Huntsville Motorcycle Accident Attorney
There is a common misconception that motorcycles are more frequently involved in accidents than cars. In fact, motorcycles are slightly less likely to be involved in an accidents, compared to cars. Due to the unique risks of riding a motorcycle, however, when a motorcycle is involved in an accident, the rider or riders are more likely to suffer an injury than those riding in a passenger vehicle. If you or a loved one have been a victim in a motorcycle crash, the Huntsville motorcycle accident attorneys at Conchin, Cole, Jordan & Sherrod are here to help.
Why Choose Us?
- WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT PRESERVING THE RIGHTS OF INJURED MOTORCYCLE RIDERS IN North Alabama. OUR LAWYERS WORK HARD TO REPRESENT EVERY CLIENT’S BEST INTERESTS.
- WE HAVE THE EXPERIENCE YOU NEED TO FEEL CONFIDENT IN US AS YOUR REPRESENTATIVES. OUR LAWYERS HAVE MORE THAN 100 YEARS OF COMBINED EXPERIENCE IN AND OUT OF THE COURTROOM.
- WE WILL NOT CHARGE YOU ANY FEES FOR OUR LEGAL SERVICES UNLESS WE WIN YOUR CASE. WE ONLY DEDUCT OUR FEES OUT OF SETTLEMENTS AND VERDICTS WE OBTAIN FOR YOU.
Do You Need An Attorney?
Fighting for compensation in motorcycle accident cases can be difficult without help from an attorney. You might not fully understand your circumstances or the rights you have to financial compensation from one or more at-fault parties. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Huntsville can help you through a legal dispute in pursuit of damages 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. Call us today at (256) 705-7777 for a free consultation or contact us online to review your case.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, in 2017, the latest year for which full information is available, there were 1,918 accidents involving a motorcycle. Out of these accidents, 1,222 people were injured, and 79 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. Motorcyclists also have specific laws that relate to them alone, such as the state’s universal motorcycle helmet law. Alabama law requires that anyone operating or riding a motorcycle wear a helmet. The helmet must be specifically designed for use on a motorcycle, must have a hard shell and absorbent padding, and a permanent and adjustable chin strap. The NHTSA estimates that motorcycle helmets are 37% effective in preventing fatalities in bikers involved in an accident.
Motorcycle operators are expected to obey all traffic laws applicable to drivers of other vehicles as well, including maintaining their vehicle within their own lane and not passing between vehicles in adjacent lanes whether they are moving or stopped, a practice known as lane splitting. 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.
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 the driving privilege.
Types of Injuries in Motorcycle Crashes
Catastrophic and fatal injuries are more common in motorcycle accidents than typical car accidents. Motorcycle riders often only have helmets, jackets, pants and boots to protect them in a collision, if that. They do not have the metal shell or other protections vehicle passengers have in accidents.
Motorcycle operators and their passengers can suffer many serious injuries in an accident including:
- TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
- FRACTURED BONES
- SPINAL CORD INJURIES
- HEAD INJURIES
- ROAD RASH
These injuries often require extensive and expensive medical treatment and victims incur lost wages due to missed time at work. Nor do the medical bills end after you are released from the hospital. Long and painful rehab is often needed for a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, road rash, and other serious injuries. A personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party could be the most appropriate course of action for victims in need of financial recompense after motorcycle accidents. Contact our Huntsville motorcycle accident attorneys for a free initial consultation.
Our 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 about what happened, as well as about your injuries and the extent of damage to your motorcycle. Be careful what you say to the insurance claims adjuster. He or she is 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 negotiate a better amount. Most initial offers are less than the true value of the case. Protect yourself by politely declining the first settlement amount until you have spoken to our Alabama motorcycle accident lawyers.
If the insurance firm denies your claim or refuses to negotiate with your attorney for a fair settlement, 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 for wrongful acts. You have two years from the date of your accident to bring a lawsuit agains the at fault party.
Getting Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident
While the other driver may clearly 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 be able to avoid paying any compensation.
Contributory negligence laws state that if an accident victim is found to be in any way responsible for the accident or injuries they suffered, no compensation is required to be paid. 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.
Have You Been Injured in an Accident? Call Us Today
Seeking legal services in your motorcycle accident case is a good idea to help protect your interests. A motorcycle accident attorney in Huntsville can tell you honestly whether your case has merit and how much compensation you may expect to receive if you move forward with your claim. The lawyers with Conchin, Cole, Jordan & Sherrod can also help you understand the process and the legalities that will come to bear on a motorcycle accident case. Contact our law firm in Madison County to learn more today.
Client Testimonial
“I am sincerely grateful for the marvelous effort you put forth in prosecuting my case. Your capabilities and dedication to the client is first rate.”
– H. Samuel Cooke