Alabama Bicycle Accident Lawyer
I was involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle in September of 2023, which was deemed to be caused by the CDL driver almost immediately. The accident caused $13k of property damage to my car and came very close to totaling it due to the cost of repairs! Thankfully, no one was injured! The third-party company that handled the claim for the trucking and insurance company was very shady and unprofessional! I could go on all day about how stressful the situation was!
After several months, I spoke with the third party handling the claim about the possibility of a diminished value claim. I was advised I would need to purchase a damage estimate and submit it to them. I got the estimate; I attempted to submit the lost value claim to the third-party insurance representative with the trucking company, and I was advised I was owed nothing. It is well known that the value decreases when a car requires significant repairs after a collision, so I knew this was wrong! I knew I had to find an attorney.
I called at least four local attorneys in the Huntsville-Decatur area before I called Hunter's office. The first three said it basically wasn't worth their time, that with a 33% attorney fee, it was too small to take. I called a man in Birmingham who told me to call Garnett Patterson. Hunter without hesitation agreed to help me! He barely made anything taking this case; the monetary value was small. Hunter accepted my case because it was the right thing to do! I’ve also seen the things Hunter is doing for the Hispanic community, which without saying are a great act of selflessness! Hunter took it upon himself to help a fundraiser I had undertaken to pay for a memorial of a co-worker as well! I’ve even seen him help ppl add coolant to their cars outside the front of his office! He’s really one of a kind and a very genuine and down to earth guy!! If we had more people like Hunter, whose actions are driven by a genuine desire to help without expectation of a reward, this world would be a much better place!
Mr. Garnett took a personal interest in the case due to the situation and worked diligently to achieve the best possible outcome. Mr. Garnett and his staff kept me, and my husband informed during the entire process and addressed any concerns promptly, even when he was on vacation! Any time we had a concern regarding the case and the interaction between our insurance company, Mr. Garnett and his team reassured us, and did an amazing job! I am incredibly grateful for their dedication and would not hesitate to highly recommend them to anyone seeking legal counsel for injury claims/vehicle accidents.
When the case was completed Mr. Garnett asked my husband to come to his office. My husband was blown away by Mr. Garnett’s down to earth, personable and honest persona, and I can say without a doubt that anyone who hires Mr. Garnett will be dealing with a person of very good moral character, integrity, and dedication!!
Throughout the process, the team maintained clear and consistent communication, ensuring I was informed and comfortable at every stage. Their attention to detail, dedication to my case, and genuine care for my well-being exceeded my expectations. I felt fully supported and confident that my best interests were always their top priority.
For anyone in need of seasoned legal professionals who deliver results with integrity and skill, I highly recommend this team. They have my deepest appreciation for their tireless efforts and exceptional service.
The Real Struggles After a Bicycle Accident
Getting hit while riding a bike is more than just a crash it’s a violent interruption to your life, often with no protection between you and the road. At Garnett Patterson Injury Lawyers, we understand what comes next: painful injuries, long recoveries, and insurance companies that try to shift blame. We stand beside you, handling the legal pressure, pushing back against unfair tactics, and fighting to recover what you need to heal and move forward.
You’re seriously hurt, and suddenly everything stops
One moment you’re riding, heading to work, running an errand, or just out for a clear mind, and the next, you’re on the pavement.
The driver says little. You’re taken to the hospital. After that, it feels like you’re left to figure everything out alone.
They say it's your fault
You followed the law. You used the bike lane. You wore a helmet. And still, someone says, “You came out of nowhere.” As if you being on a bike makes you less human.
We dig into the details, pull records, interview witnesses, and show exactly how the driver not you caused this crash.
You’re missing work, and money is getting tight fast
You’re trying to rest and recover, but every missed paycheck adds pressure. Rent is due, groceries need to be bought, and the stress keeps piling up. We take the time to understand what this crash has taken from your ability to work and earn a living, and we fight to hold the driver accountable for that loss.
You feel invisible, and no one’s helping
The driver has a team. The insurance company has lawyers. You have injuries, stress, and a pile of unanswered questions. No one’s explaining what happens next, and it’s starting to feel hopeless.
We take over the legal fight, communicate clearly, and make sure you’re never left in the dark. You are not invisible here.
Alabama Has One of the Toughest Fault Rules in the Country — and It Can Cost You Everything
Alabama follows what’s called the pure contributory negligence doctrine. In simple terms: if you’re found even 1% at fault for your bicycle accident, you’re completely barred from getting any compensation.
Think of it like a “one strike and you’re out” policy.
Most states allow fault to be shared — but in Alabama, it’s like failing a test because you got one answer wrong. No partial credit. No second chances.
That makes bicycle accident claims especially difficult. Here’s why it matters for cyclists:
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Even a small mistake — like briefly looking over your shoulder — could cost you your entire claim.
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Insurance companies know this and will search for anything to pin partial blame on you.
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That’s why building a flawless, fault-free case is absolutely critical.
