Mobile, AL, Bicycle Accident Lawyer

The popularity of bicycling is rapidly on the rise, with cyclists hitting the road in record numbers.  Whether it’s a weekend family ride or a competitive team sport, bicyclists on roadways are becoming ubiquitous.  When cars, trucks and bicycles mix, though, accidents can happen.  Unfortunately, because vehicles are so much larger and heavier than bicycles, cyclists are most often the ones who sustain serious injuries in collisions.

In 2019, 846 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  Bicycle crashes have been on the rise since 2009 as cycling has become more popular among all age groups.  Bicycle accidents increase with traffic density, low visibility, poor road conditions and inclement weather.

About 70% of people killed in bicycle and pedestrian accidents are males.  Bicyclist deaths were 6 times higher for males than females in 2019, and males are much more likely than females to sustain severe injuries in bike crashes.  In 2016, the average age of cyclists killed in the U.S. was 46.  Alcohol also contributes to the frequency and severity of bicycle accidents.  One in four fatal bike crashes in 2019 involved a bicyclist who had been drinking alcohol, according to NHTSA.  Drunk drivers also cause bicycle accidents.

Males are much more likely than females to sustain severe injuries in bicycle crashes.  In 2019, bicycle deaths were 6 times higher among males than females.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a bicycle crash, then a bicycle accident lawyer may be able to get you compensation.  This is particularly true if the accident was caused by the negligence of a motorist, bicycle manufacturer or other party.  The attorneys at Caldwell Wenzel & Asthana have helped hundreds of personal injury clients receive compensation.  To find out if we can help you, call us for a free initial consultation at (251) 444-7000.

Choosing the Best Mobile Bicycle Accident Lawyer

A Mobile bicycle accident attorney who gets you the justice you deserve

At Caldwell Wenzel & Asthana, our attorneys are some of the best and brightest.  Well trained, smart, resourceful, and courteous are just a few of the adjectives that describe our legal team.  We are committed to providing top-notch client service in a compassionate and caring atmosphere.  We understand that many of our clients have gone through a difficult, often traumatizing experience, and that’s why we are committed to getting the justice you deserve.  We are tough litigators and are not afraid to go into a courtroom and try a case in front of a judge and jury if insurance companies low-ball our clients and do not negotiate a settlement in good faith.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

A bicycle accident attorney explains the hazards

According to a NHTSA report, there are three main factors that contribute to traffic crashes involving bicyclists: motorist behavior, non-motorist behavior, and infrastructure. Sometimes more than one factor is involved in accidents.

• Motorist behaviors include speeding, distraction, lack of traffic awareness, non-compliance with traffic laws, and alcohol or drug impairment.
• Non-motorist (i.e., bicyclist) behaviors include lack of traffic awareness, non-compliance with traffic laws, poor conspicuity (not being easily seen), and alcohol or other impairment.
• Infrastructure issues include inadequate separation between motorists and non-motorists, lighting, signage or crosswalks.

Be Seen: Wear Reflective Clothing

NHTSA data shows that three-fourths (75%) of pedestrians killed and 45% of bicyclists killed in 2016 were struck in dark conditions.  State laws around the U.S. often require bicyclists to use lights/reflectors when traveling at night.  It’s also important to wear an approved bicycle safety helmet at all times.  The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute offers many insights about choosing a helmet that’s right for you and your style of riding.  Consumer Reports also offers bike helmet ratings that discuss fit, ventilation and safety factors.  There are even tips about helmets for bald riders.

Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents

Bicyclists involved in a crash can sustain multiple injuries, particularly if they are not wearing a helmet, riding gloves or protective clothing.  Some common injuries suffered during bicycle accidents include:

• Concussion
• Lacerations and road rash
• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injury
• Internal bleeding
• Back and spinal cord injuries
• Sprains and strains
• Paralysis.

