Motorcycle Accidents in Michigan Lawyers
Statistics
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 11 percent of all roadway accidents in the United States involve motorcycles. Additionally, motorcyclists are 35 times more likely to experience a fatal accident than occupants of passenger cars. Approximately 4,000 motorcyclists die on U.S. highways every year.
Head injuries are the leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents, and helmet use is credited with reducing the risk of death by 37 percent. More than half of all motorcyclist deaths involve at least one other vehicle, and the most common situation resulting in a fatality is when the other vehicle is turning left and the motorcycle is going straight.
Consequences for Injuring a Motorcyclist
Around 67,000 motorcyclists are injured every year as a result of traffic accidents. Because of the lack of protection upon impact, motorcycle injuries are often very serious. Many motorcyclists (drivers and passengers alike) sustain life-altering injuries that require specialized care and a modified home environment for the rest of their lives.
Anyone suffering through these circumstances will feel the additional stress of worrying about how they will pay their medical bills and support their family during recovery. At Thurswell Law, we understand how important it is to obtain fair and full compensation to assist you with replacing lost wages, medical expenses, and attendant care.
Injuries sustained from a motorcycle accident are often very serious because drivers and riders are not protected from the physical impact that occurs when they are struck by a car, truck, or another motorcycle. Motorcyclists are easily thrown off their motorcycles and onto roads, guardrails, oncoming traffic, and other vehicles involved in the collision. Injuries in a motorcycle accident can range from mild scratches and bruises to catastrophic injuries and death.
Those suffering from serious injuries as a result of truck, bus, or motorcycle accidents often wonder how they will pay their medical bills and support their families during their recovery. Our Michigan accident attorneys can help seriously injured motor vehicle and motorcycle accident victims obtain fair compensation, including payment for:
- medical expenses
- lost wages
- disability
- pain and suffering
- emotional distress
- attendant care
- replacement services
- mileage reimbursement
- funeral expenses
At Thurswell Law, we understand the seriousness of these injuries and know there is a very good chance that the victim’s life may never be the same. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck, bus or motorcycle accident, contact us for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Accidents on Motorcycles
Motorcycle accidents can be caused by a great many things, including speeding and alcohol use. Poor weather, roadway defects, driving in the blind spot of another motorist, and intentional hostile actions can all precipitate an accident.
Motorcycle accidents can occur in a variety of different ways and under different circumstances. What follows are some common causes of motorcycle crashes in Michigan:
- Intoxicated operation – It goes without saying that operating a motor vehicle, including a motorcycle, while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can result in serious accidents. When a motorcycle operator operates his or her motorcycle while intoxicated, the operator could cause the motorcycle to collide with another vehicle, causing serious injuries to the operator, as well as to any motorcycle passengers. In some instances, a motorcycle passenger who is injured in a collision might be able to file a claim or lawsuit against the negligent motorcycle operator.
- Road construction – Road construction is commonplace in Michigan, particularly in the spring and summer months of the year. Unfortunately, however, roadway construction oftentimes leads to potholes, uneven lanes, and other road defects. All of these can create serious hazards for motorcycle operators and their passengers. A road defect caused by construction could cause the motorcycle to tip over, veer off the road, or cause the operator and any passengers to become dislodged from the motorcycle. If the accident victim can prove that the construction defect proximately led to the accident, he or she might be able to file a claim or lawsuit against the construction company, the city, or the county, depending upon who is responsible for the construction that is taking place at that particular time.
- Defects on the road – The state, county, or city is responsible for maintaining all roadways within city limits in a safe and careful manner. When a road defect proximately leads to a motorcycle accident, the accident victim might be able to take legal action. Keep in mind, however, that when a municipality or other government entity is a potential defendant in a personal injury lawsuit, special short time periods for filing notice might apply.
- Other vehicle operators – Motorcycle operators only have control over the manner in which they operate their motorcycles. Unfortunately, they cannot control how other motor vehicle operators drive. When another motor vehicle driver operates his or her vehicle in a careless and negligent manner, such as by breaking the speed limit or violating a rule of the road, the motorcycle accident victim might be eligible to file a claim or lawsuit against the offending motor vehicle operator. This is especially true if the accident results in debilitating or permanent injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, or where large medical bills and expenses are involved.
Regardless of the cause, however, the main reason motorcycle accidents are so fatal is because of the lack of protection a motorcycle offers in the event of a crash.
Nevertheless, many accidents might be avoided altogether if drivers of automobiles, trucks, buses, and SUVs were more aware and considerate of motorcycles and their place on the road. Negligence by other drivers is frequently the reason that a law-abiding motorcyclist is seriously injured or killed in an accident.
Burden of Proof
In a lawsuit that arises out of a motorcycle accident, the accident victim is responsible for proving both fault and damages. Specifically, the accident victim must show that another person behaved unreasonably under the circumstances, resulting in an accident that caused the accident victim injuries and damages.
In a Michigan lawsuit that arises out of personal injuries, the accident victim has strict time limits from the date of the accident within which to file suit. Once the time period expires, the accident victim will no longer be eligible to file a lawsuit claiming damages. Our experienced lawyers will make sure that if you are eligible to file a lawsuit against the responsible party, that lawsuit is filed in a timely manner.
Proving Damages
Motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries, ranging from small soft tissue injuries and abrasions to traumatic brain injuries and death. In addition to recovering compensation for medical expenses and lost wages, the accident victim might also be eligible to receive compensation for pain and suