Motorcycle accidents often result in severe and catastrophic injuries. These injuries are worse than those involving cars or trucks. Riders don't have the same protection as other vehicle occupants. Motorcycles don't have strong steel frames, seat belts, and airbags. This puts motorcyclists at a higher risk of sustaining severe injuries.
Riders of motorcycles are also likely to be ejected from their bikes during collisions. They may fall to the ground after high-impact accidents. All of these actions can result in severe injuries.
If you believe that your motorcycle accident was due to someone else's negligence, you can file a personal injury claim to recover your damages. These claims are complicated and require the help of a reputable Montgomery motorcycle accident lawyer. Remember, it's hard to get the compensation you deserve from insurance companies. They'll always try to limit or deny your compensation.
If you are thinking about filing a motorcycle accident claim, reach out to a Montgomery personal injury lawyer immediately. Call Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers today at 334-666-5000 to schedule a free consultation. Our attorneys will inform you about your legal rights and options.
How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help With My Compensation Claim?
Motorcycle accidents can cause life-altering injuries. Many motorcyclists usually require rehabilitation and physical therapy to regain their mobility and independence. If you sustained severe injuries, you might be permanently disfigured. It may be hard for you to go back to work after a catastrophic motorcycle accident in Montgomery, Alabama.
At Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers, our motorcycle accident attorneys have experience representing motorcycle accident victims. We know all the tricks and tactics that insurance companies use to limit personal injury payouts. They may downplay your injuries or hold you liable for the crash to dispute the validity of your Montgomery motorcycle accident claim.
An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Montgomery can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Our reliable legal team can help you with all aspects of your case, including:
Conducting A Thorough Investigation Into Your Accident
At Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers, our lawyers will conduct an in-depth investigation to determine who is at fault in your crash. We will gather and analyze all relevant pieces of evidence from the accident scene, including surveillance footage. Our talented legal team will also look into police reports, witness statements, and employment records to build a watertight case. Our reputable Montgomery law firm will also consult accident reconstruction experts to determine what happened during your motorcycle accident.
Review Your Medical Records
The damages you receive for your injuries should cover all your medical bills. Our lawyers may consult medical economists for a financial assessment of the extended fiscal impact of your injuries. We will look into your projected medical needs and lifestyle changes when reviewing your medical records.
Calculating All Your Damages
Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers won't rest until you get the compensation you deserve. We will demand maximum compensation for your damages. Our legal team will analyze your economic and non-economic damages when determining the value of your claim. We will look into aspects such as medical bills, lost wages, and permanent disfigurement when calculating your losses.
Settlement Negotiations
Once we've determined the full extent of your damages, our Montgomery motorcycle accident lawyers will file a claim for maximum compensation. We will aggressively negotiate with insurance adjusters for a just settlement. Our lawyers will also manage all talks with the insurance company as you rest and recuperate.
Represent You In Court
Insurance companies at times wait until plaintiffs file personal injury lawsuits for them to take claims seriously. Our trial lawyers are ready to help you pursue justice in Alabama courts. We will research case law and make compelling arguments in court. Our legal team will also make sure all deadlines are met. Don't forget that insurance companies don't like settling cases in court.
A motorcycle accident claim isn't a DIY project. Reach out to a motorcycle accident lawyer near Montgomery today to find out if you have a case. You can trust Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers with your claim. We will fight to protect your rights and interests.
What are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Most motorcycle crashes in Alabama are avoidable and preventable. If only all road users would follow traffic rules, the number of motorcycle accidents would drastically drop. Driver error is the most common cause of motorcycle wrecks. Other common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
Distracted driving
Inattentive driving can result in motorcycle crashes. Actions such as texting while driving, applying makeup, and receiving phone calls can contribute to crashes.
Failure to pay attention to motorcycles
All road users have the same rights. Regrettably, many vehicle drivers ignore motorcyclists and pedestrians, putting these parties at risk.
Drunk driving or drugged driving
Driving a motorcycle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is risky. It can affect a rider's judgment, reaction time, and vision.
Faulty mirrors, brakes, or lighting
Poorly designed or manufactured parts can result in motorcycle accidents. They make it harder for riders to steer and control their motorcycles.
Unexpected pedestrians in the road
Pedestrians can unexpectedly pop up, especially at intersections or street corners. Children may hurriedly run into the middle of roads without looking at the oncoming traffic. Such incidents may result in traffic collisions.
Alabama Motorcycle Accident Statistics
In 2018, 4,985 motorcyclists passed on in fatal accidents. 26% of these riders were drunk. More than 82,000 riders sustained injuries in 2018. In 2017, 5,229 riders died in fatal accidents.
Motorcyclists who passed on in Alabama due to traffic accidents were 112 in 2016, 79 in 2017, 82 in 2018, and 93 in 2019. In Montgomery County, the total number of motorcyclist fatalities was 4 in 2016, 5 in 2017, 3 in 2018, and 2 in 2019. This is according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
What Are the Motorcycle-Specific Laws in Alabama?
