Sep 20, 2021 | By Fob James, IV | Read Time: 2 minutes
Attorney Portrait Accident Reports

How to Get a Copy of Your Phenix City Accident Report

If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident in Phenix City, Alabama, you might be considering filing a legal claim with the other driver’s insurance company. In most cases, you will need a copy of your accident report to get the process started. After a motor vehicle collision, the police officer reporting to the scene will complete and file an Alabama Uniform Traffic Crash Report form. This form contains a variety of valuable information that will be required for pursuing a legal claim or lawsuit. You can obtain Phenix City, AL car accident reports in a few different ways, some of which are easier than others. How to Download a Copy of an Accident Report in Phenix City, AL Online The Phenix City police department does not provide a direct way to obtain a copy of a report electronically. Instead, their website directs you to the LexisNexis police report site. This site allows you to search accident reports and obtain copies. You must have been involved in the accident to review or obtain a report. You also need to have the report number or the date of the accident and last name of a driver involved in the crash. The cost to download your accident report is $23.00. All major credit cards are accepted. Where Is the Phenix City Police Department? Alternatively, you can obtain your crash report in person by going to the police station in Phenix City, which is located at the following address: Public Safety Building1111 Broad St.Phenix City, AL 36867 If you choose to pick up your accident report in person, you will be required to provide a copy of your government-issued photo ID. The cost for in person pickup is only $2.00, and only cash or checks are accepted. How To Get a Copy of an Accident Report in Chambers County, Alabama If your car accident occurred outside of the Phenix City limits and in Chambers County, you can likely download your accident report through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). They offer an electronic option for you to order a Chambers County, AL accident report online. All major credit cards are accepted and the cost is $17.00. In order to download your accident report, you will need to enter either: (i) the DPS number (crash report number) or (ii) the last name of a driver and their drivers license number. You can obtain the DPS number for your car wreck by contacting Alabama Highway Patrol by phone at 334.242.4393 or by email at highway.patrol@alea.gov. Contact an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer for Help with a Phenix City Accident Report The easiest way to get your police report is to contact an Alabama car accident attorney. Your attorney will gather all the evidence necessary to build a persuasive case on your behalf, including the accident report. At the Fob James Law Firm, our Alabama car accident lawyers work diligently to build your case and negotiate a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company. If necessary, our experienced litigators will file a civil lawsuit and fight to get you justice in court. You could be entitled to recover compensation for your medical treatment, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.

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Jul 20, 2021 | By Fob James, IV | Read Time: 3 minutes
Attorney Portrait Accident Reports

How to Get a Copy of Your Eufaula, AL Accident Report

After a car crash, you should call 911 to report the crash to the local police department. The investigating officer will likely arrive to the scene of the crash soon. They will proceed to investigate the crash and write an accident report, adding as much detail as possible. Your Eufaula, Alabama car accident report can play a significant role in your claim. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to acquire one. Our experienced Alabama auto accident attorneys can help you obtain an accident report and will review your options. Where to Find Your Car Accident Report in Eufaula, AL You may obtain an accident report in Eufaula, Alabama report directly through the police department. Eufaula, Alabama Police Department There are two ways to get a copy of your crash report from the City of Eufaula Police Department: In-person: Incident and accident reports are available Monday through Friday, 8 am until 5 pm from the records division at the Eufaula Police Department, which is located at 545 East Barbour Street Eufaula, Alabama 36027. There is a $5 charge per report.  Online: You can request a copy of an incident or accident report online at the Government Portal for a credit or debit card payment of $8. You will need to provide the name of the driver, the date of the crash, and your phone number. Where to Find Your Car Accident Report in Barbour County, AL If you were in a car accident that occurred outside the city limits of Eufaula in Barbour County, Alabama, you can likely download your accident report online depending on which law enforcement agency investigated the crash. If the Alabama State Troopers investigated the crash, you can download your Alabama accident report online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s website: Crash Report Request Page To download your car crash report, you will need to provide your ALEA case number or the last name of a driver in the crash and their driver’s license number. Copies of crash reports cost $15 each. If you pay by credit card you will also be charged a credit card processing fee. If the Barbour County Sheriff’s Office investigated the crash, you can download the car accident report online: Crash Report Request Page To download your Barbour County car accident report, you will need to provide the crash report number, last name of a party involved, and the date of the crash. If you do not know the crash report number you can obtain that information by calling the Barbour County Sheriff’s office at 334-775-3434. What Information Is Included In the Alabama Accident Report? Police officers will do their best to get as much information into the crash report as possible. Standard information you can find in your accident report includes: Date; Time; Location; Driver information; Description of the accident and injuries; Weather conditions at the time of the accident; Photos of the scene and vehicles; and Information regarding any tickets issued at the scene. Car accident reports can be very beneficial to your claim, as they provide an abundance of information about the crash. How an Attorney Can Help A car accident attorney will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve after a car accident, and a crash report can be extremely helpful. Your attorney will likely request a copy of the accident report as part of their thorough investigation. They will also use this information when negotiating with the insurance company. Insurance companies are synonymous with doing everything possible to limit liability, but an accident report is a neutral and unbiased document your attorney will use to prove the other driver’s liability.  The team at Fob James Law Firm has over 40 years of experience helping car accident victims fight for their rights and just compensation. We understand the stresses and frustrations that come after a car accident, so we strive to provide kindness and compassion when you need it most. Our team takes on fewer cases to provide our clients with the highest quality legal representation. We offer free case reviews. Contact us today or call our firm at (205) 407-6009, and let’s discuss your claim. 

