Montgomery Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Montgomery Bicycle Accident Attorney

Cycling through Montgomery’s scenic streets can be a joy or a convenient way to get around, but it comes with risks.

When drivers fail to share the road respectfully and responsibly, the consequences for cyclists can be devastating. If you’ve been hurt while riding your bike, a Montgomery bicycle accident lawyer can be your trusted advocate – someone who fights for you, protects your rights and helps secure your future with the compensation you deserve.

With so much at stake, you need a bicycle accident attorney you can count on. At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we understand the unique challenges cyclists face on our roads and in pursuing personal injury claims because of someone else’s negligence or carelessness.

Why Choose Alexander Shunnarah for Your Montgomery Bicycle Accident Case?

When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a bicycle accident, you need a bicycle accident attorney who truly understands what you’re going through. Here’s why riders across Montgomery turn to us:

• Proven results: Our record speaks for itself, with successful settlements and verdicts totaling $1.5 billion for more than 250,000 accident victims.
• Client-first approach: We’ve earned our stellar Google ratings by putting our clients’ needs first, every step of the way.
• Local knowledge: We know Montgomery’s streets, intersections, and cycling hotspots like the back of our hand.
• Unwavering commitment: Our motto, “Let Us Fight for You,” isn’t just words—it’s a promise we keep every day.
• Higher settlements: Insurance companies know that we are trial lawyers and that we mean business. They often offer higher settlement deals from the start to avoid going to trial.
• Trial ready: We are prepared to argue your case before a judge or jury if that’s what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve.

Do I Have a Bicycle Accident Claim?

1. Duty of care: The driver had a responsibility to drive safely and look out for cyclists like you. This is something all drivers are expected to do on the road.
2. Breach of duty: The driver didn’t meet this responsibility. Maybe they were texting, speeding, or not paying attention to bike lanes.
3. Causation: The driver’s careless behavior directly caused your accident and injuries. For example, their distracted driving led them to hit you while you were cycling legally.
4. Damages: You suffered actual injuries or losses because of the accident. This could be physical injuries, emotional trauma, medical bills, or lost wages from missing work.

If we can show all four of these elements, you likely have a solid basis for a bicycle accident claim. Your Montgomery bicycle accident attorney will carefully review the details of your case to determine its strength and advise you on the best way forward.

Injuries Commonly Associated with Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries. The lack of protection and the significant speed difference between bikes and vehicles contribute to this heightened risk. Some common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, the force of impact can cause concussions or more severe brain trauma. These injuries can have long-lasting effects on cognitive function, memory, and quality of life.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: The spine is vulnerable in bicycle crashes, potentially leading to partial or complete paralysis.
• Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries: Broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, and collarbones, are frequent outcomes of bicycle accidents.
• Road Rash and Soft Tissue Damage: Skin abrasions from contact with the road surface can lead to painful, slow-healing wounds and potential scarring.
• Internal Injuries: The impact of a collision can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs, which may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
• Facial Injuries: Without full-face helmets, cyclists are at risk of dental damage, facial fractures, and eye injuries.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, Alabama sees about 250-300 bicycle accidents per year. Most of these accidents, which result in about 200 injuries and about ten deaths per year, are not the bicycle rider’s fault.

Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents in Alabama are:

• Running red lights or stop signs: Drivers who disregard traffic signals put cyclists at serious risk, especially at intersections.
• Failure to yield right-of-way: Many accidents occur when drivers don’t yield to cyclists who have the right-of-way, particularly at crosswalks or when turning.
• Left turns without caution: Drivers making left turns often fail to notice oncoming cyclists, leading to dangerous collisions.
• Unsafe lane changes: Sudden or careless lane changes by drivers can force cyclists off the road or into traffic.
• Distracted driving: Use of mobile phones, eating, or other distractions prevent drivers from noticing cyclists on the road.
• Dooring incidents: Drivers or passengers opening car doors without checking for approaching cyclists cause numerous accidents.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to cyclists and increases the severity of accidents.
• Impaired driving: Alcohol or drug use significantly impairs a driver’s judgment and reaction time, endangering cyclists.
• Passing too closely: Drivers who don’t give cyclists enough space when passing create dangerous situations, especially on narrow roads.
• Aggressive driving: Road rage or aggressive behaviors towards cyclists, such as tailgating or deliberate crowding, can lead to accidents.

Where do most bicycle accidents happen in Montgomery?

While accidents can happen anywhere, certain areas in Montgomery pose higher risks for cyclists. The truth is, just about any road is dangerous for cyclists, even if it has a dedicated bicycle lane. All it takes is one impatient or distracted driver to turn someone else’s world upside down.

