White Lake Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Have you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident in White Lake? If it was due to another person’s negligence, we can help you get compensation. Contact the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates for a free consultation.

You love your free-spirited motorcycle lifestyle. It's a convenient and fun way to get around White Lake. But then someone's negligence causes you to crash, robbing you of your freedom. You're losing income because you can't work. You're going through a grueling recovery. You're swamped with medical bills. Plus, you're stressed with all the paperwork that has to be filed. This is not the journey you signed up for. We get it, and our law office can help you. Call us at 248-886-8650 or email us to chat with a White Lake motorcycle accident lawyer.

Get The Legal Help You Deserve

At the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates, we can help you resolve your claim. A motorcycle crash that was not your fault thrust you into a situation you never expected. You just want to regain a level of normalcy, but you probably feel that you're fighting an uphill battle. An insurance adjuster may try to minimize how much you are owed. If you don’t have adequate legal representation, you could be victimized again. We won’t let that happen.

Our legal team has served injured victims for several decades. We're no strangers to fighting for clients who have motorcycle accident cases. We make it our number one priority to protect victims' rights by seeking the maximum compensation you are allowed to claim by law.

Here's how we work to get what's owed to you:

• Step 1. Schedule a Free Consultation – An attorney listens to your story and how the accident impacted your life at no charge or obligation to you.
• Step 2. Customized Strategy – Based on your unique situation, we'll develop a tailored approach to ensure the best resolution for your case.
• Step 3. Fight for You – While you recover, we'll tackle the legal battles to ensure you recover maximum compensation.

What's the price of not having the right legal representation? You run the risk of settling for far less than you deserve or worse. You could end up bearing the financial burdens of the accident on your own. Let us help you avoid these pitfalls. Our law firm is dedicated to providing top-level legal services for your motorcycle accident injury case.

Imagine a future without the legal and financial hassles resulting from the motorcycle accident. Let us help you turn this page and start a new chapter in your life. Schedule a free consultation today at 248-886-8650 or email us. Take the first step towards reclaiming your peace of mind.

Michigan's Motorcycle Helmet Law

Michigan requires motorcycle operators and passengers to wear certified helmets. Approved headgear manufactured after 2013 should have a DOT, FMVSS No. 218, CERTIFIED label on the back.

Here's a breakdown of what the helmet law (MCL 257.656) requires bike operators 21 years or older:

• Minimum of $20,000 in first-party healthcare benefits;
• Hold a motorcycle endorsement for a minimum of two years; or
• Pass an authorized motorcycle safety education course

Motorcyclists who disregard the helmet law will be subject to consequences, such as fines and motorcycle impoundment.

According to Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety, helmets lower head injury risks by approximately 69% and the chance of dying by almost 50%. These statistics underscore the benefit of helmet use for rider safety.

Frequent Types of Motorcycle Crashes in White Lake

A National Technical Information Service study reveals nearly 75% of motorcycle accidents involve collisions with another vehicle. These automobiles include cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, and 18-wheelers. The incident is often due to the car driver not seeing the motorcyclist. However, motorcycle riders collide with drivers in a variety of ways. The following crash types are the most common:

• T-bone: This wreck is also referred to as a broadside collision. It occurs when a motorbike sideslips into a car at a crosswalk.
• Rear-end collision: This type of accident occurs when a car strikes a motorcycle from behind. It frequently happens when someone ignores the road or tailgates.
• Head-on collisions: When a motorbike collides with a car moving in the opposite direction, it results in one of the riskiest motorcycle accidents.
• Sideswipe: In this car accident, an automobile tries to change lanes without looking into its blind area and, as a result, collides side-by-side with a motorcycle.

Michigan Law and Lane-Splitting

Motorcycle "lane splitting" is a popular traffic maneuver for many riders. It allows bikers to move between two lanes of halted or slow-moving traffic. Motorcycles may rush through traffic and avoid congestion by using this driving technique. It's believed lane splitting lowers the possibility of other incidents, such as rear-end collisions.

