Riding a motorcycle can give you an unmatched feeling of freedom. However, to safely enjoy this experience, motorcyclists in Alabama must follow common sense—and obey the law—by not drinking and riding. The possibility of suffering injury or death in a motorcycle accident is far too high, and the legal and financial consequences are far too serious, to make it worth the risk of riding a motorcycle after you have consumed any amount of alcohol.
At Stokes Stemle, LLC, our Alabama motorcycle accident attorneys fight hard to protect the rights of motorcycle riders and passengers who suffer harm due to the wrongdoing of others. We care about your health and safety. That’s why we think it’s essential to take a closer look at the risks and consequences of mixing alcohol with motorcycling in Alabama.
The Dangers of Alcohol and Motorcycling
Statistics say a lot when it comes to the dangers of drinking and riding. In a single year, more than 6,200 motorcyclists died in traffic crashes on our nation’s roads, according to the most recent annual statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The motorcycle riders involved in those deadly crashes had higher percentages of alcohol impairment (28 percent) than drivers of any other type of motor vehicle, including passenger cars (25 percent), light trucks (21 percent), and large trucks (3 percent). Among the motorcyclists who died in single-vehicle crashes, 42 percent were impaired by alcohol, the NHTSA reports.
During that same year, there were 95 motorcycle riders killed in crashes on our state’s roads, according to the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT). Motorcyclists were identified as the cause in roughly three out of every four of those fatal crashes.
How Does Alcohol Affect Motorcyclists?
Under Alabama law, it is illegal to operate any motor vehicle, including a motorcycle, if you are impaired to a degree that it is impossible to drive safely, or with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. Motorcyclists should know that consuming any amount of alcohol before riding risks worsening their basic riding skills, including:
- Lack of coordination—The mental and physical effects of alcohol consumption can make it much more challenging to shift gears, apply the brakes smoothly, and steer a motorcycle.
- Impaired vision—Drinking alcohol can decrease a motorcyclist’s visual acuity and field of vision. It can also alter depth perception, making it hard to navigate obstacles on the road, such as rocks, debris, and potholes.
- Delayed reaction time—Motorcyclists must always be aware of their surroundings and react quickly when encountering obstacles. Alcohol can slow one’s ability to hit the brakes on time to avoid accidents.
- Lack of judgment—A motorcyclist under the influence of alcohol can be overconfident and prone to taking risks such as speeding, making an unsafe pass, or running a red light.
When motorcyclists ride while impaired, they put themselves in danger of causing motorcycle accidents and sustaining severe injuries. They also expose their riders and everyone else on the road to the risk of a severe and life-changing crash.
Legal Consequences of Drinking and Riding
If you are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) in Alabama, you could face significant consequences, especially if you have a record of prior drunk driving convictions.
For instance, a first-time DUI conviction can result in spending up to a year in jail, paying fines as high as $2,100, and a 90-day suspension of your driver’s license. If you get a second DUI conviction within a 10-year period, the fines can go as high as $5,100 and result in losing your driving privileges for up to one year. If an impaired motorcyclist causes bodily harm or death to others, or causes considerable harm to public or private property, the motorcyclist could be charged with a felony.
Insurance companies consider motorcycle riders to be high risks. If you are a motorcyclist with a DUI on your record, you should expect to see your insurance payments go even higher.
What To Do If You Are Injured in an Alcohol-Related Motorcycle Accident
If you are hurt in an alcohol-related motorcycle accident, you should take immediate steps to protect your right to seek full and fair compensation. Those steps include the following:
- Check on the condition of yourself, your passenger, and others involved in the crash.
- Call 911 to summon police and an ambulance. The police can get information from everyone on the scene and file an official police report.
- Exchange your insurance and contact information with any other motorist involved in the accident and cooperate with the police as they make their report.
- Get medical attention. Even if you can walk away from a motorcycle accident, you should see a doctor to make sure you are fully checked for injuries.
- Get a copy of the police report, gather your insurance documents, keep your receipts, and collect all other paperwork related to your accident and injuries.
- Contact a lawyer. Before you speak with the insurance company, consult an experienced Alabama motorcycle accident attorney who will know how to protect your rights.
How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help?
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. They want to pay as little as possible to resolve motorcycle accident claims. That is why you need to have an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer on your side.
At Stokes Stemle, LLC, we can get to work on your personal injury lawsuit right away. While you focus on your health, we can conduct a thorough investigation, make sure all your paperwork is accurately and timely filed, and work tirelessly to negotiate the maximum compensation possible. If necessary, we will be prepared to fight for you at trial.
Contact Our Alabama Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for Help
If you have suffered injury or lost a loved one in an alcohol-related motorcycle crash, don’t wait to act. Contact our dedicated and experienced legal team at Stokes Stemle, LLC. We offer free consultations to injured motorcyclists and all victims of personal injury. So, call or contact us online today to discuss your case and learn more about your options.
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