Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Daphne

Nothing makes a day as memorable as the wind whipping around you as you zip around the roads of Daphne on your motorcycle. The sense of freedom it gives you is truly unmatched, so it’s no surprise that most bikers are incredibly passionate about riding.

Unfortunately, riding a motorcycle comes with more than its fair share of risks. Crashes are an ever-present risk, and when they happen, bikers tend to suffer the most. If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s time to talk to the team at Hedge Copeland. You could be entitled to compensation. Call us at 251-432-8844 to set up a consultation now.

Motorcycle Crashes in Alabama

The Alabama Department of Transportation maintains a database of statistics on vehicle accidents of all types. Their motorcycle accident statistics show that crashes have been relatively stable in recent years, although they did drop significantly during the first year of the pandemic.

Many experts believe that collisions were down in 2020 because of an overall decrease in miles traveled. However, during 2020, there were still nearly 1,700 crashes, over 1,100 injuries, and 72 lives lost. The age group most likely to be affected by crashes is 20-34, although the numbers are still relatively high until the age of 54. Bikers aged 40 to 44 were most likely to suffer fatal injuries.

What Causes Motorcycle Collisions?

Motorcycle accidents are caused by many of the same things as other types of vehicle accidents. However, because motorcycles are different in structure and safety, they also have a few unique accident triggers. Some of the most commonly reported causes of motorcycle collisions include:

• Failure to judge speed or distance: Many drivers struggle to judge another driver’s speed or distance accurately. This issue is compounded when the other driver is on a motorcycle. When this happens, a driver may turn or cross through an intersection when it is not safe to do so. Consider this common scenario: A motorcyclist is approaching an intersection with the intention of driving straight through. A vehicle driving in the opposite direction is waiting to turn left. The driver thinks they have enough time, starts the turn, and realizes too late that they are going to hit the motorcyclist.
• Failure to yield the right of way: Whether it happens because people are in a rush, they truly misjudge who has the right of way, or they do not know the rules of the road, this easily avoidable mistake is responsible for thousands of motorcycle collisions.
• Speeding: Speeding is perhaps one of the most common and dangerous driving behaviors. When a driver speeds, it is far less likely that they will be able to stop in time if a motorcycle crosses their path.
• Following too closely: Following too closely, much like speeding, is a very common bad driving habit. While it’s never a good idea, it is especially hazardous when you are following a motorcycle. When a driver hits the back of another car, the risk of serious injuries is still relatively low. But when a driver hits the back of a motorcycle at any speed, they risk throwing the motorcyclist off of their bike or tipping their bike over.
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol: Both motorcyclists and drivers have caused accidents by driving while impaired. Impaired driving reduces your ability to respond to obstacles, limits your ability to make sound decisions, and can affect your vision.
• Failure to check for obstacles: While drivers might be used to checking for cars in their path, they are less likely to see a much smaller motorcycle. This may cause sideswipe collisions.
• Road rage: Some drivers have a genuine disdain for motorcyclists and believe they should not have the same rights to the road as them. This can lead to intentionally reckless or aggressive driving.
• Mechanical issues or malfunctions: This issue accounts for a relatively small portion of motorcycle collisions, but it does still happen.

How a Motorcycle Crash Can Change Your Life

A motorcycle accident can leave you with severe injuries, a totaled or damaged bike and significant mental trauma. Motorcycles offer nearly no protection to riders, and even a rider with full safety gear on is still at risk of traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, road rash and infections, and internal injuries.

The costs associated with these injuries can be extraordinary, easily reaching tens of thousands of dollars. Without a fair settlement or jury award, you can expect to be on the hook for all of this. Even with quality medical care, there’s a chance that your injuries will change your life forever, leaving you with chronic pain or a permanent loss of income.

Get the Support You Deserve with Hedge Copeland

If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle collision, it’s time to talk to the team at Hedge Copeland. We know how a motorcycle accident can devastate a victim and their family, and we are determined to help clients like you get the compensation they deserve.

For far too long, insurance companies have taken advantage of accident victims like you. The societal bias against motorcyclists plays in their favor, allowing them to pin the blame on you even when you did nothing wrong. This leaves too many victims in the position of accepting pitiful settlements.

The risk is even greater in Alabama, thanks to our contributory negligence laws. These laws state that if a jury finds that you are at all responsible for an accident, you can recover zero compensation. Again, insurance companies use this to their advantage and bully bikers into accepting settlements they should never even consider.

Through an extensive investigation of your claim and analysis of your evidence, we will build the strongest case possible for you. Our team will pursue the compensation you deserve during negotiations and, if necessary, in the courtroom.

Start Your Claim with Our Daphne Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

The sooner you talk to our team of motorcycle accident attorneys, the sooner we can start your case. Reach out online or call us at 251-432-8844 to set up a consultation now.