Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle Accident Attorney in Dothan
Have you suffered injuries in a bicycle accident in Dothan, Alabama? The recovery process can be long and expensive, but you don’t have to face it alone. Now is the time to take action and protect your future by seeking compensation for your injuries, and a trusted lawyer can help.
At Parker Trial Law, we are dedicated to representing injury victims in Alabama and are here to stand up for your rights. Our bicycle injury attorneys don’t shy away from taking cases to trial and fighting for the maximum recovery possible.
Don’t let the responsible party get away with leaving you to deal with the costs. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Dothan, AL, bicycle accident lawyer to get the answers and support you deserve.
Benefits of Hiring a Dothan, AL, Bicycle Accident Attorney
If you were involved in a bicycle accident in Dothan, you need and deserve legal representation. Bicycle accidents often result in severe injuries, and dealing with insurance companies or other opposing parties can be challenging. An attorney can help by protecting your rights and handling the legal process on your behalf. They understand Alabama’s injury laws and can use that knowledge to strengthen your bicycle accident claim.
A bicycle accident lawyer in Dothan, AL, can investigate the accident to determine who was at fault. They will gather evidence like witness statements and medical records to build a solid case and demand fair compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other losses.
Insurance companies often try to limit their expenses by offering quick, lowball settlements. An attorney can negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf to seek a fair payout that covers all your losses. If necessary, they can even take your bicycle accident case to court. Working with an attorney allows you to focus on recovering from your injuries while they handle the legal aspects of your claim.
What to Do After a Bike Accident
The following are some important steps to follow if you suffer a bicycle accident injury in Dothan, Alabama:
- Seek immediate medical attention. Follow your doctor’s medical advice and attend all follow-up appointments to protect your health and document the extent of your injuries.
- Gather contact information from the driver and any witnesses who saw the crash. Take photos of the accident scene, including damage to your bicycle, any visible injuries, and the surroundings.
- Preserve your damaged bicycle and any other equipment as evidence for your potential claim.
- Avoid discussing the details of the accident with the driver or insurance companies until you can consult an attorney. Also, don’t post details or photos about the accident on social media.
- Keep records of all medical treatment, including doctor visits, prescriptions, and any other related expenses. If your injuries prevent you from working, document your income losses, too.
- Contact an attorney as soon as possible to review your case and understand your legal options.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Alabama?
Alabama Code § 6-2-38 gives you two years from the date of your injury to file a bicycle accident lawsuit. If you wait too long to file, you could lose your right to seek compensation. Once the deadline passes, the court will likely dismiss your case, and you will not be able to recover any money for your losses.
This is why it’s essential to contact a Dothan, AL, bicycle accident attorney immediately after a bicycle accident. A lawyer can handle your lawsuit in a timely manner and file all necessary paperwork before the deadline. Promptly hiring a lawyer significantly increases your chances of recovering the compensation you need.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Several common factors can lead to bicycle accidents, many of which involve driver behavior or road conditions that cyclists cannot control. Here are some of the most common crash risks that cyclists encounter in Alabama:
Distracted Driving
Drivers focusing on texting, eating, or other activities often fail to notice bicyclists on the road. When a driver’s attention is not fully on the road, they are more likely to drift into bike lanes, miss stop signs, or fail to yield, which can lead to collisions with cyclists.
Failure to Yield
Many bicycle accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way to cyclists. Even though bicycles are smaller than cars, they still have the same rights on the road, and a driver’s failure to respect those rights can cause severe accidents.
Dooring
A dooring accident happens when a driver or passenger opens a car door without checking for oncoming bicycles. If a cyclist is riding close to parked cars, they might not have time to stop or swerve and can collide with opening doors as a result.
Speeding
Drivers who speed have less time to react quickly to cyclists on the road. Higher speeds increase the chances of a crash and make the impact more severe. Cyclists lack the same protection as vehicle occupants and are especially vulnerable in speeding accidents.
Driving Under the Influence
Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol have slower reaction times and impaired judgment. This puts cyclists at a greater risk because an impaired driver is less likely to see them or react in time to avoid a crash.
Poor Road Conditions
Potholes, debris, and uneven pavement pose significant hazards for bicyclists. Bicycles are less stable than cars because they only have two wheels, making them more vulnerable to losing balance when they encounter uneven surfaces.
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What Are the Alabama Bicycle Laws?
Bicyclists must obey traffic laws similar to those that apply to car drivers, with some additional regulations specific to cycling. Here is a summary of Alabama bicycle laws that all riders should know:
- Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicle drivers on Alabama roads (A.C. § 32-5A-260).
- Riders must sit on regular seats and cannot carry more passengers than their bikes are designed to accommodate (A.C. § 32-5A-261).
- Cyclists cannot attach their bicycles to vehicles on the road (A.C. § 32-5A-262).
- Bicyclists must ride as close to the right side of the road as possible, except when passing, and may not ride more than two side by side (A.C. § 32-5A-263).
- If a path is available for bicycles, bicyclists must use the path instead of the road (A.C. § 32-5A-263).
- Bicyclists must keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times (A.C. § 32-5A-264).
- Cyclists riding at night must equip their bikes with white front lights visible from 500 feet and red rear reflectors visible from 100 to 600 feet. Rear red lights are optional (A.C. § 32-5A-265).
- Bicycles must have brakes that can make the wheels skid on dry, flat pavement (A.C. § 32-5A-265).
- Children under 16 must wear a helmet while riding bicycles, and children under 40 pounds or less than 40 inches tall must ride in secure seats on bicycles (A.C. § 32-5A-283).
- When passing bicycles on roads with bike lanes or speed limits of 45 mph or less, vehicle drivers must leave at least three feet of space (A.C. § 32-5A-82).
Common Types of Injuries from Bicycle Accidents
Cyclists are particularly vulnerable on the road since they lack seat belts, airbags, and other robust protective devices. The following are common injuries that bicyclists experience in traffic collisions:
- Road rash
- Fractures
- Dislocations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Face and eye injuries
- Dental injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Contusions
- Lacerations
- Amputations
- Psychological trauma
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Bicycle Accident?
A bike accident can lead to costly medical bills, time off work, and long-term impacts on your health and quality of life. If you have suffered injuries, you could be entitled to bicycle accident compensation for:
Medical Expenses
The costs of medical treatment you need for your injuries, including hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, medication, and rehabilitation
Future Medical Costs
The projected costs of treatment you will likely need for injuries that require ongoing or future medical care
Income Losses
Income you lose while recovering if your injuries prevent you from working
Lost Earning Potential
Losses in your long-term income capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work in the future or limit your earning ability
Pain and Suffering
The physical pain and emotional distress you suffer due to the accident and your injuries, including immediate pain and long-term suffering
Lost Quality of Life
The impact on your quality of life if your injuries reduce your ability to enjoy daily activities, hobbies, or other aspects of your life
Permanent Disability or Disfigurement
The long-term impacts on your life and ability to function normally if the accident results in a permanent injury, disability, or disfigurement
Property Damage Costs
The costs of repairing or replacing any property that sustained damage in the accident, such as your bicycle, helmet, or other equipment
Contact a Dothan, AL, Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you’re struggling after an Alabama bicycle accident, getting legal help can make a real difference in your recovery and your future. Don’t let the opportunity to seek compensation pass you by.
Contact Parker Trial Law today for a free consultation. Let our bicycle accident law firm help you understand your rights and take action to get the compensation you deserve.
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