Best Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Nashville, TN

Nashville, TN Bicycle Accident FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Nashville, Tennessee?

  For non-emergency matters, call the Nashville Police Department at 615-862-8600.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Nashville, Tennessee?

  You may request a copy of a Nashville police report via email. Download and complete the request policy and form at https://www.nashville.gov/departments/police/administrative-services/central-records-division and send to MNPDPublic@nashville.gov.

• Are you required to wear a helmet while cycling in Nashville?

  If you are under 16 years of age, then yes, you are required by Tennessee’s law to wear a properly fitting helmet approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the Snell Memorial Foundation, or the Commissioner of Safety whenever you go cycling in Nashville. Regardless of your age, though, it is always a good idea to wear a helmet while operating a bicycle to reduce your risk of sustaining severe head injuries in the event of an accident.

• What kind of safety light should you equip your bicycle with in Nashville?

  All bicycles in Nashville are required to be equipped with a headlight that emits a white light visible from at least 500 feet and a rear reflector or lamp that emits a red light visible from at least 500 feet. These fixtures will help you stay visible especially when cycling around the city at night.

• Are little children allowed to ride on bicycles as passengers in Nashville?

  Yes, little children are allowed to ride on bicycles as passengers in Nashville, as long as the provisions of Tennessee’s Child Bicycle Safety Act are being followed. The law states that all child passengers under 40 pounds or 40 inches must be seated and secured in a child-restraining seat or a bicycle trailer attached to the bike frame.

• Will you go to jail for cycling while drunk in Nashville?

  Possibly. But not because of a DUI. Since regular bicycles are not considered motorized vehicles in Tennessee, DUI laws do not apply to cyclists in Nashville. However, you can still face up to 30 days of jail time and/or a $50 fine if you get charged with public intoxication for exhibiting erratic behavior that poses a threat to your and other people’s safety.

• Can you obtain compensation if you are partially responsible for your bicycle accident in Nashville?

  It depends. As Nashville follows Tennessee’s modified comparative negligence system for such instances, you may still be able to recover some damages even if you are partially responsible for your injuries as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery will then be reduced by the percentage of your share of fault in the incident.