Rear-end crashes are the most common multi-vehicle crash type in the U.S. While these crashes can be serious in any circumstance, for motorcyclists, that risk can be even more significant. In Montgomery, Alabama, motorcycle accidents can cause all manner of severe injuries, from brain trauma to paralysis.
If you experienced such a crash, you may be facing an extensive recovery and mounting medical bills. That’s where a Montgomery rear-end motorcycle accident lawyer comes in. An attorney can provide vital support and fight for the compensation you need to move forward. Contact Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers at (334) 518-6098 for a free consultation.
How Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident in Montgomery, AL
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers has over a century of combined legal experience assisting motorcycle crash victims in Montgomery, Alabama, with over $400 million recovered through negotiated settlements and lawsuit victories.
Our Montgomery personal injury lawyers can guide you through the following steps when you suffer an injury in a motorcycle crash caused by a negligent driver:
- Determine your rights based on the circumstances of your collision
- Investigate your crash and gather evidence to support your case
- Prepare an insurance claim and negotiate for an insurance settlement
- File suit against the driver if their insurer does not settle fairly
Rear-end motorcycle collisions often result in disabling injuries. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated Montgomery motorcycle accident attorney to find out how we can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
How Drivers Cause Montgomery Rear-End Motorcycle Accidents
Rear-end motorcycle accidents often happen when a driver fails to notice a motorcycle ahead or does not leave enough room to stop safely. Because motorcycles are smaller and offer riders little protection, even a relatively low-speed rear-end collision can cause serious injuries.
Common driver behaviors that can contribute to these crashes include:
- Speeding: Driving too fast can increase stopping distance and make it harder to react when a motorcycle slows or stops.
- Distracted driving: Texting, using a navigation system, eating, or other distractions can prevent a driver from noticing a motorcycle in time.
- Following too closely: Tailgating leaves drivers with less time and space to respond when a motorcyclist brakes or traffic suddenly slows.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol or drugs can affect a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time.
- Driver fatigue: A tired driver may react too slowly to changing traffic conditions.
- Failing to adjust for road conditions: Rain, darkness, glare, or heavy traffic may require drivers to reduce their speed and increase their following distance.
Determining why the driver rear-ended the motorcycle can help establish fault and identify evidence that may support an injured rider’s claim.
What Is My Montgomery Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
The value of a Montgomery motorcycle accident case depends on your injuries, financial losses, and the circumstances of the crash.
Factors that may affect your case value include:
- The severity of your injuries
- Medical bills and future treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Available insurance coverage
- Evidence showing who caused the crash
A motorcycle accident lawyer can review these factors and help estimate what your claim may be worth.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Montgomery Motorcycle Accident Victims?
If you were injured in a Montgomery motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for both financial and personal losses.
Depending on your case, damages may include:
- Medical bills and future medical care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In some cases, punitive damages may also be available when the defendant engaged in particularly wrongful conduct, such as wantonness or malice.
A Montgomery motorcycle accident lawyer can evaluate your losses and determine which damages may be available in your case.
Can I Still Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed for a Motorcycle Accident in Alabama?
Alabama follows a strict contributory negligence rule. If you are found to have contributed to your motorcycle accident through your own negligence, you may be barred from recovering compensation in a negligence claim. However, being blamed for an accident does not automatically mean you were negligent.
A Montgomery motorcycle accident attorney can investigate the crash, evaluate the evidence, and respond to allegations that you were at fault.
How Long Do I Have to File a Rear-End Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Alabama?
In Alabama, you generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit after a rear-end motorcycle accident. Missing this deadline may prevent you from recovering compensation through a lawsuit. Because exceptions can affect the deadline in some cases, consider speaking with a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Contact Our Montgomery Rear-End Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
A rear-end motorcycle accident can leave you with serious injuries that affect your quality of life. At Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers, we can handle the claims process while you focus on healing. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Montgomery rear-end motorcycle accident attorney to discover your options and find out how we can safeguard your rights.