It's essential for motorcyclists to know and abide by traffic rules. All riders in Alabama should be aware of all motorcycle-specific laws. There are several motorcycle laws that all riders in Alabama should follow. They help keep all road users safe. They include:
- Alabama motorcycle riders must first have a standard driver's license. This license must have a Class M driver's endorsement for one to operate a motorcycle.
- All riders in Alabama should be over 16 years old.
- All riders and passengers to wear helmets and shoes while on motorbikes
- Separate seats and footrests for passengers
- All motorcycles should have right and left mirrors
- Lane splitting is prohibited in Alabama
- All motorcyclists should have compulsory liability insurance
- All motorcycles should also have working headlights, taillights, horns, and brake lights
What are the Most Common Injuries Seen in Motorcycle Accidents?
Many motorcycle crashes involve catastrophic injuries. They can lead to long-term and permanent injuries. Protective gear, including helmets, can help reduce the impact and injuries after a motorcycle accident. However, these safety features may not end up protecting all riders in the event of crashes. Here are some of the most common injuries in motorcycle accidents:
Broken Bones
During a motorcycle accident, you may experience arm, leg, hand, or foot fractures. At times, a crushing injury may require immediate amputation. Feet and legs are more prone to injuries after motorcycle accidents. However, arms and hands can also suffer fractures. You may experience nerve damage after your accident.
Road Rash
A road rash is an injury to the skin that happens when your skin scrapes against a road surface. Pavements and gravel can result in burn injuries. This type of injury may require skin grafting surgery for rapid healing and complete recovery.
Head and Brain Injuries
Head injuries can have serious implications. Traumatic brain injuries can impact your way of life and leave you with substantial treatment bills. Head and brain injuries may affect your memory and ability to return to work.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Auto accidents and motorcycle accidents account for nearly a third of spinal cord injuries. This type of injury can severely impact one's mobility. It may force you to use assistive devices such as wheelchairs to move. Spinal cord injuries may cause permanent disability.
How is Fault Determined in a Montgomery Motorcycle Accident?
Alabama is a fault motorcycle accident jurisdiction. This implies that at-fault parties must pay for the damages of accident victims. In order to establish liability, an experienced Montgomery motorcycle accident lawyer should analyze physical evidence, police reports, medical records, and witness statements. At Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers, our legal team will prove that the defendant breached their duty of care during the crash. We will show the court that your injuries and damages are directly linked to the accident.
The state of Alabama is a pure contributory negligence state. Here, you may not be eligible to recover any damages even if your fault for your crash is 1%. Our personal injury lawyers will conduct an extensive investigation into your crash to ensure the other party is held responsible for their actions. We will fight for your rights every step of the way.
What Type of Compensation Can I Receive for My Motorcycle Accident?
At Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers, our lawyers will advise you regarding your legal options once you get in touch with us. We will evaluate the facts of your case to determine the amount of compensation you may receive for your damages. In Alabama, you should expect to receive the following damages after a successful motorcycle accident claim:
Economic Damages
These damages are easy to compute. They can be accounted for through receipts and bills. They include medical bills, lost income, lost earning capacity, and property damage.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages are harder to calculate. They may require testimonies from expert witnesses. Non-economic damages are subjective damages that have no fixed monetary value. They include pain and suffering, stress, disfigurement, and loss of reputation.
Punitive Action
These damages aren't meant to compensate victims for their damages. They are intended to punish negligent parties for their ill intent or malice. In Alabama, there is a $1.5 million cap on punitive damages.
Why Was My Motorcycle Accident Claim Denied?
Insurance companies will try everything in their power to limit or deny your motorcycle claim. Their primary interest is to save money. Here are some of the reasons an insurance company may deny your claim:
- Lack of coverage under the policy
- The insurance policy was canceled or lapsed
- They may blame the accident on you
- They may argue your injuries aren't severe
- They believe you had pre-existing conditions
- You disregarded medical treatment after the accident
- Alabama's statute of limitations has expired
If your insurance claim has been denied for any of the above reasons, reach out to Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers immediately. A knowledgeable Montgomery motorcycle accident attorney will review your policy and offer you sound legal advice. Let us help you determine if the insurer is right or if they are biased. We will explore every possible avenue to ensure you get fair compensation for your crash.
Are There Time Limits to Filing a Claim in Alabama?
You have two years from the date of your crash to file a personal injury claim in Alabama. If you are filing a claim against a municipality, you have six months from the date of the accident to do so. A formal claim against Montgomery county must be filed within one year from the date of the accident. Always consult a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer in Montgomery, AL, about the deadline for your case. Remember, the circumstances of your claim may be unique.
Get Help From An Experienced Montgomery Motorcycle Accident Attorney
After a motorcycle accident, you don't have to deal with insurance companies on your own. There is a better way. Get in touch with Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers soon after your crash to discuss your legal options. Let us help you get the compensation you are entitled to after your accident.
Our trusted law firm in Montgomery, Alabama, will handle every aspect of your case. We will conduct an independent investigation to determine liability. Our team will also determine the value of your case and handle settlement negotiations.
Call us today at 334-666-5000 for a free case review. We operate on a contingency fee basis. You never have to worry about paying any upfront fees. Get started now to find out if you have a case.
