Understanding Pedestrian & Bicycle Accident Claims in Alabama & Georgia

Pedestrians and bicyclists face some of the most serious dangers on Alabama and Georgia roadways. Without the protection of a vehicle, even a low-speed collision can cause catastrophic injuries, permanent disability, or death. Unfortunately, motorists often fail to see or fail to respect people traveling on foot or by bike.

At Serious Injury Law Group, we represent pedestrians and cyclists who have been struck by cars, trucks, and commercial vehicles. Our attorneys understand the unique legal challenges these cases present and aggressively pursue compensation for injured victims and grieving families throughout Alabama and Georgia.

If you or a loved one was hit by a vehicle, you deserve experienced legal representation that knows how to hold negligent drivers and insurance companies accountable.

How Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents Commonly Occur

These accidents can happen almost anywhere: intersections, crosswalks, parking lots, residential streets, bike lanes, and shoulders along the road. Common causes include:

Driver Negligence

  • Distracted, speeding, or impaired driving
  • Failure to yield at crosswalks, intersections, or while turning
  • Right-of-way violations
  • Tailgating or following too closely
  • Unsafe passing (“buzzing”), including failure to give cyclists three feet of space as required by Alabama law
  • Dooring, when drivers or passengers open doors into the path of a cyclist

Environmental Factors

  • Poor lighting or visibility
  • Congested roadways without bike lanes or pedestrian infrastructure
  • Parking lots and low-speed zones where drivers are less attentive

Common Injuries in Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents

Because pedestrians and cyclists have little to no protection, injuries are often life-altering. Our attorneys regularly handle cases involving:

These injuries frequently require surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, assistive devices, and ongoing medical care.

Why These Claims Are Especially Challenging

Pedestrian and bicycle accident cases demand a higher level of investigation and legal strategy due to:

Aggressive Insurance Tactics

Insurers often claim the injured person:

  • Was outside a crosswalk
  • “Came out of nowhere”
  • Was hard to see due to lighting or clothing
  • Should have avoided the collision

Strict Negligence Laws

  • Alabama follows a contributory negligence rule: If the insurer can prove you were even 1% at fault, they may attempt to deny your claim entirely.
  • Georgia uses a modified comparative negligence system, allowing recovery if you are less than 50% at fault, though compensation is reduced.

Need for Detailed Evidence

These cases often require:

  • Accident reconstruction
  • Scene analysis and video review
  • Vehicle damage evaluation
  • Witness statements and cellphone data

How Serious Injury Law Group Helps Injured Pedestrians & Cyclists

When you hire Serious Injury Law Group, we handle every aspect of your case while you focus on healing.

Thorough Investigation

We build your case from the ground up by:

  • Collecting police reports, EMS records, and 911 calls
  • Securing traffic camera, surveillance, and dash-cam footage
  • Interviewing witnesses
  • Reviewing driver behavior and cellphone usage
  • Working with accident reconstruction experts

Insurance Negotiation

Our attorneys:

  • Handle all communication with insurers
  • Protect you from blame-shifting tactics
  • Present compelling evidence of fault
  • Refuse low-ball settlement offers

Trial-Ready Advocacy

If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial. Insurance companies know we don’t bluff, and that leverage matters.

Common Questions About Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents

Every case is different, but compensation may include:

Economic damages:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Rehabilitation and physical therapy
  • Lost wages
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Long-term care, assistive devices, and home modifications

Non-Economic Damages:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress and trauma
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Disfigurement and permanent impairment

Wrongful Death Claim:
If a loved one was killed, surviving family members may pursue compensation for:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Loss of financial support
  • Loss of companionship and guidance
  • Punitive damages (available under Alabama law in wrongful death cases)

If possible:

  1. Call 911 and ensure a police report is filed
  2. Seek immediate medical care
  3. Take photos of the scene, vehicle, and injuries
  4. Preserve all documents and communications
  5. Avoid speaking with the other party’s insurance company
  6. Contact an experienced injury attorney as soon as possible

Early legal involvement can make a critical difference in the outcome of your case.

Meet Our Team of Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys

Gerald Clark Brooks, Jr.

Managing Partner | Founder | Lawyer

Chuck James, II

Founder | Lawyer

Brandon Marcellus Price-Crum

Partner