Alabama Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Pursuing Justice for Bike Crash Victims

At Cunningham Bounds, we are dedicated to helping injured victims and families who have lost loved ones in bicycle accidents. If you or your loved one was harmed in a preventable bike crash as a result of someone else's negligence, we encourage you to learn more about your rights and how our firm can help.

Contact Cunningham Bounds today at (251) 299-0101 or send us a message online to request a free consultation with our bicycle accident lawyers in Alabama.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

It is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a bicycle accident, as there is a limited amount of time to take legal action. In Alabama, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident, while the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two years from the date of the victim’s death.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

The sad truth is that many bicycle accidents are caused by negligence.

Here are some common causes of bike accidents resulting from negligence:

• Driver inattention or distraction: Motor vehicle drivers who are distracted by texting, talking on the phone, eating, or engaging in other activities while driving may fail to notice cyclists sharing the road, leading to collisions. Inattention to the road and failure to yield to cyclists at intersections or when making turns can result in serious accidents.
• Failure to yield right of way: Motorists may fail to yield the right of way to cyclists at intersections, crosswalks, or when merging into bicycle lanes. This failure to yield can lead to collisions when cyclists have the right of way or are traveling in designated bike lanes.
• Unsafe passing: Drivers overtaking cyclists without providing a safe passing distance or attempting to pass in unsafe conditions, such as narrow roads or blind curves, can cause accidents. Failure to leave sufficient space between the vehicle and the cyclist increases the risk of sideswiping or forcing the cyclist off the road.
• Opening car doors: "Dooring" occurs when a motorist or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, resulting in a collision. This often happens when drivers or passengers exit parked vehicles without checking for approaching cyclists in bike lanes or on the road.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver's ability to react to unexpected situations, including the presence of cyclists on the road. Speeding motorists may have difficulty stopping in time to avoid collisions with cyclists, especially at intersections or in congested urban areas.
• Driving under the influence: Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver's judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Drunk or drugged drivers may fail to see cyclists, misjudge distances, or engage in reckless behaviors that increase the risk of accidents.
• Ignoring traffic signals and signs: Motorists who disregard traffic signals, stop signs, or other road signs may cause accidents involving cyclists. Failure to stop at red lights, yield signs, or pedestrian crosswalks can result in collisions with cyclists lawfully proceeding through intersections.
• Poor road conditions: Negligence on the part of government entities responsible for road maintenance can contribute to bicycle accidents. Poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, obscured bike lanes, potholes, debris, and uneven pavement pose hazards to cyclists and increase the risk of accidents.
• Aggressive driving behavior: Aggressive or hostile behavior by motorists, such as tailgating, honking, or making sudden lane changes, can intimidate cyclists and create dangerous situations on the road. Aggressive driving behaviors may escalate into confrontations or lead to reckless maneuvers that endanger cyclists.

Types of Injuries Sustained in Bicycle Accidents

When a cyclist is involved in a collision with a motor vehicle, he or she may be at risk of suffering a wide range of catastrophic injuries, including:

• Head injuries: Head injuries are among the most serious types of injuries that can result from a bicycle accident. Even with a helmet on, a cyclist can suffer a traumatic brain injury in a collision with a motor vehicle.
• Spinal cord injuries: A cyclist may suffer a spinal cord injury in a bicycle accident, which could result in temporary or permanent paralysis, depending on the severity of the injury.
• Broken bones: Broken bones are another common injury sustained in a bicycle accident. Depending on the force of the impact and the type of accident, a cyclist may suffer multiple broken bones in the accident.
• Back injuries: A cyclist may suffer a back injury in a collision with a motor vehicle, even if he or she does not suffer a spinal cord injury. Back injuries can be extremely painful and may require surgery and other extensive medical treatment.
• Road rash: Road rash is a type of friction burn that occurs when a cyclist’s skin scrapes against the pavement during an accident. In some cases, road rash can be extremely severe, leading to amputation, disfigurement, and nerve damage.
• Internal injuries: A cyclist may suffer internal injuries in a collision with a motor vehicle. Internal bleeding and organ damage can be life-threatening and may require emergency medical treatment.

How Our Firm Can Help You

At Cunningham Bounds, we understand that the outcome of a bicycle accident case can have a significant impact on your future. When you choose our firm to represent you, we will:

• Conduct a thorough investigation of the accident. Our legal team will carefully review the circumstances surrounding the accident and gather all available evidence, including witness statements, accident reports, medical records, and more. We may also consult with accident reconstruction experts and other specialists to help us build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
• Determine the value of your claim. We will work with you to understand the full extent of the losses you have suffered as a result of the accident, including both your economic and non-economic losses. This will help us determine how much your claim is worth.
• Negotiate with the insurance company. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and have a proven track record of success in the negotiation of bicycle accident claims. We will fight for you and seek a fair settlement offer. If the insurance company is unwilling to offer you the compensation you deserve, we will be prepared to take your case to court.
• Take your case to trial, if necessary. Our firm is known for our ability to successfully litigate even the most complex personal injury cases. We are not afraid to go to trial, and we will do everything we can to secure a favorable verdict on your behalf.

How Cunningham Bounds Can Help You

At Cunningham Bounds, we know that bicycle accident cases can be complicated. We also know that the outcome of your case could have a significant impact on your future. That’s why we are committed to helping you fight for the maximum compensation you are owed. Our Alabama bicycle accident lawyers have successfully recovered billions on behalf of our clients, and we are prepared to fight for you.

When you choose Cunningham Bounds, you can rest assured that your case will be in good hands. We have a reputation for excellence, and we are known for our ability to successfully litigate even the most complex personal injury cases. Our firm has been fighting for the rights of the injured since 1958, and we are prepared to put our extensive experience to work for you.

Call Cunningham Bounds at (251) 299-0101 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with an experienced bicycle accident attorney in Alabama.