This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by JR Krebs following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. JR Krebs, the Founding Partner, has years of legal experience as a bankruptcy attorney. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.
After a motorcycle crash in Mobile, Alabama, you might need legal help to deal with injuries and damages. Motorcycle accidents can be more serious than car crashes because riders have less protection. The injuries are often worse, and the medical bills can be very high.
Motorcycle riders face unique dangers on Mobile's busy roads like Airport Boulevard and Government Street. Other drivers often fail to see motorcycles or don't give them enough space. This puts riders at risk even when they follow all safety rules.
At Krebs Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the challenges motorcycle accident victims face. We'll explain your legal options and help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries, lost wages, and bike repairs.
You may need a motorcycle crash attorney if you were hurt in an accident that wasn't your fault. Alabama's contributory negligence law is very strict - if you're found even 1% at fault, you might not get any money for your injuries. A lawyer knows how to fight these claims and protect your rights.
The roads in Mobile present special dangers for motorcyclists, from busy highways to narrow side streets with poor visibility. When crashes happen, motorcycle accident lawsuits can be complex due to insurance companies trying to blame the rider. A local lawyer who knows Mobile's roads and traffic patterns can build a stronger case for you.
Motorcycle accidents in Mobile happen for many reasons, often due to other drivers not seeing riders on the road. Many crashes occur on busy streets like Airport Boulevard and Government Street where traffic is heavy. When looking for an injury lawyer motorcycle riders trust, understanding these common causes helps build a stronger case.
Mobile's coastal location brings unique challenges with frequent rain and fog that make riding more dangerous. Finding help after a motorcycle accident near me starts with knowing what factors might have caused the crash. These common causes often lead to serious injuries for riders.
Distracted driving: Drivers looking at phones, adjusting radios, or eating while driving often fail to notice motorcycles in traffic.
Left-turn collisions: Cars turning left at intersections frequently cut off motorcycles going straight, causing T-bone crashes when drivers misjudge the motorcycle's speed or simply don't see it.
Speeding or reckless behavior: Excessive speed by either the motorcyclist or other drivers leaves less time to react to sudden changes in traffic.
Weather or poor road conditions: Mobile's frequent rain creates slippery roads, while potholes and uneven pavement pose greater dangers to motorcycles than to cars.
Drunk or impaired driving: Alcohol and drugs slow reaction times and impair judgment, making it harder to spot smaller vehicles like motorcycles.
Failure to check blind spots: Many drivers change lanes without properly checking for motorcycles, which are easily hidden in blind spots.
Dooring accidents: People opening car doors without looking can cause serious injuries when motorcyclists cannot stop in time.
Motorcycle riders have little protection in crashes compared to people in cars. Without the metal frame, airbags, and seatbelts that cars have, riders often suffer more serious injuries even in minor accidents. The body takes the full force of impact, either hitting the ground, another vehicle, or roadside objects.
Many motorcycle accident injuries can change a person's life forever. Medical bills can pile up quickly for these serious injuries. Recovery often takes months or even years, with some riders never returning to their pre-accident health.
Traumatic brain injuries: Even with helmets, riders can suffer concussions or more severe brain damage. These injuries can affect memory, thinking, movement, and personality.
Spinal cord damage: Falls from motorcycles can hurt the spine, sometimes causing paralysis. Even less severe spine injuries can lead to ongoing pain and limited movement.
Broken bones: Arms and legs often break when riders try to catch themselves during falls. Ribs, collarbones, and pelvises also commonly break in motorcycle crashes.
Road rash and lacerations: Skin scrapes against pavement when riders slide across the road. These painful wounds can get infected and leave permanent scars.
Internal organ damage: The force of impact can hurt organs like the liver, kidneys, or lungs. These hidden injuries might not show symptoms right away but can be life-threatening.
Facial injuries: Riders may suffer broken jaws, lost teeth, or eye damage. These injuries often need surgery and can permanently change how a person looks.
Joint injuries: Shoulders, knees, and hips take much of the impact in crashes. These joints can be damaged in ways that cause lifelong pain and stiffness.
Alabama follows a strict contributory negligence rule that can make motorcycle accident cases tricky. This rule means if you are found even 1% at fault for the crash, you might get nothing at all. Insurance companies know this rule well and often try to place some blame on the motorcycle rider to avoid paying claims.
Getting money after a motorcycle crash depends on proving the other driver was completely at fault. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to pay as little as possible on claims. A motorcycle injury lawyer can help gather evidence like traffic camera footage, witness statements, and expert opinions to show you weren't at fault.
Money you might receive after a motorcycle accident includes:
Medical costs: Money for hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and future medical care related to your injuries.
