Due to the lack of protection surrounding them, bicyclists involved in accidents often suffer life-changing injuries. At Moore Law Firm, our bike accident lawyers in Mobile, Alabama have recovered compensation for more than 15,000 personal injury clients over the past 40 years. If you’ve been hurt or have lost a loved one, our bicycle accident attorneys fight to help you recover maximum compensation for your damages so you can focus on healing and moving on with your life.
Common Types of Bike Accidents in Alabama
Even the most conscientious cyclists can be injured due to someone else’s negligence. Our personal injury lawyers in Alabama handle claims involving all types of bicycle crashes, including:
Left turn accidents: These types of crashes often occur at intersections because a motorist misjudges a cyclist’s speed or doesn’t see them at all. Thousands of cyclists and motorcyclists are injured or killed in left turn accidents each year.
Right turn accidents: Cyclists are often injured when riding to the right of traffic as well. A motorist may not see a cyclist and turn right in front of them or swerve into them, which can cause serious bike accidents and injuries.
Passing accidents: Impatient drivers who try to pass cyclists can miscalculate distance and end up causing a collision.
Rear-end collisions: A cyclist may be hit when a car tailgates them from behind. This can result in the bike flying into or over a car in front of them, causing injury to others as well.
Dooring accidents: When someone opens the door of a vehicle unexpectedly, a cyclist may run into it. These accidents are especially common in urban areas without dedicated bike lanes.
Distracted driving accidents: Talking on the phone, texting, and looking down to adjust controls are all forms of distracted driving that can cause a motorist to hit and injure a cyclist.
DUI accidents: The consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be deadly. Impaired drivers pose a grave risk to pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists.
No-contact accident: Negligence can cause bike accidents even if there is no actual contact between the motorist’s vehicle and the victim’s bicycle. If aggressive or careless driving requires a cyclist to take evasive maneuvers and they get hurt, they may have a valid bicycle accident claim in Alabama.
Accidents caused by other cyclists: Bike accidents can also be caused by the negligence or malice of a fellow cyclist. Whether the crash happened on a road, trail, or elsewhere, you may have a claim if your injuries were caused by a reckless or irresponsible cyclist.
Dog attacks: Although it’s rare, a bicyclist may be injured due to a loose dog attacking them on the street. Our bike accident attorneys are familiar with dog bite laws in Alabama and can determine which types of damages you may be entitled to receive.
Our bicycle accident lawyers know that the physical, emotional, and financial ramifications of bike accidents have a significant impact on the whole family. We’re dedicated to making things right and holding negligent parties accountable so you can protect your health and your family’s financial future.
Types Of Injuries Sustained in Alabama Bicycle Accidents
Injuries sustained in bike accidents can be catastrophic. Even if you’re wearing a helmet, serious head, neck, and brain injuries can occur in a crash. Other injuries that our Mobile bike accident attorneys often see include:
- Paralysis
- Broken bones
- Compound fractures
- Road rash
- Lacerations
- Facial injuries
- Dental injuries
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Amputation
- Mental health conditions, such as PTSD, anxiety and depression
Serious conditions like traumatic brain injury (TBI) often require costly surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. Our bicycle accident lawyers understand how to accurately calculate and pursue the full scope of complex damages like past and future medical bills, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, permanent disability, disfigurement, and other damages. If you’ve lost a loved one in a bike accident, we can determine whether you’re entitled to file a wrongful death claim.
How a Bike Accident Lawyer in Mobile Can Help
Personal injury cases involving bicycle crashes are complex, so it’s vital to find a bike accident lawyer who knows how to determine fault and pursue all possible sources of compensation. Our team thoroughly investigates your case and may employ the help of experts like accident reconstructionists and medical professionals to demonstrate how a bicycle accident happened and the severity of your injuries. Our bicycle accident attorneys know how to create winning legal strategies that lead to successful outcomes both outside and inside the courtroom.
Understanding Insurance Coverage
Many bicycle accident victims with auto insurance coverage are unaware that in addition to filing a claim with the negligent party’s insurance company, they may be able to recover compensation for their injuries from their own motor vehicle policy’s MedPay, Personal Injury Protection (PIP), and/or uninsured motorist coverage. Your bike accident lawyer can review your policies and identify all possible sources of compensation.
Proving Fault
Clearly demonstrating who is at fault and why they’re liable for damages is essential in a bike accident claim. This can be challenging to do on your own, and insurance companies do whatever they can to try to shift blame onto you to avoid paying claims.
In Alabama, personal injury claims are subject to a strict contributory negligence rule. This means that if you are even found a tiny bit at fault, you can’t recover any damages from the at-fault party, even if they were 99% responsible for a bicycle accident.
To protect your rights, make sure to contact a bicycle accident lawyer before you give a statement, accept a settlement, or sign anything from an insurance adjuster. Our bicycle accident attorneys are well-versed in the law and the tactics insurers often employ to shirk responsibility. We are relentless in our pursuit of justice and won’t back down when it comes to fighting for your rights and interests.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
It can be frustrating and confusing to figure out how to pursue compensation from insurance companies. Unfortunately, even your own insurer isn’t looking out for your best interests and may try to minimize your injuries, offer an inadequate settlement or deny your bicycle accident claim. Our bike accident attorneys have a proven track record of success recovering compensation for personal injury clients in Alabama.
We handle all communications with insurers and negotiate voraciously on your behalf. Although most bike accident claims in Alabama are settled out of court, our team won’t hesitate to advocate for you at trial if a reasonable agreement can’t be reached.
What to Do After a Bike Accident in Alabama
After a bike accident, you may feel dazed and overwhelmed. Call 911 and seek medical attention as soon as you can. If possible, gather insurance and contact information from the driver and any witnesses. Take photos of the scene, your bike, and your injuries. To protect your rights, contact our Alabama bicycle accident attorneys as soon as possible. We can evaluate your case, answer any questions you may have, and pursue every possible means of compensation for you.
How Do I Pay for My Bike Accident Case?
Our Alabama personal injury lawyers take cases on contingency, which means there are no up-front costs and you won’t owe attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is free – a bicycle accident lawyer will give you a straightforward assessment of your case and help you understand your rights and options.
Contact Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Mobile, AL
Since 1985, Moore Law Firm has been dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized legal support you can trust. Contact us, call 251-445-7602, or use the convenient chat feature on our website to schedule a consultation with a bicycle accident lawyer near you in Mobile, Alabama.
