Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Hoover, AL
Any motorcyclist will tell you that nothing compares to the freedom you feel when you’re on the open road on your bike or the sense of camaraderie you have with fellow bikers. But with all the benefits of motorcycle riding, there are downsides. To start, motorcyclists are at significant risk of sustaining severe or fatal injuries in an accident. This is because of a number of reasons, including the lack of protection offered by motorcycles and unsafe behavior from other drivers.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Hoover, AL, you could be entitled to compensation. To talk about your case in greater detail, call Mann & Potter at 205-879-9661.
Dangers That Motorcyclists Face
While any vehicle accident can cause serious injuries or fatalities, there is a heightened risk for those on motorcycles. Motorcycles do not offer the same built-in protection as cars, trucks, and SUVs, so riders are automatically at greater risk from collisions. Furthermore, many drivers are not trained to look out for motorcyclists while driving. They may check oncoming traffic or their blind spot for other cars, but not spend an extra half-second checking for a less-visible motorcyclist. By the time they realize that there is a motorcycle in their way, it may be too late to stop.
Another serious risk factor facing motorcyclists is societal beliefs around motorcycles. Other drivers often have negative attitudes about motorcyclists, believing they are a danger to others on the road or that they don’t belong on the road at all. This leads some drivers to take unnecessary risks while driving around motorcycles or intentionally intimidate or threaten bikers. This negative attitude often bleeds into personal injury cases, where a victim is viewed as the liable party simply because of the vehicle they were driving.
Common Hoover, AL Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Injuries vary widely, depending on the location of the accident, the speed of the vehicles involved, and how well-protected the rider was. Commonly reported injuries include:
- Broken bones. Broken bones are extremely common in motorcycle accidents. Riders often suffer broken leg bones, and some break their wrist or arm if they try to break their fall.
- Spinal cord damage. Spinal cord damage is a lifelong injury that can permanently impact a rider’s freedom and mobility. Spinal cord damage typically leads to full or partial paralysis in part of the body. The body parts affected depend on the location of the spinal cord injury.
- Traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries are commonly reported after a motorcycle accident, especially if the rider was not wearing a helmet. Traumatic brain injuries vary quite a bit in severity, from something minor like a concussion to a serious TBI that permanently strips a rider of their ability to walk, speak, or eat on their own.
- Road rash and infections. Being thrown from your bike can leave you with large abrasions and road rash. Exposure to the dirty ground also puts you at risk of infection. Victims are often left with tight, painful scar tissue.
Determining Liability for a Hoover, AL Motorcycle Accident
A crucial part of your personal injury case is figuring out liability. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, liable parties may include:
- The motorcyclist
- The other driver
- The manufacturer of the car or one of its components
- The manufacturer of the motorcycle or one of its components
- A government entity that manages roadways, signs, and maintenance
- Manufacturer of motorcycle safety equipment if the safety equipment fails
Liability is determined by a thorough review of available evidence, including testimonies from both drivers, photos and video footage of the crash scene, dash cam footage, witness testimonies, medical records, and police reports.
Fighting for Compensation
Because of the limited protection offered by motorcycles, the costs associated with these accidents can be extremely high. You may be able to seek compensation for a wide range of expenses, including:
- Medical expenses. This includes everything from trips to and from your doctor, ambulance transportation, surgical expenses, and prescription medications.
- Future medical expenses. If you sustain injuries that are likely to require long-term or permanent care, your settlement should account for these additional expenses.
- Lost wages. Taking time away from work can put you in a position where you can’t meet your financial obligations. You should be compensated for time you have to take off.
- Future lost income. If your accident permanently impacts your ability to work, you may be compensated for future lost wages.
- Property damage. This includes damage to your bike or the cost of replacing a totaled bike.
- Disability and disfigurement. If your accident leaves you permanently disabled or disfigured, that is a loss for which you deserve compensation.
- Pain and suffering. Although nothing can give you back the time you spend in pain after a motorcycle accident, you deserve some compensation for this loss.
Why Choose Mann & Potter?
Choosing the right attorney is key when you are involved in a motorcycle accident. You want an attorney with extensive experience in motorcycle accident cases. Thanks to our history with these cases, we know exactly what we are going up against when we fight for compensation for bikers. We also know how dangerous drivers can be around motorcyclists, and we spent substantial time investigating each accident to get to the truth.
Even if you can get the other party’s insurance company to admit fault, your battle is far from over. Any settlement they initially offer you is likely to be way too low to consider. We understand how expensive motorcycle accidents can be, and we will fight for every dollar you deserve. The insurance company will use a wide range of tricks to try to drive down the value of your settlement, but when you bring an attorney to the table, they know that a lot of those tricks won’t work. Trust us to advocate for you and fight for your best interests.
Reach Out to Us Today to Get Started
When you’re recovering from a motorcycle accident, the last thing you need is to deal with an insurance company that wants to pay you as little as possible. Turn to Mann & Potter to handle your legal needs, so you can focus on your recovery. Set up a consultation now by contacting us online or calling our team at 205-879-9661.