Lost wages: Payment for time missed from work while recovering, plus money for reduced earning ability if you can't return to your old job.
Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact of injuries on your daily life.
Property damage: Money to repair or replace your motorcycle and any damaged gear like helmets, jackets, or other personal items.
Disfigurement: Additional compensation for permanent scars or other visible changes to your appearance from road rash or other injuries.
The actions you take right after a motorcycle crash can make a big difference in your recovery and legal case. The first few hours matter most because evidence can disappear and memories fade quickly. Following these steps helps protect your health and your legal rights after a motorcycle accident.
Call 911 right away to get police and ambulance to the scene. Police will create an official accident report that serves as an important record of what happened. Even if you feel fine, let paramedics check you over since motorcycle injuries can be hidden.
Take pictures of all vehicles, the crash scene, and any visible injuries if you are able to move safely. Write down names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the accident happen. Road conditions, weather, and traffic signs are also worth documenting before leaving the scene.
Go to the hospital or see a doctor even if you think your injuries are minor. Some serious injuries like internal bleeding or head trauma might not show symptoms right away. Medical records connect your injuries directly to the accident, which helps your case later.
Report the accident to your insurance company within 24 hours. Give them basic facts about when and where the crash happened. You can simply say the crash is under investigation without going into detail or accepting blame for anything that happened.
Find a motorcycle lawyer accident victims trust who understands Alabama's strict contributory negligence laws. A motorcycle attorney near me in Mobile will know local roads, courts, and how to deal with insurance companies that try to blame riders. Many lawyers offer free first meetings to review your case.
A Mobile motorcycle accident lawyer knows the specific roads where crashes often happen, like the dangerous intersections along Airport Boulevard or the sharp curves on Government Street. Local attorneys appear regularly before the same judges at the Mobile County Courthouse and understand their preferences for case presentation. They have built relationships with police officers who investigate accidents and know which officers prepare the most detailed reports that can help your case.
They understand the local jury pool and how Mobile residents typically view motorcycle riders in accident cases. A local lawyer can visit the crash scene personally to gather evidence that might be missed by someone unfamiliar with Mobile's road layout and traffic patterns.
How much are most motorcycle accident settlements?
Motorcycle accident settlements vary widely depending on injury severity, medical costs, and lost wages. The average settlement ranges from $15,000 for minor injuries to over $100,000 for serious injuries, while cases involving permanent disability or wrongful death can reach into the millions.
Should I hire a lawyer if the accident was minor?
Even minor accidents can lead to hidden injuries that appear days later, and Alabama's strict contributory negligence rules can prevent recovery if you're found even 1% at fault. A lawyer helps protect your rights when insurance companies try to minimize your claim or shift blame to you.
Can I still recover damages if I wasn't wearing a helmet?
Recovery is possible but more difficult if you weren't wearing a helmet, as insurance companies will argue your injuries would have been less severe with proper protection. Alabama's contributory negligence law means the defense will try to use helmet non-use to block your entire claim.
Who pays medical bills before the settlement?
Your health insurance typically covers immediate medical costs, while some medical providers may agree to treat you on a medical lien basis, waiting for payment until your case settles. Auto insurance medical payments coverage (if you have it on your motorcycle policy) can also help cover initial expenses regardless of fault.
How long does it take to settle a motorcycle accident claim?
Most motorcycle accident claims take between 6-18 months to settle, depending on injury severity, treatment duration, and whether the case goes to trial. Simple cases with clear liability might settle in a few months, while complex cases involving serious injuries or disputed fault can take two years or longer.
Talking with a lawyer after a motorcycle crash can help answer your questions about medical bills, insurance, and your legal rights. At Krebs Personal Injury Lawyers, we offer free consultations to motorcycle accident victims in Mobile and nearby areas. Our team knows Mobile's roads, local courts, and how insurance companies handle motorcycle claims in Alabama.
We take time to listen to your story and explain your options in simple terms without legal jargon. Our Mobile attorneys have helped many riders hurt on busy roads like Airport Boulevard and Government Street get fair treatment. You can call us today or fill out our online form to set up your free meeting - we'll review your case and answer your questions with no obligation.
J.R. is dedicated to providing personalized representation, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach. He tailors his strategy to the unique challenges and needs of each client and case, ensuring focused and individualized attention.
His practice mainly covers Plaintiff’s Personal Injury, including car and 18-wheeler accidents, slips and falls, dog bites, defective products, and wrongful death. He also handles commercial disputes on contingency, with experience in contracts, construction, and probate. For any dispute headed toward litigation, J.R. develops an aggressive strategy to maximize your recovery through negotiation, arbitration, or trial.
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