Michigan Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Michigan Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Fight for Victims

At Goldwater Law Firm, we’ve been helping injured motorcyclists for over two decades. As one of the nation’s most widely recognized law firms, we partner with leading Michigan law firms that handle motorcycle accident cases regularly. These co-counsels will represent you and fight for the compensation you need to cover your care costs and other losses. 

Through our strategic partnerships with co-counsels, we connect injured clients to motorcycle accident lawyers and industry experts, including accident reconstructionists and medical specialists, who could help them win their cases. 

We refuse to stand by while injured motorcyclists are denied fair compensation and those responsible for their serious injuries walk away. We offer free consultations, and our law firm partners work on a contingency basis. You don’t pay unless you win. If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries in a Michigan motorcycle accident, contact us today to learn more.

Your Injury Lawyer Will Understand Michigan’s Motorcycle Accident Laws

Michigan car accidents work differently than motorcycle accidents. Under MCL 500.3101 (3)(i)(i), Michigan law treats motorcycles differently than cars and SUVs. This can make it challenging to navigate the process and recover compensation after a crash involving a motorcycle. 

Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance laws require all drivers to purchase Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which provides the money many crash victims with minor injuries need. This only applies to vehicles with four or more wheels, though. MCL 500.3114 outlines possible routes for recourse after an accident:

• Filing a claim based on the PIP insurance coverage of the car owner
• Filing a PIP claim based on the at-fault driver’s PIP policy (if they do not own the car)
• The motorcyclist’s auto insurance carrier
• The motorcycle owner’s auto insurance carrier

Under some circumstances, injured motorcyclists may qualify to pursue a fault-based claim against the driver who caused their crash. One of our law firm partners can determine your likely legal options and help you take action to recover the compensation you need. 

Your Michigan motorcycle collision lawyers will offer advice and develop a strong legal approach to help you recover the money you need to cover your costs and pay your bills. 

Our team can offer a general overview of your case and determine if you may qualify to hold the at-fault driver accountable or if there are other options for seeking fair compensation based on your accident and injuries. Contact our team today. 

How Do Careless Drivers Cause Motorcycle Accidents in Michigan?

There is a common belief that motorcyclists are reckless and violate traffic laws, leading many to blame them immediately when an accident occurs. However, other drivers typically refuse to share the road with motorcyclists and cause crashes because of reckless or careless behavior behind the wheel.

Accidents occur when a driver acts negligently. To prove negligence, we must establish: 

• The driver had a duty of care, such as to yield to oncoming traffic before turning left.
• They breached their duty by violating the traffic law, e.g., not properly checking oncoming traffic before turning left.
• This breach caused a collision, e.g., you T-boned their vehicle because they turned left in front of you.
• You suffered significant injuries and damages, e.g., you have medical bills and lost wages due to your traumatic brain injury and road rash.

Some common ways motorists cause motorcycle crashes include:

• Failure to yield
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Following too closely
• Not checking the adjacent lane before moving over
• Failure to maintain lane

They also sometimes participate in behaviors that increase the risk of a crash, such as driving distracted, drunk, drugged, or drowsy, speeding, or driving aggressively.  

Serious Injuries Cost Michigan Motorcycle Accident Victims Thousands in Expenses and Losses

Michigan has Level I designated trauma facilities in most major cities across the state. If you are hurt in a crash in one of these cities, you might be taken directly to a trauma center by ambulance.

Some common injuries that could occur in motorcycle accidents include:

• Head, neck, and back injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Limb injuries, including crush injuries and amputations
• Significant abrasion burns, known as road rash
• Internal injuries

The severity of many motorcycle accident injuries makes it even more important for victims to hold the at-fault driver accountable and recover money. They may have ongoing health concerns or need future support and care because of life-altering cognitive or physical challenges. 

Some people never fully recover following a Michigan motorcycle accident. They may have relatively minor impairments, need to re-learn how to manage daily tasks independently, require ongoing therapies to regain skills, or even require around-the-clock care. 

Because of the serious nature of many motorcycle accident injuries, the victim’s life—and the lives of their loved ones—can change in an instant. Working with a Michigan motorcycle accident attorney from one of our law firm partners can help you get justice, including fair compensation for your medical care and other damages.

What Damages Do Michigan Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Pursue for Victims? 

When a Michigan injury lawyer from one of our partner law firms represents a motorcycle accident victim, they will seek compensation for the expenses and losses incurred. These damages are often a direct result of the serious injuries suffered. They could include: 

• Economic Damages: Current and future financial costs associated with the accident or injuries, such as medical bills, lost income, diminished earning ability, vehicle repairs, and out-of-pocket costs
• Non-Economic Damages: Current and future intangible losses due to injuries and inconvenience, such as physical pain and suffering

Wrongful Death in Michigan Motorcycle Accidents

If your loved one passed away in a Michigan motorcycle accident, our team is here for you. One of our law firm partners can help you explore your options for justice and compensation. 

Michigan law only allows the victim’s personal representative, who is also the executor of the estate, to file a wrongful death lawsuit. We can refer you to our co-counsels in your area, who handle these cases regularly and explain what this means for you. 

How Can a Michigan Motorcycle Crash Attorney Help Me?

When you work with a lawyer who knows how to navigate Michigan law related to motorcycle accident injuries, you can feel confident that they will fight for your best interests. They can determine your legal options and seek a payout for you. 

If you are filing a fault-based lawsuit, you will need strong evidence to show the at-fault driver caused the crash and your injuries. Your Michigan motorcycle collision attorney will investigate the case, gather evidence, call in experts, and develop a convincing argument to negotiate a fair settlement or win at trial.

Sometimes, others might be liable, too. For example, in a Michigan truck accident, the driver’s employer is often vicariously or directly liable. Most cases are filed against a trucking company based on their corporate liability insurance policy. 

When Should I Contact a Michigan Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

If you need to sue the other driver, Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.5805 provides three years from the crash date to take action. You may have less time if you need to file a lawsuit to recover compensation based on a PIP policy. 

These cases are complex and take time to assess, develop, and navigate. Your lawyer needs as much time as possible to build a strong case and develop a legal approach to give you the best chance at securing maximum compensation. Acting quickly to connect with our team after your collision will ensure our law firm partners have the time to preserve evidence, protect your rights, and develop a robust case for you.