Motorcycle Accidents Attorneys in Alabama

Many people in Huntsville rely on motorcycles for both transportation and recreation. While most trips pass without issue, heavy traffic, drivers who fail to yield, and unsafe lane changes pose a real risk to rider safety. The injuries suffered by motorcyclists in collisions tend to be serious because they have very little physical protection.

Since 1937, Martinson & Beason has served the Huntsville community, helping injured people, including motorcyclists, pursue compensation after serious accidents. Our motorcycle accident attorneys can investigate your crash, hold negligent parties accountable, and handle insurance negotiations on your behalf. We treat all of our clients with care and respect and will do our utmost to secure the compensation you and your family need.

For a free consultation with a Huntsville motorcycle accident lawyer, contact our law firm today.

High-Risk Areas for Motorcycle Accidents in Huntsville 

While motorcycle collisions can happen anywhere, we regularly represent riders injured in the following locations:

  • Memorial Parkway (U.S. 231/U.S. 431): Heavy traffic, multiple intersections, sudden lane changes, and drivers turning across traffic increase the risk of serious motorcycle collisions.
  • Interstate 565: High speeds, merging traffic, and frequent lane changes leave little room for error, particularly when drivers fail to notice nearby motorcycles.
  • University Drive (U.S. 72): Busy commercial areas, numerous traffic signals, and vehicles entering and exiting businesses create a higher likelihood of left-turn and failure-to-yield crashes.
  • Governors Drive (U.S. 431): Congested traffic, changing road conditions, and drivers attempting quick turns or lane changes can place motorcyclists at significant risk.
  • Research Park Boulevard (Alabama State Route 255): Fast-moving commuter traffic, merging vehicles, and distracted driving contribute to collisions, especially during peak travel times.

Our motorcycle accident attorneys are based in Huntsville and travel these roads every day to our downtown office on North Side Square. That first-hand local knowledge can be a valuable advantage when investigating your claim.

How Our Huntsville Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Help 

Our legal team is here for you 24/7. Once you instruct us, we will immediately begin working on: 

Thoroughly Investigating the Crash 

Our attorneys obtain police reports, work closely with the Huntsville Police Department and other responding agencies, interview witnesses, gather key evidence, and consult accident reconstruction specialists when necessary. 

Handling Insurance Negotiations

Motorcyclists are often unfairly blamed for collisions they did not cause. We deal directly with the insurance company, challenge attempts to shift liability, and protect your right to compensation. 

Preparing Your Case for Settlement or Trial  

We always aim to resolve claims through settlement, but we will never recommend accepting less than you deserve. If court proceedings become necessary, our trial-ready attorneys will present the strongest possible case on behalf of you and your family. 

What Makes Motorcycle Accident Claims Different? 

While many of the same laws apply, motorcycle accident claims differ from other personal injury cases for the following reasons: 

Bias Against Motorcyclists 

Motorcyclists are often held to a different standard than other road users. Following a collision, insurers may argue that the rider was speeding, filtering recklessly, failing to keep a proper lookout, or otherwise contributed to the accident, even before the evidence has been fully assessed. 

Catastrophic Injuries Are More Likely 

Unlike occupants of cars and trucks, motorcyclists have very little physical protection in a collision. As a result, they are more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation, including:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Even when wearing a helmet, riders can suffer serious head injuries that result in permanent cognitive, physical, or behavioral impairments.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can cause chronic pain, loss of mobility, or partial or complete paralysis.
  • Internal Organ Injuries: Blunt force trauma can damage vital organs and cause internal bleeding, often requiring emergency surgery.
  • Amputations: High-impact collisions can result in the traumatic loss of a limb or injuries so severe that surgical amputation becomes necessary.
  • Severe Orthopaedic Injuries: Complex fractures involving the pelvis, hips, legs, or multiple bones often require surgery, lengthy rehabilitation, and may result in permanent disability.

Our Huntsville motorcycle accident attorneys will work to ensure that rider bias does not unfairly affect your claim and that the full extent of your injuries is accurately assessed.

Legal Issues That Can Affect Your Motorcycle Accident Claim

Several key legal principles shape how motorcycle accident claims are handled in Huntsville, including: 

Proving Negligence 

Typically, you must show that another party’s negligence caused the collision. This may involve proving that a driver failed to yield, made an unsafe lane change, followed too closely, or was distracted behind the wheel. 

