1. Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death claims arising from motorcycle collisions, catastrophic injury cases involving motorcyclists
Case Types Handled: Left-turn motorcycle accidents, lane change collisions, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, T-bone accidents, hit-and-run motorcycle cases, distracted driving accidents involving motorcycles, drunk driver versus motorcycle accidents, uninsured motorist motorcycle claims, underinsured motorist claims, motorcycle product liability cases
Legal Services: Independent accident investigation, liability determination, evidence gathering and discovery, medical record evaluation, accident reconstruction collaboration, contributory negligence defense, damages calculation, insurance company negotiations, settlement negotiations, trial representation, wrongful death claims
Background: The firm has over 93 years of collective legal experience. Attorneys are recognized by Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, and the National Board of Trial Advocacy. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for clients. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Location: 880 Montclair Road, Suite 300, Birmingham, AL 35213
Contact: (205) 973-6417 | https://www.alabamainjurylawyer.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation, contingency fee arrangement (no fee unless recovery is obtained)
2. Hollis, Wright & Clay, P.C.
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, motor vehicle accidents, spinal cord and brain injuries from motorcycle collisions, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death cases involving motorcyclists
Case Types Handled: T-bone collisions, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, blind spot accidents, left-turn accidents, accidents caused by inattentive drivers, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, accidents involving catastrophic injuries including head trauma, facial trauma, orthopedic injuries, road rash
Legal Services: Accident investigation, accident reconstruction expert consultation, evidence preservation, liability determination, insurance claim negotiations, litigation, trial representation, medical provider coordination
Background: The firm has practiced law in Birmingham and across Alabama. Attorneys at the firm are motorcycle riders themselves and are actively involved in promoting and preserving the rights of motorcycle riders. The firm has obtained a $3 Million settlement in a motorcycle accident case. Available for consultations at (844) 529-8255.
Location: 2201 Morris Ave, Birmingham, AL 35203
Contact: (205) 324-3600 | (844) 529-8255 | https://www.hollis-wright.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation, contingency fee arrangement (no payment unless case is resolved successfully)
3. Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann, P.C.
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, auto accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, medical malpractice, catastrophic personal injury including brain injury and spine injury cases
Case Types Handled: Distracted driving motorcycle accidents, speeding-related motorcycle collisions, T-bone accidents, left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end motorcycle collisions, wrongful death motorcycle cases, product defect motorcycle accidents
Legal Services: Thorough accident investigation, evidence gathering, expert witness consultation, medical and economic expert collaboration, damages calculation, insurance company negotiations, settlement negotiations, trial preparation and representation
Background: Attorneys Tom Dutton, Chris Hellums, Jon Mann, and Mike Bradley are recognized by Best Lawyers in America. The firm is recognized by U.S. News Best Law Firms. Attorneys have decades of combined experience in personal injury litigation. The firm prepares cases as if they will proceed to jury trial.
Location: 2001 Park Place, Suite 1100, Birmingham, AL 35203
Contact: (205) 322-8880 | https://www.pittmandutton.com
Consultation: Free case evaluation, contingency fee arrangement (no fees unless recovery is secured)
4. Drake Injury Lawyers
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, personal injury claims, wrongful death cases
Case Types Handled: Head injuries from motorcycle accidents, road rash injuries, broken bone injuries, motorcycle versus car collisions, motorcycle versus truck collisions, uninsured motorist claims, underinsured motorist claims, distracted driver motorcycle accidents, texting and driving motorcycle accidents
Legal Services: Evidence gathering, traffic camera data collection, cell phone record subpoenas, witness statement collection, fault determination, insurance claim negotiations, demand letter preparation, litigation, trial representation, medical bill management
Background: The firm has been serving Birmingham motorcycle accident victims for over 20 years. Attorneys have extensive experience handling motorcycle accident injury claims common to the Birmingham area. The firm is committed to serving clients with sensitivity and dedication during challenging periods.
