Helping You Regain Your Freedom with Justice and Fair Compensation
Riding a motorcycle offers a sense of freedom that’s hard to describe. It’s about more than just getting from place to place; it’s the unique bond between rider and machine and a connection to the open road in ways a car never could provide. Motorcycling is freedom.
But every good thing comes with a price. For motorcycle riders, it’s the risk. You may be the most careful rider out there, but that’s not always enough to protect you from the actions of a negligent driver.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver, a Gadsden motorcycle accident lawyer with Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can help you regain your freedom and your future.
Call us today to discuss your Gadsden motorcycle accident case and experience the relief of knowing that Alexander Shunnarah’s team of experienced personal injury lawyers is ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. You don’t have to face this alone.
Why Choose Alexander Shunnarah for Your Gadsden Motorcycle Accident Case?
With deep roots in Alabama and more than $1.5 billion in compensation recovered for hundreds of thousands of clients nationwide, Alexander Shunnarah has built a solid reputation as a compassionate, client-focused, and results-driven personal injury law firm.
More than 7,600 five-star reviews on Google underscore the trust that clients invest in Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys – trust to handle cases on which their entire future may depend.
That’s a responsibility we take to heart. All of Alexander Shunnarah’s dedicated personal injury lawyers have the experience, legal insight, resources, and commitment to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients. When you hire us for your Gadsden motorcycle accident claim, we bring:
Proven Results: Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys has secured maximum compensation for injured clients, showing a deep commitment to protecting the rights of accident victims.
A Client-Centered Approach: You’re never just a case number to use. You’re the reason we’ve devoted our careers to making the law work for YOU. We maintain open communication throughout each case, ensuring our clients never feel left in the dark.
Unwavering Commitment: Driven by a mission to protect injury victims and help them reclaim their lives, Alexander Shunnarah’s Gadsden personal injury attorneys serve each client with determination and integrity.
Insurance Companies Know We Mean Business: As trial lawyers, we bring more to the table than negotiation skills; we’re fully prepared to take cases to court when insurance companies refuse to offer a fair settlement. Insurance adjusters know we aren’t afraid to go to trial, so they’re likely to offer you higher settlements faster.
A Mission to Restore Our Clients’ Lives: Our goal is to make you whole again as much as possible. We know that we can’t fully restore you and your life to the way it was before the accident, but full and fair compensation for all your damages and losses can ease some of your stress and uncertainty so that you’re better equipped to recover.
Why Are Motorcycle Accidents So Dangerous?
Unlike cars, motorcycles lack the physical protection of a steel frame, airbags, and other safety features, which means riders are fully exposed. Their physical vulnerability can make even minor accidents catastrophic and, in severe cases, fatal.
Motorcyclists are always at the mercy of other drivers on the road. While you might be the safest, most vigilant rider out there, no amount of caution can shield you from the mistakes of others. One lapse in judgment—a missed blind spot, a driver merging without checking, a moment of distraction from a cell phone—can have devastating consequences.
For motorcyclists, these moments don’t just amount to minor fender-benders; they can mean serious injuries, months or even years of recovery, and a ripple effect that impacts families, livelihoods, and entire futures.
Fueling these risks is the unfortunate bias and lack of respect some drivers have toward motorcyclists. Many drivers simply don’t give motorcycles the attention and space they deserve, often seeing them as “lesser” on the road. This bias can lead to risky behaviors around motorcyclists, such as tailgating, cutting them off, or refusing to yield, which only adds to the dangers riders already face.
At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we understand that when you choose to ride, you’re not inviting these risks; you’re simply living life on your terms, embracing the thrill and freedom that only a motorcycle can offer.
And when that freedom is stripped away because of another driver’s negligence, it’s not just your rights that need protecting; it’s your ability to reclaim that freedom and rebuild your future.
Do I Have a Valid Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Motorcycle accidents often occur because of another driver’s negligence. Establishing negligence as the cause of your motorcycle crash provides the foundation of your claim. Here’s how it works:
- Duty of Care: In Alabama, every driver has a responsibility, or “duty,” to operate their vehicle safely and follow traffic laws.
- Breach of Duty: When a driver acts recklessly or carelessly (by speeding, texting while driving, or driving under the influence, for example), they failed in their legal duty.
- Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the accident that resulted in your injuries
- Damages: You suffered actual damages as a direct result of your accident injuries, such as medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering. Once this last element is established, you are eligible to claim compensation.
If you’re uncertain whether your accident qualifies as a valid claim, a Gadsden motorcycle accident lawyer can assess your case and determine the best path forward.
Injuries Commonly Associated With Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents tend to be more severe than other vehicle accidents, given the limited physical protection motorcyclists have. All too often, motorcycle accidents result in lifelong, debilitating injuries.
Some of the most common motorcycle injuries reported from across the U.S. are:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries are common, even when a helmet is worn, and can range from concussions to severe brain trauma, resulting in long-term cognitive impairment.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, impacting mobility and quality of life.
- Broken Bones: The force of impact can result in broken arms, legs, ribs, and more, leading to prolonged recovery periods and sometimes permanent impairment.
- Road Rash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Skin abrasions, torn ligaments, and muscle injuries are also common due to the exposed nature of motorcycle riders.
- Internal Injuries: Organ damage or internal bleeding from high-impact collisions can pose serious, life-threatening risks and require immediate medical attention.