Although lane splitting can be arguably useful in congested cities, Michigan law does not permit this practice. State law gives a motorcycle "full use of a lane," and lane splitting is illegal.

The Dangers of Lane-Splitting

The Michigan's ban on lane-splitting may be due to the following risks:

• Reduced Reaction Time: Motorcyclists have less time to respond to unforeseen road hazards or obstructions, such as quick lane changes from other vehicles or pavement debris.
• Enhanced Danger of Collisions: Motorcycle riders who ride between traffic lanes are more likely to collide with other cars, particularly if oncoming traffic fails to notice them or anticipates a motorcycle in their route.
• Higher Speed Rate: When lanes are split, the difference in speed between motorcycles and other cars can be significant. Increased acceleration makes it harder for riders to avoid motorcycle wrecks or control their bikes.
• Limited sight: Sight gets restricted by heavy traffic, blind spots, or bad weather. Lane splitting makes a biker less visible to other automobiles.

The High Cost of Driving Too Fast

The maximum highway speed ranges between 65 and 75 mph. The speed rate varies based on your location and the vehicle you're driving. For example, in rural areas, trucks are restricted to 65 mph. Generally, the limit on other roads is 55 mph. The speed can be as low as 25mph in White Lake, depending on where you travel. If you're driven by a "need for speed," that exhilarating experience will come with risks, like the following:

• Less maneuverability: Motorcycles are more difficult to control at high speeds making it hard to avoid obstacles or make quick turns.
• Extended stopping distance: A motorcycle's stopping distance increases with its speed. This could be risky if the rider brakes quickly to escape a collision.
• Wind resistance: A motorbike rider will encounter more wind resistance with acceleration. You're more likely to tire out faster and lose control.
• Reduced visibility: Riding at a high pace makes it harder for a motorcyclist to see other vehicles or potential road hazards.
• Elevated risk of injury: A speeding motorcyclist is likelier to be thrown from their bike. These crashes often result in catastrophic bodily harm, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord damage, and fractures.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding was a factor in 33% of fatal motorcycle accidents in 2021.

3 Most Devastating Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle crashes happen in the blink of an eye. Some injuries can have a lifelong impact on the victims. Motorcycle accident injury cases typically involve the following physical and mental damage:

1. Trauma to the Head or Brain

Head and brain injuries, such as concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injury, are among the most life-changing injuries. Riders may experience the following effects:

• Cognitive impairment: Brain trauma can lead to memory loss, trouble-solving tasks, or a reduction in attention span.
• Emotional and behavioral problems: Depression, anxiety, irritability, and impulsivity are just a few of the changes resulting from brain damage.
• Communication difficulties: People may have trouble speaking, understanding, and expressing language.
• Physical impairments: Loss of motor coordination, convulsions, and persistent discomfort are connected to brain injuries.
• Enhanced risk of dementia: The Alzheimer's Association states that a person with a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is more likely to develop dementia after suffering multiple or severe TBIs.

2. Damage to the Spinal Cord

Among the worst injuries is to your spine. The following results can occur:

• Paraplegia: This paralysis primarily affects the lower limbs. Spinal cord damage below the first thoracic vertebrae may be the cause.
• Quadriplegia: Also known as tetraplegia, quadriplegia is a paralysis affecting the trunk, arms, and legs. It may be brought on by a spinal cord injury that happens in the neck area of the spine.
• Loss of sensation: Individuals who suffer spinal cord injuries frequently lose feeling in the body's afflicted areas.
• Respiration difficulties: The muscles governing respiration may be impaired. Injury victims can have a hard time breathing depending on the location and degree of damage to the spinal column.

