Information is abundant regarding the danger of riding a motorcycle. Unfortunately, not all motorcycle accidents are caused by motorcycle riders. Many times, a negligent driver causes a motorcycle rider to get serious and sometimes life-threatening injuries.
Therefore, if you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident or sustained injuries, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your damages. All you have to do is speak to an Anniston motorcycle accident lawyer.
At Mike Bell Accident Law, we understand how important getting immediate assistance is paramount to your overall well-being. This is why we are available 24/7, ready to work on your compensation claim. After an accident, your bills and medical expenses are more likely to pile up, you would have lost your wages, and may be unable to recover from such a traumatic event.
Allow us to seek the financial compensation you deserve and allow yourself to recover or heal in peace. Book your free case evaluation with an Anniston auto accident attorney today by dialing 256-666-6000.
HOW CAN A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER HELP WITH MY COMPENSATION CLAIM?
The truth is that some cases are straightforward and do not demand the attention of a personal injury lawyer (a good example is a minor fender bender). However, when it comes to motorcycle-related accidents, the case is different. Here’s why: motorcycle accidents often involve serious injuries simply because a rider does not have adequate protection like someone in a vehicle.
Furthermore, all insurance adjusters will want to save as much money as possible. For this reason, they will try to use several techniques like:
- Settling quickly at a low amount
- Claim that the injuries you have are not from the accident
- Insist the injuries are not severe and do not interfere with your life in any way
- Attempt to prove that you are the at-fault party
To avoid all this hustle, you need help from an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Anniston, Alabama. The lawyer will help you by:
- Walking you through the legal process
- Helping you establish fault
- Negotiating with insurance companies for a favorable settlement
- Preparing your compensation claim
- Representing you in court
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS?
Of course, there are many hazards for motorcyclists. However, according to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Improper or unsafe lane change
- Distracted driving
- Failure to pay attention to other motorcycles
- Drunk driving
- Car doors opening
- Rear-end collisions
- Faulty lighting, brakes, or mirrors
- Road hazards
- Left-turn intersections
- Unexpected pedestrians in the road
MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT STATISTICS IN ALABAMA
In Alabama, motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibility on public roads just like any other road user. As such, motorcycle riders must abide by the same traffic laws as vehicle users, such as occupying only one lane, obeying speed limits, etc.
On the other hand, motorcycle riders are required to take extra precautions to make themselves visible to other motorists. However, did you know that Alabama is the only territory or state in the U.S. that allows a person to be licensed to operate a motorcycle without taking a skill test? Today, Alabama riders only need to pass the written test.
Truly, this can be risky. The state is ranked number 15 on the most dangerous states for motorcyclists. This is a finding that has been proven over the years. For example, according to a QuoteWizard and NHTSA, 2017 finding, there were 79 fatalities in the state related to motorcycle accidents.
In a multi-vehicle collision, often, the other driver does not see the motorcyclist. For this reason, back in 2017, there were 112,000 motorcycle-related accidents.
WHAT ARE THE MOTORCYCLE-SPECIFIC LAWS IN ALABAMA?
It is important to note that motorcycle laws vary from state to state. This is why it is important to know and understand the rules enforced in any state before riding through that state. What are motorcycle-specific laws in Alabama? Well, it generally covers 5 areas:
THE LICENSE LAWS
In Alabama, any person above the age of 16 years and holds a Class M driver’s license can legally handle and operate a motorcycle. This makes the state one of the few states that do not require any special license or test to ride a motorbike.
The exception only applies to those between the ages of 14 to 16; who must apply for a restricted license to operate a motorbike (moped).
THE HELMET AND FOOTWEAR LAWS
All riders are required to wear DOT-approved helmets under Alabama law. The helmet must also have a chin strap to secure it. However, no visor is needed. Although, it is common knowledge that a rider is a little bit safer with goggles, a visor, or any other form of eye protection.
