Were you or a loved one injured in a bicycle accident in Birmingham, AL? You may be entitled to compensation from the responsible party. Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers can help you file a claim for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
We are a well-respected personal injury law firm in Alabama that routinely secures top-dollar verdicts and settlements. Our Birmingham bicycle accident lawyers have 93 years of combined experience and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. From the moment you hire us, we will work tirelessly to maximize your compensation.
Contact our Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers at our Birmingham law offices today to learn more about our legal services. We offer a free initial consultation with a personal injury attorney, call us today at (205) 206-5088.
How Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Bicycle Accident in Birmingham, Alabama
Bicyclists have little protection in the event of an accident. When a motor vehicle is involved, the collision can lead to life-changing injuries and damages. Although you likely have legal options, you might need an attorney to recover the full amount of money you are entitled to under the law.
The team at Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers knows how Alabama law works. Since our founding in 2002, we’ve been dedicated to helping accident victims in Birmingham and throughout the state. Our award-winning Birmingham personal injury attorneys won’t hesitate to take your case to trial if that’s what’s best for you.
With us on your side, insurance companies will not be able to take advantage of you. Here’s how we can help. We will:
- Investigate your accident
- Calculate your damages
- Hire leading experts
- Determine who is at fault
- Protect you from blame
- Handle the paperwork and communications
- Negotiate a settlement
- File a lawsuit if necessary
If you have any questions or would like further information about your case, reach out to us today in Birmingham, Alabama, to schedule a free consultation.
How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in the Birmingham Area?
Bicycle accidents are a significant concern in Birmingham and across Alabama. According to the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), there have been hundreds of injuries and a number of fatalities in one recent year alone across the state.
While specific statistics for Birmingham are not provided, the city’s busy roads and increasing bicycle traffic contribute to the risk of accidents. These numbers illustrate how dangerous bicycle accidents can be, often resulting in severe injuries or death.
What Kinds of Damages Can I Recover After a Bicycle Accident in Birmingham?
There are two main types of damages you can recover after a Birmingham bicycle accident: economic and non-economic. In certain cases, punitive damages may also be available.
Economic damages include:
- Medical Expenses: hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and future medical care
- Lost Wages: income lost due to inability to work
- Diminished Earning Capacity: reduced ability to earn income in the future
- Property Damage: repair or replacement of your bicycle and other damaged property
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: travel costs for medical appointments, home modifications, and more
Non-economic damages include:
- Pain and Suffering: physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident
- Loss of Quality of Life: inability to enjoy daily activities or hobbies
- Mental Anguish: anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological effects
- Scarring and Disfigurement: permanent physical changes resulting from the accident
Punitive damages may be awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were willful, malicious, or showed a reckless disregard for safety. These damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
What Are Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Birmingham
Bicycle accidents usually happen because someone is careless or negligent. Common causes of bicycle accidents in Birmingham include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Improper lane changes or turns
- Aggressive driving
- Poor road conditions
- Inadequate signage
- Vehicle defects
Understanding the cause of your accident is crucial for determining liability. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate to identify all responsible parties.
What Is Negligence, and What Does It Mean for My Case?
Negligence is a legal concept referring to a failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person. In personal injury cases, proving negligence is essential to recover compensation.
To establish negligence in Alabama, you must prove four elements:
- Duty of Care: The defendant owed you a legal duty to act with reasonable care (e.g., Drivers must follow traffic laws).
- Breach of Duty: The defendant violated that duty through action or inaction (e.g., running a red light).
- Causation: The breach of duty caused your injuries, both factually and proximately.
- Damages: You suffered actual harm or losses (e.g., medical bills and pain and suffering).
Our Birmingham bicycle accident lawyers have extensive experience proving negligence. We will gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony to build a strong case on your behalf.
What Is the Value of My Birmingham Bicycle Accident Claim?
Each bicycle accident claim is unique, and its value depends on various factors:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Degree of fault
- Insurance policy limits
- Quality of evidence
An experienced attorney can accurately assess your claim’s value and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
What If I’m Being Blamed for My Birmingham Bicycle Accident?
Alabama follows a contributory negligence rule, which is one of the most stringent in the country. Under this rule, if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering any compensation.
Insurance companies may attempt to assign some blame to you to avoid paying out. It’s crucial to have a skilled attorney to counter these tactics. Our lawyers will work diligently to prove the other party’s full responsibility and protect your right to compensation.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Birmingham?
Most bicycle accident attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. This means:
- No Upfront Fees: You pay nothing unless we win money for your case.
- Our Fee: Typically a percentage of the settlement or verdict, agreed upon in advance.
- Accessible Representation: This arrangement allows you to hire top legal representation regardless of your financial situation.
We are committed to providing quality legal services without adding financial stress during a challenging time.
We’ll Fight for Compensation for All of Your Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle accidents can result in severe injuries that may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Our attorneys are prepared to help you seek compensation for injuries such as:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head injuries, including concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Back and neck injuries
- Nerve damage
- Amputations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Road rash and lacerations
- Burn injuries
- Whiplash
- Eye injuries
- Knee and joint injuries
- Wrongful death of a loved one
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries can take. Our team will advocate for your rights every step of the way.
How Much Time Do I Have To File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Alabama?
In Alabama, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit, or you may lose your right to pursue compensation.
There are exceptions in certain circumstances, such as cases involving minors. However, it’s crucial to act promptly to ensure all legal deadlines are met. Contacting an attorney soon after your accident can help protect your rights.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Experienced Birmingham Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Were you injured in a bicycle accident in Birmingham, Alabama? You don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help.
Our experienced attorneys have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for clients just like you. We are dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and securing the compensation you need to move forward.
Contact our law offices today to schedule your free initial consultation with a Birmingham bicycle accident attorney. Let us put our experience and resources to work for you.