Alexander City Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Motorcycle Accidents in Tallapoosa County

Anyone who rides a motorcycle understands the risks, but no one expects to be involved in an accident. Unfortunately, thousands of bikers are seriously injured and hundreds more are killed every year on Alabama highways and roads.

If you or someone you love was involved in a motorcycle accident, you are likely facing a number of significant challenges. From obtaining proper medical treatment to managing unexpected expenses to getting your bike repaired, dealing with the aftermath of a crash can be expensive, stressful, and time-consuming. At Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law, we work tirelessly to help accident victims and their loved ones manage these challenges and fight for the fair compensation they are owed.

Since 1991, we have dedicated our practice to helping those affected by negligence. Our team has recovered more than $1 billion on behalf of personal injury clients, as well as the families of those wrongfully killed throughout Alabama. We proudly offer personalized representation and compassionate, client-focused service every step of the way.

Talk to an experienced Alexander City motorcycle accident attorney at our firm for free; call (256) 795-3388 or contact us online today to get started.

Alabama Motorcycle Laws

All motorcyclists should know and follow the applicable motorcycle laws. This is one of the best ways to stay safe while you ride.

Below, we’ve provided a brief overview of some of Alabama’s most important motorcycle laws:

• Helmets: All motorcycle riders, including operators and passengers, of all ages must wear an approved motorcycle helmet while riding. Approved helmets have solid exteriors and chin straps, which must be buckled securely under the wearer’s chin while the motorcycle is in motion.
• Licensing: To legally operate a motorcycle in Alabama, you must obtain a Class M endorsement on your regular driver’s license. To obtain the endorsement, you must either pass a motorcycle knowledge exam provided by the Department of Public Safety or successfully complete an approved motorcycle safety course.
• Insurance: Like other drivers, motorcyclists in Alabama must obtain minimum liability insurance. The minimum amounts are $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, and $25,000 in property damage or destruction per accident.
• Equipment: Motorcycles in Alabama must be equipped with side mirrors, daytime headlights, and handlebars that do not exceed 15 inches above the seat. Additionally, if you wish to carry a passenger, your motorcycle must have a passenger seat and footrest.
• Riding: Motorcyclists are legally allowed to ride two abreast (side by side) in a single lane in Alabama. However, they may not “lane-split,” which is the practice of riding between lanes of traffic/vehicles. In general, motorcyclists are required to follow all standard rules of the road and all applicable traffic laws.

Following Alabama’s motorcycle laws is important not only for your personal safety and the safety of your passengers but also because failing to do so could be considered negligence in the event of a crash. Because Alabama follows a contributory negligence rule, if you are found to be even slightly at fault for the accident, you cannot recover any compensation for your damages.

Who Is Liable for a Motorcycle Accident?

In Alabama, the person or party who causes an accident is typically the one who is liable for the injured party’s damages. You can only file a claim for damages if you can prove that the other party was entirely at fault; any degree of fault on your part will prohibit you from recovering compensation for your losses.

To determine who is liable for your motorcycle accident, our attorneys look at a variety of factors, including but not limited to whether the accident resulted from:

• A distracted or careless driver
• Someone who was driving drunk
• Traffic law violations
• Speeding
• Another driver’s failure to yield the right of way
• Defective roadways or road conditions
• Vehicle defects
• Third-party negligence

Often, drivers in regular passenger cars claim that they simply failed to see a motorcyclist before they hit them. However, this is not an excuse. All motorists have a responsibility to look out for motorcyclists and to exercise caution every time they are on the road.

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, and you believe someone else is to blame, reach out to Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law to learn how our motorcycle accident attorneys in Alexander City can help. We offer free consultations, during which we can help you understand your legal rights and options.

Compensation for Injured Motorcyclists

Because they have relatively little protection compared to occupants of passenger vehicles, pickup trucks, SUVs, and large commercial vehicles, motorcyclists tend to suffer severe, catastrophic injuries when they are involved in collisions. As a result, they often require extensive medical treatment and care. They may suffer lifelong impairments or disabilities that prevent them from returning to work—or ever working again.

At Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law, we recognize the immense impact these accidents have on the lives of victims and their loved ones. That’s why we fight for maximum compensation for our clients. Our goal is to help you secure every penny you are owed so that you can manage unexpected challenges and move forward with your life.

Depending on the specifics of your case, we can help you seek compensation for the following:

• Emergency medical care costs
• Surgeries and other treatments
• Hospitalization
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Medications
• Medical equipment and devices
• Future medical expenses
• Lost income or wages, including future earnings
• Diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and trauma
• Counseling services or therapy
• Home modifications
• At-home assistance and care

It is important that you act quickly, as you only have two years from the date of the accident to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Alabama. Note that the time to file an insurance claim may be even shorter. We urge you to contact an experienced attorney, like those at Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law, right away.

Request a Free Consultation with Our Team

Our firm handles all types of motor vehicle accidents on behalf of clients throughout Tallapoosa County and the surrounding areas, including motorcycle accidents, car accidents, trucking accidents, and more. If you or someone you love was injured in a collision, contact our Alexander City motorcycle accident lawyers to learn how we can help you seek the justice you deserve.

Call us at (256) 795-3388 or contact us online for a complimentary case evaluation.