5 Things You Need to Know About Motorcycle Accidents

Riding a motorcycle is one of the most exhilarating ways to enjoy summer. However, it’s not without it risks — risks that are often not the motorcyclist’s fault.

A motorcycle accident is one of the most terrifying and traumatic life events a person can experience. Keep reading to learn about what to do if you experience a motorcycle accident and how a motorcycle attorney can help you get your life back on track.

1. Alabama Motorcycle Law Is Unique

Alabama is a wonderful state to enjoy the open road on a bike. However, it’s important to understand the particulars of Alabama motorcycle law. Alabama is unique because riders as young as 14 may own and operate a motorcycle with a restricted license. After the age of 16, individuals may operate a motorcycle without a special license.

2. Motorcycle Accidents Can Happen Through No Fault of Your Own

Sometimes bad things happen to good drivers through no fault of their own. Motorcycles are smaller and less visible to cars and are especially vulnerable driving through motorists’ blind spots, like when making left-hand turns.

A light, smaller body offers unparalleled agility for motorcyclists. However, this also means that bikes are also more susceptible to damage from hitting debris on the road or weather conditions and are generally less stable at higher speeds. Without the protective body of a car to separate them from the road, bikers are particularly vulnerable to injury should they come into contact with the road in a crash. Understanding these risks and driving safely and defensively is an important step to staying safe on the road.

3. Motorcycle Helmets Can Save Your Life — and Your Case

Motorcyclists in Alabama are required by law to wear a helmet while riding and operating a motorcycle, regardless of age. Helmets are one of the most effective ways to protect yourself on the open road. In 2017, nearly 2,000 motorcycles crashed in Alabama, causing 1,222 injuries and 79 fatalities. According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, of the 14,283 motorcyclists killed between 2008 and 2010, 42% were not wearing a helmet.

Wearing a helmet can save you in more ways than one. In the event you suffer a head injury in a motorcycle accident and were not wearing a helmet, this could jeopardize your ability to receive damages for your injuries, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. Under Alabama contributory negligence law, if victims contribute in any way to the accident, they are not eligible to receive damages for their suffering. If you were hurt on a motorcycle and you were not wearing a helmet, it’s critical that you speak with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.

4. Motorcycle Bias May Impact Your Case

No matter how responsible and safe motorcyclists are on the road, there remains a lingering stigma against them through no fault of their own. When a motorcyclist is too injured to give clear and competent testimony after an accident, police reports and other first-responder documentation can seem skewed in favor of motorists. Additionally, motorcycle victims can be denied the compensation they deserve simply because of a lack of education on behalf of the jurors. Insurance companies may also try to take advantage of riders by offering low-ball settlements that exploit anti-motorcyclist bias.

If you suspect you’re not getting fair treatment after a crash, it’s in your best interest to contact a motorcycle lawyer who will stand up to the insurance company and fight for your rights as a victim.

5. Contact an Alabama Motorcycle Attorney

Traumatic motorcycle accidents can be life changing events that leave victims in a tough place as they recover, try to get their life back on track, and resolve mounting medical expenses. If you’ve been hurt while riding a motorcycle and it wasn’t your fault, the insurance company, the jury, or others could try to take advantage of your situation and prevent you from getting the justice you deserve.

If you or someone you live find yourself in this tough position, you need a lawyer who will stand up for you and fight for your best interests.

Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys: Skilled and Aggressive Representation for Alabama Motorcycle Crash Victims

At Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, we take representing Alabama motorcycle accident victims seriously. We fight hard for our clients so they can rest assured that they’re getting the fairest compensation available to them.

If you need high-quality legal representation, please contact Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys at (251) 888-8888 or by completing this simple online form. We’ll listen to your story and help you determine the best next steps for you and your family.

References

(2012, June 15). Helmet Use Among Motorcyclists Who Died in Crashes and Economic Cost Savings Associated With State Motorcycle Helmet Laws — United States, 2008–2010. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/wk/mm6123.pdf

(2019, January). 2017 Crash Facts. Alabama Department of Transportation. Retrieved from http://www.caps.ua.edu/files/2019/01/ALDOT-2017-CrashFactsBook.pdf

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.

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