Motorcycles bring an unmatched sense of freedom to the open road—it’s just you, the wind, and the sun shining warmly on your skin. Unfortunately, the rush of riding a motorcycle comes with added dangers for bikers across Alabama.
Where cars and trucks are built to withstand accidents, motorcycles have little-to-no crash protection. This trade-off of adrenaline for safety may be worth it to you, but a negligent driver can change this in seconds.
You shouldn’t have to pay for another driver’s wrongdoing. Bikers deserve the same protections as any other motorist, and Blackwell Law Firm is here to help. We are proud to be your Huntsville motorcycle accident attorney, upholding bikers’ rights across the state. Many lawyers advertise for these cases but few can say they have really prepared and tried them before a jury in court. We can! Our firm has presented motorcycle injury claims in the courtroom and understands the issues that make them unique.
So, whether you were injured while riding to work on I-565 or participating in the Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride, know that our team has your back. We provide compassionate, expert legal representation for bikers in Huntsville. We make filing a claim approachable, low-stress, and highly effective.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Alabama?
According to the Alabama Department of Transportation’s most recent yearly accident report, motorcycles were involved in 1,865 crashes across the state. These crashes resulted in 1,189 injuries and 95 fatalities.
This means that, on average, at least five motorcycle accidents occur daily in Alabama. If you are injured in one of these accidents, don’t worry. You have rights, and Blackwell Law Firm’s Alabama motorcycle accident lawyers are here to protect them.
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Common Injuries in Alabama Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles do not offer as much protection for motorists as cars or trucks. Since bikers are exposed during a crash, injuries are common and serious. Even if you are wearing proper gear, including helmets and gloves, you are at risk of suffering the following injuries:
- Broken bones
- Brain injuries and concussions
- Road rash
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Shoulder injuries and tears
- Internal bleeding
- Nerve damage
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Everyone has to do their part to keep Alabama roads safe. Even if you are a safe driver, you rely on the driving abilities of others to safely make it from A to B. The following issues commonly lead to motorcycle accidents in Alabama:
- Distracted Driving: Texting, talking, and inattentiveness can lead to serious accidents.
- Unsafe Turns and Lane Changes: Drivers do not always check their mirrors before making turns and lane changes. Small missteps like this can lead to major crashes.
- Poorly Maintained Roads: Dangerous roads can make a municipality liable for some motorcycle accidents.
- Bad Weather: Storms and heavy rains can make roads highly unsafe for bikers.
- Speeding: Reckless drivers are unpredictable, posing an extreme threat to everyone on the road.
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Motorcycle Accident Laws in Alabama
Motorcycle accident law varies in each state, so you need expert local solutions, not general help from an out-of-state lawyer. As your Huntsville motorcycle accident lawyers, Blackwell Law Firm is here to help. Our team understands the ins and outs of motorcycle law in Alabama, helping you file a strong injury claim and find proper medical care.
Here are some quick things to know about motorcycle laws in Alabama:
Always Wear A Helmet
Alabama law requires bikers to wear helmets at all times. If you are not wearing a helmet during an accident, this can cause further injury. A helmet may greatly reduce the risk of brain injury in a serious accident. .
Contributory Negligence
Alabama uses contributory negligence law. This means you will not be compensated for losses if your actions cause any portion of your injuries (even just 1%). This is why you need to drive safely and wear a helmet at all times. Contributory negligence law can seem confusing to motorists, but our Alabama motorcycle accident lawyers will help you understand how this law applies to your case. If you are involved in a serious motorcycle accident, do not simply accept the insurance company’s denial of your claim. Talk to us. We will look closely at the evidence to see if a claim can be prepared on your behalf.
Lane-Splitting Rules
In Alabama, it is illegal for motorcycles to drive between lanes. You may be found at fault if an accident occurs while you are lane-splitting.
Motorcycles Must Be Street-Legal
Illegally altered motorcycles and off-road vehicles can contribute to an accident and cause you to be deemed partially at fault for open-road accidents.
Types of Compensation You Can Receive After a Motorcycle Accident
Bikers can be compensated for more than just property damage after an accident. A Huntsville motorcycle accident attorney from Blackwell Law Firm will help you determine which damages you are owed. This may include the following:
1) Medical Costs
Bikers often suffer serious injuries after an open-road accident. Your medical costs, including emergency room visits, prescriptions, and physical therapy, can be covered by a successful injury claim. At the Blackwell Law Firm, we help our clients navigate the medical system to get the treatment they need.
2) Motorcycle Repair or Replacement
If your motorcycle is damaged or wrecked during an accident, the faulty party will be held responsible for these costs.
3) Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
Serious injuries may force you to miss weeks, months, or years of work. A successful injury claim can compensate for these lost wages.
4) Non-Economic Damages
A Huntsville motorcycle accident lawyer can determine whether you are entitled to payment for damages such as pain and suffering or a lowered quality of life.
5) Wrongful Death Damages
If your loved one tragically lost their life in a motorcycle accident, their beneficiaries may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of earning capacity, and emotional suffering. No amount of money can make up for a lost life, but wrongful death damages are meant to help with the economic challenges of loss.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
A motorcycle accident might leave you in shock, so it’s important to have an emergency accident plan just in case. We recommend taking the following steps:
- If possible, move yourself out of danger.
- Keep your helmet on to avoid neck and spinal injury.
- Contact 911 and seek immediate medical assistance.
- Gather evidence, if safe to do so.
- Talk to the police, but do not admit fault.
- Contact your insurer.
- Call a Huntsville motorcycle accident attorney.
How Compensation Is Calculated in Motorcycle Accident Cases
Insurance adjusters examine the facts and effects of a crash when calculating the injured party’s compensation. They typically consider the following:
- Permanence and severity of injuries
- Effect on wages and ability to work
- Quality of life reduction
- Who is at fault
Some insurance adjusters will not offer proper compensation. A Huntsville motorcycle accident lawyer at Blackwell Law Firm can determine what you are owed and help you earn the maximum reward for your injuries.
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Why Trust Blackwell Law Firm as Your Huntsville, AL Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
The path to earning compensation can be complex and intimidating when you face it alone. Blackwell Law Firm works hard to make this path simple for you. We are experts in Alabama motorcycle law and have helped hundreds of bikers like you receive proper financial rewards.
We devote 100% of our time to your case and well-being. This commitment to our clients has earned our team recognition from The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, SuperLawyers, and The Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Our team has extensive experience trying motorcycle accident claims in Alabama courts. Many lawyers choose to settle their cases out of court, but we always prepare for a trial. We only settle when it is in our client’s best financial interest.
Contact Blackwell Law Firm For Help After a Motorcycle Accident in Huntsville, AL
When a motorcycle accident leaves your future in question, trust Blackwell Law Firm to create a path to recovery. We make your voice heard, fighting for your rights in the courtroom and during insurance negotiations.
Call today at 256-261-13-15 for a free consultation with a Huntsville motorcycle accident attorney.
(256) 261-1315