Aftermath of a Motorcycle Stack Crash on Alabama’s Scenic Routes

Aftermath of a Motorcycle Stack Crash on Alabama’s Scenic RoutesMotorcycle enthusiasts in Alabama have no shortage of breathtaking routes to explore, from the views of Cheaha Mountain to the overlooks of Lookout Mountain Parkway. But it only takes one moment for an invigorating ride to become one of the worst days of your life. The danger is especially high in group rides.

Multi-bike collisions are often referred to as stack crashes. They occur when one rider goes down and those near or behind them cannot stop in time. The result is often a tangle of motorcycles and riders with varying degrees of injury.

If you or someone close to you has been injured in a stack crash, you must know your rights and fight for them with the help of a motorcycle accidents lawyer in Alabama. Call Martin & Helms to get started now.

Why group motorcycle rides can turn risky in Alabama

Alabama’s most popular motorcycle routes are usually among the most challenging. Riders looking for a thrill look to steep hills, hairpin turns, and little-known backroads. However, the same features that make a ride exciting can also make it dangerous.

Group rides are particularly dangerous for a variety of reasons:

  • Tight formations make it all too easy for riders to follow a little too closely, making it nearly impossible to stop safely if one rider brakes suddenly.
  • Blind curves and uneven pavement are common on some of Alabama’s most popular motorcycle routes, including those in Bankhead National Forest and the Talladega Scenic Byway.
  • Speeding is common on group rides and can worsen other risks riders may face.
  • Inexperienced riders may feel pressured to ride faster than they are used to or take on routes that they aren’t quite ready for.
  • Distractions can mean missed hand signals or cues that keep the group together and moving safely, resulting in tragedy.

Stack crashes are uniquely dangerous because they happen so quickly. By the time the first crash happens, it’s challenging to avoid subsequent crashes, creating the right conditions for a stack crash. Riders can only hope to avoid severe injuries as they become part of the pile-up.

Injuries are common in stack crashes

Motorcyclists are at risk of serious injury in any crash, far more than those in enclosed vehicles—but the risk is even greater in stack crashes. You have multiple people, all without additional protection from their vehicle, piled on top of or under bikes that can easily crush them. Some of the injuries that are commonly reported in stack crashes include:

  • Road rash: Road rash occurs when riders slide along asphalt. The speed of stack crashes can leave multiple riders on the road with deep wounds.
  • Fractures: Broken legs, arms, ribs, and collarbones are often reported in stack crashes.
  • Head and spinal injuries: Even with helmets, riders are at heightened risk of head and spinal injuries. Traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage can cause lifelong deficits and difficulties for riders.
  • Crush injuries: When riders are stuck underneath other riders and bikes, they may experience crush injuries. In the worst-case scenario, these injuries may lead to ruptured organs and blood vessels.
  • Burns: Burns are particularly likely in stack crashes, due to the multiple bikes involved and the risk of leaking fluids.

Victims of these accidents often require surgeries, extensive physical and occupational rehabilitation, and physical therapy. Some require ongoing care for serious burns. It is crucial for victims to document their injuries and pain from the very beginning.

Legal complexity of multi-bike collisions

Stack crashes often leave all involved riders wondering who is at fault. This question is even more important in Alabama, thanks to the state’s contributory negligence law. If a case goes to court and the court decides that the victim is partly to blame, they cannot receive any compensation. This is fairly likely in a stack crash, where one rider may cause the crash, but subsequent riders may be blamed for following too closely or not watching conditions.

Unfortunately, this setup often pins riders against each other—including riders who may have spent decades riding and exploring Alabama’s roads together.

Should you file a claim against a fellow rider?

Riders are often stuck between a rock and a hard place after a stack crash. They feel loyal to their riding friends or club members, and they worry that filing claims against the at-fault rider’s insurance will bankrupt them and destroy the group. It’s important to remember that you are filing a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance, not against them directly. Many claims settle for policy limits or below, which means the at-fault person’s personal assets are never touched.

Filing a claim against an at-fault rider’s insurance isn’t about punishing them or holding a grudge against them. It’s simply about getting the compensation you need to get back to life as normal after a crash. In many cases, a personal injury claim is your only shot at recovering compensation for your medical expenses, lost days at work, lost earning potential, property damage, and pain and suffering. Crashes like these are exactly why riders carry insurance, so do not feel guilty for using it.

Find out how Martin & Helms can help you after a stack crash.

If a stack crash has left you injured and without options, it’s time to talk to a motorcycle accident lawyer who can advocate for you and fight for fair compensation. Let’s talk. Schedule a consultation now by connecting with us online or giving us a call.