MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Ferguson & Ferguson

Attorneys at Law

Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident in Alabama? Regardless of whether it was a minor bike accident or major motorcycle crash, attorney Randy W. Ferguson is your best resource to ensure you are being protected and that you are getting the best compensation possible for your accident. Motorcycle accident personal injury lawyer Randy W. Ferguson, with offices in Decatur and Huntsville, Alabama, has been the preferred motorcycle personal injury attorney serving the motorcycling community in Alabama since 1993. We are lawyers who specialize in motorcycle accident injury cases. Call 256-534-3435 or 1-800-752-1998. We offer no obligation, FREE CONSULTATIONS to all motorcycle injury clients. Call now.

Causes of Alabama Motorcycle Accidents

Some causes of motorcycle accidents include the following:

• Accidents with distracted, intoxicated or fatigued drivers who didn’t see or stop for the motorcycle
• Accidents caused by drivers who are speeding and who lose control of their vehicle or who are unable to stop in time before hitting a motorcyclist
• Accidents resulting from drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way to motorcycle riders when the rules of the road require him or her to yield
• Motorcycle crashes resulting from drivers who misjudge the speed of a motorcycle rider or who do not accurately judge the distance between their car and the motorcycle
• Crashes caused by drivers who don’t see a motorcycle rider
• Accidents caused by tailgating drivers
• Defects in the motorcycle itself
• Weather
• Driver error
• Animals
• High blood alcohol levels are a major problem among motorcycle operators.

In Huntsville, Alabama, the predominant factors leading to motorcycle accidents include distracted driving, speeding, failing to yield the right of way, and substandard road conditions. Awareness of these key causes is essential for both motorcyclists and other drivers to enhance road safety and implement preventative strategies.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Sales of all types of two-wheelers reached about 1,158,000 in 2011, a level not seen in about 30 years. At the same time, motorcycle fatalities have also been climbing, reaching their highest level in 2006 since 1981. Motorcycle accident fatalities have increased every year for the past nine years. In 2006, there were 6.6 million motorcyclists on the road in the U.S., versus 3.0 million in 1996. There are over 137.4 million automobiles on the road. Motorcycles account for 3 percent of all registered vehicles on the roads. As far as miles driven, motorcycles accounted for only 0.4 percent of the miles driven in 2005. However, a motorcyclist in 2006 was 37 times more likely than a person in a car to die in a crash and 8 times more likely to be injured. Per registered vehicle in 2005, a motorcyclist is 5.4 times more likely than a person in a car to be killed in an accident. Some 104,000 motorcycles were in crashes in 2006.

Single-vehicle motorcycle crashes account for about 45 percent of all motorcyclist fatalities. More than 38,000 motorcyclists have died in single-vehicle motorcycle crashes between 1975 and 1999. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 100,000 motorcyclists have been killed in accidents in the last 40 years. Approximately three-quarters of all motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle, usually a car, and most of these were caused by the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way. If you’re on a motorcycle and are hit by a car, you’re three times more likely to be seriously injured and fourteen times more likely to be killed than a person injured in an accident involving two cars. From 1990 through 1999, there were a total of 11,038 fatal single-vehicle motorcycle crashes. During that same time period, there were an estimated 294,000 non-fatal single-vehicle motorcycle crashes. Of these, an estimated 39,000 involved property damage only and 255,000 involved injuries. Motorcyclist fatalities in single-vehicle motorcycle crashes decreased each year from 1990 to 1996, reaching a historic low of 937 in 1996 and again in 1997. In 1998, the fatalities increased to 1,042 (11.2 percent increase); in 1998 and 1999, they increased to 1,140 (9.4 percent). The overall increase in motorcyclist fatalities from 1997 to 1999 was 203 (21.7 percent). A study evaluating the effectiveness of motorcycle helmets in accident situations concluded that (1) motorcycle helmets have no statistically significant effect on the probability of fatality; (2) helmets reduce the severity of head injuries; and (3) past a critical impact speed [13 MPH], helmets increase the severity of neck injuries.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycles don’t offer the protection of a passenger vehicle, and when an accident occurs, the results are usually extremely severe. Without any protection aside from a helmet and other safety gear, motorcyclists are especially at risk and more vulnerable to serious, life-threatening injuries, such as extensive head injuries, concussions, and more. As a result, motorcycle accidents lead to twice as many severe injuries and fatalities than any other type of vehicle-related accident. In fact, motorcycle accidents lead in numbers as the most prevalent cause of fatal accidents on the road in the United States.