Alabama’s Contributory Negligence Rule

Alabama is one of the few states that still follows a pure contributory negligence rule. If you are found to have contributed to the accident in any way, even by as little as 1%, you may be prevented from recovering compensation.

Statute of Limitations

In Alabama, you generally have two years from the date of a motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. While exceptions may apply in limited circumstances, failing to act within the applicable deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation. 

Alabama’s Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Alabama law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear an approved safety helmet. While helmet use does not determine who caused a collision, it may be relevant when assessing certain injuries and the damages being claimed.

At Martinson & Beason, we challenge unfair allegations of contributory negligence and ensure all applicable legal deadlines are met. 

What Can Motorcycle Accident Compensation Include? 

The value of a motorcycle accident claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the circumstances surrounding the collision. You may be entitled to damages for:

  • Medical Expenses: Emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, specialist care, prescription medication, and future medical treatment related to your injuries.
  • Lost Income and Reduced Earning Capacity: Income lost while you recover and compensation if your injuries affect your ability to earn a living in the future.
  • Property Damage: The cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle, helmet, protective riding gear, and other damaged property.
  • Pain and Suffering: The physical pain, emotional distress, permanent scarring, and reduced quality of life resulting from your injuries.
  • Wrongful Death Damages: If a motorcycle accident results in a fatality, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim under Alabama law.

As a family-oriented personal injury law firm, our priority is pursuing the compensation you need for the future. 

Why Choose Martinson & Beason for Your Motorcycle Accident Case?

Clients in Huntsville and throughout North Alabama turn to Martinson & Beason after motorcycle accidents because we offer: 

A Long History of Serving Huntsville 

We have served Huntsville for nearly a century. Our motorcycle accident attorneys live in the community and have raised their families here. We care deeply about Huntsville and are committed to advocating for safer conditions for motorcyclists throughout the region. 

A Deep Understanding of Alabama Personal Injury Law

Alabama personal injury law has several unique aspects, including the state’s contributory negligence rule, which often plays a significant role in motorcycle accident claims. Our attorneys handle these cases every day and understand the laws, procedures, and strategies needed to achieve successful outcomes. 

Proven Results 

Our firm has secured several multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured clients. Combined with our AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell, our results reflect a longstanding commitment to legal excellence. View our verdicts and settlements to learn more about our track record. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Crashes

Below are some of the most common questions our Huntsville motorcycle accident lawyers receive.

What steps should I take after a motorcycle crash?

Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Then, speak with a motorcycle accident attorney before accepting a settlement or giving a recorded statement to the insurance company. 

What if I was not wearing a motorcycle helmet at the time of the accident?

Alabama requires motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a helmet, but that does not automatically prevent you from pursuing a claim. An attorney can explain how the facts of your case and the injuries you suffered may affect your legal options. 

Can I make an accident claim if I was a passenger on a motorcycle?

Yes. As a passenger, you may be able to bring a claim against the motorcycle rider, another driver, or multiple parties, depending on who caused the collision. 

What if a defective motorcycle or motorcycle part caused the crash?

A defective motorcycle or component may give rise to a product liability claim. Common examples include defective brakes, tires, steering systems, or other parts that fail unexpectedly and contribute to a collision. 

How much does a motorcycle accident attorney cost?

Martinson & Beason handles motorcycle accident claims on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront legal fees. You only pay us if we recover compensation on your behalf. 

Injured in a Huntsville Motorcycle Accident? Let Us Help You 

Motorcycle collisions often result in life-changing injuries, and you should not have to face the consequences alone. Martinson & Beason is here to provide the legal support you need, 24/7. To learn more about your legal options and take the next step toward pursuing fair compensation, contact our Huntsville law office for a free consultation.

Take a look at our Infographic on Motorcycle Safety

If you have legal questions in Alabama,
Martinson & Beason, P.C. has answers

Contact Us Today

When life throws you a curveball, having a trusted legal team behind you can bring peace of mind to you and your family. The attorneys at Martinson & Beason Injury Lawyers have proudly served the Huntsville community—and all of Alabama—since 1937. Our deep community roots, passion for people, and desire to help those who need it most allow us to provide clients with dedicated legal help.

 

I have had a wonderful experience during my time if need. I was in a major car accident that changed my life. I had the honor of working with a great team of people who cared. Martinson & Beason is a professional and caring law firm that truly makes everything easy and informational. I would recommend them to anyone for their needs and making things simple.

Alehandro Halsey

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