MOTORCYCLE & BICYCLE ACCIDENTS — The Ford Firm
Why hire a Tuscaloosa Motorcycle & Bicycle Accidents attorney?
Motorcycle and bicycle collisions often produce serious injuries and complex liability issues. At the Ford Firm, Randal S. Ford represents riders injured by careless drivers, dangerous road conditions, defective equipment, or commercial vehicle operators. We fight insurance companies, investigate crashes, preserve crucial evidence, and pursue full compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and—when necessary—wrongful death claims.
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Alabama law basics every rider should know
Helmet requirements for motorcycles
Alabama law requires operators and passengers to wear approved protective headgear when riding a motorcycle. This is a legal duty that affects safety and evidence after a crash.
Bicycle helmet rules
Alabama requires helmets for bicyclists under certain ages and includes definitions and enforcement provisions in state law. Local ordinances and state rules may require helmets for riders under age 16 and establish equipment requirements (lights, reflectors) for night riding.
Time limits (statute of limitations)
In most Alabama personal injury and wrongful death cases, you must file a lawsuit within two years from the date of the injury or death. Missing that deadline can bar you from recovery. (Always confirm with an attorney immediately—exceptions sometimes apply.)
Fault and negligence in Alabama
Alabama still follows the strict contributory negligence rule in personal injury cases. If a jury or factfinder determines a plaintiff was even 1% at fault, that can prevent recovery. Because of this harsh standard, obtaining thorough evidence and skilled legal representation is critical.
Common causes of motorcycle & bicycle accidents in Alabama
- Motorists failing to yield or turning left into a rider’s path
- Driver inattention/ distracted driving (phones, infotainment)
- Unsafe lane changes and “doorings” (opening a car door into a cyclist)
- Speeding, impairment, or aggressive driving
- Poorly maintained roadways, debris, potholes, or inadequate bike lanes
- Defective motorcycle/bicycle parts, tires, brakes, or lighting
Typical injuries we handle
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI), skull fractures
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Fractures, road rash, deep tissue and soft-tissue injuries
- Internal organ damage, bleeding, and crush injuries
- Amputations and catastrophic limb loss
- Psychological injuries (PTSD, anxiety after crash)
What to do immediately after a motorcycle or bicycle crash
- Get to safety & call 911. Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor — some symptoms appear later.
- Report the crash. Ask police to respond and create an official accident report. That report is key evidence.
- Preserve evidence. If safe, photograph vehicle positions, skid marks, traffic signs, road defects, vehicle damage, your injuries, and license plates. Save clothing and gear (don’t wash road-rash clothing).
- Collect witness info. Names, phone numbers, and short statements can be vital.
- Do not admit fault. Simple statements like “I’m sorry” can be used against you by insurers. Stick to basic facts.
- Notify your insurer, but be cautious. Provide required notice; don’t sign recorded statements or accept a quick settlement before talking to a lawyer.
- Preserve medical records. Keep all medical bills, diagnostic reports, and treatment notes. These documents build the damages portion of your claim.
How we investigate motorcycle & bicycle crash cases
- Secure police and crash reports, CCTV, and traffic cam footage
- Obtain cell-phone records, on-board vehicle data if available, and driver logs for commercial vehicles
- Reconstruct the crash scene with experts (accident reconstruction, biomechanics)
- Interview witnesses and subpoena records (maintenance, vehicle inspections)
- Preserve and examine helmet, bike, and motorcycle parts for defects
- Work with medical experts to establish severity, prognosis, and long-term care needs
Damages you can pursue
- Past and future medical expenses (hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation)
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life
- Costs for ongoing care, home modifications, and assistive devices
- Wrongful death damages (funeral, loss of support) when fatalities occur
FAQ's
What should I do after a motorcycle accident?
After calling 911 and getting medical care, secure the scene if possible, photograph everything, exchange information, and avoid admitting fault. Report the crash to police and your insurer, but do not give recorded statements or accept an early settlement until you have a lawyer review the claim. Preserving medical records and witness info is critical to protect your legal rights.
How much is my motorcycle accident worth?
Every case is unique. Value depends on injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, fault, permanent impairment, and insurance limits. Severity of injury and the defendant’s insurance policy often set practical recovery limits. We evaluate your medical records, bills, and evidence to estimate fair compensation and negotiate or litigate for the best result
Do I need a lawyer after a bicycle accident?
Yes—insurance companies may undervalue bike cases and may blame the cyclist. Because Alabama applies contributory negligence, an experienced lawyer is essential to identify all evidence that proves the other party’s fault and to protect you from unfair defenses.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a motorcycle accident in Alabama?
Generally two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in Alabama. Some limited exceptions exist, so contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
Can I be partially at fault and still get compensation?
In most states partial fault reduces recovery; however, Alabama follows contributory negligence — if you are found even slightly at fault, you may be barred from recovery. That makes immediately preserving evidence and building a strong case essential.
Are there helmet laws for motorcycles and bicycles in Alabama?
Yes. Alabama requires approved protective headgear for motorcycle riders and has bicycle helmet requirements for children and safety rules enforced in state code. Noncompliance can have legal and evidentiary consequences after a crash.
Who pays for my medical bills after a bike or motorcycle crash?
Initial emergency care may come from personal health insurance, Medicare/Medicaid (if applicable), or out-of-pocket. If another driver is at fault, their liability insurer is responsible for compensable medical costs and other damages. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may apply when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.
Why Alabama’s contributory negligence rule matters for riders
Because Alabama’s legal standard can completely bar recovery if a rider is found even partially at fault, every piece of evidence that supports the rider’s account is crucial. Thorough accident reconstruction, witness statements, medical timelines, and prompt legal steps often determine whether a case survives an insurer’s defense.
Questions we answer for clients
- Who is liable — the driver, a vehicle manufacturer, or the city/road authority?
- What immediate medical steps should I take to protect my health and claim?
- How do pre-existing conditions affect my case?
- How do I handle an insurance company that contacts me?
- When should my case go to trial versus being settled?
Practice area focus: Motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injury, insurance disputes in Tuscaloosa and surrounding Alabama counties.
Ready to talk? Free consultation — no fee unless we recover
If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle or bicycle accident in Tuscaloosa, call Randal S. Ford at The Ford Firm today: 205-454-7500. We’ll review your case at no charge, explain your legal options, and start protecting evidence right away.
Office: 705 27th Avenue, Suite A, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
