As a bicyclist in Alabama you have certain rights. You also have certain responsibilities. We all share the roadways together. Bicyclists are expected to follow the same basic traffic laws as other drivers on our roadways.
While cyclists share our roads with cars and trucks, bicycles provide far less physical protection for riders. In a collision, the cyclist is far more likely to suffer a serious or fatal injury. Cyclists must always be watchful of traffic around them. If you were involved in a bike crash, a Huntsville bicycle accident lawyer could help you recover compensation for your injuries. Call a dedicated attorney today to learn more.
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Bicycle Laws in Huntsville?
How does Alabama law treat bicyclists? Let’s start with the basic principle I mentioned earlier. Generally, bicyclists are expected to follow the same traffic laws as other drivers with a few limited exceptions. Here are a few Alabama legal requirements for bicyclists:
- Cyclists are expected to follow the same basic traffic laws as other drivers, with a few exceptions. Alabama Code Section 32-5A-260.
- Cyclists under the age of 16 on a public roadway must wear a bicycle helmet. Alabama Code Section 32-5A-282.
- Cyclists must ride as close to the right side of the roadway as practicable. Alabama Code Section 32-5A-263.
- Cyclists cannot ride more than two abreast on a public roadway and must use an adjacent path if provided specifically for bicycles. Alabama Code Section 32-5A-263.
- Cyclists riding at nighttime must have a “white” headlight which can be seen by oncoming drivers from at least 500 feet away. Alabama Code Section 32-5A-265.
- Cyclists must equip their bikes with a solid “red” rear reflector visible to vehicles from all distances from 100 feet to 600 feet behind the cyclist. Alabama Code Section 32-5A-265.
What about cars trying to pass bicycles? Of course, regular Alabama laws on passing and no-passing areas apply. Plus, the following also applies:
- Motorists overtaking and passing a bicycle shall give a safe distance which “shall mean not less than 3 feet” on (a) roadways with a marked bicycle lane as well as on (b) all roadways with a speed limit of 45 miles per hour or less which does not have a double yellow line prohibiting passing. Alabama Code Section 32-5A-82.
To learn more about applicable bicycle laws following a crash, get in touch with a skilled attorney in Huntsville.
Common Bicycle Accidents And Injuries
What are the most common types of accidents involving cars and bikes? They include:
- Side Swiping Incidents. These accidents commonly occur when cars or trucks pass too closely. A car can easily side swipe the cyclist knocking him from the roadway.
- Rear-Ending The Bicycle. Most rear-end collisions involve drivers following too closely or not paying attention. It’s the same whether the car driver rear-ends a bicycle or another car. Rear end collisions could easily be avoided if all drivers kept a lookout and maintained a safe stopping distance. Many rear-end collisions are caused by distracted drivers. You can read many of our distracted driving articles on our law firm blog.
- Dooring Accidents. These accidents are much more common in busy areas with heavy traffic. In these areas, bicyclists ride closer to parked cars. Although car drivers should check before opening their doors, many do not. Instead, some drivers fling open their car door right into the path of an oncoming cylist.
- Cars Crossing In Front Of Bicycles. These accidents commonly involve a vehicle crossing into the path of a cyclist at an intersection, alley or driveway. Usually, the driver is not paying attention or did not see the cyclist. If you are a cyclist, take steps to make yourself visible to drivers around you.
- Drivers Turning Into Bicycles. These accidents typically happen at intersections. They occur when a car turns right and hits the cyclist next to it. Although car drivers may look for oncoming traffic, they often fail to look near their vehicle for bicyclists. They do not check their blind spots before making a right turn. They often do not see the bicycle rider right next to them. If you are a cyclist, be aware that drivers may not see you. Drivers may not look in your direction. Take steps to make yourself more visible and prominent to the drivers on the roadway around you.
In cars, we are protected from low-speed collisions by the vehicle itself. Additionally, cars are equipped with safety equipment such as seat belts and air bags. With bicycles, riders are much more exposed to the environment around them. Even at low speeds, cyclists can suffer devastating injuries from a collision. A seasoned lawyer has represented many bicycle and motorcycle drivers in Huntsville who suffered severe personal injury in low-speed collisions.
