If a careless motorist caused your collision and injuries, you may want to hire a Birmingham, AL, bicycle accident lawyer. We can handle the claims process and seek compensation for you while you focus on healing. Bicyclists often suffer serious injuries after being struck by a motor vehicle.
An attorney from Morris Bart in Birmingham can discuss your legal options with you, explaining how our team represents injured cyclists and the damages you may be able to recover. We offer these consultations for free. They are 100 percent confidential, and there is no obligation to sign up for our services.
Recoverable Compensation in an Alabama Bicycle Accident Claim
One of the first questions we often hear from accident victims is, “How much is my case worth?” However, this cannot be determined during the initial consultation. The value of a case depends on the expenses and losses the victim incurred from their accident and injuries.
Examples of recoverable damages in these cases include:
- Medical bills and related costs
- Future treatment and care needs
- Lost wages, benefits, and other income
- Diminished earning capacity for lasting injuries
- Property damages
- Pain and suffering and other intangible losses
We value a case only after we complete our investigation and understand the economic and non-economic costs and the many various factors that can influence the outcome of a claim. For example, Alabama law does not allow victims who contributed to the accident to recover damages at all.
We must prove you did not play any role in your own injuries and that fault lies with the liable motorist or another party. Otherwise, the insurer will likely build a case against you, and the court will bar us from recovering compensation on your behalf. Our team knows how to develop a strong claim and prove negligence and liability while you continue your physical recovery.
What if My Loved One Died from Their Injuries?
Our bicycle accident lawyers also manage wrongful death claims for families who qualify under Ala. Code § 6-5-410. In general, if your spouse, parent, or child could have filed a suit against the at-fault driver had they survived their injuries, you can file one based on their death.
This will allow you to seek damages for your financial expenses and losses, as well as the surviving family members’ non-economic damages. Examples include:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost income
- Loss of services
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of parental guidance
For a free legal consultation with a Bicycle Accident lawyer serving Birmingham, call (205) 380-4158
Morris Bart Represents Victims of Birmingham Collisions
At Morris Bart, our client testimonials show how much previous clients have appreciated and benefitted from our services. We are a contingency fee law office with 15 locations. We serve all areas of Alabama, along with Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas.
You can visit the Morris Bart office in Birmingham at:
420 20th Street N. #2750
Birmingham, AL 35203
Our team is here for you if you or a family member suffered injuries in a bicycle versus motor vehicle crash. We want to help you protect your rights and seek the justice you deserve.
Building a Case to Hold the At-Fault Driver Liable in Your Case
Our lawyers know how to prove that the careless or reckless driver who hit you is legally responsible for your damages. This requires us to verify that they acted negligently. We investigate the collision and gather evidence to show:
- They had an obligation to act a certain way, such as checking the bicycle lane before turning right.
- They failed to do so, and this caused a collision.
- You suffered recoverable damages, including injuries and financial harm.
Our team knows the common causes of car versus bicycle collisions in Birmingham. We can prove what happened and the factors that contributed to the accident. For example, speeding, driving distracted, or drunk driving may not directly cause a crash, but they are often factors that help us build a case against the at-fault driver.
Some of the most common ways motorists put bicyclists in danger include:
- Not leaving enough space when passing on a shared road
- Not sharing the lane patiently
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Failing to yield when turning
- Not looking for cyclists when pulling out of driveways or parking lots
- Turning without looking
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Not looking for bicyclists in the bike lane before opening a door on a parked car
Our team gathers evidence to support our insurance claim for you and demands a fair payout based on the recoverable damages you suffered. The insurer often comes back with a low-ball offer. This leads to:
- Back-and-forth settlement negotiations
- Our team fighting for a fair and just agreement
- The insurance company offering an appropriate payout, or our team suing on your behalf
- Our attorneys representing you and navigating the legal process in court
- Continuing settlement negotiations
- Reaching a fair settlement or taking the case to trial
Click to contact our Birmingham Personal Injury Attorney today
When does a Bicycle Accident Victim Have to Sue?
Most bicycle accident cases settle without going to trial. However, our team sometimes needs to sue the at-fault driver to get a favorable outcome or prepare to go to court. This commonly occurs when:
- The insurer refuses an appropriate settlement offer
- The at-fault driver claims our client (you) contributed to the crash
- There are questions of fact in the case
- We are running out of time to sue
Alabama has a two-year statute of limitations for suing in personal injury cases under Ala. Code § 6-2-38. Some cases may have even less time. If this deadline approaches and we do not have a fair settlement, we may need to sue to protect your rights.
Morris Bart Offers Free Consultations in Birmingham
Speak to Morris Bart today for free about your case. We will evaluate your legal options and offer advice on what to do next. Call (205) 380-4158 to learn more.
Questions?Call (205) 380-4158
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
