Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Tuskegee
Thousands of motorcycle accident fatalities occur every year at a rate much higher than car accident fatalities. Unfortunately, it’s also very difficult for injured motorcyclists to get treated fairly by insurance companies and the court system. There’s a widespread belief that bikers are careless, reckless, and unconcerned with the rules of the road—even when it’s clear that drivers are the ones to blame for many accidents.
That’s why it’s so important for injured motorcyclists to connect with an attorney as soon as possible after a crash. The team at Mann & Potter can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Learn more about your options now and give us a call at 205-879-9661.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
The Insurance Information Institute maintains a database of motorcycle accident statistics, and the data is shocking. There were over 5,000 motorcycle accident fatalities in 2019. This means that, mile for mile, a motorcyclist is almost 29 times more likely to die in a crash than someone in a passenger vehicle.
On average, there are approximately 1,000 injuries per 100,000 motorcyclists each year. Accidents occur at about the same rates on weekdays and weekends, and a significant portion of accidents occur between 3:00 P.M. and midnight. One-third of motorcycle accident fatalities involve alcohol.
Simply put, this means that you are at considerably greater risk of being involved in a serious or fatal accident if you are in a motorcycle. It is crucial to protect yourself and assume that others on the road will not. Going the extra mile and taking additional precautions can mean the difference between life and death.
Gathering Evidence for Your Tuskegee Motorcycle Accident Claim
When you are involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to act quickly to preserve evidence and protect your accident claim. Remember, the odds are stacked against you. It’s likely that the other party’s insurance company will be biased against you, simply because you are not their client, and you ride a motorcycle. That bias may even carry over to your own insurance company and the court system.
Because of this, you need to get everything you can to back up your claim and your side of the story. Valuable types of evidence include:
- Photos and video footage. Get as many photos as you can of the crash scene. Include photos from multiple distances and angles, so you can see the damage in different ways. This will also dispute any claims the other driver makes about the speed they were traveling at. Video footage is also useful, since it is harder to dispute in court. In addition to capturing footage of both vehicles, get coverage of road signs, skid marks on the road, or other damaged property.
- Witness testimony. If anyone stops to help after an accident, ask if they observed the crash. If they did, their retelling of events may be useful to your attorney.
- Repair estimates. Whether your motorcycle is totaled or can be repaired, expert opinions can help determine the value of your claim. Make sure to provide copies of repair estimates or documentation of your vehicle being totaled to your attorney.
- Medical records. Whenever you get a medical bill or reports on your accident injuries, submit copies to your attorney.
- Police report. A few days after the accident, you should be able to get a copy of the police report from the department that responded to the accident scene. Check it for accuracy, give it to your attorney, and let them know about any discrepancies you noticed.
Fighting for Compensation
Getting the compensation that you deserve after an accident can be an uphill battle. The other party’s insurance company is never on your side, so you don’t want to count on them to pay you what you really deserve. To get a full and fair settlement, you’ll need to prove that the accident was the other person’s fault, that their actions were negligent, and that your injuries and other losses are a direct result of the accident.
If you can successfully prove that the other party is liable for your injuries, you may be entitled to several types of compensation. Different types of compensation awarded in motorcycle accident cases include:
- Medical expenses. Medical expenses are often a huge financial burden to accident victims. A fair settlement provides payment for all incurred expenses, including those related to prescription medications, surgical procedures, follow-up care, and physical therapy.
- Lost wages. Taking time off of work can leave you without the money you need to care for your family. A fair settlement will compensate you for this lost time.
- Future expenses. Serious injuries may impact your future need for medical care or your long-term ability to work. If this is the case in your accident, you may need additional compensation to make up for future losses.
- Property damage. You may be entitled to compensation for damage to your motorcycle, whether it is totaled, or it can be repaired.
- Pain and suffering. Because of someone else’s negligence, you’ve had to go through unimaginable pain and suffering. While money does not take away your pain, it is a fair way to compensate you for it.
How We Can Help
At Mann & Potter, we know how insurance companies manipulate accident victims to get them to accept a low settlement. We also know that motorcyclists are at risk of being judged by insurance companies before they even get a chance to tell their side of the story. Our goal is to get to the truth, build a solid case proving the other party’s liability, and use that case to fight for the full compensation you’re owed.
We’ll also take over communication with the insurance company. This ensures that you don’t unintentionally hurt your claim and weaken your case—insurance companies are highly skilled at turning innocent statements into valid reasons to deny your claim.
Contact Mann & Potter to Learn More Now
The insurance company has a large legal team fighting for their best interests. You need an advocate whose sole priority is helping you get what you are owed. The sooner you contact our team to start your claim, the sooner we can start working on your behalf. Get started now by calling us at 205-879-9661 or reaching out to us online.