Cyclists have rights. When drivers violate them and cause injuries, we fight back.
Huntsville is becoming increasingly bike-friendly, with trails like the Aldridge Creek Greenway and Indian Creek Greenway attracting cyclists of all ages. But sharing the road with motor vehicles remains dangerous.
When a 3,000-pound vehicle collides with a cyclist, the results are often catastrophic. Broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and death are common outcomes. At The Lackey Law Firm, we advocate for injured cyclists throughout Huntsville and North Alabama — and we know how to win these cases.
Alabama is one of only a few states with pure contributory negligence. If a cyclist is found even 1% at fault for an accident, they cannot recover any damages. Insurance companies routinely try to blame cyclists — claiming they were riding too fast, weren't visible enough, or violated traffic laws. We fight these unfair accusations aggressively.
In Alabama, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims resulting from a bicycle accident is strictly two years from the date of the incident. Failing to initiate legal proceedings within this two-year window typically results in the permanent loss of your right to seek financial recovery.
Legal Reference: Alabama Code § 6-2-38 - Limitations of Actions (Two Years)
Under Alabama law, motorists overtaking a bicycle proceeding in the same direction must maintain a minimum safe clearance of at least 3 feet between the motor vehicle and the bicycle until safely past. Drivers who fail to yield or pass too closely can be held negligent if a collision or forced off-road crash occurs.
Legal Reference: Alabama Code § 32-5A-281 - Safe Passing Distance
Alabama adheres to the strict rule of pure contributory negligence. Under this doctrine, if an injured cyclist is found to be even 1% at fault for an accident, they may be barred from recovering any financial compensation from the other party. Because insurance adjusters frequently use this rule to deny legitimate claims, having experienced local legal representation is critical to protecting your rights.
Injured cyclists may seek compensatory damages for past and future medical bills, lost income, reduced earning capacity, property damage (such as bicycle replacement), and physical pain and emotional distress. In cases involving a fatal collision, claims brought under the Alabama Wrongful Death Act are limited by law to punitive damages, which are intended to punish gross negligence and deter future harm.
Legal Reference: Alabama Code § 6-5-410 - Wrongful Act, Omission, or Negligence Causing Death
Our team handles the administrative and legal burdens of your case independently. We manage the procurement of official crash reports from the Huntsville Police Department Records Division or Madison County Sheriff’s Office, collect necessary medical documentation from treatment centers, handle all communications with insurance adjusters, and prepare your case for trial if a fair settlement is not offered.
When a vehicle strikes a cyclist, the human body absorbs the full force of the collision. Injuries are often severe, life-altering, or fatal — even when the cyclist was wearing proper safety gear.
Emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment costs.
Income lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity going forward.
Replacement cost for your bike, helmet, and any equipment damaged in the accident.
Physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and recovery.
Compensation for permanent physical changes resulting from the crash.
Inability to cycle, exercise, or participate in the activities you love.
Anxiety, PTSD, and psychological harm resulting from the accident.
We've been handling personal injury cases in Huntsville since 1981. We know the local roads, the courts, and how insurance companies operate.
Insurance companies routinely try to pin fault on cyclists. We know these tactics and how to counter them — protecting your right to full compensation.
Most firms settle for whatever the insurance company offers. We prepare every case for trial — and insurers know it, which gets you better offers.
Not a case manager. Not a paralegal. You get the cell phone number of the attorney handling your case directly.
We advance all costs. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. No financial risk in reaching out.
The Lackey Law Firm has served North Alabama families since 1981. We treat every client the way we'd want our own family treated.
