Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle collisions in Birmingham, Alabama, typically happen when drivers are not paying sufficient attention to the road. If you sustained injuries in a bicycle crash, the experienced Birmingham, AL, Personal Injury Lawyers at Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys: Accident & Injury Lawyers can handle every step of your case for you. We will file a timely claim or lawsuit on your behalf, negotiate with insurance company representatives, or, if necessary, take your case to court.

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Birmingham bicycle accident attorney, please call us at (205) 894-3513 or contact us online right away.

Why Choose us?

Bicycle riders frequently suffer debilitating injuries in accidents. This is because, with the exception of their helmets, bicyclists have very limited protection while they are on the road.

If you suffered injuries in a recent bicycle crash, the legal team at Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys: Accident & Injury Lawyers can handle the legal steps of your case while you focus on making a full medical recovery. Our lawyers have recovered millions of dollars for injured accident victims over the years, and we know how to combat the insurance company’s attempts to try and undervalue claims. We will do everything possible to maximize the compensation you receive, either with a favorable settlement offer or litigation result in court. You can view our most recent client testimonials by clicking here.

How Much is a Birmingham Bicycle Accident Case Worth?

If you’ve suffered an injury in a bicycle accident in Birmingham, Alabama, the amount of money you may receive as compensation depends on several factors. These factors include the severity of your injuries, the effects on your daily life, and the extent of your pain and suffering. Compensation in a bicycle accident case typically falls into two categories: economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are intended to compensate you for the financial losses you’ve suffered due to the accident. These may include:

• Related Medical Expenses – This includes the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, medications, and any necessary rehabilitation or physical therapy. If your injuries require ongoing medical treatment, future medical costs can also be included in your compensation.
• Lost income – If your injuries force you to miss work, you can seek compensation for the income you’ve lost. If your injuries are severe enough to prevent you from returning to work in the same capacity, you may also be entitled to compensation for future lost earnings.
• Property damaged – This covers the cost of repairing or replacing your bicycle and any other personal items that were damaged in the collision. 

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are more subjective and cover the effect the accident has had on your quality of life. These may include:

• Pain and Suffering – This compensation is for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced as a direct result of the bicycle accident. The more severe and long-lasting your injuries, the higher this amount is likely to be.
• Loss of Life Enjoyment – If your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities and hobbies you once loved, you can seek compensation for this loss.
• Emotional Distress – If the accident has caused significant psychological issues, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD, you may be entitled to compensation for your emotional distress.

Each case is unique, and the amount you can recover will depend on the specifics of your situation. The knowledgeable Birmingham bicycle accident attorneys at Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys: Accident & Injury Lawyers can help you understand the potential value of your claim and guide you through the legal process.

Where Do Bike Accidents Frequently Happen in Birmingham?

Bicycle accidents in Birmingham, Alabama, can happen anywhere, but certain locations are more prone to these incidents due to a combination of factors like traffic density, road design, and cyclist activity. 

• One of the most common locations for bicycle accidents in Birmingham is downtown Birmingham. The dense traffic, combined with numerous intersections and a mix of drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, creates a higher risk of collisions. The busy streets of downtown also mean that drivers may not always be looking out for cyclists, especially during rush hour.
• Another frequent site for bicycle accidents is along high-traffic roads like U.S. Route 31 (also known as Montgomery Highway or the Elton B. Stephens Expressway). These major thoroughfares are often crowded with fast-moving vehicles. The speed of traffic increases the severity of accidents when they do occur, as drivers may not have enough time to react to the presence of a cyclist. 
• University Boulevard and other roads near the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) campus are also common locations for bicycle accidents. The area around UAB has a high number of both cyclists and pedestrians, and the streets can become particularly busy during class changes or events. With so many people on the move, the chances of accidents rise, especially when drivers are not accustomed to sharing the road with cyclists.
• Lastly, neighborhoods with older infrastructure, such as Southside and Five Points South, often see bicycle accidents due to narrower streets, more on-street parking, and less visibility for drivers.

Types of Bicycle Crashes in Birmingham 

Bicycle crashes in Birmingham, Alabama, often result from driver negligence, where motorists fail to exercise proper care and attention while sharing the road with cyclists.

• One of the most common causes of bicycle crashes is distracted driving. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting their GPS can easily miss a cyclist in their path. In Birmingham, where traffic can be heavy and streets crowded, even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to a serious collision. Distracted drivers may not notice a cyclist until it’s too late to avoid an accident.
• Failure to yield is another frequent cause of bicycle crashes in Birmingham. This often occurs at intersections, where drivers may not see a cyclist or mistakenly believe they have the right-of-way. For instance, a driver making a right turn may not notice a cyclist coming up alongside them in a bike lane, leading to a dangerous situation. Similarly, drivers who fail to yield at crosswalks or stop signs can cause accidents by cutting off cyclists who are following the rules of the road.
• Speeding is also a significant factor in many bicycle crashes. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to react to obstacles, including cyclists. In Birmingham, this is especially dangerous on busy roads like U.S. Route 31, where vehicles often travel at high speeds. A speeding driver may be unable to stop in time if a cyclist suddenly appears, increasing the likelihood of a severe collision.
• Aggressive driving also contributes to many bicycle accidents. Some drivers may become impatient when sharing the road with cyclists – especially if they believe the cyclist is slowing them down. This can lead to reckless behavior, such as tailgating, unsafe passing, or even intentionally trying to intimidate the cyclist. Such actions create hazardous situations that can easily result in an accident.
• Finally, improper lane changes by drivers often lead to bicycle crashes. When a driver fails to check their blind spot or signal before changing lanes, they may inadvertently collide with a cyclist who is already occupying that space.