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Jul 13, 2021 | By Fob James, IV | Read Time: 2 minutes
Attorney Portrait Accident Reports

How to Get a Copy of Your Homewood, AL Accident Report

If you were involved in a motor vehicle collision in Homewood, you might be considering filing a legal claim with the other driver’s insurance company. In most cases, you will need a copy of your accident report to get the process started. After a motor vehicle collision, the police officer reporting to the scene will complete and file an Alabama Uniform Traffic Crash Report form. This form contains a variety of valuable information that will be required for pursuing a legal claim or lawsuit. You can obtain Homewood, AL car accident reports in a few different ways, some of which are easier than others. How to Get a Copy of an Accident Report in Homewood, AL The easiest method of obtaining a copy of an accident report from the Homewood police department is to download the report from the LexisNexis police report site. This site allows you to search police and accident reports and download copies online. You must have been involved in the accident to review or obtain a report. You also need to have the report number or the date of the accident and the last name of a driver. You can also call the police department’s non-emergency number, (205) 332-6200, and arrange to obtain a copy of your report or request one in writing through the mail. Where Is the Homewood Police Department? You can also obtain your Homewood, Alabama accident report in person. The Homewood Police Department is physically located at 1833 29th Ave S, Homewood, AL 35209. Are There Any Other Ways to Get a Police Report in Homewood, AL? Another option for obtaining Homewood accident reports is through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). They offer an alternative option for you to order a Homewood accident report online. To order an accident report from ALEA you will need either: (i) the case number; or (ii) the last name of a driver and the driver’s driver license number. For both the LexisNexis site and ALEA, you must use a major credit card to complete the order. How Much Does a Homewood Accident Report Cost? If you obtain your report from the LexisNexis database, the cost is typically $23 per report, although this fee is subject to change at any time. If you obtain your report via the ALEA website, the cost is $17.00. Contact the Homewood Police Department for information on how much it will cost to obtain a copy of your report directly from their records office. Need help with the accident report? Fill out the free and confidential form and we will get the report for you. Click Here Contact an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer for Help with a Homewood Accident Report The easiest way to get your police report is to contact an Alabama car accident attorney. Your attorney will gather all the evidence necessary to build a persuasive case on your behalf, including the accident report. At the Fob James Law Firm, our Alabama car accident lawyers work diligently to build your case and negotiate a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company. If necessary, our experienced litigators will file a civil lawsuit and fight to get you justice in court. You could be entitled to recover compensation for your medical treatment, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.

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Jul 13, 2021 | By Fob James, IV | Read Time: 2 minutes
Attorney Portrait Articles

Can You Sue a Funeral Home for Damages and Negligence in Alabama?

