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Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Orange Beach, AL

Cycling is a popular activity in Gulf Shores, with scenic routes and bike-friendly paths drawing both locals and visitors. However, the roads can be hazardous for cyclists, especially in areas where drivers fail to share the road responsibly. 

If you’ve been injured while riding a bike due to someone else’s negligence, you may deserve compensation for your losses. A bicycle accident lawyer in Gulf Shores can help victims hold negligent parties accountable and seek compensation. 

At Long & Long Injury Attorneys, we’ll handle every element of your case, so you can focus on your recovery. Whether you were injured on a dedicated bike path or a busy roadway, we understand the unique challenges bicycle accident cases present and are here to guide you through your legal options. Contact us today for a FREE case review.

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How Bike Accident Attorneys Can Help

At Long & Long, our goal is to provide the most seamless and stress-free personal injury experience in the country. When you work with our team, we’re available 24/7 to answer questions and provide support. We handle everything with your case from beginning to end, and are available to walk you through everything we can’t handle without you. 
We guarantee comprehensive and effective legal support and a stress-free experience through the entire legal process, all the way until you receive the full compensation you need and deserve for your injuries. If you’re dealing with a bike accident injury claim, look no further for the highest quality service. Contact us today to get your free case review.

Why Choose Long & Long as Your Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Orange Beach?

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What You’ll Get When You Work With Us

  • Free consultations
  • No out of pocket cost to you
  • Stress-free experience
  • 24/7 access and support
  • Proven track record of great results

3

Easy Steps

1.

HIRE LONG & LONG

We take it from here — building your case and fighting for maximum compensation.

2.

FOCUS ON YOUR HEALTH

Your only job now is to rest, recover, and let us handle your case.

3.

You Get Paid

We fight hard to maximize your claim.

“Most people come to us on one of the worst days of their lives and they don’t know what to do. We work injury cases every single day, and we know how to make the legal process as easy as possible for our clients and maximize results.”

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Proving Negligence & Liability in Alabama Bike Accident Cases

Establishing negligence and liability in an Alabama bicycle accident case is essential for obtaining compensation for injuries. Under Alabama’s strict contributory negligence law, injured cyclists must prove that another party was entirely at fault. This can be challenging, making it especially valuable to have skilled legal support.

To prove liability in an Alabama bicycle accident, the following elements of negligence must be demonstrated:

  1. Duty of Care: The liable party owed a duty of care to act safely and responsibly (such as following traffic laws).
  2. Breach of Duty: This duty of care was breached (potentially due to speeding, running a stop sign, or not yielding appropriately, etc.).
  3. Causation: The breach directly led to the bicycle accident and the resulting injuries.
  4. Damages: Documented losses were caused by the accident (including medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, etc.).

Our Orange Beach bicycle accident attorneys have extensive experience in collecting evidence—such as eyewitness statements, accident reports, and expert opinions—to build a strong case for our clients. With our help, you can trust that your right to full compensation is being protected. Contact us today to discuss how we can help build a strong case for you and pursue the maximum compensation available.

Compensation for Bicycle Accident Cases 

Following a bicycle accident in Alabama, victims may qualify for compensation to address the financial, physical, and emotional impact of their injuries. Compensation options in Alabama bicycle accident cases typically include economic, non-economic, and sometimes punitive damages, depending on the circumstances.

  • Economic Damages: Cover measurable financial losses directly resulting from the accident, such as medical bills and lost income.
  • Non-Economic Damages: Account for intangible impacts, including pain and suffering, that don't have a direct monetary value but affect the quality of life.
  • Punitive Damages: Awarded in rare cases involving extreme negligence, these damages serve to penalize the responsible party and discourage similar behavior.

Most Common Types of Compensation Available for Alabama Bicycle Accidents

  • Medical Expenses: Includes coverage for emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, doctor visits, and any future medical care required due to the accident.
  • Lost Wages and Potential Future Earnings: Compensates for income lost during recovery due to being unable to work, and addresses any reduced earning potential if injuries have long-term effects.
  • Pain and Suffering: Provides relief for physical discomfort, emotional anguish, and diminished quality of life.
  • Property Damage: Covers repair or replacement costs for damaged items, such as the bicycle or personal belongings.

