Bicycle accidents in Birmingham, Alabama, can happen out of the blue, catching riders off guard. Sadly, these accidents often lead to serious injuries because cyclists don’t have the protection of a car around them. If you or a loved one suffered harm in a bicycle accident, Cory Watson Attorneys is ready to serve you. Our Birmingham bicycle accident lawyers will do everything possible to secure financial recovery for your injury-related losses.
Someone involved in a bike accident can suffer a range of injuries, from minor scrapes and bruises to more serious injuries like broken bones, head injuries, or even spinal cord damage. In the worst cases, a bike crash might result in wrongful death. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer will work to secure financial compensation for your injuries and losses so that you can focus on healing.
Today, you can start a free case review.
Why Choose Cory Watson Attorneys?
When it comes to your bike accident claim in Birmingham, choosing Cory Watson Attorneys means you have a local advocate on your side. This is our community. We know the ins and outs of Birmingham, including the roads, the neighborhoods, and the local laws. Our team includes attorneys who’ve handled many bike accident cases representing injured cyclists right here in Birmingham.
Our experienced Birmingham bicycle accident attorneys know what it takes to navigate the legal system and get you the compensation you deserve. So, when you’re facing a bike accident, don’t go it alone. Choose Cory Watson Attorneys and let us fight for you.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Bicycle Accident Attorney from Our Firm?
Right now, you should be focusing on your health and well-being—not on affording a lawyer. So, our team offers help on contingency. A portion of your bicycle accident settlement pays our attorney’s fees. We never ask for money from you directly and, if we can’t win your case, you pay nothing.
We Will File Your Case in Accordance With Alabama’s Statute of Limitations
If you were injured or lost a loved one, you generally have two years to file your civil lawsuit, per AL Code § 6-2-38. Here are some quick things to know:
- Your filing deadline begins from the date of your accident or loved one’s passing.
- Failing to file your case on time invalidates your right to damages.
- Some exceptions may alter your filing deadline.
You can trust our team to manage each of your filing deadlines. We want to do everything possible to ensure your right to compensation.
Examples of Recoverable Damages in a Jefferson County Bicycle Accident Case
In general, you can recover two categories of damages:
Economic Damages (Losses With Direct Monetary Values): Economic damages pay for the actual financial costs of the bicycle accident. Examples include medical bills, lost income, property damage losses, funeral costs, and other related expenses. Compiling evidence, such as receipts, invoices, and billing statements, helps us calculate your losses.
Non-Economic Damages (Losses Without Direct Financial Costs): Non-economic damages repay you for intangible losses, such as disabilities, disfigurements, and physical and psychological pain and suffering.
A Birmingham bicycle accident lawyer can review your situation to estimate how much you could recover.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accidents lawyer serving Birmingham, call 877-562-0000
You Generally Have These Options When Pursuing Compensation
You may recover compensation by:
Filing an Insurance Claim
You can file a liability insurance claim with the at-fault motorist’s auto insurance provider if you get injured in a bicycle accident. AL Code § 32-7A-4 requires all drivers to have a liability insurance policy. If not, they should maintain a liability bond or have a cash deposit with the State Treasurer.
The minimum coverage requirements are as follows:
- $25,000 per person for injuries and deaths
- $50,000 per incident for injuries and deaths
- $25,000 per incident for property damages
A bicycle accident lawyer from our team can gather evidence and identify other liable parties. For instance, if you suffered harm because of a defective vehicle, you could pursue damages from the driver and the maker of the vehicle.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident resulting in injuries or wrongful death, filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim can help you seek justice and compensation for your losses. When you hire a lawyer to handle your claim, they’ll start by gathering all the necessary evidence, like medical records, accident reports, and witness statements. This helps build a strong case to support your compensation claim.
Next comes negotiating with the insurance company. Your lawyer will handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf, advocating for a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. They’ll use their knowledge of the law and their experience with similar cases to push for the best possible outcome for you.
Going to Court
Sometimes, though, insurance companies can be stubborn and refuse to offer a fair settlement. In these cases, your lawyer may recommend taking the case to court with a personal injury lawsuit. In a bicycle accident lawsuit, a civil court will hear your argument and decide whether to pay you damages or not. They will also determine how much the liable driver owes you after assessing the cost of your losses.
Filing a civil case can seem intimidating. However, a Birmingham bicycle accident attorney can guide you through all necessary proceedings and take action on your behalf. They’ll present your case to the judge or jury, arguing for the compensation you deserve.
To recover compensation for your losses, we must present a compelling case to the judge, jury, and insurance company. This involves finding and using this information:
- Traffic camera footage
- The police report
- Eyewitness testimony
- Black box data
- The points of impact on your vehicle
- Physical roadway debris
- The other party’s blood alcohol concentration levels
We may use more information to assert that because you got hurt, you deserve compensation for your losses. Your lawyer will be there every step of the way, fighting for your rights and working tirelessly to achieve a favorable outcome.
Ultimately, whether your case is resolved through negotiation or litigation, having a dedicated lawyer on your side can make the process smoother and less stressful. They’ll handle all the legal complexities so you can focus on healing and moving forward with your life. So if you’re considering filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim for a bicycle accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted lawyer who can guide you through the process with compassion and skill.
Birmingham Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-562-0000
You Have Legal Rights as a Bicyclist in Birmingham
Motor vehicle drivers do not have more rights than bicyclists. They must yield to the right-of-way, allow bicyclists to pass, and maintain the speed limit. When they don’t, they can cause serious bike accidents. Alabama has several laws that help keep Birmingham bicyclists safe from harm on the road, such as:
Bicycles Are Considered Vehicles in Birmingham
As noted, under AL Code § 32-5A-260, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Therefore, drivers must treat them as they would other cars.
For instance, they should yield to the cyclist if the cyclist has the right-of-way. The rule also means cyclists have to follow the same traffic laws as motorists, such as obeying traffic signals and stop signs.
Motorists Must Maintain Three Feet of Space Between Them and Any Bikes
AL Code § 32-5A-82 requires drivers to be at least three feet away from any bicyclist. Yet, drivers should use their best judgment when it comes to these situations.
Bicyclists Should Use Designated Lanes and Stay on the Road’s Right Side
AL Code § 32-5A-263 allows Birmingham bicyclists to use roads, but they should stay on the right side as much as possible. However, if there is a bike path alongside the road, the rider should utilize it. This enables them to use the road while also minimizing the likelihood of collisions.
If a bicyclist has to pass a vehicle, they should also take due precautions, such as alerting the car with a bike bell and signaling with their hands.
Contact our Birmingham Personal Injury Lawyers today
Our Birmingham Accident Attorneys Are Here To Help
Dealing with the aftermath of a bicycle accident can be traumatizing and costly. That is why the office of Cory Watson Attorneys is here to provide legal assistance for bicycle accident victims in Birmingham, Alabama.
Our legal team has worked with injury clients in Alabama and the rest of the U.S. since the 1980s. Besides bicycle accidents, we also handle other practice areas, such as premises liability, workplace injury, and drug injury cases. For a free case review, you can message us online or call (205) 328-2200.
Birmingham Office Location
2131 Magnolia Ave s.Birmingham, AL 35205
Call or text 877-562-0000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form