The path to recovery after a motorcycle crash can be very difficult. Victims regularly sustain serious injuries that result in physical pain, financial hardship, and emotional anguish. Fortunately, injured riders may be able to sue the parties responsible for their crashes.
Multiple forms of damages may be reimbursed in a motorcycle accident lawsuit. However, defendants are usually represented by insurance companies who will look for any reason to dispute plaintiffs’ claims. Accordingly, support from legal representation can be very valuable when seeking a fair result in your case.
In the aftermath of your motorcycle accident in Florence, AL, seek support from our motorcycle accident attorneys by calling Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 for a free evaluation of your potential case.
Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Florence, AL
In Alabama, the time limit to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit is set forth by Ala. Code § 6-2-38. Usually, you will have two years from the date your accident occurred to bring a lawsuit against the at-fault party. If you do not comply with this deadline, then you may miss out on your chance to recover financial compensation for your injuries.
Despite potentially having two years to file your motorcycle accident lawsuit, you should begin working on your case right away. As time passes, it may be difficult to gather and preserve the evidence needed to support your claim. For example, witnesses may forget certain details and important documents can be misplaced. The sooner you connect with our motorcycle accident lawyers, the more efficient your evidence collection process will be. Our team can help collect all of the information needed to win your case.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Florence, AL
A high number of motorcycle collisions happen because of drivers’ negligence. Several different forms of negligent behavior can lead to these crashes. The following are all common causes of motorcycle accidents in Florence, AL:
Failure to Yield
One common form of driver negligence is the failure to yield the right of way to motorcyclists. This can occur at intersections, when drivers fail to properly check for oncoming motorcycles before making a turn. For example, a driver may make a left turn in front of an approaching motorcycle, misjudging its speed or failing to see it altogether. This failure to yield can result in a collision and serious injuries to the motorcyclist.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving poses a significant risk to motorcyclists. Drivers who engage in activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car technology divert their attention from the road. This distraction can cause drivers to fail to notice motorcycles in their vicinity, leading to accidents. Even a momentary lapse in attention can result in a collision if a driver fails to see a motorcycle in their blind spot or approaching from another direction.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Unsafe lane changes by drivers can put motorcyclists at great risk. Drivers who fail to check their blind spots, signal properly, or provide sufficient space for motorcycles when changing lanes can cause accidents. For instance, a driver may abruptly change lanes into the path of an oncoming motorcycle, leaving the motorcyclist with limited time to react and potentially resulting in a collision.
Speeding
Excessive speeding is a common form of driver negligence that endangers motorcyclists. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to react to unexpected situations or hazards on the road. Speeding drivers may also misjudge the speed of motorcycles, leading to collisions at intersections or when overtaking. The force of impact in a collision involving a speeding vehicle can be particularly dangerous for motorcyclists.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious form of driver negligence that greatly increases the risk of motorcycle accidents. Intoxicated drivers have impaired judgment, reduced coordination, and slower reaction times. These impairments can lead to drivers failing to observe motorcycles, making erratic maneuvers, or being unable to respond appropriately to changing road conditions. Motorcycle accidents involving DUI drivers often result in severe injuries or fatalities.
Tailgating
Tailgating, or following too closely, is a dangerous behavior that can lead to motorcycle accidents. When drivers do not maintain a safe distance behind motorcycles, they have less time to react if the motorcyclist suddenly brakes or encounters an obstacle. Rear-end collisions involving motorcycles can have devastating consequences, including throwing the rider off the bike or trapping them between vehicles.
Failure to Check Blind Spots
Drivers who neglect to check their blind spots before changing lanes or making turns can pose a significant risk to motorcyclists. Motorcycles are smaller and can easily be overlooked in blind spots, making it essential for drivers to be diligent in their observation. Failure to check blind spots can result in sideswipe accidents, where a driver collides with a motorcycle when changing lanes or merging.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating, excessive speeding, or abrupt lane changes, put motorcyclists in immediate danger. Aggressive drivers may purposefully intimidate or harass motorcyclists, creating hazardous situations. Additionally, aggressive drivers may fail to yield to motorcyclists’ right of way or engage in aggressive maneuvers that catch motorcyclists off guard.
Opening Car Doors
Drivers who do not check for oncoming motorcycles before opening their car doors can cause accidents known as “dooring” incidents. This occurs when a driver opens their door directly into the path of an approaching motorcycle. The motorcyclist, unable to react in time, may collide with the open door or swerve into traffic to avoid the collision, leading to a potentially catastrophic accident.
Considering Settlement Offers in Florence Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits
After filing a motorcycle accident case, the defendant will likely attempt to settle your case before going to trial. If you reach a settlement agreement, then the defendant will pay you a specific sum of damages in exchange for the dismissal of your case. By settling early, you may save on certain costs that you would incur at trial. Also, you may obtain payment sooner.
Unfortunately, defendants regularly try to settle claims for less than they are worth. Our legal team can help review any settlement offers made in your case. Therefore, you can confidently decide if settling early or going to trial is right for you.
Call Our Attorneys for Assistance with Your Motorcycle Accident Case in Florence, AL
Seek guidance from our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers by calling Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.
