Motorcycle accidents can cause severe harm. Victims regularly suffer injuries such as fractured bones, spinal cord damage, brain injuries, and torn ligaments. Still, these are only a few examples of the harms that riders can suffer when they are struck by negligent drivers.
Thankfully, those who are hurt because of motorcycle accidents may be able to recover payment for the damages caused by their injuries. However, dealing with the aftermath of a crash may be a distressing experience. It can be very helpful to have legal representation by your side when pursing damages in your case.
If you suffered a motorcycle crash in Decatur, AL, seek help from our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers by calling Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 to review your potential case for free.
Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Decatur, AL
Several conditions must be adhered to when filing a motorcycle accident case in Decatur. Fortunately, our motorcycle accident attorneys can help comply with these requirements when bringing your lawsuit to court.
First, you have to file your case on time. Deadlines to file specific types of lawsuits are governed by states’ statutes of limitations. In Alabama, the time window to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit is set forth by Ala. Code § 6-2-38. In general, you will have two years from the date of your crash to file your case. If you fail to file on time, then the defendant will likely move to dismiss your claim.
Additionally, you must file your lawsuit in the right jurisdiction, pay any required filing fees, attach supporting documents, serve all defendants, and refrain from filing an incomplete claim. If you do not satisfy any one of these conditions, then you may have to file your case again. Therefore, you should begin working on your lawsuit as soon as possible after your accident. By bringing your claim to court early, you may afford yourself time to file again if necessary.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Decatur, AL
In Alabama, negligent drivers can be sued for the motorcycle accidents they cause. There are several different types of conduct that can lead to such accidents. The following are all common sources of motorcycle crashes in Decatur:
Distracted Driving
When motorists are distracted, they are prone to making careless maneuvers behind the wheel. Accordingly, many crashes also happen as the result of distracted driving.
There are multiple different forms of distraction that drivers can experience. Manual distraction happens when a driver removes their hands from the wheel. Meanwhile, visual distraction occurs when a driver takes their eyes off the road. Finally, cognitive distraction can happen when a motorist takes their mind off the task of driving.
Common examples of activities that distract drivers include interacting with GPS systems, taking with passengers, eating, drinking, and texting. Certain activities such as texting can involve multiple forms of distraction. Assistance from our legal team can be helpful when investigating whether your motorcycle accident happened because a driver was distracted.
Failure to Yield
Many riders are struck because other drivers fail to properly yield the right-of-way. For instance, a driver who makes an improper left turn at an intersection may cause a catastrophic collision with a motorcyclist in the other lane. Thankfully, those injured because of such accidents may recover payment for the losses they incurred.
Speeding
Speeding is another common cause of motorcycle accidents in Decatur. While travelling at excessive speeds, motorists are prone to swerving outside of their lanes and losing control of their vehicles. Also, speeding drivers may have difficulty slowing down in time to avoid collisions when motorists in front of them need to brake.
Unfortunately, high-speed accidents are especially likely to cause serious injuries. If you suffered an injury as the result of a crash with a speeding driver, then you may be entitled to significant compensation for the harm you endured.
Driving Drunk
Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol is not only illegal, it is also extremely dangerous. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times, impaired judgment, and compromised coordination, increasing the risk of motorcycle accidents.
Accidents caused by drunk drivers frequently happen at night but can occur at any time of day. Thankfully, those who driver drunk can be held accountable for the crashes they cause.
Failure to Use Turn Signals
Neglecting to use turn signals when changing lanes, making turns, or merging can lead to confusion and unpredictability on the road. Without proper signaling, motorcyclists may not have enough time to react or adjust their position. Many of these accidents happen on highways, urban streets, and other areas with high traffic congestion.
Door Collisions
Finally, opening a car door without checking for approaching motorcycles can result in severe accidents. Referred to as “dooring,” this form of negligence may cause a motorcyclist to collide with a door or swerve into traffic to avoid the obstacle. Dooring accidents can lead to several types of devastating injuries.
Evaluating Settlement Offers in Motorcycle Accidents Cases in Decatur, AL
After filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit, the defendant will most likely present you with a settlement offer before going to trial. If you accept their offer and enter into a settlement agreement, then the defendant will pay you an agreed-upon sum of damages in exchange for voluntarily dismissing your claim. There are potential advantages to settling before trial. For instance, you may save on costs such as witness fees and administrative expenses. Further, by settling early, you may acquire payment more quickly.
Unfortunately, many defendants in motorcycle accident lawsuits attempt to settle their claims for less than they are worth. If an adequate settlement offer is not presented, then you must go to trial to recover the full range of monetary damages you are owed. The risk being that if your case does not prevail, then you may receive no payment whatsoever. Our team can help when evaluating settlement offers in your case.
Call Our Law Firm for Help with Your Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Decatur, AL
Seek assistance from our motorcycle accident attorneys at Howe Law by dialing (844) 876-4357.
