Dothan Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Alabama firm seeks compensation for injured cyclists
When you’ve been injured while riding a bike, Carey & Hamner, P.C. is here for you. We are Dothan bicycle accident attorneys who will seek justice on behalf of Alabama residents. You can count on us to press for a legal resolution that fairly addresses the harm you’ve suffered.
Injuries that result from bicycle accidents
Even if you’re wearing a helmet, a fall from your bicycle could cause a severe head or neck injury, as well as other types of harm, such as:
- Spinal damage
- Broken bones
- Skin abrasions
- Loss of blood
- Organ failure
- Wrongful death
Regardless of the specific injury, we are determined to obtain maximum payment for plaintiffs through a verdict or settlement.
How drivers should avoid getting into accidents with bicycles
If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver or have information that your bike crash resulted from distracted driving, our firm will seek out the evidence necessary to prove your case in court. We also look at various forms of information to learn if a motorist failed to operate their vehicle in a safe manner. To protect bike riders, drivers should always:
- Look before opening a car door
- Maintain speed when bikes are present
- Give bicyclists plenty of room
- Drive patiently, especially when changing lanes or crossing traffic to make a turn
Operating a powerful vehicle is a privilege that carries an obligation to share the road safely.
Who can be held legally responsible for a bike crash?
Everyone on the road is obligated to act prudently in order to protect others. Typically, a cyclist will be very wary of the cars and trucks around them. On the other hand, some motorists might not be expecting a bike to be in their path. When a collision occurs, the driver and cyclist might blame each other for causing the crash. In cases where dual responsibility is found, damages cannot be awarded under Alabama’s contributory negligence law, even if the motorist bears a much larger share of the fault. This is why hiring the right attorney is crucial. We know the tactics defense lawyers and insurance companies use to shift some of the blame into victims, and can gather the evidence needed to push back against these defenses.
How a bicycle accident attorney can help prove the driver’s negligence
Under Alabama’s statute of limitations, you have two years from the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you should contact a qualified personal injury lawyer right away to start the investigation into what caused your bicycle accident. Many specific types of driver negligence lead to these types of claims, including:
- Alcohol or drug use
- Failure to brake at a stop sign or red light
- Cell phone use
- Speeding and other types of reckless driving
By reviewing the facts of your bike crash thoroughly, we build a strong argument to help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress and pain and suffering.
Children and bicycles in Alabama
Many of the worst bicycle accident injuries are suffered by children. There are many reasons for this. For instance, younger, smaller riders might lack the ability to maneuver out of a dangerous situation as a car bears down on them. Also, kids often travel in groups, and a motorist might fail to see a youth who is lagging a bit behind, especially if that driver is not paying full attention to the road. The impact of a vehicle collision can be particularly devastating to children, and we work on behalf of parents to secure a legal resolution that adequately covers the short- and long-term harm stemming from bike crashes involving youths.
Contact an accomplished Dothan bicycle accident lawyer for a free consultation
Carey & Hamner, P.C. in Dothan assists Alabama bicycle riders who have been injured by motor vehicles. For a free initial consultation, please call 855-435-4797 or contact us online.
