Many Alabamians use motorcycles for everyday travel because of their fuel economy and compact size, as well as the pleasure derived from riding a motorcycle. Additionally, many more ride motorcycles as a hobby or recreational activity. Unfortunately, sometimes motorcycle accidents happen to even the most careful and experienced riders, and these accidents can lead to serious injuries that require expensive medical treatments.
If you are injured because of a motorcycle crash, our lawyers can help you. We can collect evidence, talk to opposing lawyers and other adverse parties, and represent you in court to seek the compensation and damages you are entitled to after your motorcycle collision.
To get a free case review, call our motorcycle accident lawyers from Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.
Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents in Northport, AL
Motorcycle accident injuries can be especially serious, in part because motorcycle riders are much less protected than the drivers of motor vehicles like sedans or SUVs. One could say that a motorcycle rider is somewhere in between a pedestrian and someone in a car in terms of their level of safety protection. Even when wearing appropriate safety gear and attire, getting hit while riding a motorcycle can result in grievous injuries.
Head and Neck Injuries
Even when motorcyclists wear helmets, they can still suffer serious head injuries. This, of course, includes bruises, bumps, and small cuts. However, the more pressing concern is what are called traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs happen because of hard hits to the head that injure the brain. The type of TBI most people are probably familiar with is a concussion, which can lead to painful headaches and migraines, sensitivity to light and sound, and difficulty remembering things. However, more serious TBIs can result in the loss of basic functions like speech and fine motor skills or even death.
Hits to the head can also cause damage to the neck. One common type of neck injury in motorcycle accidents is whiplash, which is caused by the neck rapidly moving back and then forward. At best, whiplash results in short-term pain or discomfort in the neck and shoulder area. However, whiplash can also lead to chronic pain, nerve damage, or other more serious complications.
Fractures
Getting hit hard while riding a motorcycle can easily result in broken bones. All fractures will need slings or casts to heal properly, while compound fractures may require more intense procedures like surgery to set the bones back in place first. Additionally, you may need strength training in the affected area if it atrophies due to lack of use during the recovery period.
Cuts and Puncture Wounds
Getting cut up, “stabbed,” or impaled is probably not what comes to mind when one pictures a motorcycle accident. However, shards of glass and pieces of sharp metal can easily get thrown about in a motorcycle accident, and they can cut through jeans, motorcycle jackets, and other clothing to get in contact with the rider. Nasty cuts can leave you with permanent disfigurement and often require stitching to heal properly. Puncture wounds, on the other hand, are harder to treat and can easily damage vital organs, putting the rider in the ICU.
Psychological Trauma
Motorcycle accidents are scary experiences. This can leave riders with injuries that are beyond physical damage. Someone badly injured in a motorcycle accident may be hesitant to get out on the road again. This can be very upsetting for someone if they are now fearful of an activity they used to find fun. Moreover, such apprehension can actually be dangerous if the motorcyclist does eventually ride again. It can sometimes be dangerous to drive carefully to the point of being indecisive, as this makes it harder for other drivers to react to what you are doing and could actually result in another accident.
Motorcycle Helmet/Protective Gear Laws in Northport, AL
Motorcyclists utilize a lot of different types of safety equipment to protect themselves while on the road. Specially designed jackets, pants, boots, and gloves all help motorcyclists be more protected against hazards. However, no piece of protective equipment is more important for a motorcycle rider than a helmet. In fact, under Ala. Code § 32-5A-245, you must wear a helmet.
This means that if you leave your helmet off when riding a motorcycle, you are breaking the law in Alabama, which can be seen as negligence. In Alabama, the rule that is used is called “contributory negligence,” which is outlined in Ala. Code § 6-5-755. Under this legal standard, plaintiffs who are even 1% at fault for their injuries cannot recover damages in court. Failure to wear a helmet can significantly complicate any motorcycle accident claim.
Damages in Northport, AL Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits
The goal of any civil lawsuit is to get financial compensation in the form of damages. That is the way the court helps you deal with things like medical bills, physical pain, and any lasting effects your motorcycle accident has.
When you ask for damages, you have to specify why you are asking for a particular amount. You can base that amount on a number of factors, including medical bills for emergency procedures as well as long-term care, the pain you felt because of your injuries, emotional and mental impacts the accident has had on you, lost wages, and even, in special cases, the egregious conduct of the defendant.
Regardless of the amount you ask for, the jury ultimately decides how much you are awarded as damages in your case, so our lawyers will work hard to sway the jury towards giving you the compensation you need.
Talk to Our Northport, AL Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Howe Law’s motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help you with your case when you dial (844) 876-4357.