The state has no specific laws regarding what a rider and passenger must wear. Technically, a rider can wear just about anything they wish to wear. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the rider and passenger to protect themselves.
MOTORCYCLE PASSENGER LAWS
According to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, any motorcycle passenger must have a separate seat and dedicated footrest. A passenger’s seat must have a strap or firm handhold. Also, the passenger must have proper safety equipment like a helmet and follow the footwear rule.
LANE SHARING LAWS
The state allows a maximum of two motorcycles to share a lane side by side. According to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, lane splitting is illegal. This is a law that also applies to any motorcycle rider who is planning to overtake a vehicle. The state has enforced these laws to protect and ensure the safety of its citizens.
MOTORCYCLE REQUIRED EQUIPMENT LAW
For a motorbike to be street legal in Alabama, it should have the following equipment:
- Two mirrors
- A working horn
- Working turn signals
- Working front and rear bakes
- Working brake light
- Working taillight
- Working headlight
The best thing is that Alabama does not restrict the should which motorcycle makes. To know more about these laws, speak to an Anniston motorcycle accident lawyer.
HOW IS FAULT DETERMINED IN ANNISTON, ALABAMA MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT?
Each state has its unique laws regarding personal injury cases. Alabama follows a strict contributory negligence law. This makes it a challenging affair for anyone seeking monetary compensation. The contributory negligence law can avert a victim from recovering compensation if they are found to be at fault or contributed to the accident. What does this mean? Well, the injured party can prove negligence but, the responsible party can still walk away without paying anything for the damages.
For this reason, your motorcycle accident lawyer in Anniston, Alabama will try to deflect blame from you so that you can get the compensation you need. Remember, even if you are found to 1% at fault or to blame for the accident, the Alabama law thwarts any compensation payment.
WHAT TYPES OF COMPENSATION CAN I RECEIVE FOR MY MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT?
Monetary compensation is categorized under three collective groups/damages. These include:
ECONOMIC DAMAGES
Economic damage is any form of damage that is visible and can be calculated by anyone. Examples include medical expenses, rehabilitation bills, lost income, property damage, and others.
NON-ECONOMIC DAMAGES
This is any form of loss a victim has suffered, but they are not visible and cannot be calculated. Examples include pain, suffering, trauma, loss of life enjoyment, and others.
PUNITIVE DAMAGES
Punitive damages are awarded by the courts as a way to punish the offender. It is an amount that is added on top of the damage a victim has suffered.
WHY WAS MY MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT CLAIM DENIED?
A compensation claim can be denied for many reasons. Some of the reasons include:
- The policy lapsed or was canceled
- The insurance company adjuster does not believe you were hurt
- If they believe the accident was your fault or contributed to the accident
- The driver at fault was not insured under the policy
- They do not believe the injuries came from the accident
To avoid all this hustle, speak to us. At Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers, we will help you make your compensation claim stronger. Our Anniston motorcycle accident lawyer will handle everything pertaining to your claim, which will give you time to recover.
ARE THERE TIME LIMIT TO FILE A CLAIM IN ALABAMA?
Yes! Just like in any state in America, Alabama has a time limit to file a compensation claim. Remember, this time limit defers from state to state. Also, this time limit is known as the Statute of Limitations.
A person has only 2 years to file a compensation claim against the at-fault party, which starts from the day of the accident. This law is found under Ala. Code. Sec. 6-2-38.
If the claim involves a minor, the time limit does not begin to run until they turn 19 years. If the two-year period expires without filing a claim, then the claim will be time-barred. This means that you will not be able to recover anything.
GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR ANNISTON MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYERS TODAY
It is important to note that when it comes to hiring a lawyer, results matter a lot. What does it mean? It means that an Anniston personal injury lawyer’s past track record speaks volumes about your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
At Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers, we have recovered millions of dollars both in verdicts and settlements for our clients across Alabama. We offer free initial case evaluation services, where we listen to your claims and offer the best legal action to take. Call us today at 256-666-6000 and allow us to protect your rights.