When a family member passes away, emotions are already running high. The last thing you expect is the funeral home to mistreat your deceased family member. Unfortunately, negligence in funeral homes happens. If the funeral home abused or neglected their duties, you could have a valid funeral home lawsuit case. If your family has suffered because of a negligent funeral home in Alabama, contact the Birmingham personal injury lawyers at Fob James Law Firm. Types of Funeral Home Negligence Cases Most cases involving funeral home negligence fall into one of the following categories: Incompetent employees and honest mistakes, Fraud and theft, or Sexual perversion. Funeral homes can be held responsible for negligence when they provide a substandard level of care. If the staff failed to reasonably and adequately conduct the services your family contracted them for, you have the right to pursue a claim for damages. Examples of nursing home negligence include: Mishandling the remains, including improper storage or transport, dropping the body, and failure to identify; Cremation errors such as combining remains with another or not presenting the right remains to the family; Embalming errors that result in disfigurement or decomposition; Theft, such as robbing the corpse; Fraud, such as the funeral home overcharging for services and caskets or selling previously used caskets; Using substandard products such as a broken or defective casket; or Sexual abuse of the corpse. If a funeral home acted negligently, please contact the Fob James Law Firm to discuss the best course of legal action.   Who Can Sue a Funeral Home in Alabama? Alabama courts will allow family members who have knowledge of the negligence to pursue compensation. Each case is different, but possible parties in lawsuits against funeral homes include: Surviving spouse, Surviving children, and Surviving parents. If the deceased had none of the above, then others in the deceased’s line of succession may be able to make a claim. Potential Damages in a Funeral Home Negligence Case Compensation in a funeral negligence case will vary based on the facts of your case. Your family could be eligible to receive compensation for damages such as funeral expenses and emotional distress. When you meet with our office, we will review your case and let you know the potential value of your claim. However, before you receive any money in a funeral home negligence case, we must prove liability against the defendants. Proving negligence starts with showing that the funeral home owed you some duty and that they breached that duty. If you hired them to handle your loved one’s funeral, proving the home owed you a duty is pretty straightforward. We must show they were negligent and their actions directly related to the harm your family suffered. The last element of negligence is damages, which are the financial losses you incurred due to the funeral home’s negligent behavior. If we can prove their actions were intentional, your family may be eligible for punitive damages in some cases. These damages are designed to “punish” the defendants to set an example and discourage them from engaging in similar behavior in the future. Contact an Alabama Funeral Home Negligence Attorney If you believe a funeral home is guilty of negligent behavior toward your deceased family member, let our skilled legal team help. We have years of experience litigating complex personal injury cases and work tirelessly to protect your rights. Contact the Fob James Law Firm today to learn how we can help.

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Jul 13, 2021 | By Fob James, IV | Read Time: 2 minutes
Attorney Portrait Articles

What to Do When Insurance Companies Drag Their Feet?

