Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Dothan
Were you recently injured in a motorcycle accident in Dothan, Alabama? You shouldn’t have to face the aftermath alone. Medical bills and other expenses can add up quickly, especially if you’re out of work, and you’re probably feeling stressed and unsure of what to do next. You deserve someone who will fight for your rights and take your case seriously.
At Parker Trial Law, we’re committed to taking on and winning even the toughest motorcycle accident cases. Our lawyers will never shy away from a court fight when it’s the best way to get our clients the money they need. Call us today for a free consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Dothan, AL. We’ll listen to your story and explain your options.
Benefits of Hiring a Dothan, AL, Attorney for Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
Hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer in Dothan, AL, for your claim offers several benefits. First, an attorney understands the specific laws that apply to motorcycle accident cases in Alabama. This allows them to build a strong case on your behalf and help you avoid mistakes that could reduce your compensation. An attorney can also gather helpful evidence to support your Motorcycle accident claim and handle communication with insurance companies while you rest and recover.
Your attorney can accurately calculate the total value of your claim, including the value of your medical bills, income losses, and pain and suffering. Without an attorney, you risk settling for far less than your case is worth. Finally, if your case goes to court, an attorney can represent you and fight for your rights, significantly increasing your chances of a favorable outcome.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
If you suffer injuries in a motorcycle crash in Dothan, Alabama, you should take specific steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Some injuries might not appear immediately, and a formal medical report will support your injury claim.
- Take photos of the accident scene if possible, including damage to your motorcycle, visible injuries, and the surrounding environment. These images will provide useful evidence for your case.
- Collect contact information from any witnesses, the other driver, and any involved parties.
- Avoid discussing the details of the accident with insurance companies or the other driver’s representatives until you speak with an attorney.
- Contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. They can protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.
How We Investigate Motorcycle Accident Cases
At Parker Trial Law, we take a thorough approach to investigating motorcycle accident cases. We start by gathering all relevant evidence from the accident scene. This includes photos, crash reports, and any available surveillance footage. We also interview witnesses to obtain supporting statements if possible.
Next, we review your medical records and consult your doctors to understand the extent of your injuries and future treatment needs. This allows us to accurately calculate your claim value, accounting for everything from medical bills to lost wages and any long-term impacts on your life. If necessary, we work with motorcycle collision reconstruction experts to piece together how the crash occurred. Laying the groundwork in this way means we can better negotiate with insurance companies or prepare for trial if necessary.
How a Motorcycle Accident Differs from a Car Accident
A motorcycle accident case differs from a car accident case in several important ways. First, motorcycle accidents often result in more severe injuries due to the lack of protection riders have compared to vehicle occupants. This means medical costs, recovery times, and the overall impact on a rider’s life are often more substantial.
Next, proving liability is often more challenging in motorcycle cases. Many insurance adjusters and juries have biases against motorcycle riders, assuming they are inherently more reckless than other road users. This means gathering solid evidence, such as eyewitness statements, clear photos, and expert testimony, is vital to show what truly happened.
Finally, the types of compensation available can differ. Motorcycle accident victims must often pursue more compensation for long-term medical care and rehabilitation, which is not as common in car accident cases. This is why working with an attorney who understands motorcycle accident cases and can build a strong case on your behalf is essential.
Could You Recover Compensation If You’re Partly to Blame for a Motorcycle Accident?
No, you cannot recover compensation if you are partly to blame for a motorcycle accident in Alabama. Alabama’s pure contributory negligence rule prohibits you from getting compensation from another party if you are even one percent at fault for an injury accident.
This rule makes it extremely important to build a strong case showing you were not at all responsible for the crash. Insurance companies know the law and might try to argue that you share some of the blame to avoid paying your claim. An experienced attorney can challenge any arguments against you and work to show that the other party is fully responsible.
Compensation You Could Recover in a Motorcycle Accident Claim
Motorcycle accident compensation from a successful claim aims to help you recover from the financial and personal losses you have suffered due to the accident. This compensation can cover many different aspects of your losses, such as:
Medical Expenses
The costs of any medical care you need to recover from your crash injuries
Future Medical Costs
Projected costs of any ongoing treatment or future surgeries you will need
Income Losses
Income you lost during recovery if your injuries caused you to miss work
Lost Earning Potential
Lost earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term
Pain and Suffering
The physical and emotional distress from the accident and your injuries
Lost Quality of Life
Losses in your ability to enjoy life or perform everyday activities
Get an Advocate on Your Side
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How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Alabama?
Alabama Code § 6-2-38 gives you two years from the accident date to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit. Missing this deadline could result in losing your right to recover compensation, no matter how serious your injuries or how clear the other party’s fault. This is why you should always contact a Dothan, AL, motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible after a motorcycle wreck. The sooner you get a lawyer on your side, the more time they have to strengthen your case and avoid any issues that could hurt your chances of receiving compensation.
Common Types and Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Many motorcycle accidents result from other drivers overlooking motorcycle riders or failing to respect their right to the road. Below are some of the most common types of motorcycle accidents in Alabama:
- Left-Turn Accidents – These happen when a vehicle driver makes a left turn in front of a motorcycle rider and strikes them from the side.
- Rear-End Collisions – These accidents occur when another driver hits a motorcycle from behind.
- Head-On Collisions – These are some of the most dangerous accidents, occurring when an oncoming vehicle hits a motorcycle from the front.
- Dooring Accidents – These happen when the occupant of a parked car opens their door into the path of an oncoming motorcycle.
- Sideswipe Accidents – Some drivers sideswipe motorcycles when drifting or trying to merge into the rider’s lane.
- T-Bone Collisions – These occur when a vehicle strikes a motorcycle at a perpendicular angle, often at intersections.
Motorcycle accidents can happen for many reasons, often due to the actions of other drivers or road conditions that make it difficult for riders to stay safe. Common causes of these wrecks include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Unsafe lane changes
- Driving under the influence
- Following too closely
- Driver inexperience
- Aggressive driving or road rage
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Poor road conditions
- Mechanical failures
Typical Injuries Resulting from a Motorcycle Collision
Because motorcycle riders have so little protection, they are especially likely to suffer severe injuries in traffic collisions. Common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Road rash
- Broken bones
- Dislocations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Dislocated joints
- Whiplash
- Lacerations
- Eye and face injuries
- Dental injuries
- Amputations
- Soft tissue injuries
Parties Who Could Be Held Liable for a Motorcycle Wreck
Identifying all liable parties in a motorcycle wreck case is necessary to ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries and related losses. Depending on the circumstances, one or more of the following parties could be liable:
The Other Driver
If a vehicle driver caused the accident by speeding, failing to yield, or driving under the influence, they could be responsible for the crash and your injuries.
A Vehicle Manufacturer
If a defect in either your motorcycle or another vehicle contributed to the crash, the manufacturer of that defective part or vehicle could be liable.
A Local Government or Road Maintenance Entity
If dangerous road conditions contributed to the accident, the entity responsible for maintaining the roadway could be liable.
A Bar or Alcohol-Serving Establishment
If the other driver caused the accident because they were intoxicated, the party that served the alcohol could potentially be liable under Alabama’s dram shop laws.
Contact a Dothan, AL, Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If a motorcycle accident has turned your life upside down, you deserve answers and a path forward. At Parker Trial Law, we’re here to address your concerns and discuss how we can recover what you’re owed.
Contact our motorcycle accident law firm now for a free consultation to get personalized advice and learn how we can help with your claim.
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