Our Alabama bicycle accident attorneys are dedicated to helping you explore your compensation options, providing accurate compensation estimates, and pursuing the maximum available recovery for your case. Reach out today for a free consultation to discuss potential damages specific to your situation.

Get Started On Your Bicycle Accident Case Today

Submit a form or call us to schedule a free case review with a bike accident lawyer in Orange Beach. Do not wait! The longer you wait to reach out to us, the more difficult it may be to collect strong evidence and secure maximum compensation. We need time to build a strong case before the statute of limitations deadline, so get in touch with us today!

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Dealing With the Insurance Company After a Bicycle Accident

Dealing with the insurance company after a bike accident can be complex and challenging. Insurance adjusters work to minimize payouts, which can leave you without adequate compensation. Here’s what to know about dealing with the insurance company following a bike accident.

What to Expect from the Insurance Company

  • Quick and Low Settlement Offers: Insurance representatives may reach out soon after the accident and might offer an early settlement. While this can seem like a quick resolution, these initial offers often undervalue the full extent of your injuries and potential future costs. Their goal is to settle quickly and cheaply.
  • Requests for Detailed Information: Expect the insurer to ask for medical records, accident reports, and statements about the accident. They may use this information to attempt to reduce or deny your claim.
  • Potential Fault Arguments: Under Alabama’s contributory negligence rule, any degree of fault on your part could prevent recovery. Insurance companies may try to argue partial fault to avoid payment, so be cautious about what information you share.

How to Handle the Insurance Company After a Bike Accident

  • Limit Communication: Avoid detailed conversations with the insurance company, and refrain from giving recorded statements or signing any documents without legal guidance.
  • Keep Thorough Records: Document all communications with the insurance company, as well as all receipts and records related to your medical treatments, bike repairs, and other accident-related costs.
  • Seek Legal Representation: An experienced Alabama bike accident lawyer can manage communication with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and your claim accurately reflects your losses.
  • Be Wary of Initial Settlement Offers: Early settlement offers are often lower than the true value of your claim. Consulting with an attorney can help you understand what you may be entitled to and negotiate a fair settlement.

Important Alabama Bike Accident Laws to Know

For any cyclist involved in an accident with a motor vehicle, it’s important to understand Alabama’s bicycle accident and traffic laws. These laws impact your rights and play a key role in determining fault, compensation, and the timeline for filing a claim. Here are some of the most important Alabama laws to be aware of if you’re dealing with a bike accident claim:

1. Contributory Negligence Rule

Alabama has a strict contributory negligence rule, meaning that if you are found even partially responsible for the accident, you may be barred from recovering any damages. This law makes it necessary to establish that the other party is entirely at fault in order to pursue compensation.

2. Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims

In Alabama, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline generally means losing the right to pursue compensation. It’s advisable to consult an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you meet this deadline.

3. Cyclist Rights and Responsibilities

Alabama law grants cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Cyclists must obey traffic signals, ride in the same direction as traffic, and use hand signals when turning. Violations can affect liability in the event of an accident.

4. Helmet Requirement for Minors

Cyclists under 16 are required to wear a helmet in Alabama. Although not required for adults, helmet use is encouraged for safety. Lack of helmet use may be noted by insurance companies in cases of contributory negligence, especially if it impacts injury severity.

5. Safe Passing Distance for Motorists

Alabama law mandates that motorists give at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a bicycle. Failing to provide this distance can contribute to the driver’s liability if an accident occurs.

If you’re navigating the complexities of an Alabama bike accident claim, our experienced bike accident lawyers are here to help. We’ll guide you through these laws and work to secure the compensation you may deserve for your injuries.

