Being hurt in a motorcycle accident can have devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences. At Moore Law Firm, our motorcycle accident lawyers in Mobile, AL understand that navigating life-changing injuries or the loss of a loved one is overwhelming. For more than 40 years, our personal injury law firm has helped Alabama families get the compensation they need to find justice and protect their financial future.
Key Takeaways
- Strict negligence — Under Alabama’s strict contributory negligence rule, if you are found even 1% at fault, you may be barred from recovering damages.
- Local experience — Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Mobile are familiar with local courts and understand the unique challenges Alabama motorcyclists face.
- Record of success — Since 1985, our Mobile motorcycle accident attorneys have successfully recovered compensation for more than 15,000 injury victims in Alabama.
- No upfront costs — You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Alabama
Despite many motorcyclists being vigilant about riding safely, the carelessness of other motorists often leads to devastating collisions, including:
Left-turn and intersection crashes — This most frequent type of motorcycle accident, left-turn crashes occur when a driver turns into the path of an oncoming motorcyclist.
Lane changes and blind spots — Because motorcycles are smaller and less visible than other vehicles, drivers often fail to see them when changing lanes.
Distracted driving — Using a smartphone, eating and drinking, or daydreaming while driving can lead to deadly motorcycle crashes.
Hazardous road conditions —Loose gravel, deep potholes, uneven pavement, debris, and hazards can cause a motorcyclist to lose control.
Speeding and reckless driving —Traveling at high speeds, running red lights, weaving in and out of traffic, and other irresponsible behaviors can cause accidents and increase the severity of motorcycle injuries.
Mechanical failure — When a defect causes brake failure, tire blowout, or other dangerous conditions, injured parties may be able to bring a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
As a motorcyclist, it’s vital to stay aware of your surroundings and make yourself as visible as possible to other drivers. Wearing reflective gear and checking out these motorcycle safety tips can help you stay safer on the road.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Because motorcyclists don’t have any protection surrounding them, even low-speed accidents can result in catastrophic outcomes. Even the most conscientious riders can suffer serious injuries, including:
Severe fractures and orthopedic trauma —Shattered bones in the legs, feet, and pelvis often require multiple surgeries and extensive physical therapy.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) — Even if you’re wearing a helmet, the force of an impact can cause the brain to strike the skull, leading to concussion, hemorrhage, or permanent cognitive impairment.
Spinal cord and back injuries — A motorcycle wreck can cause cracked vertebrae, herniated discs, or paralysis, which may require lifelong nursing care and home modifications.
Internal organ damage —Internal bleeding and conditions such as a ruptured spleen aren’t always apparent right away, so it’s vital to seek emergency medical care after a crash.
Road rash— Friction injuries can range from surface skin abrasions to deep wounds that expose muscle and bone, and may result in permanent scarring or disfigurement.
Amputation – Losing a limb is a traumatic, life-altering experience that usually requires significant lifestyle modifications and costly prosthetics.
Psychological trauma — Many survivors of motorcycle accidents struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression following a serious collision.
Wearing appropriate gear like a helmet, jacket, pants, and boots can mitigate the effects of potentially serious injuries like TBI or road rash. Our Mobile personal injury attorneys know that recovering from these injuries is often a long, painful road. We treat you with the empathy you deserve and handle all aspects of your case so you can focus on healing.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Understanding the steps to take after a motorcycle accident can protect your health and your rights. If you’re involved in a crash:
- Get to safety and call 911. Leave your bike where it is if possible.
- Take photos of the damage to vehicles, the scene, and your injuries.
- Obtain insurance and contact information from other drivers and witnesses.
- Ask law enforcement for a copy of the police report.
- Go to an emergency room immediately, as internal injuries or TBI may not be apparent right away.
- Do not provide a statement, sign anything, or accept a settlement from insurers.
- Contact Moore Law Firm to protect your rights
If you’re seriously injured or unable to move, ask a witness or bystander to assist you with taking pictures and collecting information. If an insurance adjuster contacts you, politely decline to give a statement. A motorcycle accident lawyer can handle all communications with insurers and negotiate aggressively on your behalf.
Who is Liable in a Motorcycle Accident Case?
Determining fault in a motorcycle crash can be challenging. Our motorcycle accident attorneys know how to thoroughly investigate and identify all potentially liable parties, including:
Negligent drivers — Other drivers’ careless or reckless behavior can cause serious accidents.
Government entities — If a poorly maintained road, missing signage, or a dangerous pothole caused a crash, a city or municipality may be liable for damages.
Manufacturers — If a mechanical failure or malfunction led to a crash, the company designed, built, or sold the part could be liable.
Property owners — Commercial or private property owners may be responsible if overgrown landscaping or debris on the road creates a hazard.
Understanding Contributory Negligence in Alabama Motorcycle Accident Claims
It’s vital to understand that just because you were hurt in a crash, it doesn’t mean you’re automatically entitled to damages, even if someone else is partially at fault. In Alabama, the law follows a strict contributory negligence standard. This means that if you’re found to be even partially at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering any compensation from the other driver.
