Huntsville Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Fighting for injured bike riders throughout North Alabama

Riding a bicycle should be a safe and healthy way to get around, whether you’re commuting to work, enjoying the outdoors, or running errands. But in Huntsville and throughout North Alabama, bike riders often face serious dangers from careless drivers, poor road design, and other hazards. When a car, truck, or even a commercial vehicle crashes into a cyclist, the rider almost always suffers the worst injuries, sometimes life-changing or even fatal.

At Martin & Helms, we stand up for injured bicyclists. We know how devastating these accidents can be, and we’re here to help you seek justice. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a bike crash caused by someone else’s negligence, our Huntsville bicycle accident lawyers are ready to fight for you.

How can we help? We can help you by answering the following questions:

  • Why are bicycle accidents so dangerous?
  • What are some common causes of Huntsville bicycle accidents?
  • What Alabama laws protect bicycle riders?
  • How do you prove fault in a Huntsville bike accident case?
  • What are my legal options if I’m injured in a Huntsville bicycle accident?
  • What should I do after a bicycle accident in Huntsville?
  • Why choose Martin & Helms for my Huntsville bicycle accident case?
  • Do you have a Huntsville bicycle accident lawyer near me?

Why are bicycle accidents so dangerous?

Unlike cars, bicycles don’t have airbags, seat belts, or metal frames to protect the rider. When a crash happens, a cyclist is completely exposed. Even when wearing a helmet, riders are at high risk of serious injuries, including:

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 900 bicyclists die each year in traffic crashes in the U.S., and hundreds of thousands more are injured. Many of these accidents could be prevented if drivers followed the rules of the road and paid better attention.

What are some common causes of Huntsville bicycle accidents?

Most bicycle accidents happen because of driver negligence, which means the driver failed to act responsibly behind the wheel. Some of the most common causes of bike accidents we see in Alabama include the following:

  • Texting, using a GPS, eating, or talking on the phone can cause a driver to miss seeing a bicyclist until it’s too late.
  • Drivers often fail to yield at intersections, stop signs, or when turning across a bike lane. Bicyclists have the same rights to the road as cars, and drivers are required to yield when appropriate.
  • Alabama law requires drivers to give bicyclists at least three feet of space when passing. Many drivers ignore this law, leading to side-swipes or forcing cyclists off the road.
  • Opening car doors without looking is called "dooring," and it happens when a driver or passenger opens a parked car door directly into a cyclist's path.
  • Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time. At higher speeds, the impact of a collision can be catastrophic or deadly.
  • Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction time. Drivers under the influence are far more likely to hit a bicyclist.
  • Potholes, debris, faded bike lanes, and a lack of signage can contribute to bike crashes. In some cases, a city or county may be partially responsible for failing to maintain safe roads.

What Alabama laws protect bicycle riders?

In Alabama, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers. That means they are legally allowed to ride on most roads, must follow traffic laws, and are entitled to use a full lane when necessary for safety. Some important laws to know:

  • Drivers must leave at least three feet of space when passing a bike.
  • Where bike lanes exist, cyclists are encouraged—but not generally required by state law—to use them, unless a local ordinance says otherwise.
  • Riders under 16 are required to wear a helmet in Alabama. However, helmets are recommended for everyone.

If a driver violates any of these rules and causes an accident, they could be held liable for any injuries that result.

How do you prove fault in a Huntsville bike accident case?

To recover compensation after a bike accident, you need to prove that someone else was at fault. At Martin & Helms, our job is to build a strong case showing exactly what happened and why the other party is responsible. Here are the key types of evidence we use to prove liability:

  • Police reports often include who was involved in the crash, contact information, and statements from any witnesses at the scene.
  • Eyewitnesses can help confirm how the crash happened and whether the driver acted carelessly or illegally.
  • Video from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or dashcams can provide powerful visual evidence of the accident.
  • We look for photos of the crash site, the damaged bike, vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions.
  • Your medical records show the extent of your injuries and connect them directly to the crash.
  • In some cases, we may seek data from the driver’s car or phone to prove speeding, distraction, or reckless behavior.

We also work with accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and economists to support your case in court or settlement negotiations.

What are my legal options if I’m injured in a Huntsville bicycle accident?

If you were hurt in a bicycle accident that wasn’t your fault, you have the right to seek compensation through a personal injury claim. Alabama law allows you to recover money for:

  • Medical expenses, including ER visits, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and future care
  • Lost income, if you missed work or can't return to your job
  • Pain and suffering, for the physical and emotional toll of your injuries
  • Property damage, including your bicycle, helmet, or gear
  • Loss of quality of life, for permanent injuries or long-term disabilities

It’s important to know that Alabama follows a contributory negligence rule. That means if you’re found partly at fault for the crash, you may not be able to recover any damages. Because of this harsh rule, insurance companies often try to shift blame onto the cyclist, even if the driver was clearly negligent.

That’s why having an experienced lawyer matters. At Martin & Helms, we know how to push back against these tactics and fight to prove you weren’t at fault.

What should I do after a bicycle accident in Huntsville?

If you’re involved in a bike crash, it’s important to take the right steps to protect yourself and your claim:

  • Call 911 and report the accident.
  • Get medical attention immediately, even if you feel okay.
  • Take photos of the scene, your injuries, your bike, and the vehicle.
  • Get the driver’s name, insurance, and contact information.
  • Talk to any witnesses and get their contact details.
  • Don’t admit fault or discuss details with the driver’s insurance company.
  • Call Martin & Helms as soon as possible.

The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better chance we have to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Why choose Martin & Helms for my Huntsville bicycle accident case?

Martin & Helms is a Huntsville-based personal injury law firm with decades of experience helping injury victims across North Alabama. We focus on serious injury cases and fight aggressively for people who’ve been hurt due to negligence, including cyclists.

When you work with us, you get:

  • Compassionate legal support from a team that truly cares
  • Aggressive representation against insurance companies and defense lawyers
  • Experienced trial attorneys who won’t back down from a courtroom fight
  • No upfront fees; you only pay us if we win your case

Our goal is simple: to get you the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Do you have a Huntsville bicycle accident lawyer near me?

Martin & Helms serves clients from its two Alabama offices. Our Huntsville office is located at 2317 Market Place SW, Suite A, Huntsville, AL 35801. If you are too injured to come to us, we can make other arrangements. We’re here to help.

Talk to an experienced Huntsville bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible

You shouldn’t have to suffer physically and financially because a careless driver didn’t respect your rights. If you were hurt in a bicycle crash in Huntsville or anywhere in North Alabama, Martin & Helms is here to help you get the justice you deserve. Call our offices or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. We proudly serve clients in Huntsville, Decatur, Madison, and throughout North Alabama.