Common Types of Bicycle Accidents That Lead to Compensation

Bicycle accidents occur in a variety of ways, and certain types of collisions frequently result in successful claims for compensation. Below are some common scenarios that could entitle you to recover damages if you’ve been injured in a similar accident.

  1. Right-Cross Collisions: A "right-cross" collision happens when a vehicle pulls out from a side street, driveway, or parking lot on the cyclist’s right, resulting in a crash. These accidents are often due to drivers not checking for bicycles before entering the roadway.
  2. Left-Cross Collisions: A “left-cross” collision occurs when a vehicle makes a left turn in front of an oncoming cyclist. This type of collision is common at intersections, where drivers may either misjudge the cyclist’s speed or fail to notice them altogether.
  3. Dooring Accidents: Dooring incidents take place when a parked driver or passenger opens their car door directly into the path of an oncoming cyclist. This can cause cyclists to either collide with the door or swerve into traffic, often resulting in serious injuries.
  4. Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end accidents happen when a motor vehicle strikes a cyclist from behind. These collisions are frequently caused by distracted driving or drivers failing to adjust to a slower-moving bicycle, especially on narrow roads or in areas with poor visibility.
  5. Close-Passing Accidents: Alabama law requires that motorists maintain at least three feet of clearance when passing a cyclist (Alabama Code § 32-5A-82). When drivers ignore this rule and pass too closely, it can lead to accidents that push cyclists off the road or result in direct impact injuries.
  6. Failure to Yield at Intersections: Many bicycle accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way to cyclists at intersections. Whether the vehicle is making a turn or proceeding straight, a failure to yield can cause dangerous side-impact or T-bone collisions.

These types of bicycle accidents often lead to severe injuries, which may entitle victims to compensation under Alabama law. If your accident matches any of these scenarios, reach out to our dedicated bicycle accident lawyers in Orange Beach to discuss your options for pursuing compensation.

Orange Beach Bicycle Accident FAQs

Will I have to go to court for my bike accident case?

Maybe — but not always. Many bicycle accident cases are resolved through settlement negotiations with the insurance company, without ever going to court. However, if a fair settlement cannot be agreed upon during negotiations, your case may go to trial. Whether your case goes to court depends on things like:

  • How strong the case is (i.e. how clearly the driver was at fault)
  • Whether the insurance company offers a fair settlement
  • Whether damages are large or disputed
  • Whether you or the defendant demand a trial

Even in litigation, many cases still settle before trial. So: you may not have to go to court, but if you do, your attorney will make sure you are prepared.

How much will it cost to hire a lawyer?

Long & Long’s attorneys work on contingency, which means we get paid at the end of your case and only if we win compensation for you. Our fees are taken as a percentage of your settlement amount, so you never have to pay out-of-pocket or let upfront fees keep you from getting the legal assistance you need. 

What is the average bicycle accident settlement in Orange Beach?

There is no average because every case is unique, and the settlement you receive is determined based on the specifics of your case. To get an estimate of what your case could be worth, contact Long & Long Injury Attorneys for a free case review.

Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Orange Beach

Earle W. Long, IV

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Attorney N. Staples Wood of Long & Long Injury Attorneys

N. Staples Wood

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Attorney Walton Hickman of Long & Long Injury Attorneys

Walton Hickman

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Attorney Mac McClurkin of Long & Long Injury Attorneys

Mac McClurkin

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Attorney Cate E. Biggs of Long & Long Injury Attorneys

Cate E. Biggs

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Attorney Jack "Trip" Smalley III of Long & Long Injury Attorneys

Jack “Trip” Smalley III

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Attorney Andrea Butler Headshot

Andrea F. Butler

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Attorney Alan Colvin of Long & Long Injury Attorneys

Alan Colvin

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Attorney John H. Leech, Jr. of Long & Long Injury Attoneys

John H. Leech, Jr.

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Attorney Erick Bussey of Long & Long Injury Attorneys

Erick Bussey

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Attorney Jennifer Perez of Long & Long

Jennifer Perez

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Attorney Russell Johnson of Long & Long Injury Attorneys

Russell Johnson

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