Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Union Springs, AL
Union Springs is a picturesque little town, and motorcycle enthusiasts love to ride along rt. 82 and rt. 29, or even along the main part of town along South Prairie Street or Martin Luther King Blvd.
However, despite the fact that it is a quiet, sparely populated town, motorcycle accidents are alarmingly common in Bullock County – as is the case in other parts of Alabama.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Union Springs, Alabama, the committed personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of Frank M. Wilson are ready to assist you. Led by Frank M. Wilson – one of the highest-rated civil litigators in the country – our legal team can provide you with aggressive, result-oriented representation and help you get the restitution you are entitled to.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Union Springs, AL
Union Springs is located at the point where U.S. Route 82 and U.S. Route 29 intersect with each other. Highway 29 runs through Union Springs and across the entire Southeastern region of Alabama. While these open roads can be inviting for motorcyclists, sharing the roads with passenger vehicles and commercial trucks can be risky, to say the least.
Owing to their size, motorcycles are not as visible as other vehicles, which can increase the risk of accidents quite significantly. Moreover, many motorists fail to check their blind spots or watch out for motorcyclists while turning left and while changing lanes.
The most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Union Springs, AL include:
- Distracted driving
- Failing to check for motorcyclists while turning and changing lanes
- Speeding
- Impaired driving
- Aggressive driving
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Opening the door of a parked vehicle without checking for motorcyclists
- Defective road conditions
- Motorcycle defects
Common Injuries That Can Result from a Union Springs, AL Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries for the rider as well as the passenger – due to the lack of built-in safety features. Particularly, collisions between motorcycles and passenger vehicles or trucks can result in life-threatening or even fatal injuries.
The most common injuries that can result from a motorcycle accident include:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Whiplash injuries
- Crush injuries
- Traumatic amputation
- Internal bleeding
- Damage to the internal organs
- Injuries to the lower extremities
- Injuries to the ribs and chest
- Injuries to the spinal cord
- Traumatic brain injuries
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Motorcycle Accident in Union Springs, AL?
Depending on the circumstances under which the accident happened, the following parties can be held liable for the resulting damages.
- The at-fault motorist (if you are hit by a passenger vehicle)
- The company that the at-fault driver works for (if you are hit by a rideshare vehicle, food delivery vehicle, parcel service vehicle, or a commercial truck)
- The company that manufactured the defective part (if the accident happened due to a defectively designed part)
- The government agency responsible for maintaining the roadway (if the accident was caused by a defective or dangerous road condition)
It should be noted that government agencies in Alabama are protected against tort claims to a large extent – thanks to the doctrine of sovereign immunity. Still, if a government agency fails to do its duty and if its negligence results in an accident, the victim has the right to sue the agency.
Suing a local or state government agency in Alabama is completely different from suing a private individual or organization. Any mistake or delay on your part or failure to comply with the legal requirements can result in your claim getting dismissed. It is why you should have an experienced Union Springs motorcycle accident lawyer on your side if you are planning to sue the government.
Deadline for Filing Motorcycle Accident Claims in Union Springs, AL
Under Alabama law, you have two years – starting from the date on which the accident occurred – to file a claim against the party responsible. If you fail to do so, you will lose your right to sue them and recover damages.
Why Alabama’s Contributory Negligence Doctrine Matters in Motorcycle Accident Claims
Alabama is one of the four states (the other three being Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina) that follow the doctrine of contributory negligence. Under the doctrine, you can be barred from recovering any kind of compensation from the at-fault party if you are found to be at fault for the accident – even to a small extent.
For instance, if you are hit by a car and if it is found that the car driver was 99% at fault and you were 1% at fault for the accident, you will not be able to recover any compensation.
Defendants in personal injury claims almost always try to use this law to their advantage, as they know that if they can prove that the injury victim contributed to the accident in any way, they can get away with paying nothing.
It’s the most important reason why you should hire a profound personal injury lawyer – particularly one who is experienced in handling motorcycle accident claims – to represent you. Unless your lawyer manages to establish that the defendant was 100% at fault for the accident, you might not be able to recover any compensation.
Get the Most Experienced and Trusted Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Union Springs, AL on Your Side
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need effective, aggressive legal representation that can get the results you want. Attorney Frank M. Wilson has been fighting for the rights of motorcycle accident victims in Alabama for over 30 years and has recovered millions of dollars in compensation.
A recipient of the prestigious AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, Frank M. Wilson brings unmatched legal expertise and litigation experience to the table and can help you get the maximum possible compensation from the at-fault parties.
Contact our law firm today at 334-423-3137 or get in touch with us online using our contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our highly capable Union Springs, AL motorcycle accident lawyers.