Decatur Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Ferguson & Ferguson fights for people who have suffered serious personal injuries in Decatur, Alabama motorcycle accidents. When you hire a Decatur motorcycle injury lawyer at Ferguson & Ferguson, we thoroughly prepare to take your case to court – never counting on a favorable settlement that may never happen. Together, Decatur motorcycle injury attorneys at Ferguson & Ferguson have more than 43 years of collective experience. We offer no obligation, FREE CONSULTATIONS to all motorcycle accident victims. If you are unable to come to our office, we can visit you at your home or hospital room. We also offer the only Lowest Fee Guarantee in Alabama. Call now. Call 256-350-7200 We are here to help.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Decatur
Thousands are injured each year in motorcycle accidents in Alabama. There are various causes of a Decatur, Alabama motorcycle crash including:
- Driver fatigue: Those with disrupted sleep and those that drive commercially for a living are at a higher risk of suffering from driver fatigue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sleep deprivation has an effect on driving similar to impaired driving. Slow reaction time, ability to make sound decisions and falling asleep behind the wheel are signs of sleep deprived driving.
- Weather and road conditions: The seasons bring challenges to roadways across the country. Fog, ice, floods, snow and heavy winds create driving hazards and limit visibility for safe driving. Additionally, poor road conditions contribute to accidents because drivers have less time to slow down to prevent a crash.
- Driver distractions: Some common distractions are passengers, cell phones, satellite radio, hands-free devices and outside distractions.
- Tire Blowout
- Bike Defects
- Hit and Runs
- Drunk Driving: Hundreds are killed each year in accidents involving alcohol and drugs in Alabama.
What to do after a Decatur Motorcycle Accident
- Immediately file an accident report with the police, sheriff or highway patrol, if the agency has not done so at the scene.
- Write down the name, address, insurance information, vehicle license number and driver’s license number of any and all persons involved in the accident. Record names, addresses and telephone numbers of all witnesses.
- Do not discuss the accident or your injuries with anyone, with the exception of your doctor and your attorney.
- Obtain photographs of the accident scene, all vehicles involved (before repairing) and any visible injuries to the parties involved, such as cuts, bruises, and scars.
- Do not consent to a recorded statement or sign any document without first reviewing it with your attorney. Innocent statements made by you attempting to assist an insurance adjuster can easily be misinterpreted and used to deny or minimize your recovery.
- Immediately seek medical attention and tell your doctor the nature and extent of your pain and injury, and how the injury occurred.
- Track Your Expenses.
A strong claim clearly outlines the financial impact of your accident. Keep records of your:- rental car expenses,
- mileage driven to doctors’ appointments,
- medical bills,
- time away from work,
- and any other expenses your accident has caused.
Damages you can recover
The Law Office Of Ferguson and Ferguson is a experienced motorcycle accident law firm with a long track record of obtaining for clients the compensation and accountability they deserve. An individual who negligently operates a motor vehicle may be liable for a wide variety of damages that an accident can cause, including but not limited to the following:
- Disability and Disfigurement
- Loss of Consortium
- Lost Wages
- Lost Earning Capacity
- Rehabilitation and Therapy
- Physical and/or Mental Impairment
- Special Equipment to Accommodate Disability
- Medical Bills
- Mental and Emotional Distress
- Out of Pocket Expenses
- Pain and Suffering
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Property Damage
- Wrongful Death/Funeral Expenses
Don’t let an insurance company decide what your claim is worth, contact us today. It’s our job to get you the money you’re truly owed.
Why Hire Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Ferguson and Ferguson
The law offices of Ferguson and Ferguson takes pride in giving each client individual and personal attention.
- We are committed to excellent client service.
- You talk to attorneys, not paralegals or secretaries
- Toll free, 24-Hour hotline
- We care about our clients, and have patience.
- Free phone consultation 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays
- Free office consultation as late as 7 p.m. and Saturdays also
- We answer all our clients calls, or return them promptly.
- Locations near you.
- No recovery, no fee for motorcycle injury claims
- We keep our clients informed of the status of their case.
- We make sure that our clients understand each step of their case.
- We have great compassion for the physical, emotional, and financial problems that our clients suffered, and will do everything possible to get them through their difficult time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Decatur Motorcycle Accidents
A motorcycle collision can leave an injured rider or passenger facing emergency medical treatment, lost income, vehicle damage and pressure from insurance companies. These answers address common questions about protecting a claim and pursuing compensation after a motorcycle accident in Decatur, Alabama.
1. What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident in Decatur?
Move out of immediate danger when possible, call 911, request medical assistance, report the crash to law enforcement and preserve driver, vehicle, insurance, witness and accident-scene information.
2. Should I call the police after a Decatur motorcycle accident?
Yes. Request law-enforcement assistance when a collision causes injury, death or property damage. Ask the investigating officer how and when you may obtain the completed accident report.
3. Should I seek medical care even if my injuries seem minor?
Yes. Motorcycle accident injuries may not be immediately apparent. Prompt medical evaluation protects your health and creates documentation of your symptoms, diagnoses and treatment.
