Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Montgomery Alabama
Riding a motorcycle is an exhilarating hobby for some and a primary means of transportation for others. Our favorable Alabama climate makes owning and riding a motorcycle a popular choice, but it isn’t without its dangers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the number of motorcycle crash deaths have doubled in the past decade. In Alabama alone, there were more than 1,700 motorcycle-involved crashes in 2013 and 76 fatalities.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a serious motorcycle accident in the state of Alabama, you should know that your family has legal options. Drivers of passenger vehicles have a duty to watch out for motorcycles and give them the right of way under certain traffic conditions. If your crash and injuries were caused by the negligence of another driver, you may be able to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit for damages.
Montgomery personal injury lawyer Chip Nix understands the nuances of Alabama motorcycle accident cases and has both the experience and skills to protect your legal rights. Chip Nix, Attorney at Law, will advise you on what steps to take after your accident and will work with you to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Alabama
Motorcycles don’t take up nearly as much space on the road as a 3,000 pound motor vehicle, so they are more difficult for drivers to notice. This can lead to tragic accidents that are often the result of driver negligence. When car and motorcycle collide the result is often serious harm to the motorcycle operator. A few common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Left-hand turn. One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is a motor vehicle making a left-hand turn into the path of a motorcycle. Too many drivers don’t properly check for all types of vehicles before making left turns and this type of accident can be devastating.
- Lane splitting. Riding a motorcycle between lanes or rows is illegal in the state of Alabama. One of the reasons for this law is because the practice is dangerous and likely to cause an accident. While motorists must still look and check blind spots before turning, a motorcycle that is lane splitting will likely share some of the fault in an accident.
- Head-on collisions. Unfortunately, passenger vehicles don’t always yield the proper right-of-way to motorcycles at intersections. Failing to do this could result in a serious head-on collision.
- Lack of experience.The inexperience of some motorcyclists can either cause or contribute to a serious crash. Anyone who is serious about riding a motorcycle in Alabama should take the time to learn about their bike as well as various defensive driving techniques.
- The involvement of drugs and alcohol play a large role in many motorcycle crashes. When either the driver or the motorcyclist are impaired, their level of awareness and reaction time will suffer, which could have dangerous consequences.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries and Damages
Motorcycle accidents can be catastrophic events for the motorcyclist. An operator of a motor vehicle has the advantage of seatbelts, airbags, and 3000 pounds of steel as protection. A motorcyclist has a helmet if they are following the law and some clothing. When an accident doesn’t result in death, common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal column injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Broken and fracture bones
- Internal injuries
- Burns
If you file personal injury lawsuit for a motorcycle accident, you may be able to recover compensation for such things as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and punitive damages.
Negligence in Alabama Motorcycle Accidents
Most motorcycle crashes are either directly or indirectly caused by negligence. When someone’s actions caused a serious accident in which you were injured and it could have been prevented, you may have a claim for damages.
Unfortunately, if you were partially to blame for the accident, you will have a more difficult road ahead. Alabama is what is called a pure contributory negligence state. This means that if you are found to be even one percent at fault in the accident, you are completely barred from any recovery. A plaintiff might try to prove that you were operating your motorcycle while distracted, driving at an excessive speed, or performing an unsafe maneuver.
Because negligence is such an important factor in Alabama personal injury cases, it is more important than ever that your case is handled properly from the very beginning.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Motorcycle Accident in Alabama
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle crash in the state of Alabama, you want to do everything possible to protect your rights and strengthen your claim for damages. If you are injured, seek immediate medical attention. Documenting your injuries is an important way to show that this tragedy has had a real impact on your life. Always take as many photos as possible of the accident scene and the resulting damages. Avoid speaking with representatives from the insurance company until you have first discussed your case with a knowledgeable Alabama motorcycle accident attorney.
Why You Need an Experienced Alabama Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
It’s important to understand that insurance companies and their attorneys are not on your side, despite their statements to the contrary. Even if fault for the accident is clearly in your favor, many insurance companies will try to quickly settle a case for much less than it is worth. If there is any question of negligence in the case, you can expect a claim denial and the accumulation of unpaid medical bills.
Having an experienced Alabama motorcycle crash lawyer in your corner can make the difference between your receiving the care and attention you deserve or having to deal with months of additional heartache. A skilled attorney can help resolve the question of negligence as well as clear a path to the authorization of medical care and payment of lost wages.
Chip Nix, Attorney at Law, is located in Montgomery and represents clients throughout the state of Alabama. If you or a loved one are dealing with the aftermath of a serious motorcycle accident, call our office at (334) 279-7770 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We make sure that each one of our clients receives the counsel, guidance, and legal representation that they need to get the results they deserve.
We also handle motorcycle accident cases in Hayneville