Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Birmingham

Riding a motorcycle can be a convenient way to get around town as well as a thrilling hobby. But motorcycles that are involved in a crash don’t have the benefit of thousands of pounds of steel surrounding the rider for protection. This means that these accidents and resulting injuries can be severe.

While owning and riding a motorcycle can be a wonderful experience, motorcyclists face a unique set of circumstances when they’ve been involved in a crash. At Mann & Potter, PC, our accident attorneys have extensive experience handling motorcycle personal injury cases. Not only do we have the resources to fight for the compensation you deserve, but we can also take some of the burden of a claim off of your hands while you recover.

If you or someone you care about has been involved in a motorcycle crash, contact our Birmingham office today to schedule a free consultation.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Alabama?

There are over 112,000 registered motorcycles in Alabama, and the state’s Department of Transportation reports that over 1,900 crashes happened in 2017 resulting in more than 1,200 injuries and 79 deaths. Over one-third of crashes (34%) involved riders between the ages of 20-34.

There’s a common misconception that motorcyclists are reckless and careless drivers. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), 42% of motorcycle crashes involving another vehicle were the result of the driver of a car or truck violating the motorcyclist’s right of way. In short, lack of visibility is a major issue with motorcyclists, but they aren’t at fault for that many accidents.

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Driving while under the influence
• Failing to adjust driving for poor weather or road conditions
• Tailgating a motorcyclist
• Speeding
• Disregarding traffic signs and rules
• Driving while fatigued
• Hostile or aggressive driving
• Opening a car/truck door into the path of a motorcycle
• Failing to signal a turn

Motorcycle Laws and Riding Safety in Alabama

Motorcycle laws vary from state to state, but it’s important that you understand the ones applicable to Alabama because an insurer can allege that you are partially at fault if you are found in violation of any of these rules.

• License laws– Any person over the age of 16 that has a Class M driver’s license can operate a motorcycle. A person ages 14-16 would need a special permit to operate a motor-driven cycle, such as a moped.
• Motorcycle passenger laws– Passengers on a motorcycle must have a designated seat and separate footrests. They must also adhere to other safety equipment rules.
• Helmet and footwear laws– Motorcyclists of all ages must wear a helmet as well as shoes while operating any type of motor-driven cycle.
• Lane sharing laws– A maximum of two motorcycles can share a lane side-by-side. Lane splitting, which is the practice of traveling between lanes to get through traffic, is illegal.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

As we mentioned earlier, motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries that can be life-changing. Some of the injuries that riders commonly suffer due to a crash with another vehicle include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Amputations
• Spinal cord damage
• Internal injuries
• Amputations
• Road burn
• Facial injuries
• Severe lacerations
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Broken and fractured bones

The Long-Term Impact of Motorcycle Collisions and Injuries

Because motorcycle crashes can be so severe, you may not be able to do much more than summon an ambulance after the accident. Your most important task is to get the medical attention you need as quickly as possible.

The injuries that result from these crashes can impact you physically, emotionally, and financially. Planning for how you will handle these issues long-term begins with securing immediate representation. If another party was responsible for your accident, you have the right to make a claim for damages. Some of the damages that are typical in these cases include:

• Medical bills for immediate and continuing care
• Loss of income due to missed work and the inability to resume normal duties
• Cost of medical equipment for mobility and rehabilitation
• Cost to repair or replace your motorcycle
• Chronic pain resulting from your injuries
• Stress, depression, and other suffering related to the accident
• Loss of consortium
• Diminished quality of life

As you can see, the damages can add up quickly, and it would be ideal if the responsible party would simply pay what your case is worth. Unfortunately, this rarely happens. Insurance companies are in business to make money so are more likely to diminish the value of your case if they don’t deny your claim completely. We recommend that you not speak with an adjuster without first consulting with an attorney.

Help for Birmingham Motorcycle Accident & Injury Victims

If you’ve been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, or if a loved one has been killed in one, and you live in the Birmingham area, you can get the legal advice you need by arranging a free consultation with the personal injury attorneys at Mann & Potter, PC. If our legal team determines that you have a valid case, we will help you by:

• Conducting an independent investigation of your accident
• Calling on engineers and safety experts to support your case and prove liability
• Documenting your expenses, injuries, and other damages
• Making timely filings that meet statutory deadlines
• Negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance company that fully compensates you for all available damages
• Taking your case to court if the insurance company fails to make a fair settlement offer
• Negotiating any liens with medical providers so that you can keep more of your settlement

Our experienced personal injury attorneys have been advocating for accident victims and their families for over 20 years. There are time constraints for filing personal injury cases in Alabama, so don’t wait another minute to contact our office for your free case consultation. Call us at 205-879-9661 or reach out to us online to get started.