4. What evidence should I collect after a Decatur motorcycle crash?
Collect driver and insurance information, witness contact information, photographs, video, police-report details, medical records, bills, lost-income records and documentation of accident-related expenses.
5. What photographs should I take after a motorcycle accident?
Photograph the motorcycle, every involved vehicle, license plates, vehicle damage, debris, skid marks, roadway conditions, traffic signals, signs, lighting, weather conditions and visible injuries.
6. Should I preserve my motorcycle, helmet and riding gear?
Yes. Preserve the damaged motorcycle, helmet, protective clothing and other equipment until each item has been photographed, inspected and properly documented.
7. Should I give the other driver’s insurance company a recorded statement?
Obtain legal advice before giving a recorded statement to an insurance company representing another party. Statements may later be used to dispute fault, injuries or damages.
8. Should I notify my own motorcycle insurance company?
Yes. Insurance policies generally require timely notice of an accident. Provide accurate basic information while avoiding unnecessary speculation about fault, injuries or the value of the claim.
9. What commonly causes motorcycle accidents in Decatur?
Common causes include distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, unsafe lane changes, left turns across a rider’s path, following too closely, impaired driving, roadway hazards and defective motorcycle components.
10. Can a driver be liable for failing to see my motorcycle?
Potentially. Drivers are required to exercise reasonable care and maintain a proper lookout. A claim that the driver did not see a visible motorcycle does not automatically excuse negligent driving.
11. What if a driver turned left in front of my motorcycle?
A driver who fails to yield while turning left may be responsible for the collision. Police reports, witnesses, traffic-camera footage, vehicle damage and scene evidence may help establish fault.
12. What if a vehicle changed lanes into my motorcycle?
A driver may be liable for an unsafe lane change when the driver fails to check mirrors, inspect blind spots, signal or yield to a motorcycle occupying the adjacent lane.
13. Can an injured motorcycle passenger file a claim?
An injured passenger may have claims against one or more responsible drivers or other parties. The available claims depend on how the crash occurred and the applicable insurance coverage.
14. What compensation may be available after a Decatur motorcycle accident?
Potential damages may include medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, property damage, physical pain, mental anguish, disability, disfigurement and other losses permitted by Alabama law.
15. Can I seek compensation for future medical treatment?
Future medical expenses may be considered when medical evidence shows that additional treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, medication, therapy or medical equipment will probably be required.
16. How should I document lost wages after a motorcycle crash?
Preserve pay records, tax documents, employer verification, missed-work records and medical work restrictions. Self-employed riders should also retain invoices, contracts and business-income records.
17. What if the driver who caused the accident has no insurance?
Potential recovery may be available through uninsured-motorist coverage or another applicable policy. Motorcycle, automobile and household insurance policies should be reviewed for possible coverage.
18. What if the responsible driver does not have enough insurance?
Underinsured-motorist coverage may provide additional compensation when the responsible driver’s liability limits are insufficient to cover the rider’s injuries and other damages.
19. What if I may have been partly at fault?
Fault issues can significantly affect an Alabama personal injury claim. Do not assume you are legally responsible based solely on an insurance adjuster’s statement or your initial impression. Have the available evidence reviewed promptly.
20. Can I pursue a claim if I was not wearing a helmet?
The absence of a helmet does not automatically determine who caused the collision. It may create questions involving particular injuries or damages, so the facts should be evaluated carefully.
21. Should I accept an early insurance settlement?
Do not accept a settlement before understanding the full extent of your injuries, future medical care, lost income, available insurance coverage and other damages. A signed release normally ends the claim.
22. Should I post information about the crash on social media?
Avoid posting photographs, comments, location information or recovery updates. Insurance companies and opposing parties may review public and discoverable social-media content.
23. How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Alabama?
Many Alabama personal injury claims are subject to a two-year limitations period, but shorter deadlines, special notice requirements and exceptions may apply. Obtain legal advice promptly rather than relying on a general deadline.
24. How much does it cost to consult a Decatur motorcycle accident lawyer?
Ferguson & Ferguson offers a free initial consultation for motorcycle accident victims. The fee arrangement for an accepted case should be explained in a written agreement.
25. How can Ferguson & Ferguson help after a Decatur motorcycle accident?
Ferguson & Ferguson can investigate the collision, preserve evidence, obtain reports and records, identify insurance coverage, document injuries and financial losses, negotiate with insurance companies and pursue litigation when necessary. Call the Decatur office at 256-350-7200 to request a free consultation.
Free Consultation
Our desire and goal in any motorcycle case we accept is to see that our clients are compensated justly for their injuries or the loss of a family member. We fight for our clients rights’ and have successfully recovered millions of dollars in past cases. Our Decatur, Alabama motorcycle attorneys are ready to work for you. If you would like to know more about your rights and options after a serious motorcycle accident, contact us for a free consultation. Our Decatur, Alabama motorcycle accident law firm is available to take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call us now. Call 256-350-7200 or 1-800-752-1998. Huntsville Office Location: 303 Williams Avenue SW Suite 321 Huntsville, AL 35801 Decatur Office Location: 211 Oak Street NE, Suite 607A Decatur, AL 35601. We can help no matter what city and town in the State of Alabama.