Riding a motorcycle in Alabama offers a unique thrill, thanks to our state’s scenic routes and favorable weather. However, many motorcycle accidents in Alabama involve other vehicles whose drivers fail to notice motorcyclists or act carelessly around them.
In 2021, there were 3,052 fatal crashes involving a motorcycle and another vehicle in the U.S. Understanding the most common causes of these motorcycle crashes can raise awareness and promote safer driving practices for all road users in Alabama.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash due to another driver’s negligence, a Huntsville motorcycle accident lawyer from Tyler Mann Injury Law can assist you in pursuing fair compensation.
Leading Causes of Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcycle accidents involving other vehicles frequently occur due to a lack of awareness by other drivers. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Left-Turn Collisions: One of the most dangerous scenarios for motorcyclists is when a driver makes a left turn across their path, failing to yield the right-of-way. In 2021, 35% of crashes occurred at intersections, and 43% of fatal motorcycle collisions involved another vehicle turning left.
- Lane Changes and Merging: Drivers who neglect to check their blind spots or fail to use appropriate turn signals while changing lanes or merging may inadvertently miss seeing a motorcycle, leading to a collision.
- Head-On Collisions: Head-on collisions between motorcycles and other vehicles are a frequent type of motorcycle accident. These occur when motorcycles and vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide directly, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. In the U.S. in 2021, 75% of motorcycles involved in deadly accidents were struck from the front.
- Rear-End Collisions: Motorcycles can be more challenging to see than larger vehicles, especially when stopped at intersections or in traffic. Distracted or inattentive drivers who fail to maintain a safe following distance can rear-end a motorcycle, leading to severe injuries for the rider. In the U.S., rear-end collisions accounted for 8% of fatal motorcycle crashes with other vehicles in 2021.
- Opening Car Doors: Drivers or passengers who open their car doors when street-parked without looking for oncoming motorcycles can create a dangerous scenario. This action can force the rider to either collide with the door or swerve into oncoming traffic, leading to what is known as a “dooring” accident. These collisions can result in severe injuries or even fatalities.
- Alcohol Use: Driving under the influence of alcohol is a major factor in motorcycle accidents. Alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and diminishes motor skills, making it more difficult for drunk drivers to notice motorcyclists or to prevent a collision.
- Speeding: Speeding contributes to motorcycle accidents by reducing reaction times and increasing the severity of crashes. Drivers who exceed speed limits or drive too fast for the conditions will likely lose control or fail to stop in time, resulting in serious accidents.
Why You Need Legal Representation
While motorcycle riders have the same rights on the road as other motorists, they often face unfair prejudices and stereotypes. These biases can lead to assumptions of recklessness or fault in an accident, even when the rider acted responsibly and safely.
Alabama’s contributory negligence doctrine further complicates the situation. The law states that if you are even 1% at fault, you may be barred from recovering compensation for your injuries or damages.
Proving your case and securing fair compensation can be challenging without proper legal representation. Insurance companies often try to blame the rider or downplay the severity of injuries, even when the other driver is clearly at fault.
An experienced Alabama motorcycle accident lawyer at Tyler Mann Injury Law can protect your rights and interests following a crash. Our skilled attorneys can thoroughly investigate the incident, gather evidence to demonstrate the other driver’s negligence, and vigorously advocate for you to receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
Protect Your Right to Financial Support After a Crash
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash because of another driver’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to fight alone for fair compensation. At Tyler Mann Injury Law, our experienced attorneys are familiar with the unique challenges and biases that motorcyclists face.
We are committed to fighting tirelessly to protect your rights and ensure you receive the maximum possible recovery. Contact us today for a free case review and let our knowledgeable team put their expertise to work for you.