Prattville, AL Motorcycle Accidents

Few things can beat the thrill of riding a motorcycle along the open roads of Prattville. At the same time, riding a motorcycle is considerably riskier than driving a car – due to the fact that motorcycles are smaller in size and do not offer any protection to the rider or the passenger.

Whenever a motorcycle and a motor vehicle collide, it is the motorcyclist who is at risk of suffering catastrophic injuries. In fact, data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that in the event of an accident, a motorcyclist is 28 times more likely to suffer a fatal injury and 4 times more likely to suffer a serious injury compared to the occupants of a passenger vehicle.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, the experienced Prattville, AL motorcycle accident lawyers at the law office of Frank M. Wilson can help you. We have been at the forefront of fighting for the rights of injury victims in Prattville for more than 30 years and have a track record of obtaining substantial settlements and jury awards for our clients. We have what it takes to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.

Common Factors that Contribute to Motorcycle Accidents in Prattville, AL

In most cases, motorcycle accidents are caused as a result of a driver’s negligence or recklessness. The most common examples of driver error or negligence that can result in a motorcycle accident include:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs
• Aggressive driving
• Failing to yield the right of way to the motorcyclist
• Failing to check for motorcyclists while turning left at intersections
• Failing to check for motorcyclists while changing lanes
• Opening the door of a parked vehicle without checking for motorcyclists

Apart from this, mechanical defects in a motorcycle can also lead to accidents, where the rider might crash into a stationary object or into another vehicle.

In addition to this, dangerous road conditions can and often do lead to motorcycle accidents in Prattville.

What Kind of Injuries Can Result from a Motorcycle Accident?

• Road rash, cuts, and lacerations
• Broken bones
• Contusions
• Rib fractures
• Pelvic ring fractures
• Shoulder dislocation
• Disfiguring injuries to the face
• Crush injuries
• Traumatic amputation
• Damage to the spleen, lungs, kidneys, and other internal organs caused by blunt force trauma
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries

If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, it is extremely important to get medical help as soon as you possibly can. There are plenty of hospitals in and around the Prattville area where you can get treated for your injuries. These include the Prattville Baptist Hospital, Jackson Hospital and Clinic, Baptist Medical Center South, and Elmore Community Hospital.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Motorcycle Accident in Prattville, AL?

• If the accident was caused by the negligent or reckless actions of a motorist, they can be held liable.
• If the accident was caused by a mechanical defect, the company that designed or manufactured that part can be held liable.
• If the accident was caused by a dangerous road condition, the government agency responsible for road maintenance and repair can be held liable.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Prattville, AL Motorcycle Accident Claim?

Under Alabama law, you have two years – starting from the date on which you were injured – to file a motorcycle accident claim. If you fail to do so, you will permanently lose your right to sue and recover damages from the at-fault party.

It should be noted that the two-year deadline is only applicable for claims against private individuals and companies. If your accident was caused by a defective road condition and if you intend to sue a government agency, you need to file a claim within a period of six months.

The process of filing a tort claim against a municipal or local government agency is also significantly different from suing a private individual. So, it is important for you to be represented by a Prattville, AL motorcycle accident lawyer who is experienced in bringing claims against government agencies.

What Kind of Compensation Can You Recover in a Prattville, AL Motorcycle Accident Claim?

• Expenses associated with treating your injuries.
• Estimated cost of future treatment and care.
• Cost of long-term care and support (in the event of a permanent and serious disability).
• Cost of rehabilitation.
• Lost earnings and benefits.
• Loss of earning capacity.
• Cost of repairing your motorcycle and other items damaged in the accident.
• Pain and suffering.
• Mental anguish.
• Reduced quality of life.

In rare cases, you might be awarded punitive damages, which are not meant to compensate you but meant to punish the at-fault party. Under Alabama law, punitive damages can only be awarded in cases where the at-fault party is found to have acted with malicious intent or wanton disregard for the safety and well-being of others. These damages can also be awarded if the at-fault party’s actions involved an element of fraud or oppression.

How Alabama’s Contributory Negligence Law Can Affect Your Chances of Recovering Compensation

Alabama is one of the only five states that follow the doctrine of contributory negligence, under which an injury victim can be denied compensation if they are found to have contributed to the accident in any way.

Except in cases where the fault of the driver is evident, insurance companies tend to unfairly blame the victim for the accident – just so they can avoid paying compensation.

It is why you need to be represented by an experienced Prattville, AL personal injury lawyer who has handled motorcycle accident claims before and knows how to establish the fault of the driver (or any other party) with the right kind of evidence.

Choose a Trusted Personal Injury Lawyer in Prattville, AL to Represent You

If you are a victim of a motorcycle accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, experienced motorcycle accident lawyer Frank M. Wilson can help you.

Known for his immense legal knowledge, Frank M. Wilson has more than 30 years of experience in civil litigation and has received some of the highest honors and accolades in the industry over the years – including the prestigious AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

Our legal team – led by attorney Frank M. Wilson – is prepared to fight aggressively to recover every penny you are owed – through negotiation or litigation.

To discuss your claim, call our office today at 334-420-2931 or fill out our online contact form and schedule a free consultation.