What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident: A Step-By-Step Guide

The moments following a motorcycle crash are often a blur of confusion. Because motorcyclists are so exposed on the road, life-altering injuries can happen in even low-speed collisions. At Moore Law Firm, our Mobile, AL, motorcycle accident lawyers understand that the road to recovery can be challenging. This guide about what to do after a motorcycle accident in Alabama offers a clear path forward to help you protect your health and legal rights during this difficult time.

Key Takeaways

• Injuries that may seem minor can mask serious conditions like internal bleeding, so seek medical care as soon as possible
• Evidence such as photos, video footage, and police reports provide a solid foundation for a successful claim.
• Avoid posting on social media or giving a statement to an insurance adjuster without speaking to an attorney first.
• Our Mobile motorcycle accident attorneys understand the nuances of Alabama law and have helped more than 15,000 injury victims over the past four decades.

Step 1: How to Protect Your Health and Rights

Move to Safety and Call 911

If you’re in a dangerous spot and you are physically able, move your bike out of harm’s way to avoid a secondary collision. If your bike isn’t impeding traffic, leave it where it is. Call 911 immediately and wait for police and paramedics to arrive. This ensures the accident is documented and you receive immediate medical attention.

Document the Crash: A Motorcycle Accident Checklist

There are several steps you can take to document the scene as well. If you need assistance, ask a witness or loved one to help. Collecting the following evidence at the scene is critical for your motorcycle accident checklist:

• Take photos of skid marks, vehicle positions and damage, road debris, traffic signals, and your injuries.
• Gather the names and contact information of any witnesses.
• Ask any involved drivers for their driver’s license info, contact information, and insurance.
• Ask for a case number from police at the scene so you can obtain the crash report later.

To obtain a copy of the police crash report in Alabama, you can request it through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) online portal or by visiting the Mobile police department in person. This report contains the officer’s initial findings and the insurance information for the other driver. If necessary, your motorcycle accident lawyer can track it down for you.

Seek Medical Attention

After a motorcycle accident, it’s best to go to the emergency room right away, especially if you have sustained impact to the head, bleeding, broken bones, burns, or significant road rash. If you believe your injuries are minor, go to urgent care for an initial evaluation and x-rays as soon as you can. Whether you visit the ER or see a doctor, seeking prompt medical care is a must. Symptoms of serious conditions like traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding aren’t always obvious right away. Seeing a healthcare professional within 24 hours also creates a vital link between the crash and your injuries.

Follow-up Care and Symptom Tracking

In any motorcycle accident claim, it’s vital to provide evidence of your injuries and necessary treatment. Make sure to attend every follow-up appointment, physical therapy, and any other recommended treatment. Keep a daily journal of your symptoms, pain levels, mobility issues, and how your injuries are affecting your life and your family.

Step 2: Understand Insurance Coverage Options

Navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle crash requires a clear understanding of who is responsible for your medical bills and other damages. In Alabama, multiple layers of coverage may work together to provide coverage.

The at-Fault Party’s Liability Coverage

Since Alabama is an “at-fault” state, the driver who caused the accident is primarily responsible for any damages. Their bodily injury liability insurance is intended to cover your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Their property damage liability insurance should cover the costs of repairing or replacing your motorcycle and safety gear. However, minimum insurance requirements in Alabama are fairly low, and may not fully cover all of your damages.

It’s also important to know that Alabama follows a strict contributory negligence rule. This means that if you are found even 1% at fault, you could be barred from recovering any compensation at all. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Mobile know how to combat insurance company tactics and unfair biases against riders.

Your Own Insurance

Your primary health insurance is often the first line of defense for your immediate medical bills. If you have Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage on your own motorcycle policy, it can help cover out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles and co-pays, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. This provides a vital financial cushion while your legal claim is pending.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Although it is not required in Alabama, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is a critical safeguard if the driver who hit you doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your medical expenses, wage loss, and other damages. Treatment for motorcycle injuries is often costly, and if you’ve sustained serious injuries you may not be able to work. UM/UIM coverage can bridge the gap and give you some financial stability while you heal.

