Motorcycle Accidents in Michigan

Riding a motorcycle in Michigan offers numerous pleasures while also carrying significant risks. Motorcyclists are highly vulnerable to serious accidents and injuries, and when a crash happens, riders often face a difficult recovery involving catastrophic injuries, significant medical expenses, and an inability to work.

As a motorcyclist, you must be aware of the dangers you face when riding, particularly those posed by other drivers. If you’re hurt in an accident, a motorcycle accident attorney can help you through the process of recovering compensation.

What Are the Biggest Threats to Motorcyclists?

Motorcyclists are vulnerable to accidents for a number of reasons. For starters, motorcycles offer significantly less protection compared to passenger vehicles, making riders likelier to suffer severe or fatal injuries in an accident. Reduced visibility is another major risk factor, as motorcycles have a smaller profile and can be challenging for other motorists to see. Additionally, road hazards like potholes, uneven pavement, and debris pose a bigger danger for motorcycles than a four-wheeled motor vehicle.

The biggest threat to motorcyclists is other drivers – distracted driving, speeding, and failure to yield are significant causes of motorcycle wrecks. In a majority of accidents involving a motorcycle and another vehicle, the motorcyclist is the one who suffers injuries or more severe injuries.

What Are the Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents may include head and brain trauma, neck and spinal cord injuries, bone fractures, road rash, limb loss, internal organ damage, facial injuries, and burns. Many victims face long roads to recovery, often requiring extensive medical treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and time away from work. Some accidents leave victims with permanent impairments that forever change their lives.

Seeking Compensation After a Motorcycle Crash

Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance laws are complex when motorcycles are involved. Motorcycles are not considered motor vehicles under Michigan’s no-fault law, so a motorcycle owner is not required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage . In the absence of such coverage, the costs of medical care and treatment from an accident are not covered by insurance. However, if they maintain the required residual liability coverage, motorcyclists injured in an accident involving a motor vehicle can usually claim PIP medical benefits from the insurer of that motor vehicle. Additionally, a motorcyclist can always pursue a “third party” claim against the negligent driver to obtain non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering) and certain other categories of damages (such as excess wage loss) in the event that they suffered death, a serious impairment of body function, or permanent serious disfigurement. 

An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can guide you through these intricacies and advocate for the compensation you need and deserve. Depending on the circumstances, you may retain the right to pursue damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, property damage, and other losses. Under Michigan law, you have three years to file a lawsuit against a driver who injured you in a motorcycle accident.

Contact a Michigan Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

At Giroux Pappas Trial Attorneys, we recognize the devastating impact a motorcycle accident can have on your health, finances, career, and family. Let our skilled legal team handle the complexities of your claim while you focus on getting better. We’re here to fight for your rights and the fair compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review. We’ll discuss your situation, answer your questions, and explain how we can help. With contingency fee representation, you will only pay attorney fees if we recover compensation for you. You have nothing to lose and potentially much to gain by reaching out. Contact us today to get started on your path to justice.