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Alabama Motorcycle Laws You Should Know

Understanding the state’s motorcycle laws is important for both safety and your legal claim.

Class M Endorsement

You must have a Class M motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license to legally operate a motorcycle in Alabama. You can obtain it by passing a written exam or completing a motorcycle safety course.

Helmet Requirements

Alabama law requires all riders and passengers, regardless of age, to wear a DOT-approved helmet with a solid exterior and chin strap. Shoes are also mandatory.

Lane-Splitting

Lane-splitting is illegal in Alabama. However, lane sharing — two motorcycles riding side by side — is permitted.

Insurance Coverage Requirements

Every motorist, including motorcyclists, must maintain minimum liability coverage of:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person

  • $50,000 for bodily injury or death per accident

  • $25,000 for property damage per accident

Determining Fault in a Motorcycle Accident

Alabama follows an at-fault (tort) system, meaning the driver who caused the crash is financially responsible for resulting injuries and damages. To recover compensation, your attorney must prove that the other driver’s negligence or recklessness caused your injuries.

However, Alabama also has one of the strictest negligence rules in the country — “pure contributory negligence.”
This means that if you are found even 1% at fault for the crash, you may be barred from receiving compensation.

Because insurance companies use this rule to deny legitimate claims, having a skilled attorney who knows how to prove full liability is critical.

When a Loved One Is Injured or Killed

If a motorcycle accident leaves a loved one seriously injured or deceased, our attorneys can help your family seek justice.

  • Incapacitation: The court may appoint a family member as a conservator, who can file a personal injury claim on behalf of the victim.

  • Fatal Accidents: Families may pursue a wrongful death claim to hold negligent parties accountable and recover damages for funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering.

Our firm provides compassionate guidance and strong advocacy during these difficult times.

How Our Attorneys Can Help

Motorcycle accident cases can be complex — involving multiple parties, severe injuries, and insurance disputes. The attorneys at Guntersville Law, LLC handle every detail so you can focus on healing.

We will:

  • Conduct an independent investigation into your crash

  • Gather and preserve evidence including photos, police reports, and witness statements

  • Work with accident reconstruction experts to determine fault

  • Handle all communication with insurance adjusters

  • Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation

  • Take your case to trial if necessary to protect your rights

Attorneys Paul Seckel (JD, MBA) and Emily Jolley Seckel combine deep legal knowledge with a personal commitment to client care. Their goal is simple: to help motorcycle accident victims rebuild their lives with dignity and financial stability.

Free Consultation — Talk to a Guntersville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Guntersville or anywhere in North Alabama, you don’t have to face the insurance companies alone.

At Guntersville Law, LLC, we offer a free, no-obligation consultation to help you understand your rights and next steps.

During your consultation, you will:

  • Speak directly with an experienced attorney — not a case manager

  • Receive an honest evaluation of your case and potential compensation

  • Get clear guidance on what to do next to protect your claim

You pay nothing unless we win your case.

📞 Call 256-571-1529 or request your free consultation online today.
Serving Guntersville, Albertville, Arab, Boaz, Marshall County, and all of North Alabama.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents in Alabama

1. What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet during the accident?

Alabama law requires all riders to wear helmets, and not wearing one could affect your claim. However, this doesn’t automatically bar you from compensation. Our attorneys can argue that your injuries were caused by the other driver’s negligence — not the lack of a helmet.

2. How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim?

In Alabama, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to recover compensation.

3. Can I recover damages if the other driver was uninsured?

Yes. If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, you can file a claim under your own policy. We can help you navigate this process and pursue every available avenue for recovery.

4. What if I was partly at fault for the accident?

Because Alabama follows a pure contributory negligence rule, even slight fault on your part can bar recovery. That’s why it’s critical to have an attorney prove that the other party was 100% responsible.

5. What compensation can I recover after a motorcycle accident?

Depending on your injuries and losses, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical bills and future treatment

  • Lost income and reduced earning capacity

  • Property damage to your motorcycle

  • Pain and suffering

  • Permanent disability or disfigurement

  • Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

6. Do I have to go to court for my case?

Not necessarily. Most motorcycle accident claims are resolved through negotiation or settlement. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, our attorneys are prepared to take your case to trial.

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