Knoxville Attorneys Fight for Injured Pedestrians and Bicyclists

Guiding riders and walkers through each stage of personal injury litigation

At Banks and Jones, our lawyers understand that pedestrians and bike riders are no match for a car, truck, or any motorized vehicle. When a collision occurs, the non-driver often dies. Survivors suffer more than just cuts and scratches. Most pedestrian and bicyclist survivors suffer broken bones, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, torn ligaments, permanent nerve damage, loss of limbs, paralysis, and other catastrophic or serious injuries. Our Knoxville attorneys work relentlessly to hold drivers accountable for their inexcusable behavior. We demand justice by bringing wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits against everyone responsible.

Why drivers strike pedestrians and cyclists

In 2023, 134 accidents in Knox County involved a pedestrian or a cyclist. Drivers must respect the rights of non-drivers at all times. They must be extra cautious because non-drivers have no protection. Some of the leading causes of pedestrian and bicycle accidents are:

  • The driver was going too fast for traffic conditions
  • The driver was distracted and didn’t see the non-driver in time to react
  • The driver was intoxicated or under the influence of narcotics
  • The driver didn’t look for pedestrians who were legally in the crosswalk
  • A driver passed another car and didn’t see the pedestrian
  • The driver failed to yield the right of way
  • A driver passed another vehicle on the shoulder of the road
  • Driver fatigue
  • Failing to use a horn or to flash lights to alert the pedestrian or bicycle rider

Many pedestrian accidents happen because a driver failed to look behind when pulling out of a parking location. Accidents in shopping centers are all too common. Young children playing in residential neighborhoods and school yards are especially in danger of being struck by a car. They are likely to run into the street without looking. The general presumption is that young children are presumed incapable of negligence.

In Tennessee, bicyclists have many of the same rights and responsibilities as truck and car drivers. Bike riders must ride with the flow of traffic. They can ride in the center of the lane but should try to be in the right-hand lane. If your collision happened on one of the Greenway Trails, however, you may have a strong claim for damages.

Types of legal claims our lawyers bring on behalf of pedestrians and bicyclists

The following types of claims can be brought depending on how the collision happened.

  • Negligence.  Our Knoxville lawyers are the firm of choice for may Knoxville clients because we understand how to prove accidents happened. We are highly skilled at convincing juries, judges, and insurance adjustors your injuries were caused by someone else. We file lawsuits against the owners, the drivers, and all responsible parties.
  • Wrongful death.  If a loved one died while walking or biking, our attorneys demand that the wrongdoers pay the family members for the lost income and lost personal guidance the deceased would have provided – had they lived.
  • Hit and run. All too often, many drivers flee after hitting a pedestrian or bike rider. Drivers who strike a pedestrian must offer assistance and contact the police, so the victim can get immediate medical help. Our Knoxville pedestrian and bike-rider lawyers demand that any driver who hits someone and runs pay punitive damages to the victim or the victim’s family.
  • Product liability.  If a bicycle crash is due to a defective bike part, we hold the bike manufacturer, distributor, and retailer liable for death and injuries.
  • Claims against the state. If your accident was due to improper road design or road work, we fight to hold the state, county, or township responsible. Traffic lights must work. Signs must be placed where drivers can see them. Fallen trees should be cleared.

In many cases where a pedestrian or bicycle rider is struck by a driver, criminal charges are brought against the defendant. Our team of lawyers works with police and the local prosecutor’s office. This work includes reviewing the police reports, toxicity reports, and investigative reports. In all accidents, we have someone go to the scene of the accident.

We also defend against assertions that you failed to properly give hand signals or contributed to the accident in any way.

Review your pedestrian or bike accident case with an experienced Knoxville trial attorney today

Delay can hurt your case. The sooner you speak with us, the faster we can investigate how the accident happened. We are eager to work with your doctors or independent doctors to help you heal. We are Ready 2 Win your case by paying attention to every detail and advocating for you in every court.

You can reach the Knoxville lawyers at Banks and Jones by calling us at 865-546-2141 or contacting us. Consultations are free.