When you present a personal injury claim to a defendant’s insurance company, you expect them to handle your claim with professionalism and try to resolve it within a reasonable amount of time. In other situations, you may encounter delays from your own insurance company. When an insurance company delays resolving a claim, it may be guilty of acting in bad faith. If you suspect the insurance company is dragging its feet, speak with the experienced Birmingham personal injury lawyers at the Fob James Law Firm. Types of Bad Faith Claims There are two main types of bad faith claims. These are first-party and third-party bad faith. First-party bad-faith claims involve your own insurance company, while third-party bad faith claims involve another party’s insurance company. Examples of Bad Faith Actions by Insurance Companies Every bad faith claim is different, but there are certain actions we see more commonly than others. Lengthy Delays Settling an insurance claim can sometimes be a lengthy process. Some delays and waiting are to be expected. However, when the insurance company takes an unreasonably long time to respond to you and has not provided any reason for the delay, it could be bad faith. Lowball Offers When an insurance company intentionally undervalues your claim to reduce their own payout, you have the right to counter them with a reasonable demand. If your case is clearly worth more and they refuse to entertain reasonable settlement discussions, they may be acting in bad faith. Unexplained Denials Insurance companies have a duty to investigate your claim. Sometimes they may deny at the onset due to a coverage issue, which should be explained. If there is coverage and they conduct an investigation, they cannot deny your claim with no explanation. If the insurance company unfairly denies your claim or refuses to offer any reason why they denied it, this can also be bad faith. Using Illegal Tactics While less common, some insurance companies engage in illegal behaviors to avoid paying out a claim. They may withhold a witness, alter evidence, or partake in other deceitful activity to undermine your claim. Steps to Take When the Insurance Company Is Dragging Their Feet When you think an insurance company is intentionally delaying settling your insurance claim, you should be persistent. Continue to contact the assigned adjuster. Don’t just leave voicemails but send emails as well to create a paper trail. Ask for specific details. For example, if they say a supervisor is reviewing the case, ask when you will receive an update or when the review will be done. Try asking to speak with the adjuster’s supervisor. If the adjuster will not put you through, call back on the general number and ask for the supervisor on your claim. Consider sending a formal demand letter in writing. This step shows the insurance company you are serious, and they must address and respond to your demand letter. Your next step is to contact an Alabama bad faith insurance lawyer who can help. At the Fob James Law Firm, we deal with insurance companies on a daily basis and know how to recognize these bad faith tactics. If you suspect bad faith claims handling in your own case, please contact our office right away. Let us put our knowledge and experience to work for you. We will review your case, confirm whether you have a viable bad faith claim, and let you know how to proceed. 

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Jul 13, 2021 | By Fob James, IV | Read Time: 3 minutes
Attorney Portrait Articles

Can You Sue After a Car Accident If You Are Not Hurt?

If you or a loved one were involved in an Alabama car accident that you did not cause, you might be considering legal action—but what if you were not hurt in the collision? Do you need a car accident lawyer if no injury occurred? Alabama personal injury attorneys work to help clients recover economic and non-economic damages they suffer due to the wrongful actions of another party. Personal injuries can be physical in nature, but they can also be emotional or financial. Whatever damages you might have sustained, you deserve fair compensation. The best way to determine whether you have a valid cause of action for pursuing a car accident claim is to let an experienced attorney evaluate the details of your case. Options for Suing After a Car Accident With No Injuries After a car accident or another type of motor vehicle collision, you have several options for pursuing legal action. If your damages were limited to personal property—damage to your vehicle, for example—you can pursue a claim through the at-fault party’s insurance company. If the insurance company refuses to cooperate, you could have recourse in small claims court. You can also pursue an insurance claim if you suffered emotional trauma as a result of a car accident. Unfortunately, these types of damages can be difficult to document and prove. The insurance company will likely deny your claim or offer an undervalued settlement. In that case, consider getting a lawyer to assist you. Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident That Wasn’t My Fault? There is no legal requirement in Alabama that you must have an attorney for a car accident claim. However, if you are struggling to get the compensation you deserve directly from the insurance company, getting an attorney can be very much to your advantage. Experienced car accident lawyers understand how to investigate and document an injury accident claim. They have the knowledge and resources necessary to gather the evidence needed to build the strongest possible case. Attorneys also understand how insurance companies work. This helps them protect your legal rights and get the maximum possible compensation on your behalf. There is one more important reason to consider getting an auto accident lawyer when no injury occurs. Car accident injuries do not always manifest immediately. Some types of injuries—including whiplash and other soft tissue damage—may not present symptoms for days or even weeks. By then, you may not be able to recover compensation directly from the insurance company. At the Fob James Law Firm, we have an extensive network of resources that we put to work for you. We can help connect you with a qualified medical professional for a full evaluation. This helps ensure that any potential injuries are identified and that you get any treatment or care that you need. We will identify and document all damages you have suffered so we can pursue compensation on your behalf. Our firm will be by your side throughout the process. We will protect your rights while holding the insurance company accountable. Contact an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer for Help If you have questions about your options for getting a car accident lawyer if no injury took place, contact the experienced car accident lawyers at the Fob James Law Firm. We offer a complimentary consultation to Alabama auto accident victims. Our caring attorneys will answer your questions and provide all the information you need to take the next steps. We will fight tirelessly for you, protecting your legal rights and helping you recover the compensation you deserve for your damages, whatever they might be. Call or contact us today to speak to one of our Alabama personal injury lawyers about your options for pursuing legal action.

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Jul 13, 2021 | By Fob James, IV | Read Time: 3 minutes
Attorney Portrait Articles

Car Accident Settlement Calculator—How Much Is My Case Worth in Alabama?

If you sustained injuries in an Alabama car accident that was not your fault, you may have the right to recover compensation for your damages. The question is, How much compensation might you be entitled to?  Car accident claims help accident victims recover their physical, emotional,and financial damages. Unfortunately, researching Alabama car accident claim values online may not provide you with the accurate answers you deserve. Working with an experienced car accident lawyer in Alabama is the best way to help ensure that you get the justice and financial compensation you deserve.  The personal injury lawyers of the Fob James Law Firm understand how frightening and confusing this situation can be. We offer a free consultation to answer your questions and help you get started with the legal process. We can also help provide a more accurate estimate of how much your Alabama car accident claim might be worth and how long it might take to get a check in your hands. Determining the Value of an Alabama Car Accident Settlement If you are considering taking legal action, you may be asking yourself, How much is my case worth? Personal injury attorneys calculate the value of car accident claims by identifying and documenting the victim’s economic and non-economic damages. This typically includes your medical treatment, lost income, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering. You could also be entitled to compensation for any future medical treatment you require as well as income losses for any period within which your injuries prevent you from returning to work. If you sustained any long-term or permanent damage, such as scarring, disability, etc., you may be able to pursue compensation for those damages. Your attorney can also explore the possibility of seeking damages for diminished quality of life and diminished earning capacity. No matter what websites, injury claim calculators, or other online sources might tell you, however, the most reliable way to establish how much your Alabama injury claim might be worth is to talk to an experienced car accident attorney. Can an Alabama Car Accident Settlement Calculator Help? At this point, you are likely exploring the question of What is my personal injury claim worth? You may perform some basic online research in pursuit of an answer. Should you come upon any type of car accident settlement calculator, it can be tempting to fill out an online information form to see what you can learn.  Approach any type of online personal injury settlement calculator with caution.  To accurately calculate your potential claim value, an attorney must carefully analyze the details of the accident and identify the specific damages you suffered. Venue (i.e., the location where the accident occured) can also be a huge factor in valuing your case. Experienced car accident lawyers have the knowledge and resources to establish value for all your damages and document your claim accordingly. Without these critical details, it is impossible to establish an accurate injury accident claim value. Although you may not feel ready to contact an attorney, doing so is the only way to get accurate answers to your questions.  Contact an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer for Help If you are still asking yourself, How much is my claim worth?” now is the right time to contact an Alabama car accident lawyer. Time is of the essence after an injury accident. The sooner you can speak with an experienced attorney, the sooner you can set your legal claim in motion. The experienced Alabama car accident lawyers of the Fob James Law Firm work diligently to investigate your claim and document your damages. In most cases, we can successfully negotiate a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company. However, if we cannot come to a settlement agreement, we have the option of filing a lawsuit and pursuing your claim in court. From beginning to end, we handle everything on your behalf, so you can focus on recovering from your injuries and getting back to work.  To schedule a free consultation, or to learn more about what the value of your Alabama car accident case might be, call or contact us now.

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Jun 25, 2021 | By Fob James, IV | Read Time: 3 minutes
Attorney Portrait Articles

Is Lane Splitting Legal in Alabama?

