Since 1985, our motorcycle accident lawyers at Moore Law Firm have recovered compensation for thousands of personal injury victims throughout the Mobile, AL, area. Although wearing proper safety gear and a helmet can reduce your risk of severe injury or death, many accidents involving motorcycles can have catastrophic consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, (NHTSA), 5,932 motorcyclists were killed on U.S. roadways in 2021. This was the highest number of motorcycle fatalities since nationwide reporting began in 1975.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Most motorcycle accidents occur at intersections. Accidents often are caused by other drivers who fail to notice motorcyclists when turning left. Other common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Lane changes – Because motorcycles are narrower and smaller than other vehicles, they are more vulnerable to blind spots and may be struck by drivers switching lanes.
- Hazardous road conditions – Loose gravel, potholes, and damaged pavement pose a danger to motorcyclists and can cause serious injury.
- Sudden stops – Whether due to heavy traffic or an impediment in the road, when a motorcyclist must stop suddenly, they may crash into the car in front of them or be rear-ended.
- Speeding – Drivers who speed may lose control and often don’t have enough stopping distance to avoid hitting other vehicles such as motorcycles, which can have devastating consequences.
- Mechanical failure or defect – When a defect in design or construction causes an accident, injured parties may be able to bring a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
- Lane splitting – This practice is illegal in Alabama. If you’re injured while driving between lanes in slowed traffic, you’ll likely face an uphill battle when it comes to winning a personal injury claim.
As a motorcyclist, it is vital to stay aware of your surroundings at all times. These motorcycle safety tips can help you stay safer on the road.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Because motorcyclists don’t have the protection of a vehicle surrounding them, motorcycle crashes often result in catastrophic injury or death. Our lawyers advise clients to wear appropriate helmets, jackets, pants, and boots when they go for a ride. Reflective gear also can be a lifesaver when it comes to making yourself visible to other motorists.
Even the safest riders can be involved in accidents that cause serious injuries, including:
- Amputation – Losing a limb is a traumatic, life-altering experience that usually requires costly medical care and significant lifestyle modifications.
- Fractured or crushed bones – This type of injury often requires multiple surgeries and physical therapy and can result in chronic pain and disability.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) – The physical, emotional, and cognitive effects of TBI can have a serious impact on a victim’s quality of life.
- Back injuries – Spinal cord and back injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, cracked vertebrae, herniated discs, and other debilitating conditions.
- Disfigurement – Road rash, scars, burns, and other injuries that affect a victim’s appearance can have a devastating physical and psychological impact and make it difficult to function.
- Psychological trauma – The emotional distress that injured victims of motorcycle accidents suffer can cause nightmares, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
What Should I Do If I Am Hurt in a Motorcycle Accident?
After any accident, the most important thing to do is to seek medical care. Some life-threatening injuries such as internal bleeding aren’t always apparent right away. If you go to an emergency room as soon as possible, your injuries can be properly diagnosed, and you’ll get the care you need. Medical records also provide valuable documentation of the accident and the extent of your injuries.
If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, get to safety and call 911. If possible, take photos of the damage to vehicles, the scene, and your injuries. Obtain contact and insurance information from other drivers and witnesses and ask law enforcement for a copy of the police report. If you’re seriously injured or unable to move, ask a witness or bystander to assist you with taking pictures and collecting information. To ensure your rights and interests are protected, don’t give a statement or sign anything from an insurance company before you speak to a motorcycle attorney. Insurance companies often are more concerned about their bottom line than paying adequate compensation to injured victims and may pressure you to settle your claim right away. A motorcycle injury lawyer can handle all communications with insurance adjusters and negotiate aggressively on your behalf.
How Long Do I Have to Seek Compensation?
In Alabama, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is two years. However, seeking the advice of a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after an injury can help you build a stronger case. As time goes on, memories fade and valuable evidence can be lost, so it’s best to act fast.
