Michigan motorcycle riders have as much right to use the roadways as other motorists. Unfortunately, due to their smaller size and motor vehicle blind spots, they are more prone to collisions with motor vehicles. Due to the riders’ lack of protection, they are far more at risk for catastrophic injuries and fatalities in motor vehicle crashes compared to car accidents.
Given the prejudice against motorcyclists and their overrepresentation in fatal traffic crashes, it can be quite the challenge for anyone who has been injured in a motorcycle accident to obtain compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. They need a local and highly skilled Warren motorcycle accident lawyer who offers knowledge, training, and experience. Our legal team at Christopher Trainor & Associates provides compassionate, ethical, and thorough legal counsel to keep clients informed of their legal rights and effective, aggressive legal representation to assist in their recovery and dealings with the insurance company.
If you or someone you love were injured in a Warren motorcycle accident, you don’t have to wait to get the advice regarding your legal rights and legal options according to Michigan law you need. The law offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates are a law firm with experienced motorcycle accident lawyers ready to evaluate your case with a free consultation. We’ve helped hundreds of motorcycle accident victims seek justice and compensation for their recovery. We can determine whether you have a claim, advise you on what to do next, and how our services can help you seek maximum financial compensation for all damages.
Motorcycle accidents have some of the highest rates of catastrophic injuries and fatalities in traffic crashes in the country, according to the NHTSA.
These statistics are startling, to say the least. Motorcycles are one of the most dangerous vehicles to ride anywhere, including in Michigan. With such high rates of accidents, it is important to ride safely and remain vigilant. Some accidents are unpreventable despite taking all precautions.
In 2021, the injury rate for a Michigan motorcycle accident with helmeted motorcyclists was 22.5% having possible injuries, 44.5% with suspected minor injuries, 28% with suspected serious injuries, and 5% killed. For unhelmeted motorcyclists, the statistics were much higher with regard to serious injuries and fatalities.
Following are more facts regarding 2021 Michigan motorcycle accidents:
Helmets greatly decrease the severity of injuries and the risk of death. Even when a motorcyclist does not collide with another vehicle, but their bike goes down for whatever reason, they risk head injury from collision with the pavement, which a helmet effectively protects against.
Additionally, motorcycle riders and passengers under age 21 must wear a helmet that’s been approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation, according to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 218 with self-certification. It is recommended to change your helmet every 5 years due to degradation over time. Michigan motorcycle helmet law violations are civil infractions that may result in fines but do not count as driving record points against the operator’s license.
Generally, there are four major motorcycle accident categories:
Motorcycle accidents result in the following traumas:
Traffic-related crashes involving motorcycles have several causes. The following are the most common:
By far, the most common cause of traffic-related crashes for motorcyclists in Michigan is left-turning cars. The main reason cited is the driver’s lack of visibility of the motorcyclist.
The top causes of all Michigan motorcycle accidents are as follows:
The most common causes of Michigan motorcycle accidents involve some form of negligence, with distracted driving accounting for 40% of accidents. Many drivers speed at the most dangerous intersections. A careless driver may be distracted, not exercise environmental awareness, and fail to see a motorcyclist nearby.
A rider experiences a substantially greater risk of moderate to fatal injury in a motorcycle crash when on a bike that is less than 250 cc. However, engine size is not the only factor. The typical injured biker tends to be a male aged 20 to 29, suggesting that inexperience is also a factor.
Due to the physical exposure motorcyclists face while riding, the most common types of injuries in Michigan motorcycle accidents are:
With regards to immediately fatal motorcycle crashes in Michigan, the two most prevalent injuries according to the data are traumatic brain injury at 85% and rib fractures at 79%.
An injured biker who collides with another vehicle faces a challenging ordeal in recovery as well as the pursuit of damages according to Michigan law. This is not a challenge you have to face alone, however. Having a skilled and knowledgeable Warren motorcycle accident lawyer on your side will make a huge difference in your ability to recover, and not just financially. Having the burden lifted from your shoulders of the legal battle to get fair compensation will allow you to focus your full energy on recovering from your accident-related injuries, making the recovery process much smoother and more efficient. If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help you regain control of your life and future after being injured in a serious motorcycle wreck, call our office for a free case review. We will listen to the details of what exactly happened to cause your injuries and help you determine whether you have a viable case for pursuing compensation from the negligent party or parties who caused your accident and subsequent injuries.
Warren has a continental climate with warm, humid summers and cold winters. The annual precipitation in the state of 30-38 inches and the abundance of winter snow contributes to dangerous road conditions, such as slippery roads from rain and snow, including black ice. One-third of motorcycle accidents occur in wet weather.