No, lane splitting is not legal in Alabama. While a smaller vehicle such as a bicycle, a motorized bike, or a motorcycle might be capable of finding space to ride alongside or pass a car in the same lane, it is a violation of Alabama law to employ these maneuvers. There is a national conversation regarding whether states should accept lane splitting, but it is currently illegal in Alabama.  What Is Lane Splitting? Lane splitting is when a vehicle travels between lanes of cars on a multiple-lane roadway. Normally, those who ride bicycles, motorized bikes, or motorcycles are the ones who can employ this practice because their cycles are small enough to fit in between cars in multi-lane traffic. What Is Lane Splitting for Motorcycles? The American Motorcyclist Association notes that motorcyclists split lanes to avoid stop-and-go traffic and accidents. While motorcyclists across the nation want to take advantage of lane splitting during rush hour, Alabama believes it is unsafe. The Alabama Motorcycle Manual warns that: “Riding between rows of stopped or moving cars in the same lane can leave you vulnerable to the unexpected. A hand could come out of the window; a door could open; a car could turn suddenly.”  What Are Alabama’s Lane Splitting Laws? Alabama law requires motorcyclists to follow the same traffic rules that cars have to follow, with some exceptions. Motorcycles are entitled to use a full traffic lane just like any car. Although they are small enough to fit, motorcycles cannot operate between traffic lanes or rows of traffic. Also, motorcycles cannot overtake and pass a vehicle in their same lane. While motorcycles cannot split lanes, they can share lanes. Two (and no more than two) motorcycles can ride side by side in a single lane. The Alabama Motorcycle Manual encourages motorcycles riding abreast to stagger their positions within the lane for safety purposes.  How to Avoid a Motorcycle Accident To avoid a motorcycle accident, you should follow applicable traffic laws, and be aware of the drivers around you. Alabama law requires that you wear an appropriate helmet and shoes when riding your bicycle. You must keep both hands on the handlebars, and you and any passengers should sit properly on permanent seating. The Alabama Motorcycle Manual also encourages you to make yourself visible in your lane, communicate your intentions, and maintain adequate space around you. What to Do If You Are in a Motorcycle Accident Even if you avoid lane splitting and follow the appropriate safety rules while riding your motorcycle, you could still suffer injury at the hands of a negligent driver.  Motorcycle Accident Statistics According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 5,014 motorcyclists died in the United States in 2019. In 2019 motorcyclists were approximately 29 times more likely to die and four times more likely to suffer injury in a vehicle crash.  Motorcycle Accident Reporting Requirements If you or someone else suffers injury or death in a motorcycle accident, you must immediately report the accident. You must report your accident to the local police department, county sheriff, or state highway patrol. You and the other driver must also exchange information for any accidents involving death, injury, or property damage. Gather as much information and photographic evidence as you can from the accident immediately after it happens. (But, of course, only do this if you are physically able and it is safe to do so.) Gathering information and evidence strengthens your case against the at-fault driver for an insurance claim or a lawsuit.  Limitations on Motorcycle Accident Claims You only have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit after a motorcycle accident. Also, Alabama is a contributory negligence state. This means that even if you are only slightly at fault for the accident in comparison to a negligent driver, you cannot recover damages. With such harsh fault laws, a victim of a motorcycle lane splitting accident has a hard fight in court. And this is a fight they should not face without the help of a lawyer. Contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident to maximize your damages while you take time to recover physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially.   Contact an Attorney Right Away At Fob James Law Firm, LLC., we have the resources to seek the best results in your motorcycle accident claim, and we give you the personal attention you need in hard times. We have the diligence and skill to handle difficult cases other attorneys cannot or will not take. We are aggressive and quick when we fight for your rights. Contact us online or call us at 205-649-7797 for a free case review. 

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Jun 25, 2021 | By Fob James, IV | Read Time: 4 minutes
Attorney Portrait Articles

What Are the Alabama Bicycle Laws?

