Riding a motorcycle on the open Alabama road is thrilling, but it can also be dangerous. While many accidents occur through no fault of the motorcyclist, it’s important to understand Alabama motorcycle laws to stay safe while you ride.
In this blog, we outline safety tips for Alabama bikers and recommend the best course of action if you or a loved one has been injured on the road.
Alabama Motorcycle Safety
It’s impossible to predict when, where, and how other drivers are going to make negligent decisions on the road. However, there are steps you can take to prepare yourself for other drivers’ reckless decisions.
Always Wear a Motorcycle Helmet
According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, one in five motorcycle crashes cause head or neck injuries. Helmet use can drastically reduce these serious or fatal injuries.
Thankfully, in Alabama, wearing a motorcycle helmet isn’t just the smart choice; it’s also the law. All riders must wear a motorcycle-specific helmet when riding.
Follow the Rules of the Road in Alabama
Motorcycles are smaller and more agile than cars or trucks. Because these vehicles are more nimble, many riders are tempted to ride on the shoulder, lane split, or perform other dangerous maneuvers. This makes it difficult for other motorists to anticipate your actions, which increase the risk of a serious crash. Additionally, riding on the shoulder is dangerous because there’s often more debris that can cause motorcycles to lose traction and crash. So it’s always in your best interest to stay in your lane and follow the rules of the road.
Ride Focused and Sober
Staying sober is your first line of defense to staying safe on the road. While driving under the influence is equally problematic for traditional motorists and motorcyclists alike, bikers are far more likely to be killed or seriously injured in a crash involving substances. According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, 90% of motorcyclists are injured in crashes involving substance abuse — compared to just 33% of motorists.
Hurt in a Motorcycle Accident? An Alabama Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
When you’re hurt on the road due to another driver’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to suffer alone. Time and again, we see responsible motorcyclists struggling because someone else made a series of poor decisions that impacted their health, ability to work, and sense of safety.
“While many accidents occur through no fault of the motorcyclist, it’s important to understand Alabama motorcycle laws to stay safe while you ride.”
If you find yourself in this situation, you should consider contacting an Alabama motorcycle accident lawyer to help you recover the compensation you need to cover your:
- Medical treatment
- Long-term care
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Mental health care
- Lost wages from missing work
- Pain and suffering
- Damaged property
A skilled and experienced attorney can also help you determine the value of your case and provide sound legal advice that protect you and your family moving forward.
Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys Fight for Motorcycle Crash Victims Throughout the Gulf Coast
At Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, we believe Alabama roads should be safe for all. That’s why we fight for motorcycle crash victims every day, and our dedication speaks for itself. We’ve won millions in compensation for our clients.
In fact, you can click here to learn how our team recently helped a motorcycle crash victim recover enough funds to cover the costs of his medical care and ensure long-term stability.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash in Alabama, please contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation. (We can even come to you if you can’t leave the house!) During our discussion, we’ll get to know you, gather all the details of your story, and offer legal advice on what to do next.
Please contact us today to schedule your no-risk consultation by calling 251-888-8888 by completing this brief online contact form.
References
(2014, February). Motorcycle Operator Manual. Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Retrieved from
Motorcycle Safety. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Retrieved from https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycles
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.
Andy is the owner and CEO of Citrin Law Firm, P.C. He founded the firm in 1995 with the goal of helping injured people put their lives back together. His passion for protecting injured people has only grown since he opened the doors of Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, and he has a history of winning numerous multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for his clients.