When a motorcycle accident occurs and results in serious injuries, the victim almost always has to go through extensive medical treatments and procedures. Most motorcycle accident victims suffer from head injuries, which in turn can be extremely costly and time-consuming. If brain damage occurs as well, the victim’s life may altered in a significant way.

Other common injuries stemming from motorcycle accidents include:

• Road rash
• Bone fractures
• Spinal cord injuries
• Disfigurement
• Concussion
• Pelvic damage
• Bruises
• Death

Alabama Motorcycle FAQ’S

How does Alabama law impact a motorcycle claim?

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Alabama, it’s important to know that you have legal options to seek compensation for damages. The law in Alabama allows for claims to be made against those responsible for the accident, which can cover economic damages such as medical bills and lost income, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering. To increase your chances of success, it is advisable to seek the guidance of a skilled personal injury attorney who can navigate the claims process on your behalf. It’s worth noting that even if you were partially at fault or a passenger in the accident, you may still be eligible for compensation. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you pursue the maximum compensation available under Alabama law.

How does being a hit-and-run victim affect my Alabama motorcycle case?

After ensuring your immediate safety following a motorcycle crash, the next crucial step is to inform your insurance provider about the incident. It’s important to relay only the basic details of the accident without elaborating or speculating. If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident while riding a motorcycle, your case can become very complicated. One of the main challenges is identifying the at-fault driver, since they fled the scene. Without their information, it can be difficult to pursue claims or secure compensation. This can lead to complexities with insurance claims, as insurers may be more cautious and possibly disputative regarding payouts without another party to hold accountable. It is highly recommended that you seek the assistance of a lawyer who specializes in motorcycle accidents. Such a professional has the expertise to manage the complexities of tracking down the hit-and-run driver, negotiating with insurance companies, and ensuring your rights and needs are adequately represented and pursued in court if necessary.

What are the main differences between a motorcycle accident and a car accident in Alabama?

Motorcycle accidents tend to have different outcomes and perceptions compared to car accidents. One of the primary differences is that motorcyclists are more vulnerable due to the lack of protective enclosures around them. As a result, when accidents occur, motorcyclists tend to suffer more severe injuries due to the direct impact and the subsequent collision with the road.

Additionally, society often views motorcycling as a riskier activity that promotes reckless behavior. This perception can influence the attitudes of insurers and legal jurors, which can negatively affect the fairness of claims and trials involving motorcyclists. As a result, jurors may require additional information about motorcycling to offer unbiased judgment in such cases.

HOW FERGUSON & FERGUSON CAN HELP

When you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is extremely important to hire a personal injury lawyer. If you can find a motorcycle accident lawyer, you greatly increase your chances of having your medical bills paid for, as well as other expenses you may not have previously considered. In addition to your medical bills, you may also be entitled to compensation for lost wages, physical and emotional pain, and loss of enjoyment of life. The quicker you contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer, the better your chances are of recouping your financial losses.

Ferguson & Ferguson, located in Huntsville and Decatur, Alabama, are motorcycle accident attorneys who aggressively pursue legal rights for accident victims with significant physical or psychological injuries. Our Alabama motorcycle accident lawyers are skilled at handling motorcycle accidents, including fatal accidents. Our motorcycle accident lawyers understand how a fatal accident can impact your family. When you need a motorcycle accident lawyer in Decatur, Cullman or Huntsville, Alabama who knows the accident claims process, call us immediately. We provide free consultation, and we’re paid only when we win your claim. You’ll pay no fees if we don’t obtain a verdict or settlement for you. If we can not settle your case, we will not hesitate to take your accident case to trial. Our extensive preparation of your accident claim in anticipation of a jury trial tends to increase the amount an insurance company offers to settle it. We work with experienced accident investigators, engineers, medical professionals, and others who assist in creating a winning posture for trial. When you need a Huntsville, Alabama, lawyer who knows accident law, call us first to find out your rights. Call < 256-534-3435 or 800-752-1998.

Huntsville Office Location:
303 Williams Avenue Southwest
Suite 321
Huntsville, AL 35801

Decatur Office Location:
211 Oak Street, Northeast
Decatur, AL 35601

Our motorcycle accident attorneys serve every city and town in the State of Alabama.