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Bicycle Accident Claims in Alabama

Bicycle rules in Alabama (passing distance, helmets, riding rules), how fault is shared after a bike crash, and the deadline to sue.

Short answer: Bicycle riders on a roadway have the rights and duties of drivers of vehicles, must ride as near the right side as practicable, may not ride more than two abreast, and must use an adjacent usable bike path where one is provided. Ala. Code §§ 32-5A-260, 32-5A-263, 32-5A-82, 32-5A-283

Bicycle lawsBicycle riders on a roadway have the rights and duties of drivers of vehicles, must ride as near the right side as practicable, may not ride more than two abreast, and must use an adjacent usable bike path where one is provided. A driver passing a bicycle must leave at least three feet on a road with a marked bike lane, or on a road without one if the speed limit is 45 mph or less and there is no double yellow no-passing line, when the cyclist is riding within two feet of the right shoulder. Riders and passengers under 16 must wear a fastened bicycle helmet on public roads, paths, rights-of-way and public parks.
Passing: https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabama?section=32-5A-82 ; helmet: https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabama?section=32-5A-283 ; roadway position: https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabama?section=32-5A-263
Source: Ala. Code §§ 32-5A-260, 32-5A-263, 32-5A-82, 32-5A-283
Minimum car insuranceEvery registered vehicle must carry liability insurance (or an approved bond or cash deposit) of at least $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death of two or more people in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25).
Source: Ala. Code §§ 32-7A-4, 32-7-6(c)
Deadline to sue for an injuryMost lawsuits for injury to a person that do not arise from a contract must be filed within two years. Claims for trespass to the person, such as assault and battery or false imprisonment, have six years.
Source: Ala. Code §§ 6-2-38(l), 6-2-34(1)

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FAQ

What are the bicycle laws in Alabama?
Bicycle riders on a roadway have the rights and duties of drivers of vehicles, must ride as near the right side as practicable, may not ride more than two abreast, and must use an adjacent usable bike path where one is provided. A driver passing a bicycle must leave at least three feet on a road with a marked bike lane, or on a road without one if the speed limit is 45 mph or less and there is no double yellow no-passing line, when the cyclist is riding within two feet of the right shoulder. Riders and passengers under 16 must wear a fastened bicycle helmet on public roads, paths, rights-of-way and public parks.
What is the minimum car insurance required in Alabama?
Every registered vehicle must carry liability insurance (or an approved bond or cash deposit) of at least $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death of two or more people in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25).
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Alabama?
Most lawsuits for injury to a person that do not arise from a contract must be filed within two years. Claims for trespass to the person, such as assault and battery or false imprisonment, have six years.

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.