Bicyclists in Huntsville, Alabama face daily risks. Negligent drivers, bad roads, and other dangers threaten their safety. If a bike accident leaves you injured, you deserve expert legal help to get the compensation you need.
At Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers, our Huntsville bicycle accident lawyers can fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation at (256) 666-4660.
How Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Bicycle Accident in Huntsville, AL
A bicycle accident can result in severe injuries and significant financial burdens. Our experienced Huntsville personal injury attorneys are dedicated to advocating for injured cyclists.
The Huntsville bicycle accident attorneys at Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers have over 93 years of combined experience helping injury victims. Since opening more than two decades ago, our firm has secured hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for our clients.
When you hire our firm, we will:
- Investigate the accident to determine liability and gather crucial evidence;
- Work with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case;
- Handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies;
- Calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering; and
- Take your case to trial when necessary to secure maximum compensation.
Our legal team knows Alabama’s tough negligence laws. We will work hard to get you the justice you deserve.
What Is My Huntsville Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
The value of a bicycle accident claim depends on various factors, including:
- The severity of injuries,
- Medical expenses and future treatment,
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity,
- Pain and suffering, and
- Property damage.
Each case is unique. Our Huntsville bicycle accident attorneys will assess your damages to determine appropriate compensation.
Insurance companies often lowball claims. Having good legal representation is key to reaching a fair settlement.
Common Injuries in Huntsville Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can result in serious, life-altering injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Severe road rash and lacerations
- Permanent disfigurement and disability
Many bicycle accident victims face a long and difficult road to recovery. Some result in permanent disabilities that require lifelong medical care and rehabilitation.
Victims often have chronic pain, PTSD, and emotional distress. Our Huntsville personal injury attorneys work with medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries and how they impact your future.
Understanding Alabama’s Contributory Negligence Rule
Alabama has a strict contributory negligence rule. This means if you are even 1% responsible for your accident, you may not get compensated. Because of this rule, insurance companies try to shift blame onto victims. Our attorneys counter these tactics and place liability where it belongs.
What Are the Leading Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Huntsville, AL?
Many bicycle accidents occur due to driver negligence, including:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Opening car doors into cyclists (“dooring”)
- Unsafe lane changes
- Running red lights or stop signs
The potential causes are endless. The right Huntsville accident attorney knows how to get to the root of your accident.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Bicycle Accident in Alabama?
Alabama law sets a strict two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits. If you fail to file within this time, you may lose your right to seek compensation. Some exceptions may apply, like cases with minors or government liability. So, it is important to speak to an attorney quickly.
Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations
In some situations, the two-year clock may be paused or “tolled.” For example, if you were under the age of 19 at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations may not begin until you reach the age of majority.
Additionally, cases involving public entities often have separate, shorter timelines for filing claims. Failing to meet these deadlines can result in the loss of your right to recover damages.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident in Huntsville
If you are in a bicycle accident, taking the following steps can protect your rights and strengthen your case:
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine.
- Call the police and file an accident report.
- Gather contact information from the witnesses and the at-fault driver.
- Take photos of the accident scene, your bicycle, and your injuries.
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters without legal representation.
The best way to protect yourself is to contact an experienced bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible.
Documenting Injuries and Damages
Keep detailed records of all medical appointments, treatments, medications, and expenses related to your accident. This documentation is critical in proving economic damages and negotiating a fair settlement.
It is also helpful to keep a journal of pain levels, emotional struggles, and limitations in daily life. Personal records can help prove non-economic damages like pain and suffering and PTSD.
Bicycle Safety Laws in Huntsville, AL
Understanding Alabama’s bicycle laws can help strengthen your case.
Important regulations include:
- Bicyclists must ride as close to the right-hand side of the road as possible
- Riders under the age of 16 must wear helmets
- Motorists must provide at least three feet of clearance when passing a cyclist
Cyclists are not exempt from responsibility. They must obey all traffic signals and stop signs.
How Violations of Bicycle Laws Affect Accident Claims
If a driver breaks Alabama’s bicycle safety laws, like not giving enough space when passing, that can show negligence. If a cyclist breaks traffic laws, the insurance company might claim contributory negligence. Our attorneys will review your case closely. This helps minimize any claims that could lower or eliminate your potential recovery.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Bicycle Accident Victims?
Bicycle accident victims in Huntsville can seek different types of compensation, such as:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the most common type. They include medical expenses like hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and prescription medications.
Compensation also covers lost wages and future earning capacity. This refers to income lost during recovery and any long-term reduction in the ability to work. Most commonly, economic damages compensate for costs to repair or replace your bicycle and related gear.
Non-Economic Damages
People commonly refer to non-economic damages as pain and suffering. They include physical discomfort, emotional anguish, and diminished quality of life. These damages also account for anxiety, depression, or PTSD resulting from the accident.
A court may even award them due to the inability to engage in hobbies, sports, or recreational activities once enjoyed.
Punitive Damages
In cases involving egregious misconduct, punitive damages may also be available. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similarly reckless behavior in the future.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Huntsville Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means no upfront fees. You don’t pay anything unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery. Payment comes directly from settlement or judgment.
This structure helps victims get legal help. Many are already dealing with high medical bills and lost income. It also motivates us to fight for the maximum compensation possible because our success is directly tied to yours.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed for a Bicycle Accident in Alabama?
In Alabama, if you are even a little at fault, you cannot recover compensation. This harsh standard emphasizes the importance of having a lawyer who can:
- Investigate the crash thoroughly
- Identify and prove the negligence of the other party
- Challenge any claims that you were partially responsible
Our attorneys know how to handle this strict legal standard. They will make sure you aren’t unfairly blamed.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation For All of Your Bicycle Accident Injuries
Given the potential severity of bicycle accident injuries, our team is prepared to:
- Secure comprehensive medical evaluations
- Consult with specialists to determine long-term treatment needs
- Negotiate with insurance companies for fair compensation
- Take your case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached
Our dedication to client care means we will handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on your recovery.
Additional Steps in the Legal Process
Beyond gathering evidence and filing a claim, there are several key steps in pursuing a bicycle accident lawsuit in Alabama:
- Discovery: Both parties exchange information, documents, and evidence.
- Depositions: Witnesses, including expert witnesses, are interviewed under oath.
- Mediation or settlement conferences: Efforts are made to negotiate a settlement without going to trial.
- Trial: If negotiations fail, we present your case before a judge or jury.
During this process, our attorneys will update you, guide your decisions, and fight hard for you.
Preventing Bicycle Accidents in Huntsville
While not all accidents are preventable, cyclists can take steps to reduce the risk of collisions:
- Wear properly fitted helmets and reflective clothing
- Use front and rear lights, even during the daytime
- Follow traffic laws, signals, and signage
- Avoid riding in a driver’s blind spot
- Regularly inspect and maintain your bicycle
Drivers, in turn, should remain vigilant for cyclists and respect their right to share the road.
Contact Our Huntsville Bicycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Huntsville, don’t wait to seek legal help. Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers have the experience, resources, and dedication to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a Huntsville bicycle accident attorney. Let us put our 93 years of combined experience to work for you, so you can focus on your recovery and move forward with your life.