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Tennessee Bicycle Laws Every Rider & Driver Should Know
However, even when cyclists are safe and follow the rules, accidents do happen sometimes. And on occasion, those accidents are caused by someone’s negligence. To make sure everyone understands the laws, we have gone over them below:
Tennessee bicycle laws
Tennessee views bicycles much like vehicles on the road. There are several laws related to bicycles, such as:
- Bicyclists traveling slower than normal traffic must ride as close as practicable to the right side of the road, except when passing, preparing to turn left or avoiding unsafe conditions.
- Bicycle riders must follow all traffic signs and signals.
- Cyclists must use hand signals to communicate with drivers about upcoming movements.
- Any cyclist or passenger under the age of 16 must wear a helmet while riding on a highway, street or sidewalk.
- Any child passengers under 40 pounds or 40 inches must be secured in a child seat or trailer.
- Bicycles used at night must have a white front light and either a red rear light or red reflector visible from 500 feet.
Drivers and cyclists should understand Tennessee’s bicycle laws. This will keep everyone safer on the road.
Safety tips for Tennessee bicyclists
Bicyclists already know they have to pay attention and watch everyone around them to stay safe on roadways. However, here are a few bonus tips for staying safe on Tennessee roads:
Wear high-visibility clothes
If drivers can not see a cyclist, they can not practice extra caution. It is especially important to wear high-visibility clothing when riding in foggy or rainy weather or at nightfall.
Do not lane split
Lane splitting is when a bicyclist rides between two vehicles. This can be incredibly dangerous and should not be practiced. Avoiding lane splitting can keep everyone safer.
Use hand signals
While it is a Tennessee law to use hand signals to communicate with drivers, it is a good idea to reiterate this one. Sometimes cyclists forget to do a hand signal or get anxious about the weather, drivers, or something else and fail to do so. Hand signals are a great way riders can communicate with drivers. It is essential to use them.
Safety tips for Tennessee drivers
Drivers can take a few extra steps to help keep everyone on the road safe. Some ways drivers can be extra safe are:
Pay extra attention
Some locations are more dangerous for bicyclists than others, such as intersections. When drivers are on a road with less visibility, or at a spot like an intersection, they can pay extra attention to see if bicyclists are in the area. Taking a few extra seconds can make all the difference.
Change mindsets
Some drivers may find bicycle riders annoying and in the way. Riders have just as much right to be on the road as vehicles do. By changing mindsets and accepting that vehicles and bicycles share the road, people may practice more caution and patience.
Give them room
When passing a bicycle traveling in the same direction, drivers must leave at least three feet of clearance and maintain it until safely past. When passing bicycles, drivers should give them space and do so slowly to keep everyone safer.
Bicycle accident FAQs
Cyclists have lots of questions about bike laws and accidents. We have answered the most common questions below:
What should people do after an accident?
First and foremost, it is essential to seek medical care after an accident. It is also important to call law enforcement to have a legal record of the accident. Evidence is key in personal injury claims, and medical records and police reports are important pieces used to support claims.
We encourage anyone in an accident to document as much as possible in the days following. Injured people should also follow all treatment plans and attend follow-up appointments. It is also a good idea to speak to a personal injury lawyer about the situation to understand the available legal options.
How much is a bicycle accident claim worth in Tennessee?
No accident claim guarantees compensation. Many factors influence whether or not a claim provides compensation and how much. In general, however, lawyers seek economic and non-economic damages. These may include:
- Current and future medical expenses (prescriptions, surgeries, specialists, therapies)
- Lost wages
- Future earning capacity if someone’s ability to work is impacted permanently
- Pain and suffering related to the physical and emotional trauma
- Emotional anguish
- Property damage
To better understand your unique situation and options, we recommend you speak to a bicycle accident lawyer.
Do I really need a lawyer for my situation?
You may or may not. The best way to determine if you could benefit from a lawyer is to speak to one about your situation. We offer free consultations at Rocky McElhaney Law Firm: Car Accident & Injury Lawyers to help people understand their legal options.
How can a bicycle accident lawyer help clients?
Bicycle accident lawyers understand Tennessee law, allowing them to guide their clients through the legal process compassionately. Not only do lawyers help strengthen cases, but they also advocate for their clients’ rights. A dedicated lawyer provides their clients with peace of mind and insight during a challenging time. We suggest that anyone wondering whether a lawyer can help them reach out for a free consultation.
Request a free case review with Rocky McElhaney Law Firm: Car Accident & Injury Lawyers today
Tennessee bicycle laws are clear, but accidents still happen every day because people are negligent. When this happens, cyclists may feel overwhelmed by the legal process. Injured cyclists do not have to navigate the personal injury process alone.
We offer free case reviews at Rocky McElhaney Law Firm: Car Accident & Injury Lawyers to understand your situation better. This allows us to provide personalized legal insight. Contact us today to request your free consultation and discover your options.