Car Accidents Involving Motorcycles

Mobile and Baldwin County, Alabama

When gas prices rise and temperatures warm, Americans quickly park their four-wheeled vehicles and opt for the open ride which motorcycles, mopeds and scooters offer. However, these riders are the most vulnerable when an accident occurs with another vehicle and more susceptible to a fatality.

Determining an acceptable amount for property damage and personal injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident with a car in Alabama can be complicated. That’s why it’s important to consult with a car accident attorney experienced in personal injury cases, like those at Long & Waite in Mobile and Baldwin County, when you need to bring legal action to recover damages.

Common Factors in Motorcycle Accidents

With funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the University of Southern California analyzed 3,600 motorcycle traffic accidents in 1981, known as the Hurt Study. The study determined several common factors involved in motorcycle accidents, including:

Vehicle failure – loss of control typically due to tire punctures
Vehicle defects – rare, but usually due to deficient or defective maintenance
Motorcycle errors – slideouts, overbraking, excess speed, under-cornering
Roadway defects – potholes, pavement ridges, etc.
Single vehicle accidents – motorcycle collides with the roadway or a fixed object
Multiple vehicle accidents – violating motorcycle right-of-way
Automobile driver errors – failure to detect and recognize a motorcycle is the predominant cause of motorcycle accidents, including cell phone usage of a driver
Weather – involves less than 2 percent of motorcycle accidents

Expected Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident

Without the occupant protection, crash worthiness and visibility of an automobile, motorcyclists involved in crashes find that injuries are more serious, often deadly and can involve long-term disability. It’s important to know what to do when you are involved in a crash so that you can help yourselves and victims of a crash. Contact medical personnel immediately as injuries treated in motorcycle accidents often involve:

Multiple injuries – 23% have more than one injury
Head injuries – traumatic brain injuries that often lead to permanent disability
Back or spine injuries – some resulting in quadriplegia and paraplegia
Skin damage – epidermal irritations, infections and surface nerve damage
Limb amputations and paralysis

Valuing Your Motorcycle Accident Injuries

When a motorcycle accident has lead to permanent care needs, death, or simply caused property damage, along with pain and suffering, please contact the experienced motor vehicle accident attorneys Long & Waite, serving the Mobile, Alabama area. Our attorneys at Long & Waite in Mobile and Baldwin County can apprise you of your legal options in a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.

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No charge for services unless we get compensation for you If you have a case, we'll make our 24 hour promise. Within 24 hours, we'll start working to get you the money you deserve. Semi truck (18-wheeler) accidents are different from other kinds of motor vehicle accidents. State and federal laws establish strict guidelines for the operation...