Motorcycle riding is exhilarating—but in Alabama, it comes with a high level of risk. According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, motorcyclists are nearly 27 times more likely to lose their lives in a crash than those in passenger vehicles. Understanding the most common causes of these crashes is key to preventing them—and for injured riders, it’s crucial to knowing who’s legally responsible.
1. Drivers Failing to Yield
A leading cause of motorcycle accidents in Alabama is drivers failing to yield the right of way—especially when making left turns at intersections. Motorcycles are often missed due to their smaller size and a driver’s distraction or poor judgment.
2. Blind Spot Lane Changes
Motorcycles easily vanish in a car’s blind spot. When drivers don’t properly check before switching lanes, the result can be serious injury or even fatality for the rider.
3. Speeding
Speed is deadly. Roughly 1 in 4 fatal crashes involve high speeds. Both riders and vehicle drivers contribute to this issue.
4. Impaired Driving
Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction time. Whether it's a car driver or a motorcyclist under the influence, the results are often tragic.
5. Poor Road Conditions
Loose gravel, potholes, or uneven pavement can throw a motorcycle off balance. Rural Alabama roads with limited maintenance are especially risky.
6. Distracted Driving
Texting, GPS use, or adjusting controls while driving can result in drivers missing motorcycles entirely. This is a growing danger on Alabama roads.
7. Inexperienced Riders
Beginner riders often make avoidable errors—like entering curves too fast or improper lane positioning—which leads to crashes, especially without proper training.
8. Left-Turn Collisions
Left-turn accidents are among the most fatal. Often, the car driver is at fault for not yielding to an oncoming motorcycle at an intersection.
9. Doorings in Urban Areas
In cities like Birmingham or Montgomery, parked drivers may swing open a door into the path of a passing motorcycle, causing devastating injuries.
10. Mechanical Failures
Brake failure, blown tires, or defective parts can lead to crashes. In such cases, the fault may lie with the manufacturer or repair service.
Read Blog:- Top Reasons Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Alabama
What To Do After a Crash
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Call police and get a written report
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Get medical help—no matter how minor the injury seems
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Take scene photos and gather witness info
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Avoid speaking with insurers until you talk to a lawyer
Why Legal Help Matters
Alabama follows a contributory negligence law—if you’re even 1% at fault, you may not receive compensation. That’s why experienced motorcycle crash lawyers are essential for investigating the crash, preserving evidence, and protecting your rights.
If you’ve been injured, don’t wait.
Visit our Google Business Profile to connect with our team at Southern Med Law for confidential legal support tailored to Alabama’s laws.