Call Today For a Free Consultation: 251-433-6699

Month: October 2023

Motorcycle Safety Tips Mobile AL

by

In 2020, over 1,500 motorcycle accidents occurred in the Yellowhammer State. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to accidents and serious injuries because of their small vehicle size and lack of protection.

The following six motorcycle safety tips for Mobile, AL, will help keep you safe on the road. 

1. Choose the Right Bike

Your motorcycle should fit your size. Avoid riding a bike that’s too small or heavy for you. Your feet should rest comfortably on the ground when you mount, and your handlebars and controls should be easy to reach.

2. Wear the Right Motorcycle Gear

Motorcycle helmets are mandatory in Alabama for all riders and passengers. Furthermore, if an accident does happen, wearing a helmet lowers your risk of a TBI by about two-thirds. Other motorbike gear, like boots, a riding jacket, and protective gloves, will also contribute to your safety.

3. Look Into a Motorcycle Safety Course

While a riding skill test isn’t mandatory in Alabama, you should consider taking one, especially if you’re a newbie rider. Such a course can give you important motorcycle riding tips and skills for strategic, prudent, and confident riding. Check out nationally recognized courses like the Motorcycle Safety Program.

4. Ride Safely

Basic common sense paves the road to motorcycle safety in Mobile, AL. Ride carefully, and you’ll dramatically reduce your risk of serious injury on the road.

Observe speed limits and adjust your speed to road conditions. Follow traffic laws and give right of way when necessary. Remember that lane splitting is prohibited in Alabama, even when you’re stuck in snail-pace traffic. Ride defensively and keep your distance from aggressive or reckless motorists.

5. Avoid Alcohol

While this may seem obvious, it’s important enough to gain a spot on our list of motorcycle tips for riders and drivers in Mobile, AL: Never mount your bike after you’ve been drinking. Catch a ride with a friend or call an Uber, and pick up your motorcycle later.

6. Invest in Motorcycle Maintenance

Inspect your bike before you hit the road, especially if you haven’t ridden for a while. Check essential components like brakes, tires, headlights, and batteries.

Legal Steps To Take After a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle driving safety tips in Mobile, AL, can help prevent serious and fatal accidents. Still, no matter how much you invest in motorcycle accident prevention, you may find yourself in a motorbike crash.

If you suffer a collision while riding your motorbike, you need reliable legal advice from an attorney who knows how motorcycle accident laws work in Alabama. 

Our Jackson & Foster motorcycle accident attorneys provide free initial consultations for motorcycle accident victims and their families.

Jackson & Foster Law: Fighting for Your Rights After a Motorcycle Accident in Mobile, AL

Accidents can happen even if you follow all motorcycle safety tips for Mobile, AL. Our legal team is here to help you seek compensation for your injuries. Call the Jackson & Foster Law team at 251-433-6699 for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. 

Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections Mobile AL

by

The road is risky, but some parts are significantly more dangerous than others. According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, over 13,600 motor vehicle accidents occurred in Mobile County in 2020, 8,200 of those at intersections. Mobile traffic fatalities, 15% involving alcohol or drugs, ended 60 lives that year. 

As many residents know, some roadways in the area see a disproportionate number of crashes. So, what are the most dangerous roads and intersections in Mobile, AL?

Some of the Deadliest Roadways in the Area of Mobile, AL

Several roadways in and near Mobile, AL, rack up especially high numbers of vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Let’s list a few of them.  

Interstate 65

I-65 is an extremely high-risk interstate that passes through Mobile. This road, which connects Mobile to Montgomery, Huntsville, and Birmingham, sees a high traffic volume and is prone to congestion. 

Accidents can happen on I-65 simply because motorists don’t have enough room to keep a safe distance from other vehicles. Additionally, stretches of I-65 slope downward, which can create high-risk driving conditions, especially in bad weather. 

Airport Boulevard/Azalea Road 

Airport Boulevard and Azalea Road intersect in a high-traffic area of Mobile with many vehicles going in both directions, especially during peak traffic times. A high volume of traffic and the merging of several streets into the roadway create a challenge for local drivers. 

Airport Boulevard/University Boulevard 

The intersection between Airport Boulevard and University Boulevard is one of the busiest in Mobile. Located in a congested central area, this meeting of two major urban roadways requires careful driving to avoid an accident. A high number of trucks and other commercial vehicles exacerbates the risk of a serious crash. 

Cottage Hill Road/Hillcrest Road 

Cottage Hill Road and Hillcrest Road meet in a busy commercial area in Mobile that includes several stores, banks, and parking lots. Traffic pours into the intersection from four directions, which could create a chain accident if a motorist fails to give the right of way. 

What Makes Some Roads and Intersections So Dangerous?

Car accidents of any type, including motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and bus accidents, can happen anywhere. However, several factors usually make some roadways more dangerous than others. These may include:

·      Limited visibility. Sudden curves, sharp turns, hills, trees, and other obstacles create poor visibility conditions. Bad visibility is especially problematic on roads with narrow lanes that must accommodate large vehicles traveling at high speeds.

