While certain risks come with riding a motorcycle, the greatest risk to rider safety is other drivers. In the event of a motorcycle crash, you should talk to an attorney about how to get compensation from the person responsible.
Our attorneys can help you prepare your lawsuit by investigating the crash ourselves. We can communicate with local and state authorities who might have crash reports available, and we can talk to witnesses and revisit the crash site to find evidence. We can also help you evaluate your damages to make sure you get full and fair compensation. Motorcycle crashes might stem from numerous factors. Common causes include failing to stop at lights or signs, distractions, drinking, and speeding. The best way to get compensation depends on your case and what you want from the legal process. Insurance claims, trials, and settlements are all possibilities you should discuss with your attorney.
Our motorcycle accident lawyers at Howe Law are available for a free case review if you call our offices at (844) 876-4357.
Launching an Investigation Into Your Motorcycle Accident in Alabaster, AL
Motorcycle accidents are rarely clear-cut or straightforward. They often require some investigation by the injured parties, their attorneys, and even the police. Through these investigations, we must obtain evidence and ascertain your damages.
A good place to begin is the scene of the accident. It is normal for motorcycle riders and drivers in cars to take photos after an accident. These photos are usually taken for insurance purposes, but they might contain important details we can use to prove your claims against the defendant.
Our motorcycle accident lawyers can also track down people who saw the accident so they testify as witnesses. If witnesses stick around at the accident scene, you should exchange information with them so we can easily find them later. Other witnesses might only be uncovered after a police investigation, and we might find their information in a police report.
Our investigative efforts can also be put towards evaluating your damages. Of course, we can look at things like medical bills, costs of property damage, and income you lose from missing work to determine your damages. However, our efforts should not end there. Some damages do not reveal themselves until much later. Injuries might require future care, and you might have future medical expenses we should consider.
We must also observe how the accident affects you emotionally and psychologically over time. It is normal to be shaken up after a crash, but many victims cannot shake feelings of anxiety, fear, and distress for months or even years. Your suffering deserves compensation just as much as your monetary expenses.
Types of Motorcycle Collisions and Accidents in Alabaster, AL
Any number of factors might cause motorcycle accidents, and each case is unique and deserves an individualized approach. While you should absolutely discuss the circumstances of your accident with an attorney, below are some common conditions surrounding motorcycle crashes.
Failing to Stop at Signs or Lights
Running stop signs or red lights is extremely dangerous. Vehicles and motorcycles entering the intersection on a green light rely on other drivers to observe red lights or stop signs. A common cause of motorcycle accidents is drivers who fail to stop. Motorcycle riders might be T-boned in intersections, leading to extremely severe injuries. The rider might be thrown from the bike or worse.
Driving While Distracted
Distractions are big problems on the road nowadays. Cell phones, GPS, and other devices can now be synced with vehicle computer systems, and drivers often fight the urge to look at screens rather than the road. If the driver who hit you was texting or not looking at the road when the accident happened, they should be held liable. If a cell phone was involved, we might need to subpoena phone records to see if text messages or calls were made during the accident.
Alcohol-Related Crashes
Most people understand that alcohol and driving do not mix. Unfortunately, this message has not sunk in for some drivers. Alcohol-related accidents often happen because intoxicated drivers have slower reflexes and reaction times. Even if they notice a motorcycle on the road, they might not brake fast enough or slow down in time to avoid a collision. Alcohol also tends to make drivers feel tired, and they might fall asleep at the wheel.
Speeding Accidents
Speed is one of the most important factors to consider in a motorcycle accident. Generally, the faster the driver goes when they hit a motorcycle rider, the worse the rider’s injuries are likely to be. Even a rear-end crash that might result only in minor damage for another driver could be catastrophic for motorcycle riders.
The Best Way to Get Compensation for a Motorcycle Crash in Alabaster, AL
There is no singular best way to get compensation after a motorcycle accident. Some riders find that insurance claims meet all their needs. Others take their cases to a full trial before a jury, while others settle out of court. You and your attorney should discuss the best way to obtain damages in your case.
Insurance
Motorcycle riders typically have to carry a separate form of insurance specifically designed for motorcycles and riders. While injured riders can file third-party claims with the other driver’s insurance, the other driver might not have insurance, or their policy is limited. In such cases, you might rely on your own insurance for coverage.
Trial
If you pursue a full trial, a jury may hear evidence and arguments from both sides of the case and render a verdict. Often, jury verdicts are larger than most insurance settlements because lawsuits allow juries to consider damages often not covered by insurance. For example, the jury may award damages for non-economic injuries like suffering and distress. Meanwhile, insurance policies often exclude non-economic damages.
Settlement
Some plaintiffs are uncomfortable with the idea of a lengthy court battle, and they would rather work out a deal to get as much compensation as possible and move on. Settlement agreements may be worked out with defendants to avoid a trial while also getting at least some of your damages covered. Since settlements are the results of compromise and negotiation, it is possible that only some of your damages will be covered. Your attorney can help you work out the most favorable deal possible.
If You Were Hurt in a Motorcycle Crash, Contact Our Alabaster, AL Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Now
Call (844) 876-4357 and ask our motorcycle accident lawyers at Howe Law about scheduling a free case review.
