Motorcycle Safety Legal Services in Alabama
Motorcycles are the perfect way to soak in Alabama’s scenic byways or zip through traffic on the city streets. There’s a price for the thrills and freedom of riding motorcycles though. You are 35 times more likely to suffer a life-threatening injury if you crash your motorcycle compared to a car accident.
With nearly 2,000 motorcycle accidents in Alabama every year, it has emerged as the 10th deadliest state in America for motorcyclists.
Surviving a motorcycle accident is a blessing that can quickly turn into a curse if you don’t have the financial power to support your recovery. A traumatic brain injury or broken bones could rack up months of medical bills, lost earnings, and other losses. It’s possible your quality of life may never be the same again after a severe injury.
A fatal motorcycle crash can lead to almost $1.2 million in damages. Barely anyone has deep pockets to support themselves for that long after a devastating injury. So you need to have a clear survival strategy even after surviving an accident.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident because of someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation from the driver at fault. But it’s not going to be easy. Efficient legal action is the only way to ensure your financial recovery. You need the help of a skillful Alabama motorcycle accident lawyer to protect your rights.
Areas We Serve throughout Alabama
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Alabama
No one can predict the consequences of a motorcycle accident. But most of these accidents are avoidable when you evaluate their causes.
And when it comes to motorcyclists, they have no margin for error. They’re not as well-protected as car and truck drivers. Even a minor collision can throw a rider off their motorcycle.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents reported in Alabama:
- Distracted driving – There’s been an astounding 1500 percent increase in the usage of cell phones while driving since 2003. Texting, eating, talking, watching videos, or changing music tracks while driving are all distractions that can make you pay dearly. Almost 10 percent of fatal accidents are caused by distracted driving.
- Illegal lane changes – Motorcyclists can easily slip into the blind spots of other vehicles. Drivers often get careless while changing lanes when they sense there’s not much traffic around them. They turn abruptly or change lanes without using signals. It often leads to fatal T-bone accidents. These accidents generally happen in high-traffic congestion areas.
- Running red lights – Red-light running is a significant risk for motorcyclists. These accidents often happen at intersections when impatient drivers try to speed up to avoid stopping. Vehicles flow from multiple sides at intersections, making these accidents much more dangerous.
- Speeding – Nearly 31 percent of all fatal accidents are caused by speeding. There are no seatbelts or big metal cages to protect motorcyclists from damage. The victims are often violently thrown several feet away due to the force of the collision.
- Drunk driving – You need clear vision and sharp reflexes to maneuver your bike safely on the road. Drunk driving accidents usually happen at night time. Whether it’s you or the other driver who was intoxicated, it’s going to cost you more since you’re the one on a bike. The intoxicated driver can be held liable for your damages.
Were You Injured In An Alabama Motorcycle Accident?
It is imperative that you get a law firm on your side immediately.
Elements of a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Alabama
Anyone who owns a vehicle has a legal duty to exercise reasonable care for the well-being of everyone who shares the road with them. It’s a responsibility you have to fulfill not just for clearing your driver’s license test, but as long as you plan to drive.
Alabama is a fault state, which means you can hold the negligent driver liable for the accident. You can seek damages from them once you prove their fault.
However, it’s important to note that Alabama abides by a pure contributory negligence standard. That means you can’t seek compensation even if you share one percent of the fault for the accident.
Here are the steps you must take to prove liability for your motorcycle accident:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care
- The defendant neglected this duty
- This act of negligence was the proximate cause of your accident
- The accident led to your injuries and losses
Mezrano’s skillful Alabama motorcycle accident lawyers will build your claim in two stages:
- Prove liability by gathering all relevant evidence
- Presenting the economic and non-economic damages you faced in a clear and legitimate way
Settlement vs. Trial: Making the Decision
Less than 5 percent of injury claims ever go to trial. Waiting for a judge or jury to award your settlement is usually the last resort. It can be a painfully long and expensive process. A skillful motorcycle accident lawyer will use a legal strategy to negotiate a fair settlement as early as possible.
You may face the risk of insurers rushing you to accept an early lowball offer. They know your desperation for financial relief from the damages you’re facing. And if you wait too long, you can sink into deeper debt or even face bankruptcy.
Your lawyer will accurately assess your damages and negotiate a settlement that covers your short-term and long-term needs.
However, you always have the option of pursuing a trial if all settlement talks fail. With strong evidence and good legal representation, you can win your settlement in court. It’s possible that the other side may see reason and negotiate a settlement once they realize the odds are against them.
Types of Damages Available to Motorcycle Accident Victims in Alabama
Here are the types of damages you can file a claim for after a motorcycle accident:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Lost earning potential
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
- Wrongful death
Seeking Legal Assistance
At Mezrano, we’re dedicated to being the partner you can count on during your crisis. Your physical, mental, and financial well-being is our number one priority. Our skillful Alabama motorcycle accident lawyers have helped several victims like you walk away with six-figure and seven-figure settlements.
Everything you need to recover, we’ve got it covered – from filing your claim to negotiating your settlement.
Our team will take care of all the paperwork and communication to secure your settlement. Call us for a free case assessment to know what your motorcycle injury claim is worth.
