Michigan Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Free Consultations for the Injured

Motorcycling is a popular pastime in Michigan. For many riders, there is nothing as enjoyable as riding “up north” or along the lakefront. However, motorcyclists face additional dangers on the road without the safety of a vehicle around them. Even when they wear helmets and protective gear, the injuries resulting from motorcycle a can be even more devastating.

According to the website Statista, there were about 5,100 fatal motorcycle crashes on U.S. roads in 2018, translating into a fatal motorcycle crash involvement rate of nearly 26 per 100,000 vehicle miles traveled. In 2017, motorcyclists were 27 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled, based on statistics released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced personal injury attorneys at Bashore Green Law Group. Since 2008, our Michigan motorcycle accident attorneys have made it our priority to help injured members of our community by providing accessible, caring representation.

Contact us to schedule your free consultation online or call 248-838-0635 . Our team has recovered millions for injured clients.

Why Motorcycle Accidents are Serious

Many factors can put a motorcyclist at risk while they’re on the road. One major issue is that the smaller size of motorcycles can make them more difficult for drivers to see, particularly if they’re not proactive about checking their blind spots. This is why many motorcycle accidents occur when drivers change lanes or make turns and cut off nearby motorcyclists.

Another risk is that motorcyclists lack the protective features that passenger car occupants have in the event of a collision, like seat belts or airbags. Though motorcyclists tend to wear helmets, they’re not completely protected and face other risks that passenger car drivers don’t.

All of this explains why injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents tend to be serious. Injuries common to motorcycle accidents include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones and fractures, amputations, and burns.

What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, often resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities. Understanding the common causes of these accidents is crucial for both riders and drivers to promote safer roadways.

Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents is distracted driving. This includes activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio while operating a vehicle. Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than other vehicles, making them particularly vulnerable to accidents caused by drivers not paying attention to their surroundings.
Unsafe Lane Changes: Many motorcycle accidents occur when drivers fail to check their blind spots or signal properly before changing lanes. Motorcycles can easily be overlooked due to their size, leading to collisions when drivers merge into their lane without noticing them.
Speeding: Excessive speed is a significant factor in motorcycle accidents. Speeding reduces the amount of time a rider has to react to hazards on the road and increases the severity of collisions. Additionally, high speeds make it more difficult for drivers to judge the distance and speed of approaching motorcycles, increasing the risk of accidents.
Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time, significantly increasing the likelihood of accidents. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to the effects of impaired drivers due to the lack of protection offered by their vehicles.
Unsafe Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, uneven pavement, and other road hazards pose a significant risk to motorcyclists. These conditions can cause riders to lose control of their motorcycles or suffer serious injuries if they collide with obstacles.
Left-Turn Accidents: A common scenario involves a vehicle making a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Drivers may misjudge the speed of the motorcycle or fail to see it altogether, leading to collisions at intersections.
Inexperienced Riders: Lack of experience or proper training can contribute to motorcycle accidents. Novice riders may not have the skills or knowledge to handle unexpected situations on the road, increasing their risk of crashes.

Is Lane Splitting Legal in Michigan?

Lane splitting refers to the practice of riding between lanes of traffic to move ahead faster in congested or stopped traffic conditions. In Michigan, lane splitting is illegal.

Motorcyclists should consider the potential risks and consequences before engaging in this practice. It is essential to prioritize safety at all times and adhere to traffic laws to avoid accidents and injuries on the road. Consulting with a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer can provide riders with guidance on navigating legal issues related to lane splitting and other traffic laws in Michigan.

Damages That Can Be Recovered in a Claim

If another motor vehicle was involved in the motorcycle accident and the motorcycle was properly insured, the case is similar to a regular first party or third-party auto accident case. In those situations, a first-party claim can be filed against the insurance company responsible for no-fault benefits.

These benefits can include:

Medical expenses related to the auto accident
Wage loss
Household replacement services
Payment for mileage to and from medical appointments and nursing services

In addition, a third-party claim can be filed against the negligent driver responsible for causing the motorcycle accident. The damages available in a third-party claim include pain and suffering damages and excess economic benefits.

Call 248-838-0635 to get in touch with one of our motorcycle accident attorneys in Michigan today. We’re free 24/7 and can schedule same-day appointments.

Motorcycle Accident FAQs

What are my rights as a motorcyclist in Michigan?

Despite what some drivers believe, motorcyclists are entitled to a full lane in traffic. They’re also allowed to ride side by side with another motorcyclist in one lane. This means drivers must respect the rights of the motorcyclist in front of them and give them the space they’d give any other vehicle. Lane splitting, however, or riding between lanes, is illegal in Michigan.

Should I still see a doctor if I feel fine after my crash?

Even if you aren’t in pain after your motorcycle accident or are unable to detect any immediate injuries, it’s still recommended you seek medical attention. Only a doctor can detect if you have underlying symptoms and treat you before they become worse. Sometimes serious issues like internal bleeding aren’t obvious until a few days or weeks later.

How much is my motorcycle accident case worth?

Every case contains a variety of different variables, which is why it’s impossible to determine how much your case is worth until an experienced law firm meets with you to learn more about your situation. The amount of compensation you can obtain depends on factors like how badly you were injured, what kind of medical costs were involved in your treatment, how much property damage was involved, and more.

Are drivers always responsible for motorcycle accidents?

While driver error accounts for many motorcycle accidents and injuries, it’s possible for others to be at fault. Motorcycle manufacturers issue recalls from time to time when it’s revealed that specific models of motorcycles or parts are defective, creating dangers for motorcyclists and others on the road. Something seemingly harmless like loose gravel or broken roads can cause motorcycles to lose control.

Should I talk to the insurance company?

If the other driver’s insurance company calls you after your accident to learn more about what transpired, it’s important not to imply you may have shared some fault. Insurance adjusters will look for information to use against you to avoid having to pay compensation so it is best to speak with your motorcycle accident attorneys at Bashore Green before speaking with an insurance company representative.

After learning about your case, our team can explain your legal rights for recovery. We represent the victims of auto, trucking, and motorcycle accidents on a contingency fee basis, which means that there is no fee to us unless we recover compensation for our clients