Some extremely dangerous roads for bicycle riders include:

• Downtown intersections: The busy crossroads around Commerce Street and Montgomery Street see a high volume of vehicle and bicycle traffic, which increases the chance of collisions.
• Vaughn Road: This major thoroughfare’s combination of high-speed traffic and narrow shoulders creates a dangerous environment for cyclists.
• Ann Street: The mix of commercial and residential traffic, along with frequent turns, makes this street a hotspot for bicycle-car interactions.
• Eastern Boulevard: This wide, multi-lane road often sees drivers exceeding speed limits, putting cyclists at risk.
• Madison Avenue/Atlanta Highway: These busy streets are lined with commercial shopping centers, residential neighborhoods, and schools. Despite the frequent bicycle traffic, motorists tend to drive 10-15 mph over the speed limit, if not faster.
• Downtown Montgomery: Bicycling is an excellent way for visitors and locals alike to explore the city’s Civil Rights attractions and other points of interest. “Dooring” accidents can occur on streets where there is on-street parking. This common accident occurs when a driver or passenger opens their car door into the path of an oncoming vehicle or cyclist, causing an accident.

What Compensation is Available to Bicycle Accident Victims?

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, known as damages. These fall into two main categories: economic, or special damages, and non-economic damages, otherwise called general damages:

Economic Damages

Damages for the tangible financial losses you’ve incurred:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost wages or income
• Loss of earning capacity
• Property damage (e.g., your bicycle and gear)
• Physical / Occupational rehabilitation costs
• Home modification expenses to accommodate debilitating injuries

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages cover the more subjective harm you’re experiencing, such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium
• Disfigurement or permanent disability

In tragic cases involving fatalities, families may pursue wrongful death claims. These can include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship and guidance

Every case is unique, and the compensation you’re eligible for will depend on the specific circumstances of your accident and injuries. We’ll work tirelessly to ensure every aspect of your suffering is accounted for in your claim.

Let Our Trial Lawyers Handle the Insurance Companies

After a bicycle accident, you need to focus on healing, not battling the insurance adjusters who may try to contact you with an offer to settle. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, call Alexander Shunnarah’s Montgomery office today. A seasoned Montgomery personal injury lawyer can handle the insurance companies for you, making sure they pay you every dollar you deserve.

While insurance adjusters may sound like they want to make your life easier with a quick settlement, they don’t have your best interests in mind. Consider the following:

• Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Their friendly demeanor masks their true goal: protecting their company’s bottom line.
• Statements you make can be twisted and used against you. Without legal guidance, you might inadvertently say something that can undermine your claim.
• Initial settlement offers are far below what you truly deserve. We know how to calculate the full value of your claim, including future expenses and non-economic damages.
• Insurance companies often delay your claim intentionally. They might drag out the claim process, hoping you’ll accept a low settlement out of frustration.
• They may pressure you to settle quickly. Insurers know that as medical bills pile up, you might be tempted to accept a lowball offer out of vulnerability.
• Complex paperwork and constant requests for additional information can overwhelm you. We’re familiar with these tactics and know how to cut through the red tape.

Is There a Deadline for Filing a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Alabama?

In Alabama, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including bicycle accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation through the courts.

There are some exceptions to the two-year statute of limitations that could affect your case, so consult a Montgomery bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible.

In addition to the statute of limitations and insurance company tactics, there are other good reasons why hiring a personal injury lawyer from the start helps protect your case.

• Surveillance footage and accident scene evidence can disappear or degrade
• Witnesses’ recollections may not be as clear
• Your injuries and their impact on your life are clearer shortly after the accident

Don’t risk missing your window for justice. Reach out to us as soon as possible after your accident to protect your rights.

How Can a Lawyer Help with My Montgomery Bicycle Accident Case?

When you’re recovering from a bicycle accident, having a skilled lawyer by your side can make all the difference. Here’s how we can help:

• Investigating your accident: We’ll gather all the evidence, interview witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction experts if needed.
• Determining fault: Our team will identify all potentially liable parties to ensure you receive maximum compensation.
• Calculating damages: We’ll assess the full extent of your losses, including future medical needs and long-term impacts.
• Negotiating with insurance companies: We’ll handle all communications and fight for a fair settlement on your behalf.
• Preparing for trial: If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’re ready to take your case to court.
• Navigating legal procedures: We’ll ensure all paperwork is filed correctly and on time, meeting all legal requirements.
• Contingency basis: We work on a contingency fee basis, so you have no upfront or out-of-pocket expenses. You owe us nothing for our services unless we obtain the compensation you deserve,
• Providing peace of mind: With us handling the legal aspects, you can focus on your recovery without added stress.

Contact the Montgomery Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Alexander Shunnarah Trial Lawyers Today

At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Lawyers, we’re ready to stand by your side and fight for the compensation and resources you need to recover and move forward. Insurance companies are already at work on your case. Don’t give them an unfair advantage. Call us today at (334) 489-2163 or fill out our quick contact form. Our consultations are free of charge and come without any obligation to you.

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

504 S Perry St
Montgomery, AL 36104

Ph: (501) 817-9699