Did you sustain injuries in a motorcycle accident in Albertville? If someone else is at fault, you could be entitled to significant compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and other losses. But to recover compensation, you’ll need an aggressive advocate on your side, fighting to hold the negligent parties accountable for their actions.
The personal injury attorneys at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., have helped Northern Alabama residents seek financial compensation for their injuries since 1966. Our proven lawyers have secured more than $125 million for our clients over the past five decades. Put our experience, resources, and track record of success to work for you. Contact us for a free initial consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Albertville
Motorcycle crashes happen for a variety of reasons. The most common causes of motorcycle wrecks in Albertville include:
- Speeding – Driving at excessive speeds makes it difficult to avoid collisions. Many drivers struggle to estimate distances because of motorcycles’ smaller size. Speeding drivers may not see a motorcycle until it is too late to stop.
- Driving under the influence – Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol often drive erratically, putting those around them at risk. They also have slower reaction times and lack awareness of their surroundings. But the dangers of intoxication go both ways. Motorcyclists are more likely to crash if they engage in drunk or drugged driving.
- Driver inexperience – New or inexperienced drivers can make mistakes behind the wheel, like forgetting to check their blind spots before changing lanes. These failures can be deadly for motorcyclists who are already difficult to spot in traffic.
- Distracted driving – Drivers today have many distractions, including text messages, phone calls, navigation devices, and passengers. A split-second distraction significantly raises the chances of a crash, with texting reported as the most dangerous activity.
- Dangerous road conditions – Inclement weather conditions such as rain, snow, and sleet, can make roads slick and hazardous for motorcycles.
- Road hazards – Potholes, debris, and construction zones are particularly dangerous for motorcyclists. Riders don’t have the same level of protection that motorists in cars enjoy, so even striking a small obstacle can have devastating consequences.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents
The motorcycle accident lawyers at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., represent motorcyclists injured in crashes caused by:
- Negligent lane changes – Before changing lanes, drivers must check their blind spots and use turn signals to alert other motorists. Collisions with motorcycles often happen because drivers fail to take these precautions.
- Lane splitting – Because of their smaller size, motorcyclists may be tempted to travel in the gap between two vehicles on a multi-lane road. Lane splitting is illegal in Alabama. Drivers may be surprised to find riders zipping by so closely and react unexpectedly.
- Intersection and right-of-way errors – Intersections are a frequent location of motorcycle accidents. Drivers who run red lights, fail to follow right-of-way rules, or fail to yield to oncoming traffic may collide with motorcycles.
- Left turns – A left-hand motorcycle accident happens when a vehicle turning left strikes an oncoming motorcyclist. Since drivers accelerate into turns, the force of impact in a left-turn accident can cause serious harm to bikers.
- Blind spots – Motorcycles are narrow and can disappear in a car’s blind spots. Whether changing lanes, backing up, or turning at an intersection, drivers who fail to sufficiently check their blind spots risk causing accidents.
- Dooring – A dooring collision happens when a driver or passenger opens their door into the path of an oncoming motorcyclist. These are among the most common types of motorcycle accidents within cities.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe and disabling injuries. While passenger vehicles have safety frames, crumple zones, and other safety features to protect their occupants, a motorcyclist has only the protective clothing they may be wearing, such as a helmet and motorcycle jacket. The most common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Cuts, lacerations, and abrasions
- Soft tissue damage
- Road rash
- Broken bones
- Amputations
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Burns
The medical expenses associated with a serious motorcycle accident can drain bank accounts and jeopardize victims’ financial security. A skilled motorcycle accident attorney can help you file a claim for compensation to receive the treatment you need and provide money for the future.
What Compensation Can Be Recovered in an Albertville Motorcycle Crash?
You shouldn’t pay for the costs of an Albertville motorcycle accident when someone else is at fault. At Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., we demand maximum compensation for losses like:
- Past, current, and future medical bills
- Rehabilitation, including long-term treatment
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Property damage
In rare cases, you may also be entitled to punitive damages, which punish the at-fault party for especially egregious behavior.
Proving Liability for a Motorcycle Crash
Proving liability for a motorcycle crash in Alabama is essential to recover compensation. But, the state’s personal injury laws don’t make it easy for victims to get the money they deserve.
Alabama is a contributory negligence state. This means that if a motorcyclist shares even one percent of the fault for a crash, they cannot recover compensation for their losses. This harsh law puts the burden on you to build a solid motorcycle injury claim that stands up to the toughest challenges. You must prove the other driver was entirely at fault.
Don’t risk your case by starting the claims process alone. Our motorcycle accident injury lawyers will:
- Investigate the accident to recover strong proof of negligence.
- Work with accident reconstruction specialists to show how the accident happened and why the other party is to blame.
- Consult with medical and vocational experts to discuss how the crash impacts your life.
- File a strong motorcycle injury claim with the insurance company.
- Negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault party or their insurer.
- File a motorcycle accident lawsuit and argue your case at trial if necessary.
Deadline for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Alabama
Alabama law gives motorcyclists two years from the date of a crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Two years may seem like a long time, but not when preparing a motorcycle injury lawsuit. It’s wise to speak to an attorney immediately to give them plenty of time to investigate your case and gather the evidence before it is lost, altered, or erased.
Contact Our Experienced Albertville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Northern Alabama, you need a strategic personal injury law firm that understands your needs and how to maximize your compensation. Contact us online or call Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., for a free consultation about your motorcycle accident case.