Determining Fault in Motorcycle Accidents
Determining what caused a motorcycle accident and who is at fault can be challenging, especially in accidents involving multiple vehicles. Our motorcycle injury attorneys often seek the assistance of expert accident reconstructionists who are skilled in determining how a crash happened. We thoroughly investigate all aspects of your case and put all the evidence together to prove liability. If a mechanical defect caused a motorcycle crash or multiple parties are at fault, our lawyers work to identify and pursue all possible sources of compensation.
What Kind of Compensation Can Be Sought In Motorcycle Accident Cases?
Being hurt in a motorcycle accident can come at a high physical, emotional, and financial cost. An injured victim may not be able to work or do many of the things they once enjoyed. An attorney may be able to help you recover damages such as:
- Past and future medical bills
- Past and future wage loss
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Other damages specific to your claim
Our motorcycle accident lawyers can help you understand which types of damages may apply in your case, put an accurate value on your claim, and fight to pursue the maximum compensation to which you may be entitled.
Will My Case Likely Go to Settlement?
The vast majority of personal injury claims are settled out of court. However, it is vital to have our attorneys evaluate your case before accepting a settlement. When bills are piling up it can be tempting to accept a settlement offer right away, but it may be inadequate and end up leaving you in a more precarious financial situation down the road. Having a lawyer for a motorcycle accident case can significantly increase your chances of recovering a greater amount of compensation.
What If the Liable Party is Uninsured or Underinsured?
Unfortunately, the number of uninsured drivers in Alabama is one of the highest in the country. Although drivers are not required to carry uninsured or underinsured (UI/UM) coverage in Alabama, it is well worth the cost. If you are injured by an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver, you can file a claim with your own insurance company. UI/UM covers medical bills and property damage but does not cover damages such as pain and suffering. You also can add MedPay coverage to your motorcycle insurance policy, which helps cover your medical bills. Our motorcycle accident attorneys can review your policy and determine the amount and types of coverage you have.
How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Motorcycle Accident Injury Claim?
The amount of time it takes to resolve a motorcycle accident claim depends on several factors. The complexity of the case, the extent of your injuries, and whether the insurance company is willing to negotiate a fair settlement in a timely manner all can impact how long it takes to resolve a claim. Simpler cases may take only a few months, while claims that require litigation can take years. Our motorcycle injury lawyers strive to help you recover compensation in an efficient manner, but in some cases, it is worth going to court to fight for an award that fully covers your damages.
What If I Lose a Loved One in a Motorcycle Accident?
If someone you love has been killed in a motorcycle accident in Alabama, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim against any liable parties. Only the personal representative of a deceased person’s estate may file a wrongful death claim unless the victim is a minor child. Wrongful death law in Alabama is complex, so it is essential to seek the counsel of a qualified wrongful death lawyer.
Generally, you have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. In cases that involve the death of a minor child or bringing a claim against a government agency, you may have as little as six months. That’s why it’s important to act quickly and contact a lawyer as soon as you can.
In Alabama, you can recover only punitive damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. These types of damages are not intended to compensate the plaintiff, but to punish the defendant for wrongdoing. How much your wrongful death claim is worth will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. Our wrongful death lawyers evaluate your case and advise you of your options for recovering damages.
Can I Afford to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
At Moore Law Firm, our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means you won’t pay attorneys’ fees unless we recover compensation for you, and there are no out-of-pocket costs or expenses until your case is completed. With our proven track record of success in recovering compensation for injured victims, you have nothing to lose by scheduling a free consultation. We’ll give you an honest assessment of your case and provide recommendations on how to proceed with your claim.
Find a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Mobile, AL
If you’ve been injured or have lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash, you don’t have to go it alone. Our motorcycle accident lawyers at Moore Law Firm defend your rights and fight to get the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us at 251-445-7602, contact us now, or use the convenient chat feature on our website to schedule a free consultation. We have served personal injury victims throughout the Mobile, AL area since 1985.