You ride your motorcycle safely. Unfortunately, a driver does not take the same precautions as you do when you ride your motorcycle and causes an accident that leaves you with an injury. Following this incident, review your legal options with a St. Clair Shores motorcycle accident lawyer.
White Law PLLC has helped our clients secure over $1.4 billion in damages in personal injury lawsuits. Let a St. Clair Shores personal injury lawyers from our law firm serve as your legal representative. Schedule a free case consultation with our team.
Motorcycle Laws in Michigan
At White Law PLLC, our St. Clair Shores car accident lawyers understand state motorcycle laws. If you are involved in an accident while riding your motorcycle due to the fact that a motorist ignored various regulations, we can help you out. Get in touch with a motorcycle accident lawyer in St. Clair Shores, MI from our team.
There are many Michigan motorcycle laws, and riders are expected to comply with them at all times. These laws include requiring all riders under the age of 21 to wear a helmet. Furthermore, all motorcycles must have a seat and securely attached footrests.
In the same way, there are rules in place for motorists. It is a driver’s responsibility to share the road with motorcyclists. If a motorist chooses not to do so, they can get into an accident with a rider and be held responsible for it.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
How Motorcycle Insurance Works
Drivers and riders are required to have insurance in Michigan, but the type of coverage varies. For motorists, they must have “no-fault” insurance. Alternatively, if you are riding a motorcycle in Michigan, you can buy “at-fault” coverage.
With no-fault insurance, a motorist’s insurer may cover their losses even if this driver is liable for an accident. For example, a driver slams their car into another vehicle, and both motorists notify their respective insurance companies about the incident. Regardless of who is found to be at fault, each motorist may be covered under their own insurance policy.
As a rider, you can have at-fault insurance coverage, which protects you financially if you are liable for an accident. If a negligent driver is at fault for your accident, you can pursue damages through an insurance claim. This motorist or their insurance carrier may cover your losses.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
What to Expect if You File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
In Michigan, you can sue someone personally for a motorcycle crash. You may have up to three years from the date of your accident to sue a liable party for damages. Once this window closes, you may be 100% liable for your accident-related losses.
A motorcycle accident attorney in St. Clair Shores, MI can submit your lawsuit. They can request damages in accordance with the statute of limitations. Next, they can gather evidence to support your argument.
Your lawyer may use accident scene photos and videos, witness statements, and other proof in your argument. The body of evidence you have is key. If you have plenty of proof, it may be clear to a judge or jury that a liable party should be held fully responsible for your accident.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
Motorcycle Accident Liability
In many instances, a driver is to blame for a motorcycle accident. For instance, a motorist takes their eyes off the road and drives their vehicle into a motorcyclist. The driver can be at fault for the incident and may be required to pay damages.
Along with a motorist, a government entity, motorcycle parts manufacturer, and other third parties can be at fault for an accident. To determine liability in your case, seek legal help. Work with a motorcycle accident lawyer in St. Clair Shores, and they can identify any at-fault parties.
Saying someone is at fault for your accident may be insufficient in the eyes of a judge or jury. To collect damages, you must prove that an at-fault party had a legal obligation to avoid careless and reckless acts and violated this requirement. Also, you must prove that this party’s actions led to your accident and you are dealing with damages as a result.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
Damages You Can Get in Your Lawsuit
A St. Clair Shores motorcycle accident attorney can explain the damages available in Michigan personal injury cases. You could get economic and non-economic damages. Reasons why a judge or jury may award you one or both types of damages include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Motorcycle repairs
Your lawyer calculates your damages and considers how your accident will affect you now and in the future. They will encourage you to ask for the most compensation possible. In one of the best-case scenarios, you have a strong argument, and the defendant in your case proposes a fair settlement.
How Comparative Negligence Applies to Your Case
A motorcycle accident attorney in St. Clair Shores can provide a detailed explanation of Michigan’s comparative negligence law. Basically, if you are found to be more than 50% liable for your motorcycle accident, you may be ineligible to receive damages. Or, if you are 1-50% at fault, what you get in damages may be reduced by how much you are to blame.
As an example, if you are involved in a motorcycle accident and found to be 20% at fault, the other party may have to cover 80% of your damages. If you are 51% liable, you may be completely responsible for your accident-related losses. Avoid either of these scenarios by partnering with a lawyer who puts your best interests front and center.
Your attorney will commit the time and resources to craft an argument that shows you are in no way at fault for your accident. They will account for how the defendant may argue their case against you as well. That way, your lawyer can contest the defendant’s claims and boost your chances of securing maximum damages.
Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Who Makes Fighting for the Rights of Clients Their Top Priority
The team at White Law PLLC has an unwavering commitment to our clientele. Tell us about your motorcycle accident, and we will do everything we can to help you get damages from any liable parties. Request a free case consultation today.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