Location: Birmingham, AL (specific address available upon consultation)
Contact: (205) 970-0800 | https://www.drakeinjurylawyers.com
Consultation: Free consultation available by phone
5. Goldasich, Vick & Fulk
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, personal injury, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death cases arising from motorcycle collisions
Case Types Handled: Blind spot accidents involving motorcycles, tailgating accidents, distracted driving motorcycle collisions, lane change accidents, failure to yield accidents, rear-end motorcycle accidents, left-turn accidents, accidents caused by cellphone use, accidents involving catastrophic injuries
Legal Services: Liability investigation, fault determination, evidence collection, contributory negligence defense, damages documentation, insurance negotiations, settlement negotiations, trial representation, wrongful death claim filing
Background: The firm’s attorneys have experience handling motorcycle accident cases in the Birmingham area. Attorneys work to prove negligent driver fault and liability while defending against baseless allegations of rider fault or contributory negligence. The firm documents and proves damages through settlement negotiations or jury verdicts.
Location: Birmingham, AL (specific address available upon consultation)
Contact: Contact via website | https://www.golaw.net
Consultation: Free consultation available
Motorcycle Accident Laws and Regulations in Alabama
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Two years from the date of the motorcycle accident (Alabama Code § 6-2-38)
Statute of Limitations for Property Damage Claims: Six years from the date of the accident
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims: Two years from the date of death
Fault System: Alabama is an at-fault (tort) state where the negligent party is responsible for paying damages
Negligence Rules: Alabama follows pure contributory negligence, meaning if the injured motorcyclist is found even 1% at fault, they may be completely barred from recovering any compensation
Minimum Motorcycle Insurance Requirements: Compulsory liability insurance with minimum coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury to two or more persons, and $25,000 for property damage (or combined single limit of $75,000)
Helmet Law: Universal helmet law requiring all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear DOT-approved helmets (Alabama Code § 32-5A-245). No exceptions exist for riders over age 21.
Eye Protection Requirements: Protective eye coverage is mandatory unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen
Lane Splitting/Lane Filtering: Illegal in Alabama. Motorcyclists cannot ride between lanes to navigate traffic.
Motorcycle Licensing Requirements: Riders must obtain a Class M license. Individuals can obtain a motor-driven cycle license at age 14 for cycles 150cc or less and 200 pounds or less. Full motorcycle license available at age 16.
Motorcycle Equipment Requirements: Handlebars cannot exceed 15 inches in height above seat level. Motorcycles carrying passengers must have a dedicated back seat and separate footrests. Required safety equipment includes functional headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals.
Helmet Compliance and Injury Claims: Failure to wear a helmet can significantly impact ability to recover damages, particularly for head injuries, under Alabama’s contributory negligence rules
Claims Against Government Entities: Six-month deadline to file claims against municipalities (Ala. Code § 11-47-23)
Dram Shop Liability: Alabama has dram shop laws allowing third-party liability claims in alcohol-related motorcycle accidents
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does Alabama’s contributory negligence rule affect motorcycle accident claims?
A: Alabama is one of only four states that follows pure contributory negligence. Under this doctrine, if you are found to be even 1% at fault for your motorcycle accident, you may be completely barred from recovering any compensation from other parties. This makes it critical to work with an experienced attorney who can defend against allegations of rider fault and build a strong case proving the other party’s negligence was the sole cause of the accident.
Q: What is the deadline for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Alabama?
A: In Alabama, you have two years from the date of your motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the two-year period begins on the date of death. If you need to file a claim against a government entity (such as for a road defect), you have only six months to file notice. Missing these deadlines will result in losing your right to pursue compensation.
Q: Does Alabama require motorcycle riders to wear helmets?
A: Yes. Alabama has a universal helmet law that requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear DOT-approved helmets at all times while riding on public roads. The helmet must have a hard outer shell, shock-absorbent lining, and secure chin strap. There are no exemptions based on age, experience, or insurance coverage. Violation of the helmet law can result in fines and may affect injury claims if head injuries are sustained.
Q: Can I recover compensation if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured?
A: Yes, but your options depend on your own insurance coverage. Since Alabama’s no-fault benefits do not apply to motorcyclists, you must rely on your own uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage if the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance. If you have such coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurer. If you do not have UM/UIM coverage, you may need to file a lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver to recover damages.
Q: Is lane splitting legal for motorcyclists in Alabama?
A: No. Lane splitting (riding between lanes of traffic) is prohibited in Alabama. If a motorcyclist is involved in an accident while lane splitting, the other party’s insurance company may argue that the motorcyclist was at fault, potentially barring recovery under Alabama’s contributory negligence rules. However, Alabama law does allow two motorcycles to ride side-by-side in the same lane.