Motorcycle Accidents in Gardendale, Alabama

Riding a motorcycle is an inherently risky activity, which is why most motorcyclists are careful to use the proper riding gear, follow the rules of the road, and keep plenty of distance between themselves and drivers. Unfortunately, this often is not enough to keep motorcyclists safe. The roads are full of cars, and drivers aren’t always known for being careful around bikers. When accidents occur, motorcyclists are far more likely to suffer severe or fatal injuries than drivers.

The team at Burge & Burge is dedicated to helping injured motorcyclists in Gardendale, AL fight for the compensation they deserve. Set up a meeting with our team now by calling us at 205-251-9000.

Why You Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney After Your Gardendale, AL Accident

It’s important to talk to a Gardendale, AL personal injury attorney after any type of accident that causes serious injury. However, it’s especially crucial for those who are involved in motorcycle crashes, since motorcyclists have a whole host of myths and social stigmas working against them.

When people hear about a motorcyclist getting injured in an accident, their first questions usually focus on what the motorcyclist did wrong. They assume that the motorcyclist was driving recklessly, riding without a helmet, or intentionally aggravating other drivers. In reality, though, it’s often nothing like that.

Motorcyclists are often the victim of careless or aggressive drivers who don’t believe they have to share the road with bikers. No matter what the true cause of an accident is, public opinion often judges the motorcyclist involved before they know anything.

This type of bias can also be found in insurance companies. Many insurance adjusters will move immediately to blame the motorcyclist for the accident, no matter how much evidence the motorcyclist has that someone else is liable. This type of stereotyping has obvious financial ramifications for bikers, who are often left with little or no settlement money. In some cases, their own insurance company is forced to pay out large settlements to drivers—whether or not they are really to blame.

The team at Burge & Burge knows that this prejudice against motorcyclists exists, and we keep that in mind every time we take on a motorcycle accident case in Gardendale. We know that we have a longer road to travel to prove our client’s right to compensation, and we will work hard to help our clients fight for what they deserve.

Common Causes and Types of Motorcycle Crashes

Most motorcycle accidents can be traced back to a specific root cause. While issues with malfunctioning vehicle components or poor road signs may cause accidents, the vast majority of crashes are caused by human error. Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Reckless or aggressive driving
• Speeding, either above the posted speed limit or too fast for conditions
• Impaired drivers or riders
• Failing to leave enough space between vehicles
• Failing to yield right of way

These mistakes lead to several types of motorcycle accidents, including:

• Left-turn accidents at intersections. These are very common, as drivers often have trouble judging a rider’s speed or distance. They think they have enough room to cross, try to cross in front of the motorcycle, and end up hitting them.
• Rear-end collisions. Drivers often fail to leave enough space between them and a motorcyclist in front of them. This can throw a motorcyclist off their bike and lead to serious injuries.
• Unsafe lane changes. Drivers are supposed to check their blind spots before changing lanes. When they do so, though, they often check for cars without checking for harder-to-see motorcycles.
• Head-on crashes. This may happen when passing on the left or when drivers drift over a road without a median.

Injuries You May Sustain in a Motorcycle Collision

Motorcyclists often suffer severe or life-threatening injuries in crashes. The cost of treating these injuries can be extraordinary, putting bikers in serious financial distress. Commonly reported injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Lacerations and cuts
• Systemic infection caused by road rash and cuts
• Muscle injuries
• Organ damage
• Nerve damage
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries

Types of Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Depending on the severity of the accident and how severe your injuries are, you could be entitled to several types of compensation after a crash. It’s important to work with an attorney who can analyze your accident, evaluate your losses, and help you understand what you are likely to receive in a settlement or court case. Compensation is often awarded for:

• Medical bills
• Future medical expenses (typically awarded in cases with serious lifelong injuries)
• Lost wages
• Lost future income (for accident victims whose injuries are severe enough to keep them from working long-term)
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish

Getting full and fair compensation requires a lot of evidence. This is where it’s crucial to have a Gardendale, AL personal injury attorney working for you. Your attorney can gather the evidence needed to prove the other driver’s liability, which involves proving that the other driver had an obligation to you, that they failed in that obligation, that their failure led to the accident, and that the accident directly caused your injuries.

From there, your attorney can prove the multitude of ways that your injuries have affected your life. You may have to testify about how your career has been impacted by your accident, which household chores you are no longer able to do, and how your pain levels have affected your quality of life. Your medical bills and records are another key source of evidence, as they show how much time you spend seeking treatment and what your prognosis is.

Get Started with Burge & Burge

No matter what type of motorcycle accident you were involved in, you deserve the guidance and support of an experienced Gardendale, AL personal injury attorney. The team at Burge & Burge is here to walk you through this process. Schedule a consultation with us now by calling us at 205-251-9000 or filling out our online contact form.