3. Road Rash

A motorbike accident that happens out of the blue is scary. Often, the rider is flung from their bike, resulting in a road rash. This condition is caused by friction between the biker's skin and the pavement. The rash can vary in severity. Rashes are categorized into three main types, each indicating a different level of skin and tissue damage:

• First-Degree Road Rash: This is the mildest form of road rash. It affects the outer layer of the skin. Symptoms include redness, minor scrapes, or bruises, but the skin remains largely intact. First-degree road rash usually heals on its own with proper cleaning and care, and the risk of infection is low.
• Second-Degree Road Rash: This type involves more significant damage where the outer layer of skin has been broken, but the deeper layers remain unaffected. Victims may experience bleeding, swelling, and more intense pain. A second-degree injury can heal well if properly treated and kept clean to avoid infection.
• Third-Degree Road Rash: The most severe form of road rash is third-degree. This skin damage occurs when all layers of skin are torn away, exposing the underlying fat, muscle, or even bone. These injuries are serious and often require immediate medical attention to prevent infection. Prompt medical care may potentially save the affected limb. Treatment may involve skin grafts or surgery. Additionally, there's a high risk of complications such as infections and scarring.

Did you get into a motorcycle accident that you think was someone else’s fault? Have you suffered any of these common injuries? Now is the time to speak with a knowledgeable White Lake motorcycle lawyer. They can manage every facet of your claim to secure full compensation for your needs.

What to Do in the Event of a Motorcycle Accident

Here's guidance on what to do when involved in a crash. The steps below help motorcycle accident victims when pursuing justice.

1. Dial 911 - The 911 operator will dispatch first responders. Provide the operator with information, such as the accident location, vehicle description, and injuries.
2. Cooperate With Law Enforcement - For example, a police officer with the White Lake Township Police Department can complete an official report of the wreck. The document helps to establish fault for lawsuits or insurance claims.
3. Share Information and Take Photos - Names, phone numbers, insurance information, and license plate numbers should all be exchanged with the other driver. You need these details to take legal action or file an insurance claim. Use your phone to snap photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and motorcycle damage, if possible.
4. Get Medical Help - Following a motorbike accident, some severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), won't manifest symptoms straight away. Seek emergency medical attention even if you feel OK.
5. Compile the Necessary Paperwork - Gather police reports, insurance policies, damage reports, and medical records. The insurance adjuster uses this documentation to evaluate your claim and determine who is liable.
6. Speak With Your Insurance Company - Inform your insurer about the collision. Filing a motorcycle accident claim can provide a payout enabling you to pay for medical care or bike repairs.
7. Speak With a White Lake Motorcycle Accident Lawyer - Make an appointment for a free consultation with a personal injury law office. A skilled attorney can defend your legal rights, negotiate with your insurance provider, and secure the maximum compensation.

How Motorcycle Accident Cases Are Affected by Comparative Fault

Michigan follows the doctrine of comparative fault. This legal rule assigns a degree of guilt to each reckless party. The court system would lessen your award if you were partially at fault for the accident.

For instance, a motorcyclist has two brake lights out and suddenly stops. The bike gets rear-ended by an SUV that's following too closely. The cyclist bears some blame for the collision because they have broken tail lights. However, the SUV driver is responsible for following too closely.

The court may decide the motorcycle operator was 30% negligent. If their damages are determined to be worth $100,000, comparative negligence will lower the award to $70,000.

The Secret to Winning Your Motorcycle Accident Case

Most motorcycle accidents result in at least one party being held legally responsible for the accident. That individual is legally required to reimburse the injured victim for their damages.

There is a good chance you will prevail in court if you can show the defendant in a personal injury lawsuit satisfies the four elements of negligence. In motorcycle accident lawsuits, the following criteria are used to establish liability:

• Duty of care: You must prove the defendant owed you a reasonable level of responsibility. In this instance, all road drivers are responsible for driving sensibly per traffic laws.
• Breach of duty - You have to provide evidence the duty of care was broken. For instance, a truck driver violates their duty by running through a red light.
• Causation: You must demonstrate that the duty violation is the reason for your injury. For example, were the biker's injuries directly resulting from the trucker's failure to stop at the red light?
• Damages: You have to show the accident resulted in losses. You need evidence, such as medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses.

