Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Huntsville, AL

FAQs

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

  The Huntsville Police Department can be reached at (256) 427-7009 and (256) 722-7100.

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

  You may request to have a copy of the report online or in person from the Records Division in the Huntsville Police Department at 815 Wheeler Avenue.

  Please provide the following:

  • A valid ID
  • The accident number
  • Date and location of the accident

  A copy of the report costs $10 and will require a 72-hour processing time from the date of the request.

• Am I required to have insurance as a motorcyclist in Huntsville, Alabama?

  Alabama has what is called a Mandatory Liability Insurance Law which states that every motorist with a qualifying vehicle must have the following coverage:

  • $25,000 for destruction of property
  • $25,000 for death or injury to one person
  • $50,000 for death or injury to two or more people

  This means that within state jurisdiction, riding a motorbike without insurance is illegal.

• Can I still get compensated after getting injured in a motorcycle accident in Huntsville, but I wasn't wearing a helmet?

  Unfortunately, Alabama follows the "contributory negligence" law where the injured party may not receive compensation if they were found to have contributed to the accident, even by 1%. Even if it can be argued that wearing a helmet could still have not prevented the accident from happening, the defense may emphasize that the injured motorcyclist does not deserve compensation because they are irresponsible and are not following the law.

• What can I be compensated for as a victim of a motorcycle accident in Huntsville, Alabama?

  Some of the most common damages that motorcycle accident victims get awarded are:

  • Wage losses
  • Reduced earning capacity or disability for permanent disfigurement or injuries
  • Emotional and mental distress
  • Punitive damages (depending on whether it can be proven that the at-fault party acted with malice or intent to cause harm)

• What happens if I cause an accident with my motorcycle in Huntsville while uninsured?

  Alabama follows a fault-based system where the party responsible for the accident must shoulder all the financial costs that the injured have accumulated as a result, whether that is for repairing the vehicle or getting medical treatment and therapies. If proven negligent, the uninsured party may have to handle the responsibility by paying for it out-of-pocket.

• Can my minor child who was involved in a motorcycle accident file for an injury claim in Huntsville?

  While a 16-year-old teenager can acquire a Class M driver's license for a motorcycle in Alabama, they are still unable to legally enter into settlement contracts. In such cases, the Pro Ami Lawsuit, pursuant to Alabama Code Sect. 6-5-390, is applied, where the parents can exercise their right to bring a claim on their child's behalf.

• 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.