There are a few exceptions: children under 14 and people with mental disabilities may not be held to the same strict standard.
At Garnett Patterson Injury Lawyers, we understand how unforgiving this rule is — and we know how to fight back. Our job is to build the strongest case possible, protect your rights, and help you recover what you’re owed.
Alabama Bicycle Accident Attorneys Who Answer Questions
Because we care, we have created informational guides to answer all your legal questions after an accident
Bicycle Accident Statute of Limitations in Alabama: The Countdown Is Real
Picture this: you’re on a game show, and a countdown timer starts the moment your bicycle crash happens. In Alabama, that’s not just a dramatic image — it’s the law.
You have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Miss that window, and no matter how severe your injuries are, your chance at compensation could disappear for good. Game over.
But, like any game, there are a few exceptions that can pause the clock:
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If you’re under 19, the countdown doesn’t start until your 19th birthday.
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If you were legally incapacitated at the time of the crash, the timer may be paused.
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Claims against government entities have shorter limits — 6 months for cities and 12 months for counties.
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If your injuries came from a defective product, you may have just one year to take action.
The bottom line? Don’t wait. The sooner you speak with an experienced bicycle accident attorney, the more time you have to gather evidence, build a strong case, and avoid missing your chance entirely.
At Garnett Patterson Injury Lawyers, we help you beat the clock — and the system that’s often stacked against you.
What should I do after a bicycle accident in Alabama?
Seek medical attention immediately — even if your injuries seem minor. Call the police and ensure a report is filed. In Alabama, documenting the scene, your injuries, and any property damage is crucial for building a strong legal claim.
→ Contact us for a free case review and step-by-step guidance.
Who can be held legally responsible for a bicycle accident in Alabama?
Typically, the driver who caused the collision is liable. However, in Alabama, other parties like commercial vehicle operators, government agencies (for poorly maintained roads), or even bike manufacturers may also share responsibility.
→ Let our attorneys investigate and identify all liable parties under Alabama law.
If I wasn’t wearing a helmet, can I still file a bicycle accident claim in Alabama?
Yes. Alabama does not require adult cyclists to wear helmets. While helmet use may influence how damages are argued, it doesn’t automatically disqualify you from pursuing compensation.
→ Speak with an Alabama bicycle accident lawyer before responding to any insurance questions.
How does Alabama’s contributory negligence law affect my case?
Alabama follows a pure contributory negligence rule, meaning if you’re found even 1% at fault, you could be completely barred from receiving compensation. This makes legal representation critical in proving full driver liability.
→ We know how to protect your claim under Alabama’s strict fault laws.
What types of damages can I recover in an Alabama bicycle accident case?
Compensation in Alabama may include:
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Current and future medical expenses
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Lost income or reduced earning ability
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Pain and suffering
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Cost to repair or replace your bike
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Compensation for long-term disability or reduced quality of life
→ Schedule a free consultation to understand the full value of your case.
What if the insurance company contacts me after the accident?
In Alabama, insurance adjusters may try to minimize your injuries or shift blame to avoid paying. Do not give a recorded statement or accept a settlement without legal advice.
→ Let us speak to the insurance company for you to protect your rights.
Driver Negligence: A Leading Cause of Bicycle Accidents
Driver negligence is more than just careless behavior — it’s often the catalyst for devastating bicycle accidents. It happens when motorists fail to exercise reasonable care behind the wheel, putting cyclists at serious risk.
Here are the most common forms of driver negligence that lead to bicycle collisions:
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Distracted Driving – Texting, eating, or fiddling with the radio means eyes off the road — and cyclists often pay the price.
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Tailgating – Following a cyclist too closely leaves no room to stop safely, turning a sudden brake into a serious crash.
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Running Red Lights or Stop Signs – Ignoring traffic signals endangers crossing cyclists who rely on right-of-way protections.
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Speeding – High speeds mean less reaction time, especially dangerous when cyclists are nearby or in bike lanes.
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Drunk Driving – Impaired drivers make poor decisions and delayed reactions. In fact, 22% of traffic fatalities in nearby Kansas involved alcohol.
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Failure to Yield Right of Way – Cyclists have legal rights on the road. Ignoring those rights puts lives in danger.
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Unsafe Lane Changes – Swerving or weaving through traffic without checking for cyclists can cause devastating sideswipes or collisions.
For cyclists in Alabama, these actions are especially alarming. Under the state’s pure contributory negligence rule, if a cyclist is found even 1% at fault, they can be completely barred from receiving compensation — even if the driver was overwhelmingly negligent.
That means:
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The stakes are higher.
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The legal strategy must be airtight.
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The emotional and financial consequences can last a lifetime.
Get In Touch!
At Garnett Patterson Injury Lawyers, we understand the seriousness of these situations. When a negligent driver harms a cyclist, we work relentlessly to hold them accountable — and to protect your right to recover physically, financially, and emotionally.