Farmington Hills Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

As a biker, you realize the fun and exhilaration of being out on the open road but also recognize the challenge because motorcyclists are seen as risk-takers; people may assume that the rider was doing something wrong when they got hit. The majority of accidents are caused by the other driver. But a Michigan motorcycle accident attorney will need to make sure that they convince the jury or the insurance company that the rider is actually very safe and that the fault was completely with the other driver.

If you sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident, trust the Davis Law Center to help you recover the money you need to rebuild your life. Attorney Neil Davis has represented Michigan’s injured for over 30 years and recovered millions in compensation for people in situations like yours. While we handle your legal case, you can focus on healing and putting this traumatic episode behind you. Your initial consultation is free, and you don’t owe us any fees unless we recover compensation for your losses. Call the Davis Law Center today or complete our contact form to get started.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in Michigan

Motorcycle crashes can have life-altering consequences, and in Michigan, where the roads are as diverse as the weather, riders face unique challenges. At Davis Law Center, we’re committed to helping victims of motorcycle accidents understand their rights and pursue justice. Below are some of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes in our state:

1. Left-Turn Accidents: Many motorcycle accidents occur when a vehicle makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcyclist, misjudging the motorcycle’s speed or not noticing it at all.
2. Lane Splitting: Although lane splitting is not legal in Michigan, instances occur and can lead to accidents, particularly if drivers are not anticipating a motorcycle moving between lanes.
3. Speeding: Exceeding speed limits is particularly dangerous for motorcyclists, as it reduces reaction time and increases both the likelihood of an accident and the severity of injuries.
4. Alcohol and Drug Use: Impaired riding significantly increases the risk of crashes, with alcohol and drugs impairing a rider’s judgment, balance, and reflexes.
5. Road Hazards: Potholes, uneven lanes, debris, and slick road conditions are more dangerous for motorcycles than for cars, due to their less stable nature and smaller size.
6. Inexperienced Riders: Inexperience can be a critical factor in motorcycle accidents, as inexperienced riders might not have the skills to safely navigate complex traffic situations or poor road conditions.
7. Distracted Driving: Just as with other vehicle accidents, distractions such as texting, using a GPS, or adjusting the radio can lead to severe accidents involving motorcyclists.

At Davis Law Center, we have a deep understanding of the unique aspects of motorcycle accidents. We use this knowledge to effectively represent our clients and ensure they receive the compensation they need to recover. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle crash in Michigan, contact us for guidance and to secure a legal team that stands for your rights and well-being.

Potential Compensation for a Motorcycle Crash

Most Michigan auto insurance policies include no-fault benefits that injured drivers and passengers can use to pay their bills after a collision. However, state law explicitly says motorcycles are not “motor vehicles,” meaning injured riders typically do not have no-fault benefits they can use after a crash.

Michigan law requires companies that sell motorcycle accident insurance to offer medical benefits, but riders do not have to include these benefits in their policy. In most cases, injured riders must file a claim against whoever caused the collision to recover compensation. A Farmington Hills motorcycle lawyer can help you seek fair compensation for your losses, including money for:

• Your current and future medical expenses related to the accident
• Your lost income while you heal
• Your reduced future earnings due to a disability
• Your pain and suffering
• Your diminished quality of life
• Your damaged personal property

Motorcycle Crash Statistics

There are over four million motorcycles registered in the United States. While motorcycles represent just three percent of all registered vehicles in the U.S., motorcycle fatalities represent almost six times the fatality rate for passenger car occupants and almost nine times the fatality rate for light-truck occupants. Approximately 80 percent of reported motorcycle crashes result in injury or death while a comparable figure for automobiles is only about 20 percent. This is because a motorcycle offers little protection for the rider, and as such, can result in very serious injury when an accident occurs.. The statistics unsurprisingly bear this out. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 5014 bikers were killed and 84,000 were injured on United States roads in 2019.

In Michigan, this is compounded because the legislature determined helmets are not required for motorcyclists age 21 or older. In States like Michigan without universal helmet laws, 57 percent of motorcyclists killed in 2019 were not wearing helmets, compared to 9 percent in States that have universal helmet laws. Another study of a Michigan trauma center documented in the 2016 Journal of Surgery demonstrated that the average medical bill for riders without helmets was $28,000.00. This amount is 32% higher than the average cost of riders wearing helmets that were involved in accidents.

Common Types of Injuries From Motorcycle Crashes

Motorcycle crashes can result in a range of injuries, some of which are severe due to the exposed nature of motorcycling. Here are some common types of injuries that victims may suffer:

• Road rash
• Fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Amputations
• Neck injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Facial injuries and dental trauma

These injuries underscore the importance of wearing protective gear and seeking immediate legal and medical help following an accident.

Protecting Your Rights After a Michigan Motorcycle Accident

Your actions after a Michigan motorcycle collision can significantly impact your chances of recovering the money you need. Once you’ve sought medical attention, here’s what you need to do to protect your rights:

• File a police report if you haven’t already or the police didn’t respond to the crash. You can get a copy of the police report later and use it to support your claim.
• Follow your doctor’s advice and attend all your follow-up appointments to demonstrate that you’re taking your treatment seriously.
• Don’t post about the crash on social media, as insurance companies can use your posts against you.
• Report the accident to your insurance, but stick to the basic facts and avoid saying anything that could implicate you. Do not give a recorded statement without talking to a lawyer first.
• Speak to an attorney right away. They will investigate the accident and start the claim process while you heal.

Deadline to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Michigan

Michigan law gives you three years from the date of a motorcycle crash to file a lawsuit against any liable parties. That said, we urge you to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. Critical evidence can deteriorate or disappear within days of a collision, and you want to give your attorney.

Contact Our Farmington Hills Motorcycle Accident Attorney For a Free Consultation

If you have been injured or have lost a family member in a motorcycle accident, you need to seek legal counsel immediately. If you do not contact an attorney with an intricate understanding of the difference between automobile accidents and motorcycle accidents, you run a legitimate risk of severely compromising your rights to recovery. We can help you through the claims process and act as your representative to insurance companies to ensure that you receive the maximum amount you are entitled to under the law. Contact us today.

Davis Law Center: your trusted partner for motorcycle accident cases. Serving Detroit, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Macon County, and all of Michigan.