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. 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.
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:
- The vehicle driver owed you a duty of care.
- The duty was breached and that breach caused the accident.
- The accident resulted in property damage and/or bodily injury.
- The damages are monetary in nature.
At Shaun Capps Injury Law, we identify these elements and put forth solid evidence to support them.
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.
Reduced stability
While most other vehicles have four wheels to stabilize them, motorcycles only have two. Wheels can be wobbly at high speeds.
Reduced visibility
Motorcycles are smaller and less noticeable by other vehicles on the road. Visibility is greatly reduced at night.
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.
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.
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.