Bikers across Alabama are at risk from dangerous drivers they share the road with. If a car or truck driver fails to look out for smaller vehicles like motorcycles, they could end up injuring you and potentially costing you hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical expenses. You might also face other damages for lost wages, pain and suffering, and other harms.
For help getting justice after a motorcycle accident, you should consider working with an experienced attorney. A lawyer can advocate for you and help you understand what your case is truly worth. This can cut down on the insurance company’s power over your case and help you get compensation for your injuries.
Contact Howe Law today at (844) 876-4357 for a free case review with our motorcycle accident lawyers.
Holding Drivers Responsible for Motorcycle Accidents in Hoover, AL
To hold the driver who hit you accountable for your accident, you can often file an insurance claim or a lawsuit. Under Alabama law, all drivers must carry insurance to cover accidents they potentially cause. When you file an insurance claim, the insurance company decides whether to agree that their driver is at fault, and they pay damages they consider adequately proven. In court, the judge and jury decide who is at fault and how much the case is worth.
In any case, you must prove fault before anyone will pay you anything. To prove fault, you must show that the driver did something wrong to cause the crash. If no one actually broke any traffic laws or did anything unreasonable to cause the crash, then you might not be able to recover compensation. However, if the driver was speeding, failed to stop at a stop sign, or even failed to signal a turn, and those mistakes led to your crash, then they are at fault, and our motorcycle accident lawyers can fight to have them pay for your damages.
Protecting Motorcycle Riders from Accusations of Fault in Their Hoover, AL Motorcycle Accident Cases
When you ride a motorcycle, you are not necessarily as protected as you are inside a car where there are airbags, seat belts, and other devices meant to keep you safe. Nonetheless, driving a motorcycle is perfectly legal, and you should not be considered partly responsible for the crash just because of your choice of vehicle.
When motorcycle riders are involved in accidents, the defense will often try to accuse them of partial fault. However, the fact that you were on a motorcycle should not, by itself, be enough to place the fault on your shoulders.
If you were doing something dangerous at the time, then the defense might have a good argument to partially blame you for the accident. For example, if you were drunk or speeding at the time of the accident, then it is possible you could be deemed to have contributed to the crash. However, in cases where the accident was not your fault, you should never have to put up with victim blaming and accusations of contributory negligence.
In Alabama, this is an especially powerful defense. Alabama is one of only a few states that use “pure contributory negligence” law. Under this law, if a victim contributed to causing their own accident in any way, they are blocked from recovering compensation for their injuries. In other states, the courts assign blame to each party, and the defendant only pays for their fair share of the crash. in Alabama, even being 1% at fault for your motorcycle accident could block you from recovery. It is vital to work with an attorney to prevent defenses like this from interfering with your right to recover compensation for your injuries and other damages.
Common Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident Case in Hoover, AL
Injuries in a motorcycle accident could range in severity and type of injury. Most of these injuries are somewhat unique to motorcycle accidents, though some (like spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries) are also possible in other types of auto accidents as well.
Broken Bones
Breaking a bone in a motorcycle accident is quite common. However, the bone you break could have a dramatic impact on recovery times and time off work. A broken arm or leg could leave you with pain and suffering and at least 6 weeks of recovery time – but you might be able to return to work in a cast, depending on your job. However, a broken rib could potentially puncture your internal organs and cause additional damage. A broken neck, back, or skull could leave you with long-term recovery needs.
Head, Back, and Neck Injuries
Many head, back, and neck injuries involve broken bones, but other damage beyond the fracture itself often has a bigger impact on your life. With blunt force trauma to the head or face – even while wearing a helmet – you could suffer severe cognitive impairment and long-term issues with motor skills. These “traumatic brain injuries” can range from mild concussions to life-altering injuries.
The same is true with back and neck injuries: a severe injury could lead to years of disability. Damage to the spinal cord that runs through your back and neck could lead to paralysis or other mobility issues. Even minor damage or impingement could require corrective surgery and a long recovery period.
Road Rash
Sliding against asphalt can cause substantial injury if you are not equipped with the proper safety gear. Even with motorcycle pads or leathers, you can still suffer substantial injuries from road rash abrasions. These injuries could be quite visible and could lead to substantial pain and suffering.
Amputation
Traumatic amputation during a motorcycle accident is uncommon but still possible. Additionally, some injuries are so severe that the only option is surgical amputation. With motorcycle accidents, amputations are most common in the legs and arms since they are exposed to potential injury. Especially when the leg is pinned between another vehicle and the motorcycle, traumatic amputation is possible.
Call Our Hoover, AL Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
For a free review of your potential injury case, call (844) 876-4357 to speak with the motorcycle accident lawyers at Howe Law.