·      Congestion. A higher number of vehicles always leads to more accidents. There’s always a risk of running into a careless, aggressive, or drunk driver at a busy intersection. 

·      Unclear signage. Poorly designed signage can confuse drivers. When you need to make a quick decision on an unfamiliar road section, unclear signage may easily lead to an accident. 

·      Road hazards. Potholes, cracks, warped road sections, and other neglected hazards can make a road dangerous, especially if it’s designed for high speeds. Drivers running into an obstacle on the road may lose control, swerve sharply, and cause an accident that involves several vehicles. 

·      Weather. Mobile weather conditions can be patchy. Fog, rain, strong wind, and hail can make any road dangerous. 

Proving Fault After a Road Accident

Whether you were in an accident on one of the most dangerous roads and intersections in Mobile, AL, or any local roadway, you could face devastating consequences. You may have sustained serious injuries like a traumatic brain injury with all the ensuing medical expenses. Maybe you are unable to continue working or need daily in-home help. 

In Alabama, you must prove fault to win compensation for your injuries and other accident-related losses. Furthermore, Alabama is a contributory negligence state, which means you won’t be able to collect a settlement even if you share only a small part of the responsibility for the accident. You can be sure the potentially liable party will do everything to prove you contributed to the accident to avoid paying damages. 

For example, if you were involved in a pedestrian accident, the at-fault motorist and their lawyer may try to prove you crossed the road in a non-designated area or did something else to put yourself at risk. That’s why working with an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney who will help you build a strong case and fight for your rights is so important. 

Tips for Avoiding Accidents on Risky Roads

You should always drive carefully, especially when navigating high-risk roadways and intersections. The following tips will help you stay safe behind the wheel.

  • Pay attention. InMobile, distracted driving is a serious concern. Focus on the road and avoid using your phone, eating, and other diversions. 
  • Adjust your speed. Like everywhere else, speeding endangers all road users inMobile. Drive more cautiously when approaching intersections, turns, or highly populated areas.
  • Observe road conditions. Mobile road conditions aren’t always optimal, especially in rainy or foggy weather. Drive extra carefully if you notice poor visibility or road hazards. 
  • Keep your distance. Drunk drivers and aggressive road behavior can put your life at risk when navigating Mobile’s roadways. Stay away from drivers who swerve, speed, or ignore traffic rules. 

Even if you take every precaution, accidents can still happen. If you sustained injuries in a car crash on one of the most dangerous roads and intersections in Mobile, AL, or anywhere else in the county, call Jackson & Foster Law at 251-433-6699 to consult an Alabama motor vehicle accident lawyer.

Motorcycle Accident Frequently Asked Questions

by

If you survived a motorcycle accident in Mobile, AL, you may wonder what happens next. Do motorcycle accident laws in Alabama allow you to seek damages? Who carries motorcycle accident liability? How do you even initiate a motorcycle accident lawsuit? Here are some common questions people can ask motorcycle accident lawyers. 

What should I do if I suffered motorcycle accident injuries?

The first thing to do after a motorcycle wreck is seek medical attention. Even a seemingly trivial bump can be life-threatening, and you want to avoid running any risks to your health. Keep any medical records for your motorcycle accident insurance claim. 

You should also save any other available evidence, like the police report of your accident, witness statements, and photos and video footage of the accident scene. Finally, look up local motorcycle accident lawyers and schedule a case assessment. 

What type of compensation may I seek after a Mobile motorcycle accident?

After a motorcycle accident in Alabama, you may claim three types of damages: economic, non-economic, and, in some cases, punitive. 

Economic damages cover all your tangible costs, like past and future medical expenses and lost wages. Your motorcycle and automobile property damage lawyer may also negotiate compensation for vehicle repair or replacement costs. Non-economic damages include post-accident physical pain and emotional suffering.

If the at-fault motorist exhibited grossly negligent, reckless, or violent behavior, the judge may also award punitive damages to discourage similar future offenses.

What if the other motorist’s insurer contacts me with a settlement offer?

After your accident, the other motorist’s insurance company may try to pressure you into a quick settlement. Please don’t enter any agreements before you consult a competent local attorney well versed in motorcycle accident rights. Any settlement offer you receive immediately after an accident probably doesn’t reflect the true worth of your case and falls short of covering all eligible damages. 

It’s better to talk to insurance companies as little as possible and leave all negotiations to experienced motorcycle accident lawyers.

How much time do I have to file a claim after a motorcycle accident in Mobile, AL?

You have two years after a motorcycle accident in Mobile, AL, to file a lawsuit for negligence or wantonnes. However, the sooner you contact a motorcycle personal injury lawyer, the better your chances of resolving your case successfully and within a reasonable timeframe. 

How do I find an affordable motorcycle accident lawyer?

At Jackson & Foster Law, we offer motorcycle accident representation on a contingency basis. This means you only pay when we win a settlement or an award on your behalf. Our usual contingency fee is 28%, which is much lower than what many other motorcycle injury lawyers charge.* 

We also offer free initial consultations. Call 251-433-6699 or contact us online to schedule a no-cost case evaluation with one of our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers.