Mobile, AL Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Alabama is a beautiful state to explore by motorcycle. Motorcycle rides along the long and twisty roads of Alabama can be extremely thrilling, thanks to the state’s diverse natural landscape – ranging from rolling hills to lush forests.
At the same time, riding a motorcycle on the congested roads of Alabama can be incredibly risky – thanks largely to inattentive drivers who do not pay attention to their surroundings and are not used to looking for motorcyclists while making turns or changing lanes. Data shows that Alabama has one of the highest motorcycle accident fatality rates in the country and is the 10th deadliest state for motorcyclists.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent motorist or any other third party, the experienced Mobile motorcycle accident lawyers at Whibbs, Stone &Barnett can help you.
We have more than 60 years of combined legal experience and have handled a wide range of accident claims – including and especially motorcycle accident claims – over the years. We can represent you and fight tirelessly to obtain fair compensation that adequately covers all your tangible and intangible losses.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Mobile, AL
The single biggest factor that can be attributed to many motorcycle accidents is driver negligence, which can take many forms including distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, aggressive driving, and disregarding traffic signals.
Apart from this, many drivers fail to look out for motorcyclists before turning or changing lanes. Due to their size, motorcycles can fit into the blind spots of larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks, which is also one of the reasons why accidents involving automobiles and motorcycles are so common.
In addition to this, defective roads can also lead to motorcycle accidents. For example, a large pothole can cause a motorcyclist to lose control and veer off the road, and crash into another vehicle or a stationary object.
What are the Most Dangerous Intersections for Motorcyclists in Mobile, AL?
The most dangerous intersections in Mobile, AL are:
- Airport Boulevard and University Boulevard
- Airport Boulevard and Azalea Road
- Schillinger Road and Cottage Hill Road
- Schillinger Road and Grelot Road
- Cottage Hill Road and University Boulevard
Bodily Injuries that may Result from a Motorcycle Accident
When a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle collide, it is the motorcyclist who is at risk of suffering serious and possibly fatal injuries. This is because motorcyclists do not have seatbelts, airbags, or crumple zones to protect themselves in the event of an accident.
Moreover, if you collide with a passenger vehicle or if a passenger vehicle collides with you, you might get thrown off the motorcycle and land on the roof of the vehicle or on the road, which can result in serious injuries.
The most common types of injuries you might sustain in a motorcycle accident include:
- Road rash, cuts, and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Crush injuries
- Traumatic amputation
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
Damages You Can Recover in a Mobile Motorcycle Accident Claim
Under Alabama law, you have the right to recover economic and non-economic damages from the at-fault party. The economic damages you can recover include current and future medical expenses, the cost of rehabilitation and therapy, long-term care, lost earnings, loss of earning capacity, and property damage.
The non-economic damages you can recover include pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent disfigurement or disability, and reduced quality of life.
Apart from this, if the at-fault party is found to have engaged in particularly egregious conduct, including extreme recklessness, fraud, oppression, wantonness, or acted with malicious intent, you might be awarded punitive damages as well.
Why You Should Not Talk to the Insurance Company after a Motorcycle Accident
Following the accident, the at-fault party’s insurance company might contact you and ask you about the accident. Do not answer any of their questions or tell them anything about the accident.
Remember – you are not legally obligated to provide a written or recorded statement to the insurance company following an accident. Ask them to contact your lawyer instead.
This is because the insurance company’s representative will ask you leading questions that are designed to elicit the response they need from you. If you tell them anything that can be considered an admission of fault or negligence on your part – no matter how minor or inconsequential you think it might be – it can seriously affect your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve – thanks to Alabama’s contributory negligence law.
How Does Alabama’s Contributory Negligence Law Work?
Under the law, if you are found to have contributed to the accident in any way, you may not recover any compensation from the at-fault party. Even if it is found that the negligent party was 99% responsible for the accident and you were 1% at fault, you might not recover any compensation. Remember that the defendant’s insurance company will do everything possible to put a part of the blame on you in order to escape from paying damages.
It is why you need to work with an experienced Mobile motorcycle accident attorney who can protect your right to compensation. Moreover, you should be careful about whom you talk to, what you say, and what you do after a motorcycle accident.
If you say something to the at-fault driver, provide a statement to the insurance company, or post something on social media that can be considered an admission of negligence or fault on your part, your chances of recovering damages from the at-fault party could be seriously jeopardized.
Call Our Experienced Mobile Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today to Get the Legal Help You Need
At Whibbs, Stone & Barnett, we know that motorcycle accidents can result in incapacitating injuries and can lead to lifelong complications. It is why we are committed to protecting the rights of motorcycle accident victims and helping them get the compensation they deserve.
Our lawyers are highly skilled and have extensive experience in handling motorcycle accident claims. We can protect your rights as an injury victim, hold the at-fault parties accountable for their negligent behavior, and fight aggressively to recover every dollar you are owed.
Call our firm today at 850-409-6328 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.