Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Cyclists share the road with much larger vehicles – often with devastating results. Bikes offer little to no protection from impacts, and their smaller size makes it less likely that a driver will see them. At Prince Glover Hayes, our attorneys serve as trusted advocates for those injured in bicycle accidents in Tuscaloosa. If you or your loved one sustained injuries in one of these crashes, contact us for a free consultation.
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- Why choose Prince Glover Hayes for your bicycle accident case?
- Quick facts and statistics on bicycle accidents
- Causes of bicycle accidents in Tuscaloosa
- Common injuries in bicycle accidents
- Bicycle laws and safety regulations in Alabama
- Liability in bicycle accidents
- Compensation available for bicycle accident victims
- FAQs about bicycle accidents in Tuscaloosa
- Bicycle accident prevention in Tuscaloosa
- Do you have a lawyer near me in Tuscaloosa who can handle my bike accident claim?
Why choose Prince Glover Hayes for your bicycle accident case?
Bike accidents often lead to serious, potentially even deadly injuries. At Prince Glover Hayes, our attorneys have experience handling cases involving catastrophic injuries, and we are prepared to fight for you, your family, and your future. Since 1979, we’ve been representing injury victims in and near Tuscaloosa, sometimes with record-setting results. If you need legal assistance following a bike accident in Tuscaloosa, reach out to us to discuss your case.
Quick facts and statistics on bicycle accidents
In 2022, 1,105 people lost their lives in bicycle accidents in the US. While those numbers indicate that bike accidents account for a small percent of all traffic-related deaths, the number of people killed in cycling accidents has been increasing in recent years. In fact, in Alabama, fourteen cyclists died in 2022 – more than twice as many as in 2013, when just six people lost their lives. More than half of the time, the person at fault for those accidents is the car's driver, not the cyclist.
Causes of bicycle accidents in Tuscaloosa
Cyclists face a number of risks when sharing the road with cars. Here are some of the likely causes of bicycle crashes.
Driver negligence
Distracted driving is a common cause of all types of accidents on the road, as is drunk driving. Drunk and impaired driving specifically kills an average of 100 cyclists a year. Any behavior that creates hazards for people in vehicles causes even greater risks for cyclists. Drivers also may not think about looking for people on bikes. One common example of this is when a driver is making a right turn and they are looking for traffic coming from the left, not for cyclists approaching on their right. In such cases, the driver may be at fault for not looking before turning.
Dooring incidents
When drivers exit their cars, they may not look for approaching cyclists. When this happens, drivers may open right as a cyclist reaches their vehicle, causing the person on the bike to strike the door. At high speeds, cyclists can suffer serious injuries from the impact with the door. However, an even greater risk of severe injuries comes from dooring accidents when the cyclist falls into the road, potentially in front of oncoming traffic.
Poor road conditions
Poorly maintained roads, potholes, debris, and lack of bike lanes can all increase the risk of bike accidents. Not only can these cause falls and injuries, but when drivers or cyclists swerve to avoid obstacles in the road, they may enter one another’s paths.
Common injuries in bicycle accidents
Bike accidents often lead to severe injuries, much like pedestrian accidents, thanks to the lack of protection. Some of the common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are possible even when the cyclist is wearing a helmet
- Broken bones, including collarbones and ribs
- Spinal cord injuries, potentially leading to paralysis
- Lacerations, contusions, and road rash (which create risks of infections)
- Internal injuries and organ damage
Other types of injuries can also occur, and the impact of the above injuries may lead to emotional trauma and the need for mental health support on top of medical care.
Bicycle laws and safety regulations in Alabama
Several laws in Alabama aim to reduce cyclist accidents. Some of those laws state that:
- Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers
- Bicyclists under 16 must wear helmets in Alabama, and violations can result in fines and temporary confiscation of the bike.
- Motorists must maintain a minimum 3-foot distance when passing cyclists
Beyond laws, there are things that cyclists can do to help keep themselves safer on the road. Using safety gear like helmets, even when not required, wearing reflective gear, especially at night, and ensuring the bike is in good working order can all reduce the risk of accidents.
Liability in bicycle accidents
Although cyclists may be at fault in an accident, other parties are often at fault in collisions between bikes and cars. Some parties might be responsible for a bike crash and the resulting injuries.
Drivers
Drivers often cause collisions with bikes. Negligent drivers might not see cyclists on the road and fail to yield when they have the right of way. They may also violate laws like the 3-foot minimum passing distance, placing cyclists at risk.
Municipalities
Municipalities might also be at fault in places where road maintenance is so poor that it creates risks. Roads full of potholes, visual obstructions, and other obstacles could create unreasonably dangerous situations for cyclists.
Manufacturers
Defective bicycle or vehicle parts can contribute to accidents. If a cyclist is injured because of product defects, they may have a product liability claim.
Compensation available for bicycle accident victims
If a bicycle accident victim suffered injuries in Tuscaloosa, they may have a personal injury claim. If that claim succeeds, they can recover for their:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, and rehabilitation
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
- Property damage, including bicycle repair or replacement
- Funeral costs in cases of wrongful death
At Prince Glover Hayes, our attorneys are prepared to fight for those injured and their families. We know how important it is to recover maximum compensation when injuries create financial burdens.
FAQs about bicycle accidents in Tuscaloosa
If you were in a bicycle accident, the best way to get advice on what to do next is by contacting a Tuscaloosa bike accident lawyer. However, here are a few answers to common questions we hear from bike accident victims.
What should I do if the driver who hit me flees the scene?
Unfortunately, drivers who strike cyclists and pedestrians flee more often than expected. The callous decision to leave an injured person on the side of the road can make a horrific situation even worse. However, there are options. Contacting the police means they will look for the person who caused the crash. Additionally, if you or your loved one was injured, you might be able to use your own insurance by filing an uninsured motorist claim.
Can I file a claim if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Failing to wear a helmet will not prevent you from filing a claim. Ask your attorney to explain how it may influence your case.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit for a bicycle accident?
Alabama’s statute of limitations states that you must file your bicycle accident claim within two years. The court can refuse to hear your case if you miss that deadline.
Bicycle accident prevention in Tuscaloosa
Both cyclists and drivers have a responsibility to travel cautiously and avoid causing collisions. Some tips they can take to stay safe include:
For cyclists:
- Always wear a helmet and high-visibility clothing
- Use hand signals to let drivers know when you are turning or stopping
- Avoid riding in low-light conditions or install proper lighting on the bike
For drivers:
- Check blind spots before turning or merging
- Always yield to cyclists in bike lanes or crosswalks
- Avoid distractions such as texting while driving
Do you have a lawyer near me in Tuscaloosa who can handle my bike accident claim?
You can visit Prince Glover Hayes’ office at 2311 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. We can also make alternative arrangements to see you in another location or schedule a video conference or phone call to discuss your case.
Contact the bicycle accident attorneys at Prince Glover Hayes in Tuscaloosa
If you or a family member suffered injuries while biking, you need the help and support of a Tuscaloosa bike accident lawyer. At Prince Glover Hayes, our lawyers are prepared to provide the legal representation you need to pursue a personal injury claim. Call us today, or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.