Posted in Bicycle Accident,Personal Injury on July 26, 2017
Around 50 bicyclists on Thursday took part in a ride of support for the man who was struck by a vehicle while riding on the Natchez Trace Parkway in Franklin recently.
Per a report by WKRN.com, the cyclists met up at Franklin High School on Thursday afternoon and road to the city’s courthouse to raise awareness for the man’s case.
The cyclist who was hit by the vehicle appeared at the school to express his thanks to the cycling community for its support.
The victim told reporters that he suffered a torn muscle in his glute and that his lower back and neck are still out of alignment because of the accident. He went on to say that drivers need to be more cautious and take a few extra minutes during their commutes to provide cyclists with plenty of room on roadways.
A Go-Pro video of the accident was taken by the cyclist’s friend, who also spoke about how the footage has created an important conversation about cyclist’s rights and they and drivers can share the road safely.
How Can You Reduce Your Risk of Being Involved in a Bicycle Accident?
Whether you’re a bicyclist or a driver, it’s important to understand that both have equal rights on roadways and that the best way to avoid accidents is a mutual respect and understanding. Many bicycle accidents occur when one or both parties fail to uphold their duty to drive or ride safely and keep their full attention and focus on the road and the presence of other vehicles or bicycles.
If you’re a driver, you can decrease your risk by:
While it’s true that bicyclists are generally much slower than passenger vehicles, it’s important to be patient when they’re riding in front of you. Wait until there’s a clear and safe opening to pass. Otherwise, you may force them off the roadway or even clip them with your vehicle.
Many bicycle accidents occur when drivers make right turns directly in the path of bicyclists. This is especially important to remember if you’re on a road with bike lanes, as you may otherwise be unaware of bicyclists if you don’t check your mirrors before turning.
If you’re a bicyclist, you can decrease your risk by:
The most effective way of reducing your risks as a bicyclist is to be as easily visible as possible. That means wearing clothing that makes you standout at dawn, dusk, at night, and during other times of limited visibility, including rain, fog, and snow.
As a bicyclist, the safest place to be is in a bike lane. That’s why you should always stick to those areas of the road if they’re available. In addition, it’s also important to let drivers know your intentions, just as you would if you were driving a vehicle. That means using hand and arm signals when you’re turning or stopping.
Matt Hardin Law’s team of Nashville bicycle accident lawyers knows that many people in the city and throughout Middle Tennessee ride bicycles as a form of recreation and to get around town. But we also know that many accidents happen when drivers don’t give bicyclists the respect they deserve, or when bicyclists fail to adequately protect themselves and ride defensively.
Following the tips above, whether you’re a driver or bicyclist, will make you less likely to be involved in a bicycle accident. It’s especially important to be aware of those tips and to keep them in mind during the spring, summer, and fall, as bicyclists are a common sight on Nashville’s roads during those months.
If you or someone you know was hurt in a bicycle accident that was caused by a negligent driver, get in touch with our legal team today. We have more than 30 years of experience fighting for the rights of injured victims, and we know what it takes to build cases that get results. Just dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