- Psychological Trauma: Many accident survivors also experience emotional distress, PTSD, and anxiety as a result of their injuries.
Where Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Gadsden?
Certain areas in and around Gadsden are known danger zones for motorcycle riders. Increased risk factors like high traffic volumes, difficult road conditions, and aggressive driving behaviors contribute to these areas’ accident rates. These high-risk areas are:
- Rainbow Drive: This busy road is prone to speeding vehicles, abrupt lane changes, and dense traffic, posing a risk to motorcyclists.
- US-431 and Highway 77 Intersection: Known for its confusing layout and heavy truck traffic, this area is the site of many accidents, especially during rush hours.
- Noccalula Road: Despite its scenic appeal, this road’s tight curves and high traffic volumes can be hazardous for motorcycles, especially in poor weather.
- I-759 and I-59 Intersections: These intersections see a high volume of vehicles, including commercial trucks, which can make navigating through them risky for motorcyclists.
- Broad Street in Downtown Gadsden: With frequent stops and turns in a congested area, downtown Gadsden presents challenges, including distracted drivers and pedestrians
What Compensation is Available to Motorcycle Accident Victims?
When a motorcycle accident disrupts your life, pursuing compensation can alleviate financial strains and help with recovery. Compensation, known as “damages,” is categorized into economic and non-economic types.
Economic Damages
These damages cover quantifiable financial losses, including:
- Medical Bills: All current and future medical expenses, including hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and any required medical devices.
- Lost Wages: If you’ve been out of work because of your injuries, you may be compensated for lost income.
- Lost Earning Potential: In cases where the motorcycle accident survivor cannot return to work, they may claim what they would have made had they been able to.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for your motorcycle and other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: Costs such as transportation to medical appointments or necessary home modifications can be reimbursed.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages provide compensation for non-monetary losses, including:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain resulting from your injuries.
- Emotional Distress: Trauma, anxiety, or PTSD arising from the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: When you’re no longer able to participate in activities and pastimes that you enjoyed.
- Loss of Consortium: For spouses, this covers the impact of the the victim’s injuries on their relationships.
- Wrongful Death: If the unimaginable has happened and you lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, Alabama allows for wrongful death claims to recover damages on behalf of surviving family members.
Let Us Handle the Insurance Companies
Negotiating with insurance companies after a motorcycle accident can be frustrating for anyone, but it can be daunting when the insurance company employs various tricks of the trade to undervalue your personal injury claim.
The insurance company’s main objective is to build and protect its profits. Yes, even in your time of crisis, insurance companies won’t willingly hand you the settlement you deserve. Not even close.
Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys has decades of experience handling insurance companies that constantly undervalue our clients’ rightful claims for damages. We think it’s outrageous, unethical, and unfair that some of these insurers take advantage of people in their greatest time of need.
Your Gadsden motorcycle accident lawyer will protect you from insurance companies that try to blame you for the accident, downplay your injuries, delay your claim, and offer you lowball settlements that fail to cover the scope of your damages and losses.
Our skilled Gadsden team aggressively negotiates to secure a fair settlement, and we push back aggressively on any attempts to devalue your claim. If the insurer refuses to negotiate fairly, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court and argue your case before a judge or jury. We won’t back down until you get the compensation you deserve – not the compensation the insurance company says you deserve.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Motorcycle Accident Case?
Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may be liable in a motorcycle accident. Each case is unique, and liability can extend beyond the other driver involved.
Potentially Liable Parties include:
Other Drivers: Often, another driver is at fault due to negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or reckless behavior.
Vehicle Manufacturers: If a defect in the motorcycle or another vehicle contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be held accountable.
Government Entities: Poorly maintained roads or insufficient traffic signs can contribute to accidents. In such cases, local or state government agencies responsible for road upkeep could bear liability.
Employers: If the negligent driver who hit you was operating a vehicle in the scope of employment, their employer could be liable for negligence.
Establishments Serving Alcohol (Dram Shop Law): Under Alabama’s dram shop law, bars, restaurants, and other establishments that serve alcohol to noticeably intoxicated individuals may be held liable. If an intoxicated driver leaves a bar or restaurant and causes a motorcycle accident, the establishment that served them could share responsibility for the damages due to their role in the driver’s impaired condition.
An attorney can conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine all liable parties in your case, ensuring you pursue every possible avenue for compensation.
Is There a Deadline for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Alabama?
Alabama’s statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit is two years unless you meet one of the exceptions. Under this law, you have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim. Failing to file within this timeframe means you won’t be able to pursue damages.
Contact Alexander Shunnarah’s Gadsden Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
A lawyer’s role in a motorcycle accident case should extend far beyond filing paperwork and making calls. With Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, you gain a compassionate advocate who will guide you through every step, helping you understand your rights and handling the complexities of your case.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Gadsden, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The compassionate and knowledgeable team at Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys is here to help you seek the justice you deserve and obtain the compensation needed to move forward with your life.
Ready to Get Started? Reach Out Today
Your recovery, both physical and financial, is our top priority. Contact Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys today at (800) 229-7989 or through our online form to request a free, no-obligation consultation with a dedicated Gadsden motorcycle accident lawyer. We will listen to your story and begin building a strategy tailored to your needs. Let us help you take the first step toward recovery.
Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys: Accident & Injury Lawyers – Gadsden Office
210 S 3rd St
Gadsden, AL 35901
Phone: (800) 229-7989