What to Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident in Alabama

Even the most conscientious motorcyclists can’t control what others do on the road. However, when a crash happens, what you do next can significantly impact your physical and financial recovery. At Moore Law Firm, we’ve served more than 15,000 personal injury victims over the past 40 years. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Mobile, Alabama explain what to do to protect your health and your rights after a collision.

Get to Safety

If you can, move to a safe area, but leave your motorcycle where it is. If your helmet was thrown during the crash, leave it as well – the position of these items can help investigators determine how the collision occurred. Avoid removing your helmet or protective gear until paramedics assist you. Taking them off could exacerbate certain types of injuries.

Call 911 and Report the Crash

Even if an accident seems minor it’s vital to call 911, as symptoms of serious injuries like TBI may not appear right away and insurers will need documentation of the crash. EMT’s can evaluate your injuries and police reports provide valuable evidence your Mobile motorcycle accident lawyer will need if you decide to file a personal injury claim.

Do not admit fault or say “I’m sorry” or “I feel fine” when speaking to police or anyone else. This is important because Alabama follows the contributory negligence rule. This means that even if you’re only 1% at fault for a crash, you may not be able to recover damages at all. In addition, insurers may use statements like “I’m okay” to dispute the severity of your injuries or deny claims.

Gather Evidence

If possible, gather as much evidence as you can at the scene of the crash. Take photos and/or video of vehicle damage, debris, skid marks, traffic signals, and your injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers and ask any witnesses for their names and phone numbers.

Use your phone to record or jot down everything you remember about the collision. Photos, witness statements, and other evidence collected at the scene provide valuable evidence your motorcycle accident attorney in Mobile can use to back up your claim. If you’re seriously injured, ask a bystander to help you gather information.

Seek Medical Care As Soon As Possible

Go to the emergency room or urgent care right away, even if you believe you’re not seriously hurt. Symptoms of potentially fatal injuries like internal bleeding don’t always show up immediately, so it’s best to get checked out. Seeking prompt medical attention can ensure your injuries are properly diagnosed and you get the care you need. Medical records also provide vital evidence your motorcycle accident lawyer will need to demonstrate the full scope of your injuries and damages.

Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Mobile, Alabama

The sooner you contact a personal injury lawyer after a crash, the better. Insurance companies move quickly to minimize payouts and find reasons to deny claims. Do not give a statement, sign anything or accept a settlement without speaking to our motorcycle accident attorneys in Mobile, AL first. We can protect your rights and handle all communications and negotiations with insurers so you and your family can focus on healing.

It’s also important to act fast so your attorney can preserve evidence, which can be lost as time goes by. Your motorcycle accident lawyer can gather evidence such as traffic camera and surveillance footage, police reports, witness statements, phone records, and other information that can strengthen your case.

In Alabama, you only have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Our Mobile motorcycle accident lawyers can evaluate your case, advise you of your options and begin building a case right away. If you’ve lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, our personal injury attorneys may be able to help you pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.

How Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Mobile Can Help

Motorcycle accident cases are complex, and involve unique challenges such as bias against motorcyclists, catastrophic injuries, and multifaceted liability issues. With more than 40 years of experience representing injured riders in Mobile, our motorcycle accident attorneys understand the complicated technical aspects of these cases, including the physics of motorcycle crashes. We often work closely with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and other professionals to determine how a crash happened, demonstrate the severity of your injuries, and ensure your claim is accurately valued. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Mobile can help you recover damages such as:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium
• Property damage

We know that being hurt or losing someone in a crash can have a serious impact on your financial stability. That’s why we take cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t incur any upfront costs or pay attorneys’ fees unless we win your case.

Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Mobile, AL

At Moore Law Firm, we fight to protect your rights and provide the legal support you need to get through difficult times. To schedule a consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Mobile, Alabama, contact us, call 251-445-7602, or use the convenient chat feature on our website to get in touch today. Our personal injury lawyers serve clients in Mobile, Daphne, Fairhope, Saraland and surrounding communities.