Cycling Accident

Representing cyclists who have been injured due to negligence to help you recover damages and get back on the road.

Whether you cycle for leisure or sport, the joy of cycling can be abruptly disrupted after an accident. A personal injury suit can often serve as a crucial step in the healing process for our clients, providing not only financial relief but also a sense of justice and closure after a traumatic event. 

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Birmingham or anywhere in Alabama, call Salser and Smith. We are here to help you navigate the legal process and maximize your settlement.

Common Types of Bicycle Accidents

Despite efforts to promote bicycle safety and the continued expansion of bike lanes,  accidents continue to occur. Bicycle accidents can happen for various reasons, most commonly including: 

• Distracted Driving
• Pedestrian Collisions
• Dooring (parked drivers opening a side door as a cyclists drives by)
• Drunk Driving
• Speeding

If you’ve suffered injuries related to any of these accidents, time is of the essence. To avoid missing deadlines, call Salser and Smith today. We’ll assist you in filing your claim.

Understanding Bicycle Accidents in Birmingham

Birmingham is home to an active and close-knit cycling community, but that doesn’t mean drivers will respect your space. Compared to a car, cyclists are uniquely vulnerable to life-altering injuries in a collision. 

According to the Alabama Public Health statistics pulling from a 2018 study, out of 209 bicycle crashes: 

• Bicycle helmets are 63-88% effective in preventing head and brain injuries
• Approximately 35% of all bicyclists wear helmets
• 74% of fatal bicycle crashes involved head injuries
• 86% of crashes occurred in urban areas

What to Do After an Accident

• Call the Police: Regardless of the accident’s severity, always call the police to ensure a comprehensive report is prepared. A police report is a vital piece of evidence in your case. It contains information that may be challenging to obtain later, such as driver information, witness statements, pictures of the scene, and any citations issued.
• Seek Immediate Medical Treatment: It’s essential to visit the hospital for a thorough check-up to identify any injuries, including internal ones. Medical documentation will be crucial in proving your injuries.
• Contact a Lawyer: There are strict deadlines to file your claim and pursue rightful compensation. If you’ve suffered injuries related to a bicycle accident, call Salser and Smith today. Our experienced attorneys will handle communications with insurance companies and start gathering evidence to support your case, ensuring your claim is filed promptly.

Why are insurance claims denied? Insurance companies deny claims for various reasons, including policy cancellations, disputes over fault, doubts about the extent of your injuries, or the expiration of the statute of limitations (two years in Alabama). An insurance company is focused on their bottom line, with adjusters trained to tell you “no” or offer as little compensation as possible. 

At Salser and Smith, our attorneys have decades of experience in dealing with insurance companies. Not only will we fight for your rightful compensation, we’ll help you maximize your return of claim or settlement.