Your Rights If a Family Member Dies in a Motorcycle Accident

According to National Safety Council data, motorcycles constitute only 3% of all registered U.S. vehicles. However, they account for 14% of all traffic fatalities. Additionally, deaths among motorcycle riders and passengers increased by 8% from 2020 to 2021.

Michigan law offers relief to surviving family members when someone else's careless actions caused the fatality. The irresponsible party may be sued for wrongful death. Naturally, nothing will ever fully compensate for the heartache of losing a loved one. Compensation, however, might lessen the financial strain.

The following individuals related to the deceased may file a wrongful death lawsuit:

• Spouse
• Children
• Parents
• Grandparents
• Siblings
• Personal representative for the estate

Speak with a motorcycle accident attorney if you're considering bringing a case on behalf of a departed family member. The attorney can assist with the legal proceedings involving a lawsuit.

Fair Compensation for Your Motorcycle Accident Case

White Lake motorcyclists injured in accidents because of someone else's carelessness can pursue compensation. This financial award covers the accident-related expenses. The damages you can recover include economic, non-economic, and punitive.

Economic

These damages pay for the following:

• Hospital stays
• Doctor visits
• Physical therapy
• Prescription drugs

Lost income is another form of monetary recovery.

Non-economic

These damages center on non-tangible expenses like the following:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Deformity

There could be other non-quantifiable damages, as well. Each case is unique, so it’s best to get scheduled for your free consultation as soon as possible to find out more about what you could potentially claim.

Punitive

When a defendant engages in particularly reckless and/or heinous behavior that injures the motorcyclist, the courts occasionally awards punitive damages to the victim. For example, a judge may award punitive damages in a case involving a biker who gets run over by a drunk driver and is left paralyzed from the neck down.

3 Reasons to Have a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer on Your Side

Getting in touch with a law firm that has a White Lake motorcycle lawyer on staff has many advantages:

1. You can concentrate on healing since your attorney can handle every part of your motorcycle accident claim.
2. A motorcycle accident attorney is skilled in negotiating with insurance providers to get you the most money possible for your injury.
3. If the settlement amount is unsatisfactory, an attorney can take the at-fault party to court and argue your case before a judge or jury.

A motorcycle accident lawyer has the skills, resources, and know-how to achieve the best result.

FAQS About White Lake Motorcycle Accidents 

What if I was not wearing a helmet during my motorcycle accident?

You can still file a claim for compensation. However, the fact that you were not wearing a helmet could potentially affect the outcome of your claim. Suppose the lack of safety headwear made your injury worse. The defense may argue comparative negligence, potentially reducing your compensation.

Can a passenger in a motorcycle accident file a lawsuit?

A passenger has the right to file a lawsuit for damages. Passengers can seek compensation for their injuries from the responsible party. The at-fault party may include the motorcycle operator, another vehicle's driver, or another entity.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a motorcycle accident?

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the accident date. You will lose the right to sue for compensation if you don't take legal action within this timeframe.

We Deliver Positive Outcomes for Motorcycle Accident Victims

You suffered a horrific accident. The last thing you should worry about is how to pay your bills. The good news is you may be able to recover payment for your lost wages, medical expenses, and injuries. Our motorcycle accident lawyers have helped White Lake victims like you get sizable settlements and verdicts.

At the Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates, we have skilled negotiators on our legal team. When pursuing full and fair compensation, we don't give up. If a settlement offer is too low, we will continue to fight for the maximum amount you are eligible to receive. Our law firm also has experienced trial lawyers who can represent you in court when settlement negotiations fall through.

Are you ready to hold those accountable for your motorcycle accident and injuries? We sure are! Call us at 248-886-8650 or email us to schedule a free initial consultation.