I can not express enough to you of how amazing Blackwell lawfirm is! From Patricia and Danielle to Me. Blackwell himself! They treat their clients in just going to say as close as they can like family. My case was handled very well and I’m satisfied with my outcome! Patricia is the heart of the program and you can truly tell that she loves what she does. I didn’t even look at reviews before I called Mr. Blackwell office little over 2.5 years ago but when I met him and he took my workers comp case at the beginning pro bono even if it didn’t turn into a case just so he could help me through the medical that I found out I would need I knew I had found the once in a lifetime attorney! Now he is humble when you tell him that every attorney in town says he is the best dang workers comp attorney in Alabama but I am here to tell you they all say it bc they know it. If you are reading this make an appointment even if you are questioning if you have a case or not he will let you know and you will love the team! Thank you Blackwell law firm once again!
Response from the owner:We are so thankful for the opportunity to help with your case. We also think Patricia and Danielle are amazing!!! They are so helpful with clients navigating the personal injury or work comp processes. From start to finish, we want to provide the advice and help that is needed while working non-stop for your maximum recovery possible. If you ever need anything, please let any of us know. We are always here for you!
Jeff is incredibly thorough, hardworking and honest. Patricia was so helpful throughout the process answering questions promptly and making me feel at ease. I highly recommend the Blackwell Law Firm!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the great recommendation, Rob! We truly value your support and are thrilled that you had a smooth process with us.
I highly recommend Blackwell Law Firm. Jeff and his staff are friendly and very professional. My mom and I are very grateful for everything.
Thank you!! 🙂
Response from the owner:We are so happy we could help your mother after her injury. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with you and your mother's doctors to build the best case for her. We are here if you ever need anything! Thank you so much!
The case took years as most cases do, but Patricia was always trying to give updates. And if I had any questions she would always find out the answers, and go into great detail to explain each process and steps that were being taken. Jeff and his team will work their hearts out for you. I highly recommend them for your work comp suits.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the review! When you suffer a serious injury or disability at work, you deserve full work comp benefits. We know how unfair the system can be. That's why we work as hard as possible to recover the maximum benefits available. We want to win everything we can for our clients. We also want you to have the answers you need during each step of the process. I'm so happy we could help!
Excellent service, Danielle and Patricia are awesome. They get back to you fast and answer all your questions. Friendly team. Jeff cares about his clients. Would highly recommend..
Response from the owner:Kathy, thank you so much! We are so happy we could help with your case. We understand injuries and medical care are difficult issues. Our entire team is centered on providing answers, advice and advocacy to help and to obtain the best possible result for you. We focus exclusively on injury cases so we can provide the best possible help. Yes, Patricia and Danielle are great!
If you're wondering whether you need a personal injury lawyer—or you're just unsure who you want in your corner—give Jeff and his team, Danielle and Patricia, a call. They don’t treat you like just another client; they treat you like family.
They respond promptly to questions, often even after hours. The guidance and peace of mind they provide are incredible and virtually unheard of these days.
Response from the owner:Thank you for such a thoughtful review! At Blackwell Law Firm in Huntsville, our goal is to provide every client with personal attention, real answers, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing we are working hard in your corner! Danielle, Patricia, and I, are all grateful for the trust your wife Dawn and you placed in us. We focus on one thing -- Working hard for families across northern Alabama in personal injury, car accident, and work injury cases. We are so glad we could help!
I can't say enough good things about the people here. From the very beginning from the first phone call with Jeff they have gone to bat for me in everyway. And to Patricia and Danielle, thank you for all you've done. From listening to me cry to putting up with me ranting. And I can't say enough about their empathy. I can never thank them enough.<3
Response from the owner:We are so happy we could help with your case. We loved working with you! We know how stressful things can be following a serious injury. Our whole team is dedicated to helping build the best possible injury case for you. That's all we do. If you ever need anything, you know we are here for you. Thank you so much, Dawn.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much. Danielle and Patricia worked hard to help with your case. If we can ever help with anything else, give us a call.
Common Types of Injuries Suffered by Cyclists
Severe harm is common in accidents involving bikes. These injuries include:
- Head And Facial Injuries. According to research, the vast majority of fatal bicycle accidents involve head injuries. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other head traumas are a huge concern with bike accidents. In addition to traumatic brain injuries, the cyclist’s face can impact the pavement or other objects causing abrasions, bruises or fractures. Although most fatal accidents involve head trauma, many cyclists still refuse to wear proper helmets. Bicycle helmets save lives.
- Bone Fractures. Bicycle riders have very little protection from traumatic impacts. In an accident with a car, truck, or other object, a bicycle rider can suffer multiple orthopedic injuries. Fractures of arms, legs, hips or shoulders, are common. In recent years, we’ve represented a number of riders who suffered severe pelvic fractures, hip fractures and shoulder tears in serious bicycle accidents.
