Motorcycle Accident Claims in Alabama
The Alabama helmet law, whether lane splitting is legal, how fault is shared after a motorcycle crash, and the deadline to sue.
Short answer: Motorcycle helmets: every person who operates or rides on a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle in Alabama must wear protective headgear that meets state standards (and shoes). Ala. Code § 32-5A-245
| Motorcycle helmet law | Motorcycle helmets: every person who operates or rides on a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle in Alabama must wear protective headgear that meets state standards (and shoes). The rule does not apply to riders inside an enclosed cab or to autocycle operators. The helmet statute does not address reducing damages for not wearing a helmet. Source: Ala. Code § 32-5A-245 |
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| Lane splitting | Lane splitting is illegal in Alabama: no person may operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles, and a motorcyclist may not pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being passed. Motorcycles may ride no more than two abreast in one lane, and other drivers may not deprive a motorcycle of full use of a lane. On-duty police officers are exempt. Source: Ala. Code § 32-5A-242 |
| Minimum car insurance | Every registered vehicle must carry liability insurance (or an approved bond or cash deposit) of at least $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death of two or more people in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25). Source: Ala. Code §§ 32-7A-4, 32-7-6(c) |
| Deadline to sue for an injury | Most lawsuits for injury to a person that do not arise from a contract must be filed within two years. Claims for trespass to the person, such as assault and battery or false imprisonment, have six years. |
More Alabama personal injury & wrongful death
- Deadlines to File an Injury Lawsuit in Alabama
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Alabama
- Medical Malpractice Rules in Alabama
- Car Accident Claims in Alabama
- Dog Bite Liability in Alabama
- Sidewalk and Public Property Falls in Alabama
- Pedestrian Accident Claims in Alabama
- Bicycle Accident Claims in Alabama
- Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in Alabama
- Truck Accident Claims in Alabama
- Construction Site Injuries in Alabama
- All Alabama personal injury & wrongful death rules
FAQ
Do you have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Alabama?
Motorcycle helmets: every person who operates or rides on a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle in Alabama must wear protective headgear that meets state standards (and shoes). The rule does not apply to riders inside an enclosed cab or to autocycle operators. The helmet statute does not address reducing damages for not wearing a helmet.
Is lane splitting legal in Alabama?
Lane splitting is illegal in Alabama: no person may operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles, and a motorcyclist may not pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being passed. Motorcycles may ride no more than two abreast in one lane, and other drivers may not deprive a motorcycle of full use of a lane. On-duty police officers are exempt.
What is the minimum car insurance required in Alabama?
Every registered vehicle must carry liability insurance (or an approved bond or cash deposit) of at least $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death of two or more people in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25).
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Alabama?
Most lawsuits for injury to a person that do not arise from a contract must be filed within two years. Claims for trespass to the person, such as assault and battery or false imprisonment, have six years.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.