Riding a motorcycle around the North Alabama countryside is one of the most thrilling and wonderful things anyone can do. The land is beautiful, the ride is smooth, and with the wind at your back, nothing can slow you down. If only it wasn’t so dangerous.
It is a sad fact that motorcyclists are much more likely to get injured in an accident than car drivers. The Insurance Information Institute reported that in 2019, 58% of all motorcycle accidents were fatal. That isn’t for lack of proper protection, either: they also reported that 71% of all motorcycle drivers always wear a helmet. Even with protection, getting hit by a car is still a huge danger: a whopping 98% of all motorcycle accidents that same year resulted in some sort of injury for the motorcycle driver.
So what should you do if you end up being injured in a motorcycle accident in Alabama? Assuming you are part of the lucky 42% that survives the accident, the obvious first thing to do is getting medical attention. Even if you feel that you are probably okay, it is important to have a doctor examine you after a visceral incident like that and make sure you are okay.
It is also very important to get the information of the driver that hit you. This can be difficult, especially if you are injured, since most motorcyclists ride solo and won’t have anyone else to assist them. If you are in a hit and run, try to record everything you remember about the incident (location, exact time, make of the vehicle that hit you.) If the other driver stops and provides you with their information, make sure not to speak to any opposing insurance agents before speaking to a doctor and a lawyer.
In Alabama, there are also specific laws that apply only to motorcyclists that will be at play. These include motorcycle equipment regulations, helmet requirements, and licensing laws. On top of this, there are several damages you may be eligible to receive: medical expenses, property damages, lost wages, and pain and suffering, among others.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Alabama, you don’t just need a lawyer who knows accidents. You need a lawyer who knows motorcycles. At John M. Totten, P.C., we have years of experience getting motorcyclists the support they deserve. To get started, contact John M. Totten, P.C. today! We can help!
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