Insurance companies use this law to their advantage and often try to paint motorcyclists as reckless or irresponsible. Our Alabama motorcycle accident attorneys are well-versed in the law and know how to prove the other party was entirely responsible for the crash.
Evidence That Can Make or Break a Claim
Because Alabama follows such strict negligence rules, it’s critical to gather solid evidence that shows the other party was completely at fault. This includes:
- Photos of skid marks, vehicle positions, and road signs
- Police reports, which provide documentation of the crash and witness statements
- Footage from dashcams, traffic cameras, and surveillance video
- Witness statements and testimony
- Cell phone records and the vehicle’s “black box” information that show a driver was distracted
- Medical records and expert testimony that demonstrate the extent of your injuries
We may also work with accident reconstruction experts who help us prove how a crash happened. Our motorcycle accident attorneys know how to put the pieces of the puzzle together to create compelling cases that get results for our clients.
Types of Compensation in Motorcycle Accident Claims
Being hurt in a crash can have a detrimental impact on all areas of your life. Our motorcycle accident lawyers fight for the compensation you need to cover the full scope of your present and future losses. We may be able to help you recover:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Wage loss
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment
- Loss of consortium
- Property damage
- Other damages specific to your claim
If you’ve lost a loved one in a crash, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim to recover punitive damages in Alabama. Unlike compensatory damages, they are intended to punish the at-fault party and deter others from committing similar acts.
How Motorcycle Accident Compensation is Determined
Accurate calculation of a claim’s value involves more than just adding up medical bills and lost wages. The severity of your injuries and how they have affected your life are major factors when determining how much a claim is worth.
Our team consults with economists, medical experts, and life care specialists to determine the long-term financial and physical impact of your injuries. We gather evidence and documentation that shows how your injuries have affected your mental health, quality of life, and family relationships as well.
Although calculating economic damages like medical costs and wage loss can be fairly straightforward, putting a dollar value on pain and suffering is challenging. The best motorcycle accident lawyers know how to accurately value injury claims and help clients obtain fair compensation. With more than 40 years of experience making successful recoveries for our clients, our attorneys are well-versed in the nuances of this process.
How Moore Law Firm Can Help
Navigating the aftermath of a crash and dealing with insurers can be intimidating. Our team takes the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your recovery. From investigating the crash scene to handling all communication with insurance companies, we focus on building a strong case and maximizing any compensation you receive. Our motorcycle accident attorneys negotiate aggressively on your behalf and stand ready to protect your interests in court if necessary.
Why Choose Our Mobile Motorcycle Accident Lawyers?
Deep local roots — Since 1985, our dedicated team has served clients in Mobile, Daphne, Fairhope, Saraland, and surrounding communities. We’ve cultivated longstanding relationships with local judges, court staff, attorneys, respected experts, and insurance representatives, which helps us develop winning legal strategies.
Personalized attention —We provide the compassionate, responsive service you deserve and keep you informed throughout the legal process.
Unwavering tenacity — Our Mobile motorcycle accident attorneys don’t back down and fight to hold every negligent party accountable. Our proven track record of success speaks for itself.
Risk-free representation — You won’t pay attorneys’ fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Our GET MOORE GUARANTEE helps you keep more of your money.
Find a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near You 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. Call Moore Law Firm at 251-445-7602, contact us, or use the convenient chat feature on our website to schedule a free consultation. Our motorcycle accident attorneys near you serve clients in Mobile, Daphne, Fairhope, Saraland, and surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Motorcycle Accident Claims in Alabama
Does failing to wear a helmet affect my ability to recover damages?
Helmets are required under Alabama law. Although failing to wear one might not bar you from bringing a claim, an insurer may argue that your injuries were more severe due to your own negligence.
What if a pothole or loose gravel caused a crash?
You may be able to bring a claim against the city, county, or agency responsible for road maintenance if they failed to correct a known hazard.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Alabama?
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Alabama is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions, and claims against government entities have much shorter notice deadlines.
Who is usually at fault in a left-turn motorcycle crash?
Typically, a driver making a left turn is at fault if they fail to yield to oncoming traffic. Motorcyclists traveling straight through an intersection usually have the right-of-way.
What if the driver says they “didn’t see” a motorcyclist?
“I didn’t see them” is not a valid legal defense. Motorists have a legal duty to pay attention and safely share the road with smaller vehicles like motorcycles.
What if I was hit by an uninsured driver?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or doesn’t have enough coverage, you can file a claim under your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Although it’s optional in Alabama, the best motorcycle accident lawyers know that the peace of mind it provides is well worth the cost.
How long will my case take to resolve?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your case, the extent of injuries and treatment, and the willingness of insurers to settle. Some claims are resolved in a few months, while cases that go to trial can take a year or longer.