Mobile, AL Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Alabama's Premier Motorcycle Accident Legal Advocates

Motorcyclists and their passengers are uniquely exposed when driving on roads and highways. Even if they have taken every precaution and are using proper safety equipment, they are particularly vulnerable to catastrophic brain, spine, and broken bone injuries.

At Cunningham Bounds, we understand the risks that motorcyclists face every day and we work to take action against those whose negligence severely injured our clients. Since the founding of our firm in 1958, we have become known as a top personal injury firm in Alabama and have obtained billions of dollars on behalf of our clients.

We’ll fight for your best interests. Call (251) 299-0101 to schedule a free consultation with our Mobile motorcycle accident lawyers today.

SHOULD I HIRE A LAWYER AFTER A MOTORCYCLE CRASH?

If you were in a truly minor accident with little to no property damage and your medical check came back clean, you might not need a lawyer to advocate for you. However, if your injuries required inpatient treatment, you missed work, and/or you’re still seeing doctors, an attorney can help you negotiate a fair settlement.

Insurers lose money each time they help an accident victim, so they’re likely to offer you less than you deserve. An experienced lawyer can spot an insurance adjuster’s evasions during the negotiation process and argue for compensation that meets your needs.

Top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Alabama

While riding a motorcycle, you have to be constantly vigilant and keep an eye out for potential hazards. In typical scenarios, you are much more visible while driving a car than while on a motorcycle. Knowing the signs to look for and what could lead to an accident can help you mitigate the risk while riding.

Here are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents:

  • Opening car doors
  • Speeding
  • Driver inattention or distraction
  • Riding under the influence
  • Lane splitting
  • Unsafe lane changes
  • Failure to yield the right of way
  • Inclement weather
  • Sudden stops
  • Inexperienced drivers
  • Defective motorcycle parts or equipment

Motorcycle Accident Injuries and Your Rights in Mobile

Common motorcycle accident injuries can vary in severity depending on the circumstances of the accident. Motorcyclists are generally more vulnerable to injuries due to the lack of external protection compared to occupants of enclosed vehicles.

Motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries, including:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
  • Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
  • Fractures and Broken Bones
  • Road Rash
  • Soft Tissue Injuries
  • Internal Injuries
  • Limb Amputations
  • Wrongful death

What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

If someone caused a serious accident while you were on your bike, you could need extensive medical care. The at-fault party’s insurance should pay for all damages, but they may need a little pressure.

Protect yourself by taking these steps to gather the evidence you could need down the line:

  • Call the police. They will file an accident report that you may be able to use later. Record the names and badge numbers of the responding officers in case you need to follow up with them.
  • Get the name(s) and contact information of any other driver(s) involved as well as their insurance details. Write down the make and model of the car(s) and their license plate number(s).
  • Make a record of the accident by taking pictures of all the damages, not just what happened to your bike. If weather or road conditions were a major factor, document them as well. Save a written or recorded voice note describing the accident as you experienced it and include as much detail as you can.
  • Talk to any witnesses on the scene and ask for their contact information. You may need their testimony to support your case.
  • Seek medical care, even if you don’t think you’re injured. Some aches and pains don’t show up right away.
  • Talk to your insurance company, but don’t speak to anyone from the at-fault party’s insurance. They may try sneaky tactics to pin the accident on you.
  • Contact our Mobile motorcycle accident attorneys. Cunningham Bounds can’t be there in the immediate aftermath of a bad accident, but we can protect your rights as you recover.
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Our FAQ

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 251-299-0101 today!

  • How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Alabama?
    According to Drive Safe Alabama, a state program dedicated to providing information and safety resources for the roadways, there were over 1,800 crashes involving a motorcycle in 2019 alone. Out of those 1,800 crashes, over 1,200 injuries were sustained, resulting in 90 fatalities.
  • Do I Need to Contact the Police?

    Yes, you should contact your local authorities to file an official police report. Going up against the other party’s insurance can be complex if you do not have an official report for the accident. Even if the other party insists on not calling the authorities, it should be done.

  • How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Injury Claim?

    According to the state of Alabama’s personal injury statute of limitations, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a claim. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for injuries, property damage, or other losses resulting from the accident. If a claim is not filed within this time frame, it is generally barred, and you lose the right to seek damages.

  • Should I Accept a Settlement?

    Although a settlement may seem tempting, the compensation the other driver’s insurance company offers you will most likely not cover the full costs of your accident-related expenses. This is another reason why we suggest hiring an experienced attorney—we can fight for you to receive the maximum compensation you deserve.

  • What Damages Can I Recover?

    Depending on the severity of the accident, motorcyclists and their passengers can recover compensation for the following:

    • Medical expenses, past and future
    • Loss of income, past and future
    • Physical and emotional pain, past and future
  • Do I Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

    Yes, you may need a motorcycle accident lawyer in Alabama.

