Auburn Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Compassionate Support | Relentless Advocacy

If you ride a motorcycle in or around Auburn, you know that nothing beats driving around town on two wheels. Whether you’re riding from one Auburn University campus building to another or navigating the bends around Chewacla State Park, you know the convenience and freedom only a motorcycle can offer.

You also know the dangers.

You may be the safest motorcycle rider out there, but unfortunately, you can’t fully protect yourself from the actions of a negligent driver. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, an Auburn motorcycle accident lawyer with Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can help you obtain the compensation you deserve to put your life back on track.

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Why Choose Alexander Shunnarah for Your Auburn Motorcycle Accident Case?

In the wake of a motorcycle accident, you’re not just dealing with physical pain. You’re facing a torrent of medical bills, lost wages, and the daunting task of rebuilding your life, not to mention the emotional trauma and anxiety all of this can bring.

You didn’t cause the accident, so you shouldn’t let one more day slip by without seeking justice and the compensation you deserve – full, fair, and complete payment for all of your damages and losses.

That’s what Alexander Shunnarah’s Auburn motorcycle accidents fight for. There is nothing we like more than seeing the joy and relief clients experience when they obtain the compensation they need to reclaim their future. 

• Unmatched Record of Success: We don’t just talk about success; we deliver it. Our firm delivers life-changing settlements and verdicts for motorcycle accident victims, turning the tables on insurance companies that try to shortchange our clients. Our success has earned us a spot as one of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 in the U.S.
• Client-First Approach: Hundreds of five-star reviews on Google from satisfied clients throughout the U.S. testify to the care, commitment, and results we bring to every case. When you’re with us, you’re family. 
• Nationwide Muscle, Local Heart: With over 500 legal professionals in our network, we bring big-firm resources to your Auburn case. But we never lose sight of what matters most – you.
• More Than a Motto: Our mission goes beyond catchy slogans. We’re driven by a genuine desire to right wrongs and secure the future you deserve. 
• Contingency Fees Only: We handle all of our cases on a contingency fee basis, so you owe us nothing for our services unless we win your case. You will never have to pay out-of-pocket expenses or upfront costs when you work with us. 

When you’re up against the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, you need more than just an Auburn personal injury lawyer. You need a fighter, an advocate, and a partner. That’s who we are, and that’s what we bring to your case.

Do I Have a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Auburn, you might be wondering if you have grounds for a legal claim. Most personal injury claims, including those involving motorcycle accidents, are based on the concept of negligence.

Negligence occurs when someone fails to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person. To have a successful motorcycle accident case, your personal injury lawyer needs to establish four key elements:

1. Duty of Care: The other party (usually another driver) had a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely and follow traffic laws.
2. Breach of Duty: The other party failed to fulfill this duty. For example, they might have been speeding, distracted, or under the influence.
3. Causation: This breach of duty directly caused your accident and subsequent injuries.
4. Damages: You suffered actual harm, such as physical injuries, property damage, and lost wages or income as a result of the accident.

Injuries Commonly Associated with Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents often result in more severe injuries compared to car accidents. Motorcyclists ride with a lack of protective barriers, making them more vulnerable to other vehicles and the environment. Some of the most common injuries associated with motorcycle accidents include:

1. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, the force of impact can cause traumatic brain injuries, potentially leading to long-term psychological, emotional, and cognitive issues.
2. Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, dramatically altering the victim’s quality of life.
3. Road Rash: When a rider slides across the pavement, it can cause severe abrasions and burn-like injuries to the skin.
4. Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact of a crash often leads to multiple fractures, particularly in the arms, legs, and ribs.
5. Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can cause damage to internal organs, which may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
6. Neck and Back Injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, and other spine-related injuries are common and can lead to chronic pain.
7. Amputation: In severe accidents, limbs may be so badly damaged that amputation becomes necessary.
8. Psychological Trauma: Many accident victims experience PTSD, anxiety, or depression following a traumatic crash.

Motorcycle crash injuries can have long-lasting effects on your health, ability to work, and overall quality of life. Working with an experienced Auburn motorcycle accident lawyer gives you the best chance of obtaining maximum compensation for all your injuries, both physical and emotional.

Where do most motorcycle accidents happen in Auburn?

While motorcycle accidents can happen anywhere, certain areas in and around Auburn pose higher risks due to traffic patterns, road conditions, or other factors. Some hotspots for motorcycle accidents include:

1. South College Street: This major thoroughfare experiences heavy traffic, especially during Auburn University events, which increases the risk of accidents.
2. Opelika Road: The stretch between Auburn and Opelika is known for its commercial activity and can be dangerous due to frequent lane changes and turns.
3. Wire Road: Popular among riders for its curves, but these same features can be hazardous, especially when drivers fail to notice motorcyclists.
4. Shug Jordan Parkway: High-speed traffic and multiple intersections create potential danger zones for motorcyclists.
5. Glenn Avenue is busy with both vehicle and pedestrian traffic, particularly near campus, increasing the risk of collisions.
6. Interstate 85: While not in Auburn proper, many local riders use I-85, where high speeds can lead to severe accidents.
7. Downtown Auburn: Areas around Toomer’s Corner can be hazardous due to heavy foot traffic, distracted drivers, and limited visibility.

These areas can be particularly dangerous due to factors like:

• Heavy traffic during peak hours or university events
• Distracted drivers, especially in areas with high student populations
• Aggressive driving behaviors
• Poorly maintained roads or unclear signage
• Commercial vehicle presence, particularly on main roads and highways

Financial Toxicity After an Auburn Motorcycle Accident\

After a motorcycle accident, you may find yourself facing not just physical pain but also significant financial challenges that can make your recovery substantially more difficult. This phenomenon, known as financial toxicity, can have far-reaching effects on your life. Financial toxicity occurs when the costs associated with your injury—medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses—create a substantial burden that affects your overall well-being.

