Motorcycle crashes can cause serious injuries because riders have far less protection than people inside cars and trucks. Motorcyclists also face a higher risk of severe injury or death when a crash happens.
Michigan’s no-fault insurance laws treat motorcycles differently from cars, which can make these claims more complicated.
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident, a Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer can explain your options and help you pursue compensation. At Sweet James, our lawyers have been helping injury victims for 25 years combined. Contact our firm today for a free consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer.
Michigan’s No-Fault Law Doesn’t Fully Apply to Motorcycles
A motorcycle is not considered a “motor vehicle” under Michigan’s No-Fault Act, so motorcycle riders do not receive the same automatic PIP coverage that people in covered motor vehicles generally receive. Instead, injured motorcyclists may have other sources of coverage available. Depending on the circumstances, these may include:
- Insurance from a household member.
- Coverage purchased by the motorcyclist.
- Benefits available through Michigan’s assigned claims system if the rider has no other applicable coverage.
This difference is important because a motorcycle rider may need to look at several possible sources of insurance after a crash. A Michigan motorcycle accident attorney from Sweet James can review your insurance coverage and the circumstances of the accident to determine what benefits may be available.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Michigan
Motorcycle accidents can happen for many reasons. Common causes include:
- Left–turn crashes: A driver may turn left in front of a motorcycle without seeing the rider.
- Visibility problems: Motorcycles are smaller than cars and can be harder for drivers to notice.
- Distracted driving: Looking at a phone or doing something else while driving can prevent a driver from seeing a motorcycle.
- Speeding or following too closely: These behaviors reduce the time a driver has to react.
- Road hazards: Potholes, gravel, debris, and uneven pavement can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists.
- Drunk driving: Alcohol can slow reaction time and affect a driver’s judgment.
Understanding what caused the crash can help determine who may be responsible for your injuries. A Michigan personal injury lawyer from Sweet James can help evaluate your specific crash and determine responsibility.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Motorcycle Accident?
The person or party responsible for a motorcycle accident depends on how the crash happened. Potentially responsible parties may include:
- The at-fault driver: Our Michigan motorcycle crash lawyers may be able to pursue compensation from the driver who was speeding, distracted, impaired, or otherwise negligent.
- A government entity: A dangerous road condition may sometimes lead to a claim against a government agency. However, special rules and deadlines can apply to these claims.
- A motorcycle or parts manufacturer: In some cases, a defective motorcycle part may contribute to a crash or injury.
- A bar or other establishment: Michigan’s dram shop law, filed under Michigan Compiled Laws § 436.1801, may allow a claim against certain alcohol sellers when an intoxicated person causes an accident.
Our Michigan motorcycle accident attorneys can investigate the accident and determine whether one or more parties may be responsible and if they share liability.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
The compensation available after a motorcycle accident depends on your injuries, insurance coverage, and who caused the crash. Depending on your situation, you may be able to recover:
- Medical expenses: You may have coverage available for medical treatment related to your injuries, depending on the insurance benefits that apply to your case.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be able to seek compensation for lost income.
- Replacement services: Certain insurance benefits may help cover services you can no longer perform because of your injuries.
- Pain and suffering: A third-party claim may allow you to seek compensation for physical pain and the effect the injuries have on your life.
- Future losses: Serious injuries may require ongoing medical care or affect your ability to earn income in the future.
- Property damage: You may be able to seek compensation to repair or replace your motorcycle and damaged gear.
- Wrongful death damages: If a rider dies in a crash, eligible family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Michigan motorcycle injury lawyers from Sweet James can review your case to understand your losses and explain which types of compensation may be available.
The Motorcycle Bias Problem: Why Insurers Fight These Claims
Motorcyclists sometimes face unfair assumptions after a crash. An insurance company may try to suggest that a rider was speeding, riding recklessly, or otherwise caused the accident without having enough evidence to support that claim.
Helmet use can also become an issue. Michigan law has specific rules about when motorcycle riders must wear helmets, and an insurer may try to use helmet use or non-use against an injured rider.
A motorcycle crash attorney can investigate the facts of the crash and challenge unfair attempts to blame you for an accident you did not cause.
Fatal Motorcycle Accidents in Michigan
Sadly, some motorcycle crashes result in death. When a rider dies because of another person’s negligence, certain surviving family members may be able to bring a wrongful death claim.
A wrongful death claim may help eligible family members seek compensation for losses connected to their loved one’s death. These cases can be difficult, so speaking with an attorney can help families understand their rights during a painful time.
Why Hire a Michigan Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Motorcycle accident claims can involve insurance rules that are different from those for car accidents. You may also have to deal with attempts by an insurance company to blame you for the crash.
A lawyer can investigate the accident, identify available insurance coverage, gather evidence, and deal with insurance companies on your behalf. An attorney can also help determine whether you may have a third-party claim for additional damages.
Michigan generally gives you three years to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, exceptions can apply; for example, claims against government entities may have much shorter notice requirements. Getting legal advice early can help you avoid missing an important deadline.
How a Michigan Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
A motorcycle accident lawyer can handle the legal process while you focus on your recovery. Your Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to:
- Investigate how the accident happened.
- Review the police report and other evidence.
- Gather photographs, video, and witness statements.
- Review your insurance coverage.
- Deal with insurance companies.
- Work with accident reconstruction professionals when needed.
- Challenge unfair claims that you caused the accident.
- Calculate your current and future losses.
- Negotiate for a fair settlement.
- Take your case to court when appropriate.
Many personal injury lawyers handle motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you generally do not pay attorney’s fees upfront. Instead, the attorney receives a fee if they recover compensation for you.
Get Help From a Motorcycle Accident Law Firm Serving Michigan
A motorcycle accident can leave you facing serious injuries, expensive medical care, and time away from work. You may also have to deal with insurance companies while trying to recover.
You do not have to handle the process alone. Our Michigan motorcycle accident lawyers can review what happened, explain your options, and help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.
At Sweet James, our attorneys have a proven track record of helping accident victims across the country recover from life-changing events. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