Common Injuries in a Birmingham Bicycle Accident

Bicyclists in Birmingham, Alabama, are at significant risk of injury when involved in accidents, especially given the city’s busy streets and mixed traffic conditions. The lack of physical protection compared to a motor vehicle leaves cyclists vulnerable to a range of serious injuries.

• One of the most frequent injuries that cyclists may suffer in an accident is head trauma. Despite the widespread use of helmets, the force of a collision can still lead to concussions or more severe traumatic brain injury (TBIs). These injuries can have long-term effects on cognitive function, memory, and motor skills, sometimes leading to permanent disability. Head injuries are particularly common when a cyclist is thrown from their bike or strikes their head on the pavement or another object.
• Broken bones are another common injury in bicycle accidents. The force of a collision can cause fractures in various parts of the body, particularly the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones. Cyclists often extend their arms to break a fall, leading to wrist or arm fractures. Leg fractures are also common – especially if a vehicle strikes the cyclist. These injuries can require surgery, immobilization, and extensive rehabilitation to heal properly.
• Spinal injuries are also a serious concern for cyclists involved in accidents. A fall or direct impact can cause damage to the spine, leading to conditions ranging from herniated discs to paralysis. Even less severe spinal injuries can result in chronic pain and reduced mobility, significantly affecting a person’s quality of life.
• Lacerations and abrasions are common when cyclists are thrown from their bikes or dragged across the pavement. These injuries, often referred to as “road rash,” can vary from minor scrapes to deep wounds that require stitches or skin grafts. Severe road rash can also lead to infections if not properly treated.
• Lastly, internal injuries are a significant risk in bicycle accidents. Damage to internal organs, such as the liver, kidneys, or lungs, may not be readily apparent but can be life-threatening. 

Fighting the Insurance Company After a Birmingham Bicycle Crash

If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in Birmingham, Alabama, dealing with insurance companies can be difficult. Insurance companies are often focused on minimizing payouts to protect their profits, which can leave you with less compensation than you deserve. However, at Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys: Accident & Injury Lawyers, we can fight the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

• First, we’ll gather and preserve evidence. This includes obtaining police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any available video footage of the accident. Solid evidence is crucial in building a strong case that demonstrates the other party’s negligence and the extent of your injuries.
• Next, we’ll handle all communication with the insurance company. Insurance adjusters may try to get you to settle quickly for a lower amount than you deserve. By allowing us to handle these discussions, you can avoid making statements that may be used against you. We will negotiate aggressively to ensure the insurance company offers a fair settlement that covers all your expenses, including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
• If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our legal team has experience in litigating bicycle accident cases, and we will present a compelling case to the judge or jury. This can put additional pressure on the insurance company to settle your claim fairly.
• Additionally, we will work to ensure that future expenses are considered. If your injuries require long-term care or affect your ability to work, we will fight to include compensation for future medical costs and lost earning potential in the settlement.

Essential Steps to Take After a Birmingham Bicycle Collision

After being involved in a bicycle accident in Birmingham, Alabama, it’s crucial to take specific steps to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation.

• First, all documentation related to the bicycle crash must be retained. This includes the police report, medical records, photos of the accident scene, and any communication with witnesses. Proper documentation is essential for building a strong case and proving the extent of your injuries and damages.
• Next, avoid speaking directly with the insurance company. Insurance adjusters may try to get you to make statements that can hurt your claim or offer a quick, low settlement. Instead, let us handle all communication to protect your interests.
• It’s also important to complete your medical treatment fully. Even if you start feeling better, follow through with all recommended treatments and attend all follow-up appointments. This not only ensures your health but also creates a clear record of your injuries, which is critical for your case.
• Finally, speak with a Birmingham bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys: Accident & Injury Lawyers, we will fight hard to get you the compensation you deserve. Taking these steps promptly can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Talk with an Experienced Birmingham Bicycle Accident Lawyer

At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys: Accident & Injury Lawyers, we are prepared to advocate aggressively for your interests and maximize the compensation you receive for your bicycle accident injuries. For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a skilled Birmingham bicycle accident attorney, please call us at (205) 894-3513 or contact us online.

Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys: Accident & Injury Lawyers – Birmingham Office

950 22nd St N suite 600
Birmingham, AL 35203

Ph: (205) 894-3513