For many, motorcycles are a fun hobby or a thrilling way to commute to work. Motorcycles can be a reliable and less expensive form of transportation. However, riders are uniquely vulnerable to suffering terrible consequences when a car driver is reckless.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident through no fault of your own, consult with an Independence motorcycle accident lawyer. At White Law PLLC, we tirelessly advocate on behalf of our clients. We are proud to have recovered over $1.4 billion in damages for clients in personal injury actions.
Contact an Independence personal injury lawyer today to learn about what rights you have as a motorcycle accident victim.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Michigan
Motorcycle accidents in Michigan often stem from preventable factors, including driver negligence and hazardous road conditions. Follow our safety tips for the Michigan motorcycle riding season for additional guidance.
Understanding these causes empowers motorcyclists to stay vigilant and protect their rights under Michigan law. Below are some common contributors to crashes statewide:
- Distracted drivers texting or adjusting GPS
- Left-turn collisions at intersections
- Speeding vehicles losing control
- Road debris or potholes causing instability
- Impaired drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Poor visibility during dawn, dusk, or fog
- Lane changes without checking blind spots
- Inexperienced riders misjudge turns
- Manufacturing defects
- Poor vehicle maintenance
Seasonal weather, such as icy roads in winter, exacerbates the risks for motorcyclists traveling through rural or urban areas. Proactive measures, such as defensive riding and routine bike maintenance, can mitigate these dangers. If injured, consult an Independence motorcycle accident attorney to learn about all your options and rights.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Motorcycle Accidents Result in Severe and Life-Altering Injuries
Motorcycle crashes disproportionately impact riders due to their lack of physical protection, often leading to catastrophic harm. Even minor collisions can cause debilitating injuries that alter victims’ lives permanently. Below are the most frequent and devastating outcomes observed in Michigan accidents:
- Fatalities from high-impact collisions
- Spinal cord trauma causes partial or full paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) impair cognitive function
- Crushed vertebrae and herniated discs in the back/neck
- Torn rotator cuffs or dislocated shoulders
- Compound fractures requiring metal rods or plates
- Torn ligaments or shattered kneecaps
- Permanent facial scarring or limb amputations
- Deep road rash requiring skin grafts
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or chronic anxiety
These injuries frequently demand years of specialized treatment, including reconstructive surgeries and adaptive therapies. Long-term disabilities can strain finances, careers, and personal relationships, highlighting the importance of securing fair compensation. If you are wondering about when to see a doctor after a motorcycle accident, the best time is immediately.
We’re not just lawyers. We’re passionate advocates who will ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
The Rights of Passengers on Motorcycles
Motorcycle passengers in Michigan have specific rights under the state’s no-fault insurance laws. Rules like MCL § 500.3114 impact their ability to recover personal injury damages in motorcycle crashes.
If a motorcycle passenger is injured in an accident involving a motor vehicle, they are entitled to claim personal protection insurance (PIP) benefits. Here is the order of priority for claiming these benefits:
- The insurer of the owner or registrant of the motor vehicle involved in the accident
- The insurer of the operator of the motor vehicle involved in the accident
- The motor vehicle insurer of the operator of the motorcycle involved in the accident
- The motor vehicle insurer of the owner or registrant of the motorcycle involved in the accident
Injured passengers in motorcycle accidents have the legal right to pursue compensation for their injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Liability typically rests with one or more of the drivers involved.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
Understanding Michigan’s Unique Motorcycle Ownership Laws
Owning a motorcycle comes with unique responsibilities. For example, under MCL § 500.3103, insurers must offer first-party medical benefits in increments of $5,000, with options for deductibles. Michigan law also requires motorcycle owners or registrants to maintain security against liability for:
- Property damage
- Bodily injury
- Death arising from the ownership, maintenance, or use of the motorcycle
Before you file a claim, consider whether you have carefully followed the law. There are many rules you must follow, including MCL § 500.3113, which states that you may not be entitled to PIP benefits if you were:
- Operating a motorcycle unlawfully
- Failing to maintain required insurance
- Being named as an excluded operator under a policy
If you are unsure whether you or another party was following the law when an accident took place, speak with our team at White Law PLLC, where an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Independence is ready to provide you with guidance. Our case results show our successful track record in getting folks the help they deserve.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
How Fault Is Determined in Michigan Motorcycle Accidents
In Michigan motorcycle accidents, fault is determined based on the principles of comparative fault as outlined in Michigan law under MCL § 500.3135. Fault is defined as an act, omission, or conduct, including intentional conduct, that is a proximate cause of the damages sustained by a party. Michigan’s comparative fault statutes apply to all parties involved, including plaintiffs.
Essentially, damages are reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the injured party. But if the injured party’s fault exceeds 50%, then they are barred from recovering non-economic damages, like pain and suffering. Economic damages, which cover actual financial loss from medical expenses or missed work, may still be recoverable but are reduced proportionally to the injured party’s fault.
Michigan’s no-fault insurance laws, like MCL § 500.3114, also play a role in determining your liability and benefits. Motorcyclists injured in accidents involving motor vehicles may be entitled to no-fault coverage. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Independence evaluates the relevant policies to determine if no-fault insurance policies will impact your recovery.
Our Independence Motorcycle Accident Attorney Fights For You
A motorcycle accident can leave you with more than just physical injuries; it can disrupt your entire life. Let White Law PLLC handle the legal aftermath so you can focus on healing.
Our Independence motorcycle accident lawyers will use our more than two decades of combined experience to pursue maximum compensation in your case. Partner with us today to take the first step toward rebuilding your future.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
