Riding a motorcycle can make your daily commute more enjoyable. However, a motorcycle does not offer you nearly as much protection as a car in the event of a collision. If you were in an accident caused by an uninsured driver, you may be wondering who will pay for your damages.
A Birmingham uninsured motorcycle accident attorney can review your auto insurance policy to see if you have uninsured motorist coverage. Even without this coverage, you may have other options to recover your financial losses after an uninsured motorcycle accident.
State-Mandated Auto Insurance in Alabama
The rules of the road are regulated at a state level. In Alabama, all drivers are required to carry auto insurance. The state minimum liability coverage requires you to have:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
Despite the state requirement, about 20% of Alabama drivers do not have auto insurance. That means one out of every five drivers sharing the road with you are uninsured. Our uninsured motorcycle accident attorneys in Birmingham know multiple routes you may take to claim damages after your accident.
Uninsured Motorist Insurance Coverage
In addition to the minimum state coverage, your policy may include uninsured motorist (UM) insurance coverage. This coverage is voluntary for Alabama drivers but you must opt-out in writing. We can review your insurance policy to determine if you carry UM insurance.
When you are in a collision with an uninsured driver, your UM insurance acts as the other driver’s insurance would. You are covered for up to $25,000 bodily injury coverage per person or up to $50,000 per accident.
For a free legal consultation with a Uninsured Motorcycle Accident lawyer serving Birmingham, call (205) 380-4158
Damage Caused by Uninsured Drivers
The Insurance Information Institute (III) reported Alabama as the 7th top state for uninsured drivers. When a driver fails to obtain auto insurance, they reduce your options to recover damages. However, this does nothing to reduce the serious injuries an accident can cause, including:
- Broken bones
- Loss of limb
- Permanent disability
- Death
If you suffered a permanent loss of independence after your uninsured motorcycle accident, you may require lifelong in-home care. The average cost of in-home nursing care is $6,911 per month.
Birmingham Uninsured Motorcycle Accident FAQ
Navigating any claim against an uninsured motorist is tricky. Knowing what to do when it’s an uninsured motorcyclist is critical to ensuring you get the compensation you deserve. A Birmingham uninsured motorcycle accident lawyer is here to answer your questions.
How Can an Uninsured Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help Your Case?
Can I Sue Someone for an Uninsured Motorcycle Accident in Birmingham?
How Can an Uninsured Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help Your Case?
After sustaining injuries in an accident, our law firm can protect your best interests. An uninsured motorcycle accident attorney in Birmingham can:
- Investigate the cause of your collision
- Collect evidence to support your case
- Interview witnesses
- Obtain a police report
- Determine if you have uninsured motorist coverage
- Calculate your accident-related losses
- Ascertain the uninsured driver’s assets
If your insurance company will not compensate you adequately, we can help you file a civil lawsuit against the negligent driver. Our law firm will explore every avenue to recover your losses.
Can I Sue Someone for an Uninsured Motorcycle Accident in Birmingham?
Yes, you can sue an uninsured motorcyclist for causing your accident in Birmingham. But whether you’re able to collect compensation from them is a different story.
A judge might rule in your favor and hold the defendant liable for your damages. The uninsured motorcyclist may even be required to pay a civil fine for riding without insurance. But if that driver was financially unable to pay for insurance, they will likely be unable to cover your damages.
The at-fault party may have insufficient income and resources, essentially rendering the judge’s order ineffective. Even if they’re ordered to pay in small increments through garnished wages or liquidated assets, it likely won’t be enough to cover your expenses.
When you work with a Birmingham uninsured motorcycle accident attorney, they can help you decide if pursuing a lawsuit is even worth the time and resources. Going to court over your damages can also be costly and time-consuming for you with the potential for ending up with little to nothing as a result.
Click to contact our Birmingham Motorcycle Accident Lawyers today
Hold the At-Fault Party Responsible After a Motorcycle Accident
In Alabama, the at-fault driver is responsible for injuries they cause in a collision. If a driver failed to see you and struck your motorcycle when you had the right of way, they should be held responsible. However, other laws may complicate your case.
Motorists in Alabama are subject to the contributory negligence rule. If you contributed to causing the accident, you cannot cover damages. The other driver must be 100% responsible for you to be eligible for compensation.
Sadly, there is a social stigma surrounding motorcycle riders. Insurance companies portray them as risk-takers. They may attempt to blame you for the collision even if you are a defensive driver with no history of accidents. Hiring a lawyer can protect you from shady practices.
Work With a Birmingham Uninsured Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
In case of an accident, you depend on auto insurance to pay for your medical bills and motorcycle repair. When someone chooses to be irresponsible and drive uninsured, you may face a rocky path to financial recovery.
Call Morris Bart & Associates, LLC to enlist the help of an uninsured motorcycle accident lawyer in Birmingham. We can keep track of legal proceedings while you attend to your recovery and receive treatment.
Questions?Call (205) 380-4158
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
