Birmingham Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Motorcycle Accidents in Jefferson County
Due to the size difference between typical passenger vehicles and motorcycles, as well as the general lack of protection offered by motorcycles comparted to these other vehicles, motorcyclists are at a much higher risk of being catastrophically injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, motorcyclists are about 35 times more likely to be involved in fatal collisions than passengers in cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, and other vehicles.
If you were injured or if someone you love tragically died in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. At Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law, we understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face when it comes to recovering fair compensation after a crash, and we know how to help.
Our Birmingham motorcycle accident attorneys represent clients throughout Jefferson and Shelby Counties and have recovered over $1 billion in compensation for the injured.
Injured in a motorcycle accident? Choose a team that will fight for you! Call Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law today at (205) 973-6915 for a free consultation.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Like most motor vehicle accidents, motorcycle accidents tend to result from negligence. Sometimes, motorcyclists themselves are careless, but more often, it is the negligence of others on the road that puts motorcyclists at risk.
Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Failure to see motorcyclists in blind spots
- Unsafe merging or lane changes
- Speeding
- Driving too fast for current conditions
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Distracted driving, including texting while driving
- Following too closely (“tailgating”)
- Improper or unsafe turns
- Drunk driving
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Fatigued driving
- Road rage or aggressive/reckless driving
- Opening car doors into the path of an oncoming motorcyclist (“dooring”)
- Illegal or unsafe passing
In some cases, motorcycle accidents are caused not by the negligent conduct of another driver but due to unsafe or defective products or conditions. For example, a poorly maintained roadway with excessive potholes poses a serious risk to motorcyclists, as does a roadway with blind curves that lack proper warning signs for motorists.
In some cases, a motorcycle defect or defective safety equipment can cause or exacerbate the effects of an accident. For example, if a motorcycle helmet is defective, the victim may suffer a severe traumatic brain injury that he or she would otherwise not have sustained had the helmet worked properly.
Liability in Motorcycle Accident Cases
Just like in other types of motor vehicle accident claims, it is important to establish fault in your motorcycle accident case. This is because Alabama follows a traditional fault-based (or “tort”) system when it comes to motor vehicle accident claims. Under this system, you must typically collect compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance provider or file a personal injury lawsuit directly against the liable party.
Additionally, in cases involving multiple at-fault parties, Alabama follows a contributory negligence rule. Under this rule, no one may file a personal injury claim or collect compensation for damages if they are found to be partly at fault for the accident.
Even if the court determines that you were just one percent to blame, you cannot recover anything for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other losses.
It is extremely important that you work with an experienced and knowledgeable attorney, like those at Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law, when navigating the aftermath of a serious motorcycle accident. Our attorneys have more than 30 years of experience handling complex motor vehicle accident claims throughout Alabama and know how to effectively advocate for you.
Reach Out to Our Team Today
If you or someone you love was involved in a motorcycle accident in Birmingham, our personal injury attorneys can help you protect your rights and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed. We have a long, proven track record of success, including many million- and multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts recovered on behalf of our clients.
Our team is prepared to handle every legal detail, from gathering evidence and submitting paperwork to dealing with the insurance company so that you don’t have to, allowing you to focus on healing and getting back on your feet. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we have the resources and skill needed to go to trial.
When you choose Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law, you will receive personal attention from a partner attorney at our firm throughout the legal process. We provide all of our personal injury services on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay any legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
To learn more, including how our Birmingham motorcycle accident attorneys can help you seek fair compensation for your damages, contact us online or call (205) 973-6915 today.