Alabama: An At-Fault State

Alabama is an at-fault state, which means that the person who caused the accident is responsible for paying all damages to all involved parties after an Alabama motorcycle accident. These statutes and laws apply to automobile accidents and Alabama motorcycle accidents. Other factors, such as road conditions, weather, vehicle speed, and potential impairment due to illness, fatigue or alcohol may also apply when determining fault in a motorcycle accident.

In addition, Alabama is a helmet-required state, which means that all motorcyclists are required by law to wear a helmet at all times while operating a motorcycle. Failure to wear a motorcycle helmet in Alabama may result in a fine. Helmet laws are also vital to your Alabama motorcycle accident, since it has been proven that motorcyclists who wear helmets are 15 percent less likely to suffer from a non-fatal injury and 40 percent less likely to die of a fatal injury.

Licensing and Insurance for Alabama Motorcyclists

Another factor to consider in an Alabama motorcycle accident is the state’s insurance requirement for motorcyclists. In addition to obtaining a license from the Alabama Department of Public Safety, you must register your motorcycle with the Alabama Motor Vehicle Division and obtain insurance per Alabama state laws. You must have an Alabama Class M license to drive a motorcycle in Alabama. Licensing requirements for a Class M license include a knowledge test and an on-motorcycle skills assessment.

In addition to licensing requirements, Alabama motorcyclists must be insured. This means that you will not be licensed or allowed to register a motorcycle in Alabama unless you possess proof of valid motorcycle insurance. Alabama requires insurance in the amount of $20,000 for injury liability for one person in one accident, $40,000 for all of the injuries in an Alabama motorcycle accident, and $10,000 for all property damage in an Alabama motorcycle accident. Check with your insurance company for information on other insurance services, such as uninsured motorist coverage when the other driver is uninsured, medical coverage to cover injuries not paid for by your health insurance, and/or collision/comprehensive coverage to cover the costs of repairing or replacing your motorcycle in the case of an Alabama motorcycle accident. Your insurance agent can help you evaluate how much insurance will cost; factors include age, driving record, amount of motorcycle or scooter use, and type of vehicle.

Scooters in Alabama

A scooter in Alabama is considered a “motor-driven cycle” in the state. Children 14 years of age may apply for a special license to drive a scooter, and those who are 16 and older may operate both scooters and motorcycles. Make sure you have the appropriate license and insurance before operating a scooter or other motor-driven cycle in Alabama.

If you have questions about Alabama state motorcycle accident laws, contact an Alabama motorcycle accident lawyer. Your attorney can clarify the laws and help you determine who was at fault in your Alabama motorcycle accident. For a no-cost, no-obligation evaluation of your Alabama motorcycle accident case, fill out our case evaluation form.