Question 1

Do I need a lawyer for a bicycle accident claim in Alabama?

Accepted Answer

Alabama's contributory negligence rule makes bicycle accident claims particularly legally

complex. If the insurance company can establish that you contributed to the accident in any way -- even minimally -- your claim can be completely barred under Alabama law. Experienced legal

representation is essential to counter contributory negligence arguments and to ensure your

claim reflects the full value of your damages, including future medical costs and long-term

income losses that unrepresented claimants frequently undervalue.

Question 2

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Alabama?

Accepted Answer

Generally, Alabama law provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims from

the date of the accident. Certain circumstances -- including claims involving government entities

or claims on behalf of minors -- may involve different timeframes. You should consult an

attorney as soon as possible after your accident to confirm the applicable deadline for your

specific claim.

Question 3

What if the driver who hit me does not have adequate insurance?

Accepted Answer

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, Attorney Matthews investigates all available

coverage sources including your own uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, which is

designed precisely for these situations. Additional liability sources -- such as employer liability if

the driver was operating a vehicle in the course of employment -- are also investigated.

Question 4

Can I still make a claim if I was not wearing a helmet?

Accepted Answer

Helmet use is not legally required for adult cyclists in Alabama. However, the at-fault driver or

their insurance company may argue that not wearing a helmet contributed to the severity of your

injuries under the contributory negligence doctrine. This is a factual and legal question that

requires careful handling by an experienced attorney -- it does not automatically bar your claim.

Question 5

What if the accident was partly my fault?

Accepted Answer

Alabama applies a pure contributory negligence rule, which is one of the strictest in the country.

Under this rule, if you are found to have contributed to the accident to any degree, you may be

completely barred from recovering damages. This makes the investigation of accident

circumstances and the defence of contributory negligence allegations critically important in

every Alabama bicycle accident case. Do not assume your claim is barred without speaking to

an attorney -- how fault is legally characterised matters enormously.

Question 6

How much is my bicycle accident claim worth?

Accepted Answer

Every bicycle accident case is different, and the value of a claim depends on the nature and

severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical treatment, your lost income, the long-term

effects on your life and earning capacity, the available insurance coverage, and the specific

facts of how the accident occurred. Attorney Matthews evaluates each case individually -- no

two bicycle accident cases are the same, and he will give you an honest assessment of your

specific situation rather than a generalised estimate.

Question 7

What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident?

Accepted Answer

Seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not feel seriously injured -- many bicycle

accident injuries develop or worsen in the hours and days following the collision. Report the

accident to law enforcement and obtain a copy of the police report. Collect contact information

from the driver, witnesses, and any bystanders. Photograph the accident scene, your bicycle,

your injuries, and the vehicle involved if you are able to do so safely. Do not provide a recorded

statement to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney.

Question 8

Can family members make a claim if a cyclist is killed in a bicycle accident?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If a cyclist is killed in a bicycle accident caused by driver negligence, the personal

representative of the deceased's estate may pursue a wrongful death claim under Alabama law.

Attorney Matthews handles wrongful death cases and can advise the family on the claims

process and the available compensation under Alabama's wrongful death statute.

Question 9

Will my bicycle accident case go to trial?

Accepted Answer

Many bicycle accident cases are resolved through negotiated settlement without the need for

trial. However, Attorney Matthews prepares every case for trial from the outset -- because

insurance companies respond differently to attorneys they know are genuinely prepared and

willing to litigate than they do to attorneys who settle every case. His willingness to take cases

to trial is a direct benefit to every client he represents, regardless of whether the case ultimately

goes before a jury.

Question 10

How do I pay for a bicycle accident attorney?

Accepted Answer

The Law Office of Richard F. Matthews, Jr., handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee

basis -- meaning you pay no attorney fees unless and until compensation is recovered on your

behalf. There is no upfront cost to retaining Attorney Matthews for your bicycle accident case.

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Who We Serve

Alabama Bicycle Laws -- What You Need to Know

Why You Need to Act Quickly After a Bicycle Accident

Serving Bicycle Accident Victims Across Montgomery and the River Region

Do I need a lawyer for a bicycle accident claim in Alabama?

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Alabama?

What if the driver who hit me does not have adequate insurance?

Can I still make a claim if I was not wearing a helmet?

What if the accident was partly my fault?

How much is my bicycle accident claim worth?

What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident?

Can family members make a claim if a cyclist is killed in a bicycle accident?

Will my bicycle accident case go to trial?

How do I pay for a bicycle accident attorney?

Still have a question?

Contacting Us

Phone: 334-398-8408

Fax: 334-263-1130

Our Location

The Law Office of

Richard F. Matthews, Jr.

621 South Hull Street

Montgomery, AL 36104

Alabama Legal Tips Blog

Who We Serve

Alabama Bicycle Laws -- What You Need to Know

Why You Need to Act Quickly After a Bicycle Accident

Serving Bicycle Accident Victims Across Montgomery and the River Region

Do I need a lawyer for a bicycle accident claim in Alabama?

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Alabama?

What if the driver who hit me does not have adequate insurance?

Can I still make a claim if I was not wearing a helmet?

What if the accident was partly my fault?

How much is my bicycle accident claim worth?

What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident?

Can family members make a claim if a cyclist is killed in a bicycle accident?

Will my bicycle accident case go to trial?

How do I pay for a bicycle accident attorney?

Still have a question?

Contacting Us

Phone: 334-398-8408

﻿Fax: 334-263-1130

Our Location

The Law Office of

Richard F. Matthews, Jr.

621 South Hull Street

Montgomery, AL 36104

Fax: 334-263-1130