MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Motorcycle accidents pose significant risks to motorcyclists. Though required to wear safety gear in most jurisdictions, that gear alone is not a match for the metal of a vehicle. Serious risks and fatalities result from motorcycle collisions. But even if the accident is not with another vehicle, accidents still remain significant in terms of property damage and bodily injury. Compensation is necessary to try to regain your life.

At Shaun Capps Injury Law, our motorcycle accident attorney in Alabama will help you identify the causes of the accident and build a claim that is supported by facts. If you or your loved one was hurt in a bad motorcycle crash, you need a top-tier attorney on your side. We will help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or at 205-955-5555 to schedule a FREE Case Evaluation to learn more about your legal options.

Overview of Motorcycle Accident Claims in Alabama

Motorcycles are great vehicles for transportation. They are energy efficient, more economical to repair, easy to park, and just fun to ride. They are also inherently dangerous. Speed capabilities combined with no outer protection can mean that even a minor collision with another vehicle can cause serious injury. Plus, you have public opinion against you. People assume––given pop culture and the images expressed therein-–that you, as a motorcyclist, may have been speeding, swerving through traffic, all without a care in the world. Even though statistics show that the driver of a vehicle is more likely to be at fault, the initial suspicion falls on the motorcyclist. 

So, from the beginning, you have an uphill battle in your personal injury claim or wrongful death claim. 

But if you did not cause the accident (or, depending on the jurisdiction, contributed in part) you should be able to recover compensation. Filing a claim with an insurance company, however, may not result in full and fair compensation. They are for-profit entities that prioritize profits over anything else. What this means for a motorcycle victim is this: they will try to settle for as little as possible, using aggressive adjusters and attorneys to that end. They will try to blame you. Our top-rated Birmingham motorcycle accident lawyers are standing by, ready to protect your rights.

Injured Motorcyclists Need To Prove Liability

Every motorcycle crash in Birmingham or elsewhere in Jefferson County requires a comprehensive, detailed-focused investigation. You need to be prepared to prove exactly how the accident occurred—including why the other party, whether a driver or trucking company, bears legal responsibility for the crash. With a motorcycle attorney in Alabama, you can recover compensation that the law allows if you can prove the vehicle driver was at fault by showing:

1. The vehicle driver owed you a duty of care.
2. The duty was breached and that breach caused the accident.
3. The accident resulted in property damage and/or bodily injury.
4. The damages are monetary in nature.

At Shaun Capps Injury Law, we identify these elements and put forth solid evidence to support them. Do not trust any insurance company to do right by you and your family. Our firm is always ready to hit the ground running in personal injury claims. We will thoroughly investigate your motorcycle crash and make sure that you have access to all of the evidence needed to prove fault.

What Makes Motorcycle Riding So Dangerous in Alabama?

Riding a motorcycle carries with it risks that are not associated with driving automobiles or trucks. 

Absence of barriers 

Bikers are not protected by metal, airbags, or seatbelts. They may wear helmets and protective clothing, but that’s not enough. Riders should always wear a helmet. They reduce the risk of brain injuries and save lives. Still, motorcyclists are vulnerable.

Reduced stability

While most other vehicles have four wheels to stabilize them, motorcycles only have two. Wheels can be wobbly at high speeds. Even relatively modest road hazards—such as a mid-size pothole—has the potential to pose a serious risk to a motorcyclist.

Reduced visibility

Motorcycles are smaller and less noticeable by other vehicles on the road. Visibility is greatly reduced at night. The unfortunate reality is that too many drivers simply fail to notice the presence of motorcyclists.

Poor road conditions

What may be an insignificant bump in the road for an automobile can be significant to a motorcyclist. This is true for any other debris, objects, or weather conditions.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Alabama

Unique facts and circumstances make every motorcycle crash different. Common causes, however, exist. Causes of motorcycle accidents primarily involve one or more of the following:

• Distracted driving
• Drunk or drugged driving
• Excessive speed
• Unsafe lane merges
• Improper lane changes
• Left-hand turns
• Sudden stops
• Unsafe following distances
• Poor road conditions
• Vehicle defects

Uncovering the cause of a motorcycle accident is critical to your recovery and your personal injury claim. There’s a bias against motorcyclists. The assumption is that you, the motorcyclist, caused the accident: maybe you were reckless or maybe you were weaving in and out of traffic. You need a motorcycle accident lawyer who understands these cultural prejudices and can address them head-on. You also need an attorney who has the skills, insight, and resources necessary to put forward a strong personal injury case by identifying the cause and aligning it with your injuries.

Motorcycle Crashes in Alabama Cause Serious Injuries

Bikers tend to suffer serious injuries when they are in an accident. Typical injuries may include:

• Lacerations
• Broken bones
• Amputated limbs
• Spinal injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Disfigurement
• Organ damage
• Internal bleeding

Bikers can still sustain serious injuries, or even death, when wearing a helmet or other protective gear. 

Recovering The Maximum Compensation For A Motorcycle Accident

In Alabama, motorcycle accident victims have the right to seek compensation for the full value of their damages, including any non-economic losses. However, unfortunately, you cannot rely on an insurance company to look out for your best interests after a serious crash. They want to resolve their liability for as little as possible—potentially even denying a claim outright. Our Birmingham, motorcycle accident lawyers fight for the absolute best possible settlement/verdict, including for:  

• Motorcycle repairs or replacement; 
• Emergency medical costs and other damages; 
• Hospital bills and related health care expenses; 
• Long-term physical therapy and rehabilitative care; 
• Lost wages and diminished earning power; 
• Pain and suffering and mental distress; 
• Long-term physical disability; and
• The wrongful death of a family member.

Why File a Personal Injury Claim for a Motorcycle Accident in Alabama

In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, victims often receive a settlement offer from their insurance company. This offer, however, rarely reflects the amount of compensation that they deserve. By filing a personal injury claim, victims can pursue what they really need in order to make the best recovery in their unique situation. But the latter requires thorough investigative work and well-supported claims. Only an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who knows what to look for and how to address it can provide a persuasive, aggressive case on your behalf.

A Two Year Statute Of Limitations

Motorcycle accident injury claims are time-sensitive. Following a crash, you must initiate any lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires. In Alabama, there is a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including motorcycle accident cases.

If your claim involves a municipality, you must provide notice within 6 months. This shorter deadline is vital because many cases miss the opportunity to add defendants due to delays. To avoid losing your right to legal action, consult a Birmingham, AL motorcycle accident injury attorney immediately after a serious crash. Acting quickly helps preserve crucial evidence and ensures proper notification

How Our Birmingham Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

Motorcycle accident injury claims are complicated. You do not have to take on a big insurance company alone. Our founding attorney Shaun Capps puts victims and families first. We are devoted to personalized advocacy. Along with other things, our Birmingham, AL motorcycle accident attorney is prepared to: 

• Conduct a free, confidential review and evaluation of your case; 
• Investigate your motorcycle crash—gathering evidence to prove fault; 
• Handle settlement negotiations with the insurance company; and
• Take aggressive action to help you maximize your financial recovery.

Contact Shaun Capps Injury Law for a FREE Case Evaluation Today

At Shaun Capps Injury Law, our motorcycle injury lawyer has experience dealing with motorcycle accidents in Alabama. We know recovery is necessary for you to get back to your life. We use our resources to put forth a strong case and aggressively negotiate compensation that meets your needs. Contact us today by filling out our online form or calling us directly at 205-955-5555. We are ready to help you get the justice you deserve. From our office in Birmingham, our firm represents injured motorcyclists in Jefferson County and throughout all of North Central Alabama.