If you are injured in a bicycle crash, seek medical attention right away, even if it means riding in an ambulance to the emergency room.  This will not only ensure that you get the medical treatment you need, but it will also establish documentation of your injuries that can be relied upon in a future lawsuit.  We are skilled in concussion and TBI cases, and we also have back and spinal cord injury lawyers who can handle those types of cases, too.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I get for a bicycle accident?

There is no “average” settlement amount or jury award in bicycle accident cases.  How much you get depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cause of the accident, the financial damages you suffered, and the negotiation skills of your bicycle accident attorney.  What we do know is that victims who hire an attorney generally receive significantly larger settlements than do individuals trying to represent themselves in court.

What if my loved one dies in a bicycle accident?

If your loved one dies, a bicycle accident lawyer can file a wrongful death lawsuit on your behalf.  Because bicycles can travel at relatively high speeds and are frequently encountering traffic, these crashes sometimes result in paralysis or death.

How much does a bicycle accident lawyer cost?

Here’s the great news.  Bicycle accident lawyers work on contingency, which means that we don’t get paid until you get paid.  If we’re successful, our legal fees are paid by the defendant as part of a settlement agreement or jury award.  If for some reason your claim is not successful, then you owe us nothing.

Can you get a traumatic brain injury from a bicycle accident?

Yes, it is possible to get a traumatic brain injury from a bicycle accident.  Whether a person is thrown over the handlebars, hit by a car, or crashes into a tree, their skull can slam into the pavement or a hard stationary object, causing TBI.  These accidents are very dangerous. A  traumatic brain injury attorney can represent you in a TBI lawsuit.

Where do bicycle accidents happen most often?

Roughly 30% of bicyclists killed were struck by a vehicle in an intersection, according to NHTSA. Deaths are higher in cities, where crossing density is greater.  Bicyclist deaths occurred most often in urban areas (78%) compared to rural areas (22%) in 2019.

How do you prove negligence?

Laws in Alabama are very specific about how to prove negligence in personal injury and bicycle accident cases.  To prove negligence, you must prove four elements:

1. Duty
2. Breach
3. Causation
4. Damages.

In a personal injury case, “negligence” refers to one party’s careless or reckless behavior that resulted in harm to another party.

What time of day do bicycle accidents happen the most?

No matter whether it’s spring, summer or fall, bicyclist deaths occur most often between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., according to NHTSA.

Tips for Bicycle Safety

Helpful suggestions from NHTSA

An ounce of prevention is definitely worth a pound of cure when it comes to bicycle safety.  The time to think about protecting yourself is not after the crash happens.  NHTSA offers the following suggestions:

• Ride a bike that works—it really doesn’t matter how well you ride if the brakes don’t work.
• Ride a bike that fits you—if it’s too big or too small, it’s harder to control the bike.
• Ride one per seat, with both hands on the handlebars, unless signaling a turn.
• Tuck and tie your shoelaces and pant legs so they don’t get caught in your bike chain.
• Carry all items in a backpack or strapped to the back of the bike.
• Wear equipment that makes you more visible to others, like a bike helmet, bright clothing, reflective gear, a white front light, red rear light and reflectors on your bike.
• Plan your route—choose routes with less traffic and slower speeds. Your safest route may be away from traffic altogether, in a bike lane or on a bike path.
• Drive with the flow, in the same direction as traffic.
• No texting, listening to music or using anything that distracts you by taking your eyes and ears or your mind off the road and traffic.
• Obey street signs, signals, and road markings, just like a car.
• Assume the other person doesn’t see you; look ahead for hazards or situations to avoid that may cause you to fall, like toys, pebbles, potholes, grates, train tracks.

Contact a Skilled Mobile Bicycle Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation.  This is especially true if your injury was due to someone else’s negligence.  Bicycle injuries can mean large medical bills, time off work, rehabilitation and even disability.  The bicycle accident attorneys at Caldwell Wenzel & Asthana will fight for you to get the justice you deserve.  To find out more about how we can help, call us for a free consultation at (251) 444-7000.