Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Birmingham, AL

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Birmingham, Alabama?

  205‑328‑9311 is the Birmingham Police Department's non-emergency number.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Birmingham, Alabama?

  Police records can be found at the Records Department of the Birmingham Police Department, located at 1710 1st Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203.

• What kinds of protective gear must motorcycle riders in Birmingham wear to prevent accidents?

  Motorcycle riders in Birmingham must comply with the helmet laws of the greater Alabama state, which apply to the operator of a motorbike and passengers. Eye protection is not mandatory but is a good idea to improve visibility. Headphones, on the other hand, are illegal when riding motorcycles.

• Is it wise for motorcycle accident victims in Birmingham to negotiate directly with insurance companies?

  Motorcycle accident victims in Birmingham are advised against negotiating directly with insurance companies. Insurers have an interest in minimizing the sums they release and aggressively fight against victims' claims. The additional risks associated with riding motorbikes give a greater incentive to downplay claims. A lawyer is key for negotiating settlements and countering lowball offers from insurance industry players.

• Besides negligent drivers, who else is liable for motorcycle accidents in Birmingham?

  Motorcycle accidents in Birmingham may also be due to defective motorcycle parts that reduce the bike's fitness for the road and expose the products' manufacturers to liability. State and local agencies are also accountable for crashes if the incident was caused by the poor maintenance of roads or the failure to clear construction hazards from highways.

• What must a motorcycle accident victim in Birmingham do after a crash?

  Motorcycle victims who have accidents in Birmingham are advised to call 911 immediately to alert the police and document the factual circumstances behind the event. It is prudent to take pictures of the scene and jot down the narratives and contact information of eyewitnesses. Medical attention for injured parties is an immediate must, and a lawyer is best consulted.

• What safety standards must motorcycle riders in Birmingham meet to prevent accidents?

  Birmingham follows Alabama state regulations that require motorcycle riders to pass a safety course and written exam. The driver's license issued must have a motorcycle endorsement. Road splitting is prohibited, and motorbikes are expected to stay within established lanes. Motorcycle riders must also not let more than two bikes stay side-by-side on a single lane.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.