- Spinal Injuries And Ruptured Discs. Many of our serious personal injury cases involve ruptured spinal discs. Back and neck injuries are common in serious bicycle accidents. Cervical injuries are especially common due to the force of impacts on the rider’s head or upper body. Ruptured discs can cause chronic pain, the need for risky surgery and long-term disability for some patients. At the Blackwell Law Firm, we are experienced in working with neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, rehabilitation doctors and other specialists to document and prepare serious spinal injury cases.
If you suffer injuries in a bicycle accident, seek medical attention and contact a dedicated attorney immediately. Get the treatment necessary to recover. Your health should be your top priority. In Huntsville, we are fortunate to have many skilled surgeons and rehabilitation specialists.
Safety Tips for Alabama Cyclists
Safety involves the entire community. If you live in a city like Huntsville, your community has taken steps to make cycling safer. The City of Huntsville has developed a long-range plan for pedestrian and cyclist traffic. This plan includes multiple bike routes throughout Huntsville as well as infrastructure to encourage multi-modal transportation. The goal is to provide a safe place for people to live and work together. Drivers, pedestrians and cyclists should all be able to travel safely. Several other Alabama cities have also developed long-range plans so commuters traveling by car, bus, bike, or on foot, can all safely live and work together. What steps can you take for safety? Here are five important safety tips:
- Wear A Helmet. Everyone should wear a proper helmet when riding a bike. Make certain your helmet fits properly and is certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Helmets save lives!
- Follow The Rules Of The Road. Remain alert. Know the traffic laws that apply to cyclists in Alabama.
- Plan To Be Seen. Through the years, our lawyers have represented many bicyclists and motorcyclists injured in accidents with cars. The biggest issue is visibility. Make certain car and truck drivers can see you.
- Be Alert. You need to hear and see everything around you. Watch for hazards. Pay attention to your environment and the traffic around you.
- Check Your Equipment. Make sure your bike is safe. Are your tires inflated properly? Are your brakes working properly? Does the bike chain run smoothly? When your equipment works properly, you are much safer.
Knowledgeable attorneys in Huntsville can explain these safety tips in further detail during a consultation.
Alabama Bicycle Accident Attorneys for You
What should you do if injured in a bicycle accident? Here are a few quick tips:
- Always carry a cell phone and personal identification when riding your bike.
- Call 911 immediately following your accident. If you are injured, ask someone else to contact law enforcement or paramedics for you.
- Make sure the police arrive and prepare an official report.
- Obtain contact information from witnesses at the scene as well as the other driver. For the other driver, make sure you obtain his insurance information. If you are hurt, have someone else get this contact information for you.
- Seek medical attention. Your health is always the number one priority. Get the treatment you need to heal. For your case, this documentation will be essential.
- Take photos of the scene, your bicycle, your helmet and your injuries.
- Never give a statement to the insurance adjuster until you have consulted with an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to deny or delay claims. Seek legal advice before you answer their detailed questions and before you sign their documents. On our blog, we have published several articles providing advice on dealing with insurance adjusters.
Reaching out to an attorney as soon as possible after a bicycle crash in Huntsville is essential to preserving your rights.
Call Us Now (256) 261-1315
Call a Huntsville Attorney to Discuss Bicycle Accidents
Let us know. We are happy to answer questions or discuss personal injury law. You can call or email us. Our consultations are always free and confidential. We also write and publish legal resources for Alabama consumers. We frequently publish personal injury articles on the Blackwell Law Firm blog. We also have a section of our website dedicated to some of the most frequently asked personal injury questions. We personally write all the articles and information on our website and blog so that you can have real legal advice and answers.
The Blackwell Law Firm follows a philosophy based on legal scholarship and hard work. In a world full of lawyers smiling from billboards and begging on television for clients, we’ve chosen a very different path. You will NEVER see us on a billboard. We focus on our clients. We focus on our work. We spend our time studying the law and preparing our personal injury cases.
If you want big promises, we are not the firm for you. If you want hard work and honest answers, call us. We are experienced lawyers who have prepared and tried car, truck and bike accident cases across Alabama for many years. Our goal is simple. We work hard to put your case in the best position for the maximum compensation possible. When another long-time Huntsville trial attorney was seriously injured on his bicycle a couple years ago, he called us. He could have called anyone but he called us. We prepared, tried and won his case in Madison County. We value the endorsement of local lawyers. We want to be the law firm for people who need help following a serious personal injury in Alabama. Call our Huntsville bicycle accident lawyers anytime with questions.
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