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MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS IN GUNTERSVILLE, ALABAMA

Alabama roads are specifically designed to showcase the state's rich culture, history, and scenic beauty. Riding a motorcycle along these trials and roadways can be thrilling and fun, but due to the limited protection, there are some dangers involved — including motorcycle accidents. According to statistics from the Alabama Department of Transportation, there were 1,867 total crashes involving motorcycles or mopeds reported in Alabama in 2019. If you or a family member was injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation for your injuries.

At Guntersville Law, LLC, attorneys Paul Seckel and Emily Jolley Seckel are committed to providing experienced legal guidance, assistance, and vigorous representation to motorcycle accident victims and their families. As experienced Alabama personal injury attorneys, they can review and investigate the details of your circumstances and educate you about your legal options to pursue damages. They will fight compassionately to protect your rights and help seek fair compensation to cover medical costs, lost income and benefits, future medical expenses, pain and suffering.

Guntersville Law, LLC proudly represents motorcycle accident victims throughout Guntersville, Alabama, and surrounding communities. Contact the firm today to schedule a consultation.

STEPS TO TAKE AFTER A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be emotional and unsettling. In such difficult situations, the next steps you take — or don't take — can have a significant impact on the outcome of your personal injury claim. When involved in a motorcycle accident, here are things you should do:

  • Stay calm and get to safety

  • Call 911 to get immediate medical treatment for injuries

  • Report the incident to law enforcement

  • Collect relevant details from the other parties involved, such as their names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance information, and license numbers

  • Document available evidence, including police reports, accident scene photos, and witness testimonies

  • Document your medical expenses, including medical treatments and doctor's appointments

  • Document your personal account of the accident and how it has affected your day-to-day life

  • Notify your insurance carrier about the accident

  • Hire an experienced lawyer to help with negotiations and protect your rights

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ALABAMA MOTORCYCLE LAWS

Here are some laws that apply to motorcycle riders in Alabama:

CLASS M ENDORSEMENT

To operate a motorcycle in Alabama, you are required to add a Class M endorsement to your driver's license. This requires passing the motorcycle knowledge exam given by the Department of Public Safety. You can also obtain a motorcycle endorsement by completing a motorcycle safety course.

LANE-SPLITTING

Lane-splitting is the practice of riding a motorcycle between two lanes of motor vehicles moving in the same direction. In Alabama, lane splitting is illegal, but lane sharing is allowed. A maximum of two motorcycles are allowed to ride side by side in the same lane.

HELMET LAWS

Alabama's motorcycle helmet law requires motorcyclists, irrespective of their age, to wear helmets that have a solid exterior layer and a secured chinstrap. Riders and their passengers are also required to wear shoes while riding.

LIABILITY COVERAGE

Motorists in Alabama (including motorcyclists) must have auto insurance coverage that meets the following minimum liability coverage requirements:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person in a single accident

  • $50,000 for bodily injury or death to two or more people in a single accident

  • $25,000 for property damage in a single accident

DETERMINING FAULT IN AN ACCIDENT

Alabama is an “at-fault” state. This means that the party responsible for the accident will bear financial liability for injuries, property damage, and other losses suffered by the victims in the accident. Under Alabama's at-fault negligence system, to recover damages, the plaintiff must prove liability or show that the motorcycle accident occurred due to the other party's negligence.

CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE

Alabama uses a "pure contributory negligence" rule. The state's contributory negligence system prevents the accident victims from recovering compensation if they are determined to be at fault for their injuries. This means that you will only be allowed to pursue damages if the other party was 100% responsible for the incident.

IF A LOVED ONE IS INJURED OR KILLED

If a motorcycle accident resulted in the incapacitation or death of a loved one, a family member or representative of the deceased may bring civil action against the responsible party.

  • Incapacitation: If the accident resulted in incapacitation, the court would first need to appoint a friend or family member to act as the victim's conservator. Once conservatorship has been established, the conservator or legal guardian can file a personal injury lawsuit on the victim's behalf.

  • Death: If the accident resulted in death, a family member or personal representative can file a wrongful death claim. The purpose of a wrongful death claim is to hold the responsible party accountable for a preventable accident that resulted in someone’s death and compensate the decedent's surviving loved ones.

HOW EXPERIENCED ATTORNEYS CAN HELP

Being in any kind of traffic accident can be devastating and affect your physical, mental, and financial health. Attorneys Paul Seckel and Emily Jolley Seckel are committed to handling personal injury claims and protecting the rights of motorcycle accident victims and their loved ones. As your attorneys, they can:

  • Protect your best interests and work to hold the responsible parties accountable

  • Review every detail of your case and conduct an in-depth, private investigation

  • Gather important information, including evidence, police reports, and documentation

  • Work to prove fault and establish liability

  • Determine the full magnitude of your injuries and estimate case-value

  • Help negotiate a fair settlement with insurance providers

  • File a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, when necessary

MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS ATTORNEYS SERVING GUNTERSVILLE, ALABAMA

If you or a family member was injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another party, you can pursue damages. Call Guntersville Law, LLC today to schedule a consultation. Attorneys Paul Seckel and Emily Jolley Seckel will provide the aggressive representation you need to seek compensation for your injuries. Guntersville Law, LLC proudly serves clients throughout Guntersville and the surrounding areas.