When you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you may have suffered devastating injuries. Motorcycles leave their riders much more vulnerable than other vehicles, so you may have already suffered severely. Worse, you may face difficulties getting compensated without a Southfield motorcycle accident lawyer to push back against accusations of fault.
When this happens, a Southfield personal injury lawyer at White Law PLLC can offer specific guidance and tools to help you recover. We pursue the maximum compensation possible for your claim so that you can focus on your health. Get started today with the tools and resources you need to recover fully by contacting our office to schedule a 100% free consultation.
What to Do When Hurt in a Southfield Motorcycle Accident
Following a motorcycle accident, you may be unsure what options you have and how to take action following the crash. Without a motorcycle accident attorney in Southfield, you may be uncertain where to start. Fortunately, there are things you can do in the aftermath of the accident to help protect yourself as a motorcyclist and maximize your compensation as much as possible.
Seek Medical Care
One of the first and most important steps you can take is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. In the wake of the accident, you may feel fine, but that may be because you are experiencing delayed injuries, meaning you may not feel the pain for hours, days, or even weeks. If you do not seek treatment, those injuries may worsen and may even become deadly.
Acting now and seeking medical care can also help your motorcycle accident lawyer in Southfield prove you were injured and are due compensation. If you do not seek care, the insurance companies may claim you were not actually hurt or that your injuries are unrelated. Getting help now can protect you in the future.
Document the Scene
If possible, document as much of the accident scene as possible. Typically, the accident scene is cleaned up quickly to prevent debris from causing further injury or delays, so you may have few chances to gather this information. Photos, video, or eyewitness testimony can all help your case.
Remember that any other evidence can also be corroded or destroyed over time. Maintaining records of this evidence can help you build a case over time. It can also help you preserve information that would otherwise be lost.
Report the Accident
You need to seek help immediately after the accident. When you call emergency medical professionals, you may also notify the police, who can file a police report about your accident. You may also be expected to notify your insurance company, as they must know that the accident happened even if you do not file an insurance claim.
Seek Legal Aid
Even if you know the right steps to take, it can be challenging to navigate all these steps while also facing a devastating injury. Fortunately, we can offer the support and guidance you need as you pursue compensation while also overcoming the serious injuries you have experienced. When you have a car accident lawyer on your side, you have someone who can ensure all these steps are being taken throughout the process.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Common Injuries You May Have Suffered as a Motorcyclist
Because of the lack of certain safety features on a motorcycle, you may have suffered critical injuries. Even with a helmet protecting you, speed and the force of the impact can all worsen the severity of the crash, meaning you may have suffered much more serious injuries than expected. Talk with your motorcycle accident lawyer in Southfield, MI, about the following injuries or others you have suffered:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Road rash or friction burns
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
These injuries may have life-altering effects on your future. Those suffering brain or spine injuries may find themselves in rehabilitation to learn basic tasks again. We focus on helping you navigate the value of these damages in your losses and work hard to pursue the maximum compensation possible for your case.
Michigan Helmet Laws May Impact Your Claim’s Value
Practicing good motorcycle safety tips may not stop every injury, but it can help. Just as importantly, it is part of the laws surrounding motorcycle riding. MCL §257.658(5)(a) states that any person under 21 is required to wear a helmet.
Even if you are over this age limit, you may still have to apply for certain exceptions, as you must have at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits and have held a motorcycle endorsement for at least two years. Unfortunately, failure to wear a helmet, even if you are exempt, can hurt the value of your claim. Specifically, the at-fault party may try to claim that if you had been wearing a helmet, your injuries may not have been so severe, which could subject you to modify comparative negligence laws under MCL §600.2959, reducing the amount of compensation you could recover.
We’re not just lawyers. We’re passionate advocates who will ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
You May Be Entitled to Compensation for Your Crash Damages
Following a motorcycle accident, identifying the compensation you are due is vital. Without it, you may be facing much higher expenses than traditional car accident victims may have because motorcycles tend to have far fewer protections between you and the road. Connect with a Southfield motorcycle accident attorney about your options for compensation, which may include damages that include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Transportation for medical care costs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The specific damages you are due will depend on how severe your injuries are, what injuries you have suffered, and how they have impacted your life. We have the tools to help you calculate the exact value of your claim, getting you the aid you need throughout your case. When you need compensation for your claim, do not hesitate to seek the legal guidance and support you deserve from our team at White Law PLLC.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
Call Today for a Free Consultation with a Southfield Motorcycle Accident Attorney
When you are hurt in a collision, a motorcycle accident attorney in Southfield, MI, may be crucial to your recovery. Without legal aid, getting the compensation you need that covers the full value of your case can be difficult. Worse, insurance companies often do everything they can to avoid paying for expensive claims like yours.
At White Law PLLC, we are dedicated to maximizing the compensation you recover in your case. Our team works hard to protect your rights in the courtroom and with the insurance company, starting with a free consultation. To schedule yours and take advantage of this opportunity, reach out by calling or filling out our online contact form.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