Additionally, most fatal motorcycle accidents occur between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. on weekends. On weekdays, they tend to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Motorcyclists should consider not riding at all when there is adverse weather. If you must ride, avoid making sudden maneuvers and use winter-specific motorcycle tires for snow and ice. Always wear high-visibility gear to make yourself more noticeable to other drivers.
Is it worth getting a lawyer for a motorcycle accident in Warren?If you are a motorcycle accident victim who has sustained serious injuries and you are facing extensive medical care and medical expenses, you should call us for help. It will likely be difficult to obtain all of the compensation you will actually need to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and more without the help of excellent legal representation. Although you are not legally required to hire an attorney after being injured in an accident, it’s usually a good idea to do so. Studies have shown that cases in which a lawyer represents the injured plaintiff usually settle for far more than cases where the injured party represents themselves.
It is a life-altering, tragic event to lose a loved one to a motorcycle accident. It’s even worse when you know the accident could have been prevented if not for someone’s negligence on the road. Your family deserves to be compensated for the immeasurable loss of your loved one. For help pursing a wrongful death claim, contact us to speak with a wrongful death attorney. A wrongful death victim’s estate or next-of-kin can bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault driver to seek compensation for damages. These may include property damage, medical care, medical expenses, and other reasonable medical benefits, along with funeral and burial expenses.
Yes, you should. Particularly if you were injured, it’s important for emergency responders to arrive on scene and evaluate you for injuries that adrenaline could be masking in the moments after an accident. Furthermore, you will need a police report as evidence should you pursue a claim for compensation later. It’s also important to have a medical record on file from the day of the accident, providing a crucial correlation between the event and your subsequent injuries.
It is best to immediately call your auto insurance company to report your motorcycle accident. Then, you’ll be able to file your application for no-fault benefits. These benefits come from the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) portion of your policy. Promptly informing your insurance company about the accident allows them to start processing your claim efficiently. This helps ensure that you receive the necessary support and guidance throughout the claims process. Additionally, notifying your insurance company promptly can help protect your rights and ensure that you meet any deadlines for reporting accidents as specified in your policy. By contacting your insurance company promptly, you can expedite the claims process and work towards a swift resolution to any issues that may arise. Keep in mind, however, that you should stick to the facts of the accident and never say anything that could be construed as admitting fault or downplaying the severity of your injuries.
Yes, personal injury victims in Michigan motorcycle accidents who have a case are usually eligible for non-economic damages, which include pain and suffering, as long as they file a claim by the appropriate deadline. The statute of limitations for Michigan motorcycle accidents states that an injured biker must file their lawsuit for pain and suffering and excess medical benefits compensation within 3 years of the accident.
If you are unsure of whether you have a case or want to know all of the damages you are eligible for, contact a personal injury lawyer from our law firm.
The typical time it takes to receive a settlement after filing a Michigan motorcycle accident claim is six months to a year. If it becomes a lawsuit, it can take another year or two, especially if the case goes to trial and appeals. However, these are merely general estimates, and your particular case could take more or less time, depending on the unique circumstances.
You can sue a drunk driver for accident injuries. Drunk drivers are liable for all damages they incur while operating under the influence of alcohol. If you were injured in a motorbike accident involving a drunk driver, you need a lawyer who is experienced and knowledgeable in Michigan drunk-driving motorcycle accidents.
Yes, an injured passenger can sue a negligent motorcycle driver. They can also file a claim against the operator of the motorcycle they were riding on at the time of the crash.
Delayed injuries or delayed onset of symptoms of trauma can appear anywhere from 24 to 48 hours or even up to two weeks or several months after a motorcycle accident. If you experienced delayed-onset injuries, seek medical attention immediately and consult a motorcycle accident attorney.
If the at-fault driver does not have sufficient insurance or any insurance coverage for the damages you sustained in a Michigan motorcycle accident, you may still have options for pursuing compensation. For example, filing an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim through your insurance provider is one option. To do this, you would need to already have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Since PIP is not mandatory under Michigan law with auto insurance due to no-fault benefits, there is another option when PIP coverage is not available. Motorcyclists who were injured in a crash involving a motor vehicle may be eligible for up to $250,000 in PIP benefits through the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan (MACP).
Yes, if you are over 21 and meet the exemption criteria, you can still sue. Under Michigan’s helmet law, wearing a helmet is optional past 21 when you meet medical insurance benefits or state-approved motorcycle endorsement standards.
Having the right attorney for your motorcycle accident case can give you the edge you need to receive a settlement that covers the full spectrum of your damages after being injured in a motorcycle accident. A free consultation is all it takes to get started learning how you can pursue fair compensation and put this terrible event behind you once and for all. Let us review your case and advise you on your best next steps on your road to recovery and justice.
Contact a Warren motorcycle accident lawyer at Christopher Trainor & Associates today at 248-886-8650. Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing upfront and you will only pay our legal fees if we are able to secure a favorable outcome for you.
