrum Law Firm, we work with injured cyclists and their families to protect their rights and pursue the justice they deserve. Call us today at (615) 265-0000 to schedule a free consultation with our Nashville bicycle accident lawyers.
Legal Rights Of Cyclists In Tennessee
While the growth of biking helps reduce traffic congestion and supports healthy living, it has increased the risk of car and cyclist collisions. It’s estimated that about 0.3% of the population commutes by bike.
However, they make up 2% of the seriously injured or killed following road accidents, a pointer to the high risk cyclists face.
Tennessee law makes it clear that bicyclists are entitled to share the road with motor vehicles. Under Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) Title 55, Chapter 8, Part 1, bicycles are considered vehicles and have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists.
This means drivers are legally obligated to respect cyclists, and cyclists must also follow traffic laws.
1: Where You Can Ride
Cyclists must generally ride as far to the right side of the roadway as practicable and safe. However, there are important exceptions:
- When overtaking another vehicle.
- When preparing for a left turn.
- When avoiding hazards.
- When the lane is too narrow for both a car and bike to travel side by side safely.
According to T.C.A. §55-8-175, a cyclist may take the entire lane if it is of “substandard width.” National standards define a safe width as 14 feet. Since most Tennessee roads are narrower, cyclists are often legally allowed to use the full lane.
Unlike some states, Tennessee does not require bicyclists to ride in designated bike lanes or paths, even if they are available.
2: Helmet Requirements
There is no state-wide requirement for adults to wear helmets. However, children under 16 must legally wear helmets under T.C.A. §55-52-105, and parents may be held responsible if they knowingly allow children under 12 to ride without one.
Nashville, along with other major Tennessee cities, incorporates this rule into local ordinances. Importantly, T.C.A. §55-52-106(c) states that failure to wear a helmet cannot be used against a cyclist in a civil lawsuit.
3: Sidewalks and Other Restrictions
Cyclists may ride on sidewalks unless local ordinances prohibit it. Nashville, for example, bans sidewalk riding in business districts. If riding on a sidewalk is permitted, cyclists must yield to pedestrians. Moreover, cyclists are required to give an audible signal before passing pedestrians.
Additional prohibitions include:
- Clinging to motor vehicles while biking.
- Carrying more passengers than the bike is designed for (except for children in a sling or carrier).
- Using sirens (unless operating as part of law enforcement or fire services).
For a detailed overview of Tennessee bicycle laws, you can visit the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s resources page.
Common Causes Of Bicycle-Car Accidents
Collisions between cars and bicycles often stem from driver negligence or road hazards. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Failure to yield at intersections – Many drivers underestimate cyclists’ right of way.
- Dooring accidents – A parked driver may open their door directly into a passing cyclist’s path.
- Distracted driving – Texting, eating, or using GPS takes a driver’s attention away from the road.
- Impaired driving – Alcohol or drugs reduce reaction times and judgment.
- Unsafe lane changes or passing – Some drivers fail to give the legally required space when overtaking.
- Poor road conditions – Potholes, debris, or poorly maintained bike lanes increase risks.
When accidents happen, the cyclist almost always suffers the more severe injuries, given the lack of physical protection compared to a motor vehicle. That is why it’s important to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer if you have been hit by a car while biking in Nashville.
Grounds For Filing A Lawsuit
If you’ve been hit by a car while biking in Nashville, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. The most common legal basis is driver negligence, which includes actions like speeding, running red lights, or failing to yield.
In more serious cases, a lawsuit could involve reckless driving or DUI, both of which significantly increase liability for the driver.
The above scenarios illustrate cases in which a cyclist can file a claim following an accident with a car. But what if the cyclist is partially at fault as well?
Tennessee follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you may partially recover damages despite being partially to blame (less than 50%) for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For instance, if you were 20% at fault, your damages would be reduced by 20%.
Potential Damages You Can Recover
A successful lawsuit or insurance claim can help you recover financial compensation for losses such as:
- Medical expenses – Including emergency room treatment, hospital stays, physical therapy, and long-term care.
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity – If injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently.
- Property damage – Repair or replacement of your bicycle and related gear.
- Pain and suffering – Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
- Wrongful death damages – If a loved one is killed in a cycling accident, surviving family members may pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
What To Do Immediately After A Bicycle Accident
Your post accidents steps can significantly impact your health and your legal case. Here’s what to do:
- Step #1: Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical help if needed.
- Step #2: File a police report – Even if the accident seems minor, an official report is critical for insurance and legal claims.
- Step #3: Gather evidence – Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and your bicycle. Collect driver information and contact details for witnesses.
- Step #4: Avoid admitting fault – Statements made at the scene can be used against you later. Stick to the facts.
- Step #5: Seek medical evaluation – Some injuries (especially around the spine and head) may not be immediately apparent, so getting professional medical checkup (and the documentation that comes with it) is important for your overall health and wellbeing, and your claim.
How Liability Is Determined In Bicycle Accidents
In Tennessee, proving liability is essential to winning compensation. To succeed, you must demonstrate that the driver owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injuries as a result.
Factors that play a role in determining liability include:
- Police reports – Officers may note driver negligence or traffic violations.
- Witness testimony – Neutral accounts can confirm what happened.
- Traffic cameras or surveillance footage – Increasingly common in Nashville, these provide strong evidence.
- Accident reconstruction experts – These professionals can analyze skid marks, impact points, and other evidence.
As noted above, Tennessee applies a 51% modified comparative fault rule. This means that if you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you do not have the right to be compensated. If you are less than 51% at fault, you can still recover, but your damages will be reduced proportionally.
How A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Navigating the aftermath of a bicycle accident can be overwhelming, especially while recovering from serious injuries. A personal injury lawyer can:
- Investigate the crash – Gathering evidence, witness statements, and police reports.
- Negotiate with insurance companies – Insurers often try to minimize payouts; an attorney ensures you receive fair compensation.
- File a lawsuit if necessary – Sometimes settlement negotiations fail, and going to court is the only way to secure justice.
- Maximize your compensation – Ensuring all present and future costs, including long-term medical care, are factored into your claim.
At Labrum Law Firm, we understand the complexities of bicycle accident cases in Nashville. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of injured cyclists and their families.
If You’re Hit By A Car While Biking In Nashville, You Have Rights—Know Your Legal Options
Being hit by a car while biking can turn your life upside down. Between medical expenses, lost work, and emotional trauma, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. But you do not have to face it alone.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Nashville, reach out to Labrum Law Firm for guidance. We will review your case, explain your legal rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us today at (615) 265-0000 or visit our website at Labrum Law Firm to fill out an online form to schedule a consultation.
