MOTORCYCLE & CYCLING ACCIDENTS recovery LAW

Motorcycle Accidents and Motorcycle Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can indeed be more devastating than automobile accidents for several reasons. While riding a motorcycle can provide a sense of freedom and exhilaration, it also exposes the rider to certain inherent risks not present in car travel.

Firstly, motorcyclists lack the protective framework that a car provides. Without the benefit of airbags, seatbelts, or a metal cage to absorb impact, motorcyclists are vulnerable to direct impact with the road or other vehicles during a collision. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019, motorcyclists were 29 times more likely per vehicle mile traveled to die in a road traffic crash and four times more likely to be injured compared to car passengers (NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts, 2021).

Visibility is another issue. Motorcycles are significantly smaller than other vehicles on the road, making them harder for other motorists to spot. This increases the likelihood of accidents, especially in situations where a car driver fails to check blind spots or is distracted.

Another factor is stability. Motorcycles have two wheels, which makes them less stable than cars, especially during emergency braking and maneuvering. This lack of stability can contribute to the likelihood of accidents.

The high-performance nature of many motorcycles can also contribute to a higher accident rate. Some motorcycles can accelerate very quickly, and high speeds can be achieved in mere seconds. Unfortunately, this can lead to high-speed accidents, which are often more serious due to the force of impact.

Lastly, road conditions that have minimal effect on cars can pose serious hazards to motorcyclists. Potholes, wet roads, or debris can lead to loss of control and subsequently an accident.

Despite efforts to enhance motorcycle safety through better rider education, increased use of helmets, and advanced protective gear, the inherent vulnerabilities associated with motorcycling continue to make it riskier than car travel. As such, it is paramount for both motorcyclists and other motorists to exercise due diligence on the roads to ensure safety for all road users, as the likelihood for accident and injury are high.

Bicycle Accidents and Bicycle Injuries

Bicycle accidents can indeed be catastrophic, due to several reasons similar to those of motorcycle accidents. Cyclists are exposed to the same risks of being on the road as other vehicles, but without any substantial protective equipment. This vulnerability is reflected in the severity of injuries sustained in bicycle accidents.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 1,000 bicyclists died and almost 467,000 were injured in the United States in 2015 (CDC Injury Prevention & Control, 2017). Cyclists face a higher risk of crash-related injury and deaths than occupants in motor vehicles.

As cyclists are exposed directly to the impact in an accident, injuries can be severe and include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, and even death. Even when wearing helmets, cyclists are still vulnerable to high impact forces that can result in serious harm.

Visibility, or lack thereof, is a major factor in bicycle accidents. Bicycles, being smaller than most other vehicles on the road, can easily be overlooked by drivers, especially in poor lighting conditions or at night.

Additionally, road conditions can significantly affect cyclists. A small pothole or road debris that a car can easily drive over could cause a cyclist to lose control and fall, leading to injury.

The severity of bicycle accidents is often exacerbated by the fact that many occur at high speed. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), most bicyclist deaths occur in urban areas and at non-intersection locations (IIHS Fatality Facts, 2021). This suggests high-speed traffic can be a major factor in these fatal accidents.

Cycling safety continues to be a pressing issue. It underscores the importance of safe cycling practices, the use of protective gear, and the need for better cyclist awareness among other road users.

Snable Stevenson & Silva Can Help You to Recover

Motorcycle and bicycle accidents can have devastating consequences, with victims often sustaining severe, sometimes life-altering injuries. The physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming, making it essential to have a reliable legal team to provide counsel and take charge of the legal proceedings. This is where our law firm steps in. Snable Stevenson & Silva is a law firm with a reputation for successfully representing clients involved in motorcycle or bicycle accidents. Comprising a team of dedicated professionals, the firm is adept at navigating the legal complexities surrounding these types of accidents, ensuring their clients receive the most advantageous outcome possible.

Thorough Investigation and Case Building

Our firm's approach begins with a comprehensive analysis of the accident. We work with a team of experts including accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and economic analysts to understand the accident's specifics and the extent of the damages suffered. This methodical approach is crucial in building a solid case to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Extensive Knowledge of Personal Injury Law

Additionally, our firm is well-versed in the nuanced laws and regulations related to motorcycle and bicycle accidents. We understand the legal rights of bicyclists and motorcyclists and are familiar with the different issues that can arise in such cases, such as helmet laws, lane-splitting rules, and rights of way. We use this knowledge to determine potential liability and work towards proving negligence on the part of other involved parties.

Skillful Negotiation

The attorneys at Snable Stevenson & Silva also have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies. This is critical because, in many cases, insurance companies attempt to limit their liability and reduce the compensation they have to pay. Our firm's lawyers are skilled negotiators who work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the full compensation they deserve for their injuries, pain, suffering, lost wages, and other related costs.

Compassionate and Client-Focused Approach

One of the many strengths of Snable Stevenson & Silva is its commitment to personalized attention. We understand that every case is unique and every client has specific needs and expectations. Consequently, we take the time to understand each client's situation, offer advice that's in their best interest, and work diligently to achieve the desired outcome. We maintain open lines of communication throughout the process, providing our clients with regular updates on the case's status.

No Legal Fees Unless We Recover For You

Additionally, Snable Stevenson & Silva handles injury matters on a contingency fee basis, which means that we only get paid if we win the case or achieve a successful settlement. This arrangement ensures that the financial burden of legal representation doesn't add to the stress of our client.

Experienced Litigation Team

In the courtroom, Snable Stevenson & Silva's attorneys are formidable advocates. If a negotiation cannot be reached, our firm is prepared to present cases in a compelling manner and to persuade the jury. Our attorneys' track records of successful verdicts and settlements testifies to their effectiveness in securing justice for their clients.

Snable Stevenson & Silva is a trusted partner for any individual who has suffered in a motorcycle or bicycle accident. Our thorough understanding of the legal landscape, coupled with our dedication to our clients' welfare, makes our firm a reliable choice for legal representation. We handle every aspect of the legal process, allowing their clients to focus on recovery and rebuilding their lives. With Snable Stevenson & Silva, clients can rest assured that they will receive the compassionate, effective representation they deserve in their pursuit of justice, compensation, and recovery.

Contact our Birmingham, Alabama Motorcycle Accident Lawyers & Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today for Legal Help

Have you or a family member recently been involved in a motorcycle accident or bicycle accident in Alabama? Contact Snable Stevenson & Silva for immediate legal assistance and advice. You may be able to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. Our qualified Alabama motorcycle accident lawyers and bicycle accident lawyers can help you fight to secure a full and fair award.

We offer a free case evaluation and consultation. Contact our law office in Birmingham, Alabama to schedule yours today. If you can’t come to us, we can arrange a time to visit you. Consultations can be arranged at the hospital, your home, or even your place of business. There’s a limited amount of time to act, so give us a call to get started today.