Biking is a great way to save on gas, get good exercise, and enjoy and support nature in Alabama. But before you pump your pedals out on the road, you should understand the bicycle laws in Alabama. Understanding Alabama bicycle laws help protect your safety and also helps you fulfill your obligations as a fellow traveler on the Alabama roads. What Traffic Laws Must a Bicycle Rider Obey? While a bike is wildly different from a car in its structure, size, and abilities, bike riders must follow the same traffic rules that a car must follow.  Traffic Laws Specific to Bicycle Riders Bikes are so small and agile that you may be tempted to weave your bike in and out of multiple lanes or grab the back of a car for a speed boost, but doing so breaks the law. Alabama law recognizes the different and smaller stature of bicycles on the road and has therefore created specific rules for bicycle riders that address these differences including: Prohibition against attaching your bicycle to another vehicle; The requirement that you ride your bicycle as far to the right as practicable; The requirement to ride your bicycle on designated bicycle paths when they are available; Prohibition against carrying packages or articles that prevent you from keeping at least one hand on the handlebars; The requirement that nighttime bicycle riders have a front lamp on their bicycle that emits white light for at least 500 feet in front of them; The requirement that nighttime bicycle riders have a department-approved red reflector on the rear of their bicycle that is visible from 100 to 600 feet in front of low beams; and The requirement that bicycles have brakes that make the wheels skid on dry, level, clean pavement.  Do not attempt to ride your bicycle on the sidewalk as a handy way to avoid traffic. Alabama law says bicycles are vehicles, and vehicles are generally not allowed to operate on sidewalks.  There Are a Few Traffic Law Exceptions for Bicycle Riders Alabama law makes very few exceptions for bicycles in comparison to cars. The law only etches out a handful of exceptions for bike riders, including:  Exemption from traffic laws that are impossible for bike riders to follow due to the nature of their vehicle (e.g. speed limits); Allowance for two bikes to ride side by side on a roadway shared with cars; and Allowance for more than two bikes to ride side by side on roadways exclusive to bikes. If you are riding your bike and you start to wonder whether you can make a certain maneuver in traffic, ask yourself if a car could legally do the same. If the answer is no, you likely can’t make that maneuver on your bike either.  What Are the Alabama Bike Safety Laws? As a bike rider, you travel at relatively high speeds without much protection. There are many safety precautions you should follow to keep yourself safe on the roadways. Alabama law also requires you to comply with its bike safety rules including:  The requirement for bicycle riders 16 years of age and under to wear a helmet that meets the standards of the Snell Memorial Foundation or the American Society for Testing and Materials; and The requirement that any bicycle passenger under 40 pounds or under 40 inches tall ride in an adequately secured passenger seat. If you are the parent or guardian of a child under the age of 16, you are legally liable if you knowingly allow your child to violate the above-stated safety rules. You are also legally liable if you knowingly allow your child under 16 who is also under 40 pounds or 40 inches to ride as a passenger without an adequately secured restraining seat. Following the Alabama bike safety laws and enlisting safe practices can save you a world of trouble when you ride. According to Alabama Public Health, approximately 74% of all fatal bicycle crashes involve head injuries. Bicycle helmets are up to 88% effective in preventing head and brain injuries. Unfortunately, only about 35% of bicyclists wear helmets.    Motorized Bicycle Laws in Alabama If you ride a motorized bicycle—also called a motor-driven cycle—you must follow the same traffic laws as a car. You must be at least 14 years of age and have a Class M license to operate a motorized bicycle.  Safety Requirements for Motorized Bicycles Motorized bicycle riders must have at least one adequate hand or foot brake. Brakes are subject to the inspection and approval or disapproval of the Director of Public Safety. Helmets for motorized bicycle riders must be designed for motorcycle riders and must meet the specifications under Alabama law.  Hours of Operation for Motorized Bicycles Without Certain Headlamps Alabama limits the operation of motorized bicycles that lack headlamps that reveal people and vehicles 300 feet ahead. You cannot operate motorized bicycles without adequate headlamps starting 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise. The law also limits riding motorized bicycles without a proper headlamp when there is insufficient light or unfavorable conditions that prevent you from discerning people or vehicles from 1,000 feet away while traveling faster than 35 miles per hour. What Happens If I Violate an Alabama Bicycle Law? If you violate an Alabama bicycle law, you could be charged with and convicted of a misdemeanor. Also, Alabama follows contributory negligence rules in personal injury cases. This means that if you are even slightly at fault for your bicycle accident, you cannot recover damages. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you avoid these pitfalls and recover what you are due in a lawsuit or settlement.  Contact an Attorney Right Away If you have suffered injury from a bicycle accident, contact an attorney immediately for assistance. At Fob James Law Firm, LLC, we are aggressive and expedient when it comes to your case. We give you personalized attention, and we take fewer cases so we can focus on you. Contact us online or call us at...

