Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Huntsville

Huntsville Motorcycle Accident Attorney

There’s a common misconception that there are more motorcycle accidents than car accidents. However, motorcycles are slightly less likely to be involved in accidents compared to cars. But due to the unique risks of riding a motorcycle, riders are more likely to suffer serious injuries. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a motorcycle crash, a Huntsville motorcycle accident lawyer at Conchin, Cole, Jordan & Sherrod is here to help.

 

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, in 2023, there were 1,805 accidents involving a motorcycle. Out of these accidents, 1,178 people were injured, and 92 people were killed. The percentage of people injured in a motorcycle crash versus those injured in an automobile accident is significantly higher.

 

Alabama Motorcycle Laws

Motorcyclists have many of the same responsibilities as other drivers on the road. But motorcyclists also have specific laws.

Universal motorcycle helmet law – Alabama law requires that anyone operating or riding a motorcycle wear a helmet. The helmet must be specifically designed for motorcycle use, it must have a hard shell and absorbent padding, and a permanent adjustable chin strap. The NHTSA estimates that motorcycle helmets are 37% more effective in preventing fatalities among bikers involved in an accident.

Lane Splitting – Motorcycle riders are expected to obey traffic laws applicable to all other drivers as well, including maintaining their vehicle within their own lane and not passing between vehicles in adjacent lanes. In other words, lane splitting is not permitted. 

Lane Sharing – Motorcyclists may ride two abreast, but may not share lanes with other motor vehicles. Motorcycles have the right to take up entire lanes. Other drivers may not drive in a way that infringes upon a motorcyclist’s use of a full lane.

Class M License – To lawfully operate a motorcycle in the state, riders must obtain special class M licenses. Getting a class M license requires that the rider either pass the DPS Motorcycle Knowledge Exam or complete a Motorcycle Safety Course. Operating a motorcycle without a proper license could result in fines and other penalties, such as the temporary loss of driving privileges.

 

Types of Injuries in Motorcycle Crashes

Catastrophic and fatal injuries are more common in motorcycle accidents than in typical car accidents. Motorcycle riders often only have helmets, jackets, pants, and boots to protect them in a collision. They do not have the metal shell or other protections that vehicle passengers have in accidents.

Motorcycle operators and their passengers can suffer many serious injuries in an accident, including:

These injuries often require comprehensive and expensive medical treatment. Victims can also incur lost wages due to missed time at work. Additionally, medical bills don’t end after a victim is released from the hospital because long and painful rehab is often needed for serious injuries. A personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party could be the best course of action for victims in need of financial relief. Contact our Huntsville motorcycle accident lawyers for a free initial consultation.

 

How to Avoid Small Claim Compensation

While the other driver may have been at fault in your accident, the insurance companies will fight to protect their bottom line. If they can prove that you contributed to your injuries in any way, they may completely deny your claim.

This is called contributory negligence. If an accident victim is even one percent responsible for the accident or injuries they suffered, no compensation is required. As a result, insurance companies will often attempt to establish that you played some part in causing the accident. Even if they cannot make a very good case that you contributed to the accident, they will always try to offer the smallest settlement possible.

 

Our Huntsville Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Will Negotiate With Insurance Companies

In the first days after your accident, a claims adjuster from the other driver’s insurance company may contact you to get more details about the crash. The claims adjuster may ask you questions like – what are your injuries, and the extent of damage to your motorcycle. Be careful what you say to the insurance claims adjuster. They are not on your side and may try to trick you into accepting a small settlement.

Wait for the other driver’s insurer to offer you a settlement amount. In the meantime, follow the doctor’s orders for treatment and contact an attorney to learn about your rights. If the insurance company offers a settlement, you have the right to hire an attorney to help you get a better amount. Most initial offers are less than the true value of the case. So, you can protect yourself by politely declining the first settlement amount and speaking to our Alabama motorcycle accident lawyers.

If the insurance firm denies your claim or refuses to negotiate with your attorney, your lawyer may take the at-fault driver to court in Huntsville. A personal injury lawsuit against the driver or another party could end in higher compensation for your damages than an insurance claim. A jury might assign pain and suffering damages, while a judge could order punitive damages to punish the defendant. You have two years from the date of your accident to bring a lawsuit against the at-fault party in Alabama.

 

How to Hire a Huntsville Motorcycle Accident Attorney 

Fighting for compensation in motorcycle accident cases can be difficult without help from an attorney. You might not fully understand the circumstances or the rights you have to financial compensation. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Huntsville can help you through a legal dispute and will handle communication with the insurance companies. Motorcycle accident laws are complicated in Alabama. With an attorney by your side, you will not have to worry about navigating them alone. Here’s how it works:

  1. Call (256)-705-7777 or submit a form for a free consultation.
  2. We will review the details of your case.
  3. If it’s a solid case, then we get to work. Building evidence, filing claims, or going to trial, we’ve got it covered.
  4. You don’t pay us until we win you compensation.