BIRMINGHAM BICYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Cyclists have little physical protection compared to drivers, which means bicycle accidents frequently result in broken bones, head injuries, spinal trauma, and other serious harm. Many crashes are caused by drivers who fail to yield, pass too closely, open car doors into bike lanes, or simply fail to see cyclists at all.

Alabama law allows injured cyclists to pursue compensation when a driver’s negligence, unsafe road conditions, or defective equipment causes injury. However, bicycle accident cases often require careful investigation, strong evidence, and an early strategy, especially in a state that follows strict contributory negligence rules.

Bicycle crashes in Birmingham often stem from preventable behavior or unsafe conditions, including:

• Distracted or inattentive drivers
• Failure to yield at intersections or crosswalks
• Unsafe passing or lane changes
• Dooring accidents caused by parked vehicles
• Speeding or aggressive driving
• Poor road maintenance, potholes, or debris
• Limited or poorly marked bike lanes

Identifying how and why a crash occurred is critical to determining who may be held responsible.

A bicycle accident claim may be filed against any party whose actions, or failure to act, caused the crash. This can include:

• A negligent driver
• A vehicle owner
• A city or government agency responsible for unsafe road conditions
• A business or contractor responsible for hazardous construction zones
• A bicycle or vehicle manufacturer in cases involving defective equipment

Determining the correct responsible party is an important part of protecting the value of a claim.

Alabama follows a contributory negligence rule, meaning if a cyclist is found even partially at fault for an accident, recovery may be challenged or denied. Insurance companies often try to argue that a cyclist was riding outside a bike lane, failed to signal, or could have avoided the crash.

Because of this, bicycle accident claims require strong evidence and careful presentation of the facts to prevent unfair blame-shifting.

Not wearing a helmet does not automatically prevent you from filing a bicycle accident claim. While helmet use may be discussed in injury-related arguments, it does not excuse a driver’s negligence or eliminate their responsibility for causing the crash.

Each case depends on the circumstances of the accident and the injuries involved.

Dooring accidents are a common cause of bicycle injuries in urban areas. Drivers and passengers have a duty to check for cyclists before opening car doors. When a door suddenly opens into a cyclist’s path, the person who opened it and potentially others may be held liable for resulting injuries.

In some cases, yes. If a bicycle accident was caused by dangerous road conditions such as potholes, broken pavement, poor drainage, or missing signage, a government entity may be responsible. Claims against cities and municipalities often involve special notice rules and shorter timelines, making early action and skilled legal representation especially important.

Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include:

• Medical expenses and future treatment needs
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Bicycle repair or replacement
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Out-of-pocket costs related to recovery

The full impact of a bicycle injury often becomes clearer over time, which is why damages should reflect both immediate and long-term losses.

Proving negligence may involve police reports, witness statements, photographs or video footage, vehicle damage analysis, medical records, and, in some cases, accident reconstruction. Demonstrating how a driver failed to follow traffic laws or exercise reasonable care is key to establishing liability.

Your health and safety should come first. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor at the time. Bicycle accidents often cause head injuries, internal trauma, or soft-tissue injuries that may not show symptoms right away, and early medical records can be important later.

Report the accident to law enforcement and request that an official police report be created. If you are able, document the scene by taking photos or video of your bicycle, any involved vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses, as independent accounts can help clarify what happened.

Preserve damaged equipment, including your bicycle, helmet, and clothing, as these items may provide valuable evidence. Avoid discussing fault at the scene or giving detailed statements to insurance companies before understanding your legal rights, especially in a state like Alabama, where fault disputes can significantly affect a claim.

Bicycle accident claims are subject to strict legal deadlines. Missing a deadline can prevent recovery entirely. Acting early also helps preserve evidence such as video footage, witness recollections, and physical proof from the scene.

If an uninsured or underinsured driver hits a cyclist, compensation may still be available through uninsured motorist coverage or other applicable policies. These claims can be complex, but identifying all available coverage is often key to recovery.

Morgan & Morgan helps injured cyclists navigate insurance issues, investigate crashes, and pursue compensation from all responsible parties.

Bicycle accidents can leave riders facing long recoveries and serious financial strain. Morgan & Morgan understands the challenges cyclists face after a crash and works to protect their rights under Alabama law.

If you were injured while biking in Birmingham, a free, no-obligation case evaluation can help you understand your options and next steps.