Even if you take every precaution seriously, sometimes motorcycle accidents are inevitable. You can only do so much to protect yourself, but you cannot control another driver’s actions, and this can often lead to severe injuries. Never go without seeking help from a Ypsilanti motorcycle accident lawyer.
As you face your injuries, you are likely taking time away from work, worsening your financial situation. It can be difficult to handle independently without a Ypsilanti personal injury lawyer. Working with our team at White Law PLLC, which has secured over $1.4 billion in results for clients, is ideal to have on your side.
Why Legal Representation Is so Important
Motorcycle accident cases often involve unique challenges that set them apart from typical car crash claims. Because of the lack of structural protection offered by bikes, riders frequently suffer catastrophic injuries with long-term consequences. The road to recovery can be lengthy and costly, involving extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work, but a personal injury lawyer can help you.
Unfortunately, insurance companies are not on your side after a motorcycle wreck. They may employ tactics to shift blame onto you and minimize the severity of your injuries, all in an effort to limit the compensation they have to pay out. Without strong legal representation, you may find yourself facing an uphill battle to secure the resources you need to heal and move forward.
That’s why having a motorcycle accident attorney in Ypsilanti is so vital after a crash. A legal team like White Law PLLC can help as you go up against big insurance companies, ensuring that your rights are protected every step of the way. Your lawyer will conduct a thorough, independent investigation into the accident, gathering crucial evidence like police reports, medical records, eyewitness statements, and expert analysis to build a strong case on your behalf.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Your Legal Rights After a Motorcycle Accident
Under Michigan law, if you are hurt in a crash caused by another party’s negligence, you have the right to sue someone personally for damages after a motorcycle accident. This is true even if you were lane-splitting or the only vehicle involved in the accident. The compensation you may be entitled to can include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Repair and replacement costs for your motorcycle
- Other economic and non-economic damages
It’s important to act quickly, as Michigan has strict filing deadlines for motorcycle accident lawsuits. Waiting too long could mean losing your right to pursue compensation entirely. If you’ve been hurt, contact an attorney right away to discuss your legal options.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
What You Should Know About Helmet Laws and Comparative Negligence
Wearing a helmet is not only a smart safety precaution; it’s the law for motorcycle riders in Michigan. Motorcyclists who are under 21, have less than $20,000 in first-party medical benefits, or haven’t had their license for at least two years are required to wear helmets that meet U.S. DOT standards. Failure to comply can result in a civil infraction, but more importantly, it can significantly impact your accident claim.
Michigan follows a rule of comparative negligence, meaning your total compensation can be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you for the accident. If you’re deemed more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering anything at all. Not wearing a helmet, as required by law, could potentially be used against you as evidence of negligence, even if another driver clearly caused the crash.
This is yet another reason why it’s so crucial to have a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer fighting for you. We know how to counter allegations of comparative fault and work to minimize its impact on your financial recovery. Trust us to build the strongest possible case demonstrating the other party’s liability for your injuries.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
Steps We Take to Fight for Potential Compensation
It is important to utilize a comprehensive approach to pursuing potential maximum compensation for injured motorcyclists. Not to mention, it’s beneficial to see if families can also seek some recovery. Important steps in our process include:
- Conducting independent accident investigations
- Gathering police reports, medical records, and witness statements
- Consulting leading experts to support your claim
- Calculating the full extent of your damages
- Handling all communications and negotiations with the insurance companies
We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, sending a strong message to the insurance companies that we won’t settle for anything less than what you deserve. At the same time, most motorcycle accident claims are ultimately resolved through negotiated settlements. Our attorneys have the skills to possibly secure favorable settlement offers while avoiding the expense and delay of litigation whenever possible.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
Common Types of Damages to Claim
Motorcycle accident victims may be entitled to a wide range of damages depending on the specific circumstances of their case. Economic damages are the most straightforward, encompassing things like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. These losses are generally easy to quantify using bills, receipts, pay stubs, and other documentation.
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, compensate for the more intangible losses that can be difficult to put a dollar figure on. This includes pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring or disfigurement, and reduced quality of life. Our attorneys work closely with medical experts, mental health professionals, and other specialists to demonstrate the profound impact the accident has had on your life.
In rare cases involving particularly reckless or egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be pursued. Rather than providing compensation, these damages aim to punish the wrongdoer and send a message that such behavior will not be tolerated. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Ypsilanti can carefully evaluate your case to identify all potential forms of compensation and build the strongest possible claim on your behalf.
Contact a Ypsilanti Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation. Together, we’ll work to hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue the potential fair compensation you feel you deserve. Let us handle the legal work while you focus on healing and restoring your life after a motorcycle crash.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