    While it's not strictly required to have a lawyer to file a motorcycle accident claim, it's strongly recommended. Our team at Cunningham Bounds has a proven track record of advocating for the injured throughout Alabama. A skilled motorcycle attorney can provide invaluable assistance by:

    • Analyzing your case: They can break down the details of your accident, identify potential legal issues, and assess the strength of your claim.
    • Offering multiple options: Your attorney can present various courses of action, including negotiating with insurance companies, filing a lawsuit, or exploring alternative dispute resolution methods.
    • Filing a lawsuit: If necessary, your attorney can file a motorcycle accident lawsuit on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
  • How Can I Prove My Injuries Were Caused by the Accident?

    Proving that injuries were caused by a motorcycle accident is a pivotal aspect of filing a successful claim. It involves compiling comprehensive documentation, including medical reports, which explicitly connect the injuries to the accident, and evidence from the scene, such as photos or videos capturing the incident's circumstances. Moreover, obtaining and keeping detailed medical records that outline the timeline of treatments and diagnosis following the accident is vital.

    Witness statements can serve as firsthand accounts, supporting your narrative and demonstrating the accident's impact. Engaging professionals or experts who can provide their insights on the evidence and connect your injuries to the accident also strengthens claims. Legal representatives play a crucial role in gathering and presenting this evidence coherently to establish a strong link between the accident and your injuries.

  • Is Lane Splitting Legal in Alabama and How Does It Affect My Claim?

    In Alabama, lane splitting, which involves riding a motorcycle between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, is illegal. Violation of this law can complicate a motorcycle accident claim as it may establish contributory negligence. Under Alabama's strict contributory negligence laws, if a motorcyclist is found to be at fault in any capacity, it may bar them from recovering damages from the other party involved in the accident.

    Therefore, adhering to local traffic laws, including those regarding lane usage, is essential not only for safety but also for preserving the integrity of a potential accident claim. Legal guidance is crucial in these scenarios to navigate these complex circumstances and determine the best course of action in advocating for fair compensation.

  • How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Alabama?

    In Alabama, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including those related to motorcycle accidents, is typically two years from the date of the incident. This means victims have a two-year window to initiate legal proceedings against the parties deemed responsible for the accident. Failing to file within this timeframe generally results in the forfeiture of the right to seek compensation for damages incurred.

    Exceptions to this rule are rare and typically involve scenarios where the victim was unaware of their injury at the time of the accident. Given these stringent timelines, it is highly recommended to consult with a legal professional promptly following an accident to ensure all claims are filed correctly and within the legal timeframe, hence safeguarding the victim's rights to potential compensation.

The Cunningham Bounds Experience

A HISTORY OF LEGAL EXCELLENCE
  • With Us, It's Personal
    Throughout your case, our team will always be accessible, responsive, respectful, honest, and compassionate. Our clients can attest to our high level of service and the longstanding relationships we have forged with them.
  • Committed to Our Community
    We believe in giving back to our community. We provide pro bono (no cost) legal services to those in our community who can’t afford legal representation. We also support local charitable organizations by donating our time, money, and expertise.
  • With You to the End
    Unlike most plaintiff law firms, we have our own appellate practice, which means we can stay involved in your case throughout the appeals process. We keep fighting until the case is over.

Record-Breaking Verdicts & Settlements

A HISTORY OF PURSUING MAXIMUM COMPENSATION
  • $10 Million Verdict for Woman in Collision Case

    Cunningham Bounds’ attorneys achieved a $10 million jury verdict for the family of a commercial pilot in a head-on collision with a cocaine-impaired serviceman for an automobile dealer.

  • $6.5 Million Verdict for Woman Severely Injured in Crash

    Cunningham Bounds, LLC obtained a $6.5 million verdict against State Farm Insurance Company and in favor of its insured, Meghan Grove. Mrs. Grove was severely injured during an automobile collision.

  • $975,000 Settlement in Motor Vehicle Crash
  • $900,000 Settlement for Man Who Suffered a Herniated Disc

    Our client, and the driver behind him, were both appropriately stopped at a red light, when a third vehicle, owned by Southeastern Exterminating, Inc. slammed into the rear of the vehicles.

  • $870,000 Jury Verdict Against Driver Failing to Yield Right-of-Way

    An $870,000 verdict was obtained by the attorneys of Cunningham Bounds for a man who was severely injured when a Mobile County Gradall Excavator failed to yield the right-of-way.

Building Lasting Relationships
"These guys are just that good."

There are not many plaintiff’s firms that impress the way these guys do.

- Benchmark Litigation: The Definitive Guide to Americas Leading Litigation Firms and Attorneys
Work With Our Alabama Trial Attorneys
Cunningham Bounds has a history of providing the highest quality legal counsel. Contact us today to learn more about how our team can help.
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