A recent study published by the National Library of Medicine found that financial toxicity following an injury is extremely common, with up to 88% of patients experiencing some form of major financial stress in the year following their injury. This financial strain can lead to worse physical and emotional outcomes, impacting quality of life long after the initial recovery period.

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What Damages Can Motorcycle Accident Victims Recover?

Motorcycle accident victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation, known as damages. These fall into two main categories: economic and non-economic damages.

While we can’t fully undo all of the damage that has been done, we can at least fight for your financial health. An experienced Alexander Shunnarah trial lawyer will work with you to assess the full extent of damages you are owed. Your damages may include: 

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost wages or income
• Loss of earning capacity
• Property damage (including high-value motorcycles like Harley-Davidson, BMW, or Ducati)
• Rehabilitation costs
• Home modification expenses to accommodate debilitating injuries

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium (impact on personal relationships)

Wrongful Death

The emotional trauma and grief of losing a loved one to a needless accident can’t be overstated and should never be undervalued. If you lost a close family member in a motorcycle accident, you may seek compensation for wrongful death, including:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship and guidance

Compensation varies greatly from one case to another. How much compensation you can rightfully claim depends on the details of your accident and other circumstances, such as your age and the extent of your injuries. 

An experienced Auburn motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand and pursue all the damages you’re entitled to, ensuring that you’re not left bearing the financial burden of someone else’s negligence.

Let Us Handle the Insurance Companies

After a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, there’s a good chance you’ll receive a call from the at-fault party’s insurance company within hours. Their objective is to get you to settle your case for as little as possible and before you hire a personal injury lawyer to represent you. 

Our best advice to you is to politely decline to discuss your case with any insurance adjuster, hire a proven trial lawyer, and refer all future calls to them.

Insurance companies are businesses, and their primary goal is to minimize payouts. An Auburn motorcycle accident lawyer with Alexander Shunnarah will handle settlement negotiations on your behalf.

Here’s a rundown of the benefits we provide when it comes to insurance companies:

1. Experience with Insurance Company Strategies: We know the arsenal of tricks insurance companies use to reduce or deny claims. We can anticipate and counter their tactics.
2. Proper Valuation: Insurance adjusters often undervalue claims. We know how to accurately assess the full value of your damages, including future costs.
3. Legal Knowledge: We understand the intricacies of personal injury law and can use this knowledge to strengthen your position.
4. Negotiation Skills: Our experienced lawyers are skilled negotiators who can advocate for your best interests.
5. Trial Preparation: At Alexander Shunnarah, we have trial lawyers ready to take your case to court if needed. Insurance companies know we are trial lawyers who will take your case before a judge or jury, which often leads to higher settlements faster.
6. Focus on Recovery: By handling the legal and insurance aspects of your case, we allow you to focus on what’s most important—your recovery.

Insurance companies can use anything you say to them against you. By letting us handle the insurance companies, you don’t have to worry about inadvertently saying something that could weaken your case.

Who May Be Held Liable in a Motorcycle Accident Case?

Determining liability in a motorcycle accident case isn’t always straightforward. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, several parties could potentially be held responsible:

1. Other Drivers: This is the most common scenario. If another driver’s negligence caused your accident, they could be held liable.
2. Vehicle Manufacturers: If a defect in your motorcycle or another vehicle involved in the accident contributed to the crash, the manufacturer might be held responsible.
3. Government Entities: If poor road conditions or inadequate signage contributed to your accident, the responsible government agency might be liable.
4. Motorcycle Part Manufacturers: If a faulty component on your motorcycle caused the accident, the part manufacturer could be held responsible.
5. Bars or Restaurants: In cases where a drunk driver caused your accident, the establishment that over-served them alcohol might share some liability under “dram shop” laws.
6. Employers: If you were hit by someone driving for work purposes, the at-fault party’s employer might be liable under certain circumstances.

Identifying all potentially liable parties is crucial to ensuring you receive full compensation for your injuries. An experienced Auburn motorcycle accident lawyer can investigate your case thoroughly to determine all sources of liability.

Is There a Deadline for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Alabama?

Yes, there is a deadline, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Alabama. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.

It might seem like a long time, but taking legal action soon after your accident can help your case in several other ways: 

1. Evidence Preservation: Over time, physical evidence can be lost or destroyed, and witnesses’ memories can fade.
2. Timely Investigation: A prompt investigation allows your lawyer to gather crucial evidence while it’s still fresh.
3. Medical Documentation: Immediate medical attention creates a clear link between the accident and your injuries.
4. Insurance Company Tactics: Delaying can give insurance companies more opportunity to use tactics that reduce your claim.
5. Preparation Time: Building a strong case takes time. Starting as soon as you can after an accident gives your lawyer ample opportunity to prepare thoroughly.

There are some exceptions to this two-year rule that could affect your case. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident will help ensure you don’t miss any critical deadlines.

Contact the Auburn Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Alexander Shunnarah Today

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Auburn, don’t wait to seek legal help. Alexander Shunnarah’s team of results-driven motorcycle accident lawyers is ready to go to work for you. 

We’ve seen first-hand the physical, emotional, and financial toll motorcycle accidents can take on victims and their families. Our experience motivates us to provide more than legal guidance. We strive to help walk you through this challenging time with valuable resources, hope for the future, and a path forward. 

Call us now at (334) 304-3812 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation. Let’s work together and set our sights on the compensation you deserve that will help you move ahead. Your fight is our fight, and we’re ready to stand with you every step of the way.

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Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys – Auburn Office

Address: 2298 E University Dr
Auburn, AL 36830
Phone: (334) 304-3812