Tuscaloosa Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Helping motorcycle riders obtain the compensation they deserve when crashes happen
The freedom afforded by riding a motorcycle comes with a price; riding is dangerous. Compared to driving a car or a truck, the risks are extensive. However, many of the dangers come from the irresponsible driving behaviors of others on the road – not the habits of the motorcyclists. At Prince Glover Hayes, we hold drivers accountable when they fail to respect the right of motorcycles to be on the road and fail to drive safely. Our Tuscaloosa motorcycle accident lawyers demand full compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage. Call us today to assert your right to compensation.
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How can we help
- Why are motorcycle accidents in Tuscaloosa so dangerous?
- Why do motorcycle accidents happen in Tuscaloosa?
- What are the different types of motorcycle accidents?
- What injuries do motorcycle accidents cause in Tuscaloosa?
- What laws govern motorcycle riding in Alabama?
- Who is responsible for motorcycle crashes in Tuscaloosa?
- How much is my motorcycle accident claim worth?
- How much time do I have to file my motorcycle accident claim in Tuscaloosa?
- Do you have a Tuscaloosa motorcycle accident lawyer near me?
Why are motorcycle accidents in Tuscaloosa so dangerous?
According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, there were 77 motorcycle accident fatalities and 1,178 injuries in 2021. Motorcycle riding is extremely dangerous because a motorcycle, unlike cars and trucks, has no hood, trunk, roof, or doors to protect the rider. When accidents happen, motorcycle riders are likely to fall to the hard ground. Many riders also collide with the hard metal of a car or truck. Consumer Affairs reports that in 2021, the rate of motorcyclist deaths, compared to car deaths by miles traveled, was almost 24 to 1.
Why do motorcycle accidents happen in Tuscaloosa?
Our Tuscaloosa motorcycle accident lawyers work with our own investigators, the police, traffic reconstruction experts if necessary, and witnesses to show how your accident happened. Some of the common causes of motorcycle crashes in Alabama are:
- The driver of a larger vehicle fails to see a motorcycle or respect the right of the motorcycle driver to be on the road
- Driver impairment due to alcohol or drugs
- Driver distraction, including texting, using a cellphone, looking at a GPS, eating, drinking, or tending to someone in the vehicle
- Speeding, failing to yield, and other Alabama traffic violations
- Driving too fast for traffic conditions
Some of the reasons motorcycle operators may cause injuries to other riders or passengers include:
- Motorcycle operator inexperience
- Lane splitting
- Failing to handle curves properly
- Not understanding how to ride with a group of riders
- Dangerous road conditions, including potholes, uneven roads, and roadkill
Operating a motorcycle in rain, fog, and glaring sun can also be dangerous because motorcycles don’t provide protection from the elements.
What are the different types of motorcycle accidents?
At Prince Glover Hayes, we handle all types of motorcycle accidents, including:
- Head-on collisions
- Broadsides
- Rear-end accidents
- Accidents in intersections
- Accidents due to hazardous roads
- All other types of accidents due to negligence
- Accidents due to defective motorcycle parts such as brakes, clutches, throttles, electrical systems, and other defective parts
What injuries do motorcycle accidents cause in Tuscaloosa?
Many motorcycle accidents cause catastrophic injuries, permanent injuries, and injuries that heal but only with long-term treatment. Tragically, many motorcycle accidents are fatal. Our Tuscaloosa motorcycle accident lawyers represent riders who suffer any type of serious injury, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic amputations/loss of limb
- Fractures/broken bones
- Nerve and muscle damage
- Ligament, tissue, and tendon damage
- Burn injuries
- Crush injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Scars and disfigurement
- Leg injuries
One type of issue that is fairly unique to motorcycle riders is road rash. This injury occurs when a rider slides along the road after a crash. Road rash victims suffer bruises, cuts, and other types of skin damage. The initial danger is the possibility of infection. Severe road rash injuries often require skin grafts and plastic surgery.
What laws govern motorcycle riding in Alabama?
According to motoblog.com, Alabama’s motorcycle laws include the following:
- All riders must wear a helmet that has a chinstrap and a solid exterior
- Motorcycle riders are entitled to the full use of their lane
- Lane splitting is illegal
- Motorcycles must have mufflers that are in good working order
- The minimum age to own a Class M license is 16
- The minimum insurance requirements are:
- $25,000 bodily injury insurance per person
- $50,000 bodily injury insurance per accident
- $25,000 property damage insurance
Who is responsible for motorcycle crashes in Tuscaloosa?
Our Tuscaloosa motorcycle accident lawyers file personal injury and wrongful death claims against those responsible for your accident, including the following:
- The driver of another car or truck
- The driver of another vehicle
- The driver of a motorcycle where you are the passenger
- An employer of any driver
- The owner of any vehicle operated by another driver with the consent of the owner
- The manufacturer of a defective motorcycle part
- A seller of alcohol to someone who is knowingly intoxicated or a minor if the alcohol is the proximate cause of your accident
How much is my motorcycle accident claim worth?
At Prince Glover Hayes, we work with your doctors to verify your injuries, show what medical treatments and care you need, and how your injuries are affecting every aspect of your life. Our lawyers also work with your employers and financial professionals, if necessary, to verify your financial damages. We can demand compensation for all your current and future damages, including all your:
- Medical bills. These costs include the cost of ambulances and other emergency transportation, emergency room care, hospitalizations, surgeries, doctor visits, physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychological counseling, medications, assistive technology, assistive devices, and other medical care.
- Income loss. This includes compensation for an inability to work for the rest of your life.
- Pain and suffering. We demand compensation for all your aches, pains, itches, discomfort, anxiety, stress, and depression.
- Property damage. This amount includes the cost to fix or replace your motorcycle, depending on the amount of damage.
- Other damages. These include scarring and disfigurement, loss of bodily function, and loss of consortium.
We file wrongful death damages if a loved one dies due to a motorcycle accident in Tuscaloosa.
How much time do I have to file my motorcycle accident claim in Tuscaloosa?
The time limit for filing a motorcycle accident claim in Alabama is generally within two years. Don’t wait. Call us today. We need to investigate the accident while everyone’s memories are fresh. We want to ensure you’re treated by the doctors you need to see.
Do you have a Tuscaloosa motorcycle accident lawyer near me?
Prince Glover Hayes meets motorcycle riders and families at our Tuscaloosa office located at 2311 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. If you’re hurting too much, we will make arrangements to see you at your home or another convenient location. We also review motorcycle claims by phone and video conferences.
Our lawyers have 45 years of experience fighting for accident victims just like you.
Get help now from our trusted Tuscaloosa motorcycle accident attorneys
At Prince Glover Hayes, our lawyers are respected by former clients, insurance companies, and defense lawyers for our dedication to our clients and our impressive record of settlements and verdicts. Our Tuscaloosa product liability lawyers are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve now. Call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We represent motorcycle accident victims on a contingency fee basis. This means we only receive compensation if your claim is successful.