Motorcycles can be a great way to travel, either for fun or as a means of regular transportation. Less gas usage, the rushing wind, and a sense of freedom can be exhilarating for motorcyclists. However, motorcycles are more susceptible to accidents, which often lead to more severe outcomes for them than other vehicles.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle crash, you may need a Rochester Hills personal injury lawyer to help navigate the aftermath and seek compensation for damages. White Law PLLC can help. Our dedicated team strives to secure reparations for you when you need a Rochester Hills motorcycle accident lawyer.
Common Motorcycle Injuries
Motorcycle drivers involved in accidents can sustain serious and calamitous injuries. Head injuries are the most common cause of death for motorcyclists, which a Rochester Hills car accident lawyer can help you sue for. Other common injuries include:
- Road rash and lacerations
- Fractured or broken bones
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Internal injuries
Suffering injuries of this nature can lead to extensive time off from work, exorbitant medical bills, and diminished quality of life. The disruption a motorcycle accident can cause may leave you shocked, confused, and wondering what you should do next. By taking the right steps and seeking legal assistance, you can receive reparations to alleviate some of the burden.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Leading Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
According to the Michigan government, 84% of accidents between motorcycles and vehicles occur on city streets rather than highways. These thoroughfares create multiple hazards, including traffic volume, frequent stops, distractions, and blind spots. Left turns are the leading cause of motorcycle accidents.
Third Largest Crash Group in Michigan
Motorcycles make up the third largest vehicle group involved in crashes in Michigan, according to a report by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning. The most recent report outlines that there were:
- 3,267 motorcycles involved in accidents
- 2,466 motorcyclists were injured
- 173 motorcycle deaths were the result of accidents
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Alcohol usage is also a significant factor in motorcycle crashes. The U.S. DOT National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 43% of motorcyclist deaths were due to alcohol impairment and were three times more likely to occur at night than during the day.
Other common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Cars and trucks not accounting for wet roads or other dangerous conditions
- Speeding cars
- Motorists failing to look for bikers while changing lanes
- Motorists stopping abruptly
- Equipment failure
We’re not just lawyers. We’re passionate advocates who will ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
What You Should Do if You Are in a Motorcycle Accident
Before seeking out a motorcycle accident lawyer in Rochester Hills, there are a few initial steps you should take following a crash. Receiving medical attention following an accident is one of the most important steps you can take to both ensure your safety and provide relevant information for legal and insurance claims. You should also take pictures and file a police report to document all causes, damages, and witness statements.
Additionally, you should also file a report with your insurance company. Michigan is a no-fault insurance state, where insurance companies work to pay expenses related to medical bills, wage loss, property damage, and more in case of an accident. Filing a report after an accident can expedite the process of receiving compensation.
Michigan residents are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP), Property Protection (PPI), and Residual Liability Insurance – Bodily Injury and Property Damage (BI/PD) as part of their auto insurance policy. While motorists may select PIP coverages ranging from $50,000 to unlimited coverage, the at-fault party may have to pay any amount of damages over their policy’s coverage limits. A person is deemed to be at fault if they are 50% or more responsible for causing injury.
It is important to note that according to Michigan law, damages for accidents are determined by comparative fault. Those who are 50% or more at fault will receive limited to no compensation for damages.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
Benefits of Working with a Rochester Hills Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Working with a motorcycle accident attorney in Rochester Hills provides you with an advocate during a tough time. You will have someone on your side to fight for you and thoroughly assess your situation. The advantages of working with a lawyer far outweigh not having one.
Identify At-Fault Parties
Following a motorcycle accident, a lawyer will investigate and identify who is at fault for the crash. While Michigan is a no-fault state, according to the Department of Insurance and Financial Services, your personal injury protection policy with your auto insurance company may not cover all of your expenses. As a result, determining who was at fault can affect how much compensation you may receive for damages under a personal injury claim.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
How Negligence Is Established
Determining negligence is one of the primary actions a lawyer will take when working on your case. This can be a deciding factor when insurance companies and courts rule on a claim for compensation. To determine fault in motorcycle accidents and establish negligence, the following elements must be proven: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages.
- Duty of care outlines a reasonable expectation to care for others and prevent harm through cautious action and attentiveness.
- Breach of duty occurs when one party disregards their reasonable responsibility of care in some manner and causes an accident or injury to others.
- Causation is when one party is responsible for causing injury to another.
- Damages occur when there is injury to a person or their property as a result of the at-fault party’s breach of duty.
Combined, these two elements form the basis of a personal injury lawsuit and establish negligence. Additionally, your lawyer will examine all other details specific to your case and build an effective strategy. With the help of your attorney, you could be entitled to receive the maximum amount for damages as restitution.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Rochester Hills Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact an attorney to help you get the compensation you need. At White Law PLLC, we are a full-service firm that will work tirelessly to provide you with personalized attention and a comprehensive strategy to reach a favorable outcome. You could be entitled to compensation for damages, including:
- Medical treatment, therapies, and/or expenses
- Loss of wages
- Loss or damage to property
- Emotional damages
- Injuries that cause pain and suffering
- Wrongful death or funeral and burial expenses
If you need a Rochester Hills motorcycle accident attorney, schedule a free consultation with our team today, and let us represent you.
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