Motorcycle Accidents

Birmingham, Alabama

Motorcycle Accidents
Thrilling but risky, motorcycles are vehicles that other drivers often claim they didn't see in the aftermath of a crash.

Throughout the United States, motorcycle accidents are on the rise. A motorcyclist's lack of protection leaves him or her more susceptible to serious injuries or death. In fact, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that motorcyclists are 32 times more likely to be killed in traffic accidents than automobile drivers.

Equal Motorist Rights
Motorcycles are legal vehicles and motorcyclists are entitled to the same rights as automobile drivers. Alabama is an at-fault state, meaning that the person who caused the accident must pay damages to all parties involved.

Even when motorcyclists obey all traffic laws and wear protective gear, a collision with a motor vehicle can be catastrophic. Motorcycle crash analysis tests reveal that head and neck injuries account for the majority of serious and fatal motorcyclist injuries.

Other common injuries include:

Severe burns
Severe abrasions ("road rash")
Brain injury
Paralysis
Spinal cord injury
Fractures, lacerations and amputations
Internal injuries

Every year in the United States, about 50,000 motorcyclists are injured and roughly 2,000 are killed. Some causes of motorcycle accidents are:

Poor road conditions
Defective vehicle or equipment
Aggressive driving
Traffic congestion
Disregard for right of way laws
Motorcycle signaling error
Drunk driving
Automobile driver negligence

Protect Yourself
Statistically, most crashes occur when motorcyclists are riding at less than 30 mph. At such speeds, a helmet can greatly reduce chances of serious injury. In fact, studies show that helmeted riders are three times more likely to survive a motorcycle crash than riders who don't wear protective head gear. Helmets are required in the state of Alabama, so motorcyclists must wear them at all times. Failure to do so could result in a fine.

Taking necessary safety precautions can help reduce your risk of a motorcycle accident:

Be visible: Wear reflective gear and keep your headlights on during the day.
Get proper training: Lean how to ride properly, how to care for your bike, and what to do in a dangerous situation.
Wear the right gear: Helmets, eye protection, gloves, appropriate footwear, leg guards and jackets.

But despite your preventive measures and practices, motorcycle accidents still occur, and the losses can be devastating. If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, please contact the Birmingham accident lawyers at Burke, Harvey & Frankowski. Our attorneys can help you win the compensation you deserve. Call or e-mail us today for a free consultation.

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Alabama Rules of professional conduct require the following notice: No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services to be performed by other lawyers.

The information presented on this website for Burke, Harvey & Frankowski, LLC., should not be taken as formal legal advice including reference to Auto Accidents, Truck Accidents, Product Liability, Medical Malpractice, Motorcycle Accidents, Nursing Home Negligence, Personal Injury and/or Personal Injury Attorneys. Serving Birmingham, Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. If you or a loved one have been injured, contact us to schedule a consultation with a Alabama personal injury lawyer to see if you have a claim.