Alabama Motorcycle Accidents Lawyers

Each time a motorcyclist climbs onto their bike and braves traffic, they take a serious risk. Motorcycle riders are incredibly vulnerable to the unpredictable actions of other drivers as well as the harsh weather and road elements.

While not every motorcycle accident is caused by other drivers, many of them are, and those parties should be held accountable. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a motorcycle accident caused by another party’s negligence, you may be able to pursue legal action.

At Clay Phillips Law Firm Firm, we represent injured motorcycle riders throughout the Montgomery area. Our law firm understands the complexities of these cases as well as the bias that often exists against motorcyclists. We promise to fight for the full compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Understanding Alabama’s Motorcycle Laws

If you’re a motorcyclist in Alabama, it’s important that you understand the laws that apply to you, just as any driver has the same requirements. Some of the more pertinent laws in this state that apply to motorcyclists include:

• There are no special licensing requirements for motorcyclists unless the rider is age 16 or younger.
• Alabama requires every motorcycle rider to wear a helmet.
• Motorcyclists in Alabama must also wear shoes.
• If a person is riding as a passenger on a motorcycle, they must have their own seat and footrest.
• Lane-splitting is not permitted in Alabama.
• Only two motorcycles at a time can ride in a lane side-by-side.

Aside from these key laws, motorcyclists in this state must follow all of the other rules of the road.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Alabama

Even though motorcycles get equal access to the road, they aren’t likely to come out ahead in a contest with a passenger vehicle or commercial truck. While motorcyclists can certainly cause accidents with reckless behavior, about half of all accidents are due to the negligence of other parties. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes our firm sees include:

• Aggressive driving
• Distracted driving
• Sudden stops
• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Unsafe lane changes
• Failure to yield the right-of-way
• Left turns into the path of a motorcycle
• DUI

Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries

According to recent data, Alabama ranks number ten on the list of most dangerous states for motorcyclists. The list was compiled based on fatality rates, but injuries can be just as alarming. In 2019 alone, there were over 1,200 injuries in motorcycle-involved crashes in this state. Some of the most common types of motorcycle accident injuries our firm encounters include:

• Head Injuries – Head injuries are the most common type of injury in motorcycle accidents. Helmets can certainly help reduce the severity of these.
• Road Rash – When a motorcyclist’s skin touches the roadway, it can lead to a serious laceration injury known as road rash.
• Leg Injuries – Because they are exposed, leg injuries are common with bikers. Common leg injuries include fractures and broken bones.
• Biker’s Arm – Biker’s arm happens when a motorcyclist throws their arm(s) out to stop a fall after being thrown from their bike. It can involve nerve damage, as well as broken and fractured bones.
• Muscle Damage – Muscle damage is also quite common, including tears, rips, and the potential permanent loss of function.
• Fatalities – Unlike with passenger vehicles, motorcyclists don’t have the protection of a vehicle frame. When an accident happens, the results are often fatal.

Liability in Alabama Motorcycle Accidents

In a motorcycle accident case, you have the right to pursue compensation if another party was responsible for the accident and your resulting injuries. Proving liability in these types of cases can be challenging. Some of the ways that our law firm can establish liability in these cases include:

• Another Driver – Sadly, other drivers rarely notice motorcycles until it’s too late. A driver may have been distracted or driving recklessly, which is considered negligence.
• A Pedestrian – Similar to drivers, a pedestrian can also act recklessly by stepping into the path of a moving motorcycle, causing them to lose control and crash.
• Manufacturer’s Defect – A defective product can become a liability if it causes a driver or motorcyclist to lose control and get into an accident.
• Poor Road Conditions – A city or contractor responsible for maintaining a road could cause a dangerous accident if they fail to maintain a road or clearly mark hazards.

It’s important to understand that Alabama is a contributory negligence state. If an insurance company can show that you were partially at fault in the accident, you won’t be able to recover anything in a personal injury case. A knowledgeable attorney can help you avoid this common pitfall.

What is a Fair Settlement for a Motorcycle Accident Injury?

Because every motorcycle accident case is different, it’s impossible to place a dollar figure on a case without a thorough review. And there’s generally no way to tell how much a case is worth just after the accident takes place. The financial compensation you receive depends on a variety of factors that are meant to make you whole from a financial perspective. You may also be entitled to some non-economic damages that can add up to a significant figure.

Some of the factors that insurance companies, judges, and juries will use to place a value on your injury case include:

• Your medical expenses – past and future
• Your lost wages, including any lost future earning capacity
• Other expenses incurred due to the accident
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

Most personal injury cases are settled before they end up in court. Having a skilled personal injury lawyer in your corner that can negotiate on your behalf can be invaluable. But, if the insurance companies aren’t being reasonable, you also need an attorney that is willing to take your case to court.

Speak With an Experienced Montgomery Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

After suffering serious injuries in a motorcycle accident due to another party’s negligence, you want a personal injury lawyer on your side that you can trust to safeguard your interests. At Clay Phillips Law Firm, our experienced Montgomery accident lawyer will thoroughly review your case and outline a strategy to pursue justice and help you move forward with your life. Our representation costs you nothing upfront because we don’t get paid unless you do.

Call our office at (334) 277-8753 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.