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Jun 25, 2021 | By Fob James, IV | Read Time: 3 minutes
Attorney Portrait Articles

What to Do After a Car Accident In a Construction Zone?

There were almost 160,000 car accidents in Alabama in 2019. Over 3,000 of those accidents were in construction zones.  All car accidents can be life-threatening. Road construction accidents can be especially dangerous because of road barriers, reduced lane spaces, uneven road surfaces, and construction personnel. If you’ve been in a road construction accident, you need to know what to do. It is critical that you take action to protect your legal rights and ensure the safety of others.  By taking the following steps, you can help protect your well-being and preserve your legal options. Furthermore, making the right choices after a road construction accident will help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve if you decide to file a claim.  What to Do After a Road Construction Accident Here are several essential steps to take after a construction zone accident. Get You and Your Passengers Out of Danger Before doing anything else, get everyone out to safety. Usually, this means getting to a shoulder or pulling off at the nearest exit. The last thing you want to do is cause another accident by staying in the middle of a road or highway.  Don’t Leave the Scene of the Accident Stay as close as you can to the scene of the accident. Under Alabama law, a “hit-and-run” can be a Class C felony, which may result in up to 10 years of prison time.  Render Aid Alabama law also states that anyone involved in an accident must provide reasonable assistance to other people involved. This may include calling an ambulance or 911.  Exchange Information  This includes your name, address, vehicle registration number, and driver’s license number.  Notify Law Enforcement  If you are involved in a construction zone accident that caused an injury or death, your best choice is to call 911 and the local police department. You can also call the local county sheriff or the Alabama state highway patrol.  Document Everything About the Accident Do everything you can to preserve potential evidence. This includes: Saving any dash cam videos;  Recording any unusual weather or environmental conditions;  Saving all documents and physical evidence you have from the accident; and Photographing the scene of the accident and all vehicles involved. Preserving evidence right after an accident will help increase the chances that you are successful if you decide to file a lawsuit. Causes of Construction Zone Auto Accidents There are a wide variety of unique factors that cause construction zone accidents. Decreased Visibility In a construction zone, construction crews use various kinds of specialized vehicles and machinery that reduce visibility. On top of that, crew often carry out road construction around places with visual barriers like hills, trees, and curves.  These circumstances can create a perfect storm for car accidents. In fact, the CDC found that the movement of construction equipment within the work zone was one of the greatest construction zone hazards.  Unusual Traffic Patterns Drivers—especially daily commuters—often drive on the same roads during roughly the same period every day. Because of that, drivers come to expect certain traffic patterns.  Construction zones change all that overnight.  In a construction zone, there’s likely to be shifting lanes, closed lane shoulders, and detours. All these factors can surprise drivers and cause road construction accidents.  Poor or Unclear Signage Federal and Alabama law require that construction crews (or state agencies) put up road signs to ensure that drivers are aware of construction zone conditions.  Similarly, special speed limit signs put drivers on notice of construction zone speed limits. In Alabama, for example, the department of transportation is responsible for placing construction zone signs at least 100 feet before the beginning of a construction zone. Other regulations state where other signs should be placed, what they should look like, and how many should be placed in a construction zone.  Sometimes construction companies and state agencies fail to obey these regulations. When that happens, road construction accidents follow, causing injuries, property damage, and even death.  Uneven Road Surfaces During road construction, the old road surface is often broken up and replaced. This creates uneven or poor quality pavement at times, which can easily cause a vehicle to blow a tire, swerve, or become damaged.  Why Should I Choose the Fob James Law Firm? Being in a road construction accident is traumatic. Yet you don’t have to deal with this challenging situation on your own. While there are other personal injury attorneys in Alabama, the Fob James Law Firm stands out from the crowd: We have a proven track record of obtaining outstanding results for our clients;  We have extensive experience defending clients in personal injury cases; and We put our clients first, as demonstrated by our testimonials. Even if you aren’t sure about your case, take a moment to contact us. Initial consultations are always free, so you have nothing to lose by giving us a call or email right now.

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