Alabama Personal Injury Attorneys Representing Motorcycle Accident Victims

How dangerous are motorcycles compared to cars?

Motorcycles are far more dangerous than passenger vehicles when it comes to serious and fatal crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycles make up only 3.4% of all registered vehicles in the U.S., but they account for 15% of all traffic deaths. 

In 2022 alone, an estimated 6,218 motorcyclists were killed in crashes nationwide—including 97 in Alabama. 

When you look at the numbers more closely, the risk becomes even clearer. In 2022, the fatality rate for motorcyclists was 64.99 per 100,000 registered motorcycles—more than 5 times higher than the rate for passenger car occupants, which was 12.13 per 100,000. 

Alarmingly, about 60% of those who died were wearing helmets, highlighting just how vulnerable riders can be, even when taking safety precautions.

What is the main cause of most motorcycle accidents?

Alcohol and speeding are two of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents in the U.S. In 2022, 42% of motorcyclists who died in crashes had a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher, and speeding was involved in 35% of fatal motorcycle crashes, according to the NHTSA.

But those aren’t the only risks riders face. Below are some other common factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents: 

In addition to increasing the risk of fatal crashes and wrongful death, these factors also make motorcycle riders more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries when accidents happen. 

Unlike car occupants, bikers have little protection in a crash—making them especially vulnerable to severe trauma like permanent spinal cord damage, amputations, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), multiple fractures, internal bleeding, disfigurement, and other life-altering conditions.

Are most motorcycle accidents the biker’s fault?

Motorcycle riders aren’t always to blame for crashes—but in many cases, they’re found at fault, especially in fatal accidents. In fact, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ADOT) reports that motorcyclists are responsible for approximately 67% of all fatal motorcycle crashes in the state. 

Two major reasons behind this are alcohol and speeding. According to the NHTSA, motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes had the highest rates of alcohol impairment (28%, compared to 25% for car drivers) and speeding (35%, compared to 22% for car drivers).

Because of this, motorcyclists often face an uphill battle when trying to prove someone else was responsible for the crash. Insurance companies and opposing parties may assume the rider was reckless, even when there’s clear evidence that another driver caused the collision. 

To make matters worse, Alabama applies something called a pure contributory negligence rule when determining fault in an accident. Under this rule, if an accident victim is found to be even 1% responsible for the accident, they are barred from recovering any compensation.

That’s why working with a skilled Birmingham motorcycle accident attorney is so important. An attorney who understands these biases knows the types of evidence that need to be gathered to build a strong case and hold the right party accountable.

How much are most motorcycle accident settlements?

There’s no single “standard” payout for a motorcycle accident settlement, but the numbers can be substantial—especially in serious or catastrophic cases. 

According to the National Safety Council, the average economic cost of a disabling injury in a motor vehicle crash was $162,000 in 2022. When you factor in quality of life impacts, the average comprehensive cost jumps to over $1 million. If the accident results in a fatality, the comprehensive cost can reach an estimated $13.1 million. 

Because motorcycle riders are more likely to suffer severe injuries like traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, or limb loss, settlements often fall on the higher end of these ranges. 

A knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer in Alabama will look at not just your medical bills and lost wages, but also your future care needs, lost earning potential, and the overall physical and emotional toll of living with a life-altering injury (e.g., pain and suffering and emotional distress) when negotiating your compensation.

Where can I find an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer near me in Birmingham?

If you’re reading this, chances are your life was changed in an instant—and now you’re left trying to make sense of what comes next. 

At Nomberg Law Firm, we don’t just handle motorcycle accident cases—we help real people through some of the hardest moments they’ve ever faced. Whether you’re dealing with insurance pressure, unanswered questions, or the weight of an uncertain future, our team is here to help you move forward with confidence.

Let us put our 50+ years of combined experience to work for you. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation with Nomberg Law Firm and find out how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.