Property Damage

You have the right to choose where your motorcycle is repaired, so don’t feel pressured to use a shop suggested by an insurance adjuster. It’s also important to avoid signing any final settlement checks for property damage until a professional has confirmed there is no hidden structural damage to the bike’s frame.

Step 3: Seek the Counsel of a Mobile, AL Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Even if you think your injuries aren’t that serious, having a Mobile motorcycle accident lawyer evaluate your case can give you peace of mind and protect your rights. Some important factors to consider include:

• You’ve suffered serious motorcycle injuries that require surgery or long-term rehabilitation
• The other driver claims you were speeding or lane splitting
• Their insurance company is trying to shift blame onto you another way
• Low settlement offers from an insurer
• Your claim is denied

We offer free, no obligation consultations, even if you decide not to move forward with your case.

Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Motorcycle Accident Claim in Alabama

Avoiding these errors can protect the integrity of your claim and give you the best chance of a successful outcome for your case.

After a motorcycle accident, do not:

• Delay medical treatment — Waiting even a few days to seek medical care gives insurance companies leeway to argue that your injuries are minor or unrelated to the crash.
• Discard damaged gear — Your helmet and riding clothes are physical evidence that help tell the story of the impact.
• Admit fault or downplay your injuries — At the scene and when talking to anyone about your accident, don’t say “I’m sorry” or “I’m fine.”
• Provide recorded statements — You are not required to give a statement to insurance adjusters immediately. They can easily twist your words, so it’s best to refer them to your attorney.
• Sign any documents or accept a settlement — It’s easy to underestimate the actual long-term physical, emotional, and financial costs of the accident. Signing release forms or accepting the first settlement offer that comes along can leave you in a precarious financial situation down the road. Make sure to speak to a motorcycle accident lawyer before signing or accepting anything.
• Post on social media — Adjusters and insurance company lawyers monitor social media and the internet to find anything they can to use against you. Do not post any updates or comments about the accident or your injuries. Avoid checking in and posting photos as well. Better yet, deactivate your social media accounts until your claim is resolved.

Why Choose Moore Law Firm?

Since 1985, Moore Law Firm has stood by the side of injury victims in Mobile, AL and throughout the state. Our motorcycle accident attorneys have the experience, resources, and tenacity to help you pursue the compensation you need to get back on your feet.

We know that the legal process is stressful when you’re trying to recover. Our personal injury lawyers prioritize clear, compassionate communication so you’re never left wondering about the status of your claim. Our law firm takes cases on contingency. This means you pay nothing upfront and won’t owe attorneys’ fees unless we recover compensation for you. Our GET MOORE FEE GUARANTEE ensures you always come away with more than we do.

Find a Mobile, AL Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near You

At Moore Law Firm, we’ve successfully handled thousands of motorcycle accident cases for victims and their families. To schedule a free consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney near you in Mobile, Alabama, call us today at 251-445-7602, contact us, or use the convenient chat feature on our website.

Frequently Asked Questions about Motorcycle Accident Claims in Alabama

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Alabama?

Generally, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in Alabama is two years from the date of the accident. However, certain factors can change this timeline, so it’s vital to consult an attorney as soon as possible.

How long will my case take?

In most cases, motorcycle accident claims are settled in a few months. However, if you’ve suffered catastrophic injuries or insurers won’t offer a fair settlement, we’re always prepared to take your case to trial, which can significantly lengthen the timeline of your case.

What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

While failing to use a helmet can impact your claim it doesn’t automatically bar you from seeking compensation if someone else’s negligence caused your injury, especially if it affects areas of the body below the head. Our motorcycle accident lawyers can determine how this factor may affect your case and develop strategies to overcome any hurdles.