Why the Causeway Is So Dangerous for Motorcyclists
The Causeway, US-90/98 across Mobile Bay between Mobile and Spanish Fort, is a favorite route for motorcyclists in the Gulf Coast region. The open water views, the long straightaway, and the connection between Mobile and the Eastern Shore make it a natural ride. But the same features that make it appealing also make it dangerous.
The Causeway is a two-lane road with no median barrier for much of its length. Crosswinds off Mobile Bay can gust without warning, pushing vehicles and motorcycles into adjacent lanes. The road surface is frequently wet from bay spray, reducing traction. And the mix of local traffic, tourist traffic, and commercial vehicles creates a dangerous environment for the most vulnerable road users.
Motorcycle accidents on the Causeway tend to be severe because of the speeds involved and the lack of protection motorcyclists have compared to vehicle occupants. Head-on collisions, sideswipe accidents, and rear-end crashes on this stretch of road frequently result in catastrophic injuries.
The Left-Turn Problem: Mobile's Most Common Motorcycle Crash
Across Mobile County, the single most common type of motorcycle accident is the left-turn collision. A car or truck turns left across an intersection or into a driveway and strikes an oncoming motorcycle. The driver almost always says the same thing: 'I didn't see the motorcycle.'
This happens with alarming frequency on roads like Airport Boulevard, Government Boulevard, US-90 through Tillman's Corner, and Schillinger Road, where high traffic volume and numerous commercial driveways create constant left-turn conflicts. For motorcyclists, these accidents are often catastrophic because the impact is typically to the front or side of the motorcycle at a perpendicular angle.
Alabama law is clear that a driver making a left turn must yield to oncoming traffic. When they fail to do so and strike a motorcyclist, they are at fault. However, the insurance company will almost certainly argue contributory negligence, claiming the motorcyclist was speeding, not wearing proper gear, or not using headlights.
Alabama's Helmet Law and How It Affects Your Claim
Alabama requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear helmets that meet Department of Transportation standards. If you were not wearing a helmet at the time of your accident, the insurance company will use this against you, but it does not automatically bar your claim.
The question is whether the lack of a helmet contributed to your specific injuries. If you suffered a broken leg, the absence of a helmet is irrelevant to that injury. If you suffered a head injury, the defense will argue that a helmet would have prevented or reduced the injury. Your attorney can counter this with medical expert testimony about the specific forces involved and whether a helmet would have made a difference.
Regardless of the helmet issue, Alabama's contributory negligence rule means the insurance company will look for every possible argument that you share fault. Having an attorney who understands motorcycle accident cases is essential.
Recovering Fair Compensation for Motorcycle Injuries
Motorcycle accident injuries tend to be more severe than car accident injuries because riders lack the protection of a vehicle frame, airbags, and seatbelts. Common motorcycle accident injuries include road rash requiring skin grafts, broken bones including compound fractures, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and amputations.
The medical costs for these injuries can be staggering, often reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars. Lost wages, future medical care, and pain and suffering add to the total. Insurance companies know the numbers are high, which is why they fight motorcycle claims aggressively.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident on the Causeway, in Mobile, or anywhere on the Gulf Coast, call attorney Cody Poe at (251) 298-8454 for a free consultation. He rides, he understands the unique challenges motorcyclists face, and he fights for fair compensation against insurance companies that try to blame the rider.
Cody S. Poe, Esq.
Personal Injury Attorney
Cody Poe is a personal injury attorney serving clients throughout Mobile County, Saraland, and the Alabama Gulf Coast. He is committed to helping accident victims understand their rights and recover the compensation they deserve.