Now that it's peak riding season in Alabama, it's the perfect time to remind drivers to stay alert and share the road with motorcyclists. In Mobile, that message carries more weight after a recent tragedy. A head-on crash on Highway 158 that occurred in April claimed the lives of three people, including two motorcyclists and a Mobile firefighter, when a Mustang crossed into oncoming traffic and struck four bikes.
The crash prompted renewed concern about motorcycle safety. Local advocates lined the roadside with signs urging drivers to watch for motorcycles, and one longtime rider brought his concerns to the Mobile City Council, calling for stronger laws and the return of a discontinued safety training program. But for those left behind, awareness and advocacy can only go so far.
A Mobile motorcycle accident lawyer can help families take the next step by demanding accountability, uncovering the facts, and pursuing the justice victims deserve after a preventable crash.
Motorcycle Wrecks Are Often Caused by Driver Negligence
Riders have little protection when someone behind the wheel makes a reckless decision. In Alabama, motorcycle accidents are frequently caused by driver behavior that reflects a complete disregard for motorcyclists’ safety.
Some of the most common negligent driver actions that lead to serious motorcycle crashes include:
- Unsafe Lane Changes: Failing to check blind spots or signal before moving over.
- Failure To Yield: Especially at intersections, where drivers often misjudge a motorcyclist’s speed or visibility.
- Following Too Closely: Rear-end collisions can be deadly for riders.
- Left Turns Across Traffic: One of the most common fatal crash scenarios for motorcyclists.
- Distracted Driving: Using a phone, eating, or adjusting controls behind the wheel.
- Speeding Or Aggressive Driving: Reducing a driver’s ability to react safely to motorcyclists nearby.
- Driving Under The Influence: Alcohol or drugs impair judgment and reaction time, often with fatal consequences.
In many of these crashes, the driver walks away with little more than a citation. Even when a rider dies, it’s not uncommon for the case to result in no criminal charges and a lowball settlement offer from the insurance company — if any offer is made at all. After the recent Highway 158 crash in Mobile, some local riders have renewed calls for stronger penalties, arguing that without meaningful consequences, drivers won’t take motorcyclists' safety seriously.
The Legal System Doesn’t Make It Easy for Riders
Alabama law makes it especially difficult for injured motorcyclists and grieving families to recover compensation. Under the state’s harsh contributory negligence rule, a victim can be barred from receiving any compensation if they’re found even 1% at fault. That rule is often used to shift blame to riders, even when the facts clearly show that a careless driver caused the crash.
And insurance companies know how to capitalize on it. They may question the rider’s speed, positioning, or even what they were wearing to try to avoid a payout. That’s why having an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer is essential.
After a serious crash, time is critical. Evidence fades. Witnesses disappear. Police reports may contain bias or overlook important facts. A strong legal team works fast and thoroughly to protect the victim’s rights. An experienced lawyer can:
- Gather critical evidence from the scene, surveillance footage, and witness statements.
- Work with accident reconstruction experts to clearly show who was at fault.
- Push back against insurance bias that attempts to blame the rider without justification.
- Handle communication with insurers to avoid traps and protect claim value.
- Pursue full compensation for medical costs, funeral expenses, lost income, and more.
When a crash results in a fatality, a wrongful death lawsuit may be the only way for families to hold the negligent driver accountable. While no legal action can undo the loss, it can help with financial stability and help force change so others don’t suffer the same fate.
A Call for Safer Roads and Real Accountability
The aftermath of the Highway 158 crash reflects a broader truth for motorcyclists in Alabama: too many crashes end in tragedy, with too few consequences for negligent drivers. Riders across the state are calling for change — stronger penalties, better safety education, and more accountability. But those efforts don’t always help the victims already suffering or the families left behind.
Motorcycle accidents often result in catastrophic injury or death. Survivors face permanent disabilities. Families face the emotional and financial toll of a sudden loss. And all too often, the legal system places the burden on the rider instead of the person who caused the crash.
Serious Injury. Wrongful Death. Aggressive Representation for Injured Alabama Riders.
Dean Waite & Associates, LLC represents injured motorcyclists and grieving families throughout Mobile and Alabama. Our legal team handles serious injury and wrongful death cases with tireless commitment, pushing back against insurance companies and fighting for full compensation. Our law firm has achieved notable case results, including a $1.25 million settlement in a motorcycle accident fatality case.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a motorcycle crash, don’t try to take on the legal system alone. Contact Dean Waite & Associates, LLC for a free consultation. There’s no fee unless we win your case. Don't hesitate ... Call Dean Waite!
"I owe a great deal of thanks to Mr. Waite and his team after my motorcycle accident. I cannot believe the experience and the effort they had put forth to make sure that I was taken care of in my most desperate time of need. He responded to the situation so quickly it put my mind at ease knowing a win was inevitable. Thank you once again to Mr. Waite, Morgan, and his team that put in the work to see that I was compensated after that life-changing moment." — Christian S., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