Bay Minette, AL Motorcycle Accident Lawyers  

Motorcycle accidents often have devastating consequences for riders and the people they love. They are far more likely to lead to severe or fatal injuries than crashes involving other types of vehicles. Riders in Bay Minette are at risk of injury every time they hit the open road, and it’s crucial that they understand their rights when they are injured by the actions of a reckless driver. 

If you have been injured in a Bay Minette motorcycle accident, the team at Turner, Onderdonk, Kimbrough & Howell is here to help you fight for fair and full compensation. Call us at 251-651-0483 to set up a consultation with our team now. 

How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Alabama?    

Motorcycle accidents are facing an unfortunate upward trend in Alabama after seeing a significant dip in 2020. There were just 1,685 accidents that year, which jumped to 1,818 accidents in 2021 and nearly 1,900 collisions in 2022. There were injuries reported in the majority of these accidents. Fatalities have also seen a significant spike. They hit a ten-year low in 2014 when there were 64 motorcyclist fatalities. That crept up to 77 in 2021 and a shocking 95 in 2022. Those aged 20-34 are at greatest risk of being involved in a crash, and this is also the age range where we see the highest number of fatalities.

Why Motorcyclists Are at High Risk for Serious Injuries   

Although motorcycle collisions make up a relatively small amount of total accidents, they are overrepresented in crashes resulting in severe or fatal injuries. A big part of this is the fact that motorcyclists have essentially no protection against the elements and the dangers of the road. While car occupants have the entire frame of the vehicle protecting them, as well as carefully designed crumple zones, motorcyclists rely on nothing more than their helmets and other gear. They are also harder to see in a car’s blind spot. 

Even when safety gear is used properly, it does little to protect a rider from the full force of a crash. Motorcycles are inherently less stable than cars, due to their wheels being in a single line. Obstacles that are nothing more than an annoyance for drivers—dips in the road, small items thrown on the road, and small slick spots—can be devastating for riders, who are more easily thrown off balance and tossed from their vehicle. 

You also have to consider the risk of subsequent accidents after a motorcyclist is injured. When two cars collide, it’s easy for other drivers to see what’s going on and try to go around the crash site. That isn’t necessarily the case when a motorcyclist is hit and thrown from their bike. While drivers may go around the stopped car, they may not see the motorcyclist lying in the road until it’s too late. The chance of being hit by another vehicle after the initial crash is high. 

Even beyond the physical dangers of an accident, there are additional risk factors that put motorcyclists in danger. Despite significant efforts to make drivers aware of motorcyclists and encourage them to operate safely around riders, there is still a lot of bias against motorcyclists. Drivers see them on the road and expect them to ride recklessly, swerve in and out of traffic, or put themselves and others in danger.  

These types of stereotypes can lead drivers to take unnecessary risks around riders and put them in even greater danger. Such stereotypes can lead riders to be treated differently by insurance adjusters, attorneys, and police officers. Proving that they did not cause the crash can often be an uphill battle. 

Causes of Motorcycle Collisions   

Understanding why motorcycle accidents happen can help us make the roads safer for riders and drivers alike. Many of the same issues that lead to crashes between cars are the same problems that lead to motorcycle accidents. Most accidents are the result of human error, including issues like: 

• Speeding 

• Driving or riding while impaired 

• Failing to yield the right of way 

• Failing to see a person, vehicle, or obstacle 

• Ignoring traffic sign or signal 

• Driving or riding while fatigued 

• Tailgating 

• Misjudging stopping distance 

Driver or rider error isn’t the only issue leading to accidents, of course. Road maintenance can also lead to accidents. Dips or cracks in the road can be an inconvenience for those driving cars, but they are incredibly dangerous for riders. Unsafe vehicles, particularly those with inherently dangerous components, can also lead to collisions. However, it’s important to remember that the majority of accidents are the result of driver or rider error. 

Fight for Fair Compensation with Turner, Onderdonk, Kimbrough & Howell    

After you’re involved in a motorcycle accident in Bay Minette, it is crucial to work with a legal team that understands the uphill battle you face when it comes to getting full and fair compensation. Insurance companies don’t always take motorcyclists seriously, but we do—and we’re committed to fighting for what you deserve. 

During our thorough investigation of the crash and your injuries, we’ll figure out what happened and who is liable for your injuries. This gives us the information we need to build a strong case on your behalf and begin advocating for full and fair compensation. Most personal injury claims settle out of court during negotiations, which helps victims like you get their money more quickly and with less stress.  

To do that, we’ll present our case to the insurance company and outline what we would consider fair compensation. If we come to an agreeable amount, we will move forward with a settlement. If they refuse to budge or recognize the severity of your injuries, we are more than ready to take your case to court and fight for you in front of a judge. 

Start Your Case Today—We’re Here to Help   

The sooner you contact Turner, Onderdonk, Kimbrough & Howell after a motorcycle accident in Bay Minette, the sooner we can start building your case and advocating for you. Take the first step now by calling us at 251-651-0483 or getting in touch online.