There is nothing quite like riding a motorcycle on the open roads for many people. Unfortunately, that sense of freedom can come to a halt in an unexpected instant. In those crucial moments after a motorcycle accident, you need more than just legal representation; you need a Troy motorcycle accident lawyer who truly understands what you are going through and is ready to stand by your side every step of the way.
At White Law PLLC, we do not just see case numbers; we see fellow riders whose lives have been turned upside down. That is why our commitment goes beyond the courtroom. When we say, “Your fight is our fight,” it is not just a catchy phrase—it is our solemn promise to you.
When you work with a Troy personal injury lawyer on our team, you gain our experience, knowledge, and passion for your case, fighting to ensure you get potential justice and compensation.
What You Should Understand About Michigan’s Helmet Laws
While riding without a helmet is legal under certain circumstances, it may impact the outcome of a personal injury case following a motorcycle accident. Insurance companies and opposing Troy motorcycle accident attorneys may argue that riding without a helmet contributed to the severity of injuries. This could potentially affect the compensation your Troy personal injury lawyer can secure for you in a lawsuit.
Michigan’s motorcycle helmet laws have significantly changed in recent years, impacting both riders and potential legal cases. Before 2012, all motorcyclists in Michigan were required to wear helmets while operating their vehicles. However, the law was amended to allow certain riders to choose whether to wear a helmet, provided they meet specific criteria.
According to the HLDI Bulletin about the current law, motorcyclists aged 21 and older can legally ride without a helmet if they have at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits insurance.
They must also have either held a motorcycle endorsement for at least two years or completed a motorcycle safety course. This change has sparked debate among safety advocates and motorcycle enthusiasts, with some arguing that it increases personal freedom while others express concern about the potential for more severe injuries in accidents.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Serious Long-Term Effects After a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents can result in devastating, long-lasting consequences that extend far beyond the initial recovery period. You can often face many challenges that can significantly impact your quality of life for years to come. Common long-term effects of motorcycle accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Chronic pain and mobility issues
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of limbs or amputation
The financial burden of these long-term effects can be overwhelming. The ongoing medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages all add up over time. You may also experience a diminished quality of life, strained relationships, and difficulties returning to work or enjoying previous hobbies and activities.
We’re not just lawyers. We’re passionate advocates who will ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
You Have a Right to Fight for Non-Severe Injuries, Too
While severe injuries often take center stage in personal injury cases, it is important to remember that even non-severe injuries can have a significant impact on your life. You have the right to seek compensation for any injury sustained in a motorcycle accident, regardless of its perceived severity. Some examples of other common motorcycle accident injuries you can sue for include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Minor fractures or sprains
- Road rash and contusions
- Temporary emotional distress
- Short-term loss of wages
These injuries can still result in medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A motorcycle accident attorney in Troy at White Law PLLC is committed to helping you pursue fair compensation for all types of injuries, ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the legal process. We will work diligently to demonstrate the impact of your injuries on your daily life and future well-being, regardless of their initial severity.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
Make Sure You Understand Modified Comparative Negligence
It is important that you find legal representation who can start by explaining Michigan’s modified comparative negligence law, which can significantly impact the outcome of your motorcycle accident claim.
This legal principle divides responsibility among all parties involved in an accident, which can directly influence the compensation you’re eligible to receive. Understanding how modified comparative negligence works is crucial for anyone considering legal action after a motorcycle accident.
Under this system, each party involved in the accident is assigned a percentage of fault based on their contribution to the incident. If you hold some fault for your accident, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but are found to be 20% at fault, your actual recovery would be reduced to $80,000.
Michigan follows a 51% bar rule. This means that if you are 51% or more at fault for the accident, you could lose the right to receive any compensation. This is why it is important to have a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer in Troy who can effectively argue your case and minimize any potential assignment of fault to you.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
Potential Liable Parties
In motorcycle accident cases, determining liability is ideal for ensuring you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries. While many assume that only the driver who hit the motorcyclist can be held responsible, multiple parties often may share liability. Potentially liable parties in a motorcycle accident case may include:
- The driver of the vehicle that hit you
- The manufacturer of defective motorcycle parts
- Government entities responsible for road maintenance
- Other motorcyclists involved in group riding accidents
- Businesses that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons then cause accidents
Each of these parties may have played a role in the accident. Whether through direct negligence, product defects, or failure to maintain safe road conditions, it is important to consider all scenarios and parties. Our legal team will thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case to identify all responsible parties and hold them accountable for their actions.
Get Legal Support for Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, do not face the legal challenges alone. At White Law PLLC, an experienced Troy motorcycle accident attorney on our team is committed to protecting your rights and pursuing the possible compensation you are seeking.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation, and let us put our experience to work for you.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
