As the weather heats up, you see more people riding bicycles around Mobile. Sad to say, you also see more cyclists getting into accidents.

So, if you get hit, does the law treat you like a walker or as a car driver?

Here in Alabama, a bike rider is not only considered operating a vehicle but, ironically, a motorized vehicle. You must follow the rules of operating a car and are treated as if you were.

For example, you must stop at a stop sign. If you roll through, you could get a ticket. Perhaps more importantly, you might be held responsible for your own medical bills if you get hurt. Remember, if you are even 1% responsible for your injuries in Alabama, you cannot collect anything from the person who hit you.

Here is another fact that might surprise you. You cannot legally ride on a sidewalk. Despite the images you have from the movie E.T. or a Dennis the Menace  episode, you must ride your bike on the far right of the street. You can, however, use a bike path if available.

Here are a few other laws:

With the price of gasoline on the rise, I suspect we will see more bikes on the road. Just remember that pedal power will not exempt you from the rules of the road in our state.

If you suffer from a personal injury like an auto/railroad wreck, wrongful death claim, or slip and fall , you can talk to us at the Law Firm of Eiland and Ritchie for free. We want to help you get back on your feet.

Also, join us on  NBC 15 LawCall  here in Mobile every Sunday night at 10:30, right after the news. We will take your calls live. We do like answering your questions. We also have lawyers standing by at our offices on Monday mornings.

Allen Ritchie

Mobile Personal Injury Attorney

The post Car Hits Bike: Are You a Pedestrian? first appeared on Steele Ritchie.