Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Mobile, Alabama

Our firm has handled multiple bicycle accident cases. Unfortunately, most involve very serious injuries.  There is no comparison between a bicyclist and an automobile, even a small vehicle. Cars travel at such a high speed and have so much more mass that the force with which they can strike a bike rider can cause serious injury to the person on the bike.

If you were struck by a vehicle while riding your bike, the motorist might be at fault for your injuries. In these kinds of cases, you must show in court that negligence on the part of the driver led to the crash and consequent injuries.

The Rights and Responsibilities of Bicyclists

Bicycle riders must follow the same traffic regulations as any other motorist. It could lead to tragic results if a bicyclist fails to follow the “Rules of the Road” or recklessly operates a bike.

It is important that the bicyclist comply with these rules, which include driving on the correct side of the road, having appropriate reflectors and lights that will allow the public to see you on the road.

Under Alabama Law, the traffic laws of the state apply to all bicycle operators: “Every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter, except as to special regulations in this article and except as to those provisions of this chapter which by their nature can have no application.”

Always Wear a Helmet!

In Alabama, only bicyclists aged 16 years or below are required to wear a helmet. But wearing a helmet is vital for anyone riding a bicycle. The use of a helmet can prevent head injury or reduce the damage from an injury, which could effectively mean the difference between a devastating TBI and a concussion.

Wearing a helmet may also be a factor in a personal injury lawsuit if you choose to sue the individual who caused your accident.

The court might determine that you have contributed to your injuries by not using a helmet, and this could preclude you from receiving damages. Finally, similar to automobile drivers, it is unlawful for bike riders to operate their bicycles in an intoxicated state, and those caught doing so can be charged with a DUI.

Alabama Law Considers Bicycles as Vehicles

Under Alabama law, bikes are considered vehicles. Stemming from this, cyclists are required to ride on the road and not the sidewalk. Like cars, they must also obey all traffic signals and laws. It’s tempting to weave through lanes, cross a double yellow line, or ignore a stop sign when you’re on a bike, but disregarding laws you wouldn’t break in a car is illegal and can be dangerous to you and drivers.

Drivers must give bicycles on the road the same respect they give each other. Automobiles should maintain a minimum of three feet of space when passing a bike to ensure the biker’s safety. In addition, they must look before opening their vehicle door into oncoming bike traffic and not let doors remain open for longer than required, as doing so can impede bicycle lanes.

Measures to Take After a Bike Accident

If you have sustained injuries in a bicycle crash, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. After your collision, the initial steps involve exchanging insurance information with the motorist, taking pictures of the crash site (if possible), and calling law enforcement. A responding officer will inspect the accident scene and write a comprehensive police report, and this report can be presented as evidence in your insurance claim.

Next, you should seek medical care without any delay. Regardless of whether you feel nothing is amiss, a medical assessment may detect underlying conditions that may cause health problems if left untreated. Also, you should speak to a seasoned bicycle accident lawyer as soon as you can.

Hedge Copeland, P.C. Will Fight Hard for You

Bicyclists have the same rights on the road as motorists and deserve the same means of approach to judicial justice. At the law offices of Hedge Copeland, P.C., we devote significant time in understanding the intricacies of your claim and developing an initial legal roadmap during your no-charge consultation.

Our experienced personal injury lawyers have comprehensive knowledge of Alabama bicycle laws. They have assisted countless victims in receiving their rightful compensation by meticulously investigating their claim with the help of accident reconstruction specialists and expert witnesses. Contact us today at (251) 432-8844 if you have been the victim of a reckless driver in a bike accident.