Bicycle Accidents: What to Do After an Injury and How to Prove Fault
In Knoxville, Tennessee, the growing number of bicyclists on local roads is a sign of a healthier, more eco-conscious community. But this rise in cyclists also comes with a greater risk of serious accidents, especially when drivers fail to share the road responsibly.
A collision involving a bicycle can cause significant injuries, emotional distress, and financial hardship. What we do in the moments and days after a crash can make a powerful difference in our physical recovery and our ability to seek compensation.
At the Law Office of Joshua S. Reed, serving Knoxville, Tennessee, and Farragut, Tennessee, we believe every cyclist should know what steps to take after an accident and how to prove fault in a personal injury case. Whether the accident happened in a busy intersection or a quiet residential street, knowing what to do next is key.
Immediate Steps After a Bicycle Accident
The first few minutes after a crash are often chaotic. We may feel stunned or unsure of what just happened. Still, it’s important to take practical action, both for our safety and for the potential of a personal injury claim.
If possible, we should get ourselves to a safe location, away from traffic. Once we’ve done that, calling emergency services should be our next move. Letting the authorities document the incident helps establish a legal record of what occurred. Even if we think we’re okay, it’s best to accept medical attention from paramedics at the scene.
When speaking to police, it’s important to give clear, factual statements without speculation. Avoid saying anything that sounds like an apology—it may be interpreted as admitting fault, even if we were not to blame. If we’re able, we should collect names, phone numbers, and insurance information from all parties involved, as well as any witnesses.
Snapping a few photos with our phone can also be useful. The condition of the bike, the position of the vehicles, visible injuries, and surrounding road signs can later serve as valuable proof. All of this documentation may come into play if a personal injury claim is filed.
Seeking Medical Attention and Keeping Track of Injuries
One of the most important things we can do after a bicycle crash is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries don’t show up right away, and adrenaline may mask serious pain. A full examination by a doctor helps uncover hidden trauma and begins a paper trail that connects our injuries to the accident.
We should follow the treatment plan recommended by healthcare professionals. That might mean resting, attending physical therapy, or taking prescribed medications. These aren’t just steps toward healing—they’re also proof that we took the injury seriously and followed proper medical advice.
It’s also smart to document our recovery experience. Keeping a simple journal of symptoms, doctor visits, and how the injury affects daily life can strengthen our case. Missed workdays, difficulty sleeping, or struggling to care for family members—these all count when seeking compensation for a personal injury.
How Evidence Can Strengthen Our Case
The right evidence doesn’t just support our version of events—it makes it harder for others to dispute it. In a personal injury claim, evidence can mean the difference between fair compensation and a denied claim.
Photographs taken at the scene offer a snapshot in time that can’t be altered. They show the conditions, the damage, and the context of the crash. Beyond photos, medical records are crucial. They document exactly what injuries occurred when they were treated, and how severe they were.
Other useful types of evidence may include:
Statements from eyewitnesses who saw what happened
Video footage from nearby security or traffic cameras
Damage to the bicycle and helmet that suggests the point and force of impact
Clothing worn during the crash, especially if it’s torn or bloodied
We should also keep receipts for every expense related to the crash—from ambulance rides to prescription medications to repairs or replacements. These details help demonstrate the full financial impact of our personal injury.
Proving Fault in a Tennessee Bicycle Accident
In Tennessee, proving fault means showing that another party acted negligently and that this negligence directly caused our injury. This can be more straightforward in some situations than others, but it always requires evidence, clear reasoning, and often, legal support.
To prove someone else was at fault, we must first establish that they had a duty to act responsibly. Drivers on Tennessee roads have a legal duty to watch for cyclists, give them space, and follow all traffic laws. If a driver ignored this duty—for example, by texting, speeding, or failing to yield—then we may have the foundation for a personal injury case.
Next, we must show that the driver’s actions (or inaction) caused the crash and our resulting injuries. This is where witness accounts, police reports, and expert opinions can help. Finally, we must demonstrate actual damages—such as medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering—linked directly to the accident.
Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule. If we’re found to be less than 50% at fault, we may still recover damages—but any compensation will be reduced by our share of the blame. That’s why it’s so important to build a strong case that clearly shows the other party’s responsibility.
Common Factors in Bicycle Accidents
When we examine how most bicycle accidents happen, certain patterns become clear. Recognizing these common causes can help point to who may be responsible.
Driver negligence is often a major factor. Many crashes occur when motorists fail to check blind spots, ignore traffic signs, or make unsafe turns. In some cases, drivers simply don’t see cyclists—or don’t bother to look.
Here are some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents:
Failing to yield at intersections
Distracted driving (such as texting)
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
“Dooring,” when a parked car’s door swings open into a cyclist’s path
Speeding or reckless driving in residential areas
Poorly maintained roads with potholes or faded bike lane markings
Understanding these causes helps us determine where the fault lies and how to pursue a personal injury claim based on that.
The Importance of Legal Representation
While we can take many steps on our own, there’s no substitute for legal guidance when it comes to recovering damages after a serious bicycle accident. Insurance companies may offer low settlements or try to shift blame. An experienced attorney steps in to protect our interests and fight for what we’re owed.
Legal representation offers several benefits. A good attorney will gather missing evidence, work with accident reconstruction experts, and communicate directly with insurance companies so we don’t have to. They also know how to value a case, taking into account not just the obvious expenses, but the long-term costs and emotional impact of the injury.
Attorney Joshua S. Reed brings skill, experience, and compassion to every personal injury case. His understanding of Tennessee law and his commitment to his clients make a real difference in the outcome.
Avoiding Common Mistakes After an Accident
When recovering from a crash, even well-meaning decisions can harm a personal injury claim. Certain missteps may weaken our case or give the opposing side leverage.
For example, refusing medical care or skipping follow-up appointments can be used to argue that our injuries weren’t serious. Posting casually on social media can also backfire—photos or comments may be taken out of context and used to challenge the severity of our injuries.
Other mistakes to avoid include:
Leaving the scene before law enforcement arrives
Repairing or replacing the bicycle too quickly
Failing to document out-of-pocket expenses
Talking openly about the case with friends or online
Being mindful of these risks helps protect the claim and keeps the focus on recovery and results.
Recovering Compensation for a Personal Injury
After a bicycle accident, compensation can cover far more than just hospital bills. The purpose of a personal injury claim is to help restore what’s been lost—physically, financially, and emotionally.
Depending on the case, compensation may include:
Medical expenses (both immediate and future)
Lost income due to missed work or reduced earning ability
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
Property damage to the bicycle and any personal items affected
Every case is different. That’s why it's essential to consider the full impact of the injury when seeking damages. A thorough and well-supported claim helps avoid leaving money on the table.
Why Timing Matters
Tennessee has a short window for filing a personal injury claim—just one year from the date of the accident. That time can fly by while we’re focused on healing. Waiting too long can mean losing the chance to seek compensation altogether.
It’s wise to contact a personal injury attorney early, even if we’re not sure whether we’ll file a claim. Having someone review the facts and timeline helps us understand our options and make confident decisions.
Contact the Law Office of Joshua S. Reed Today
A bicycle accident can disrupt every part of our life. But taking the right steps after an injury puts us back on the path to healing and justice.
Whether the crash happened in Knoxville, Tennessee, or nearby in Farragut, Anderson County, Blount County, Union County, Maryville County, Oak Ridge County, or Clinton County, we all deserve the chance to recover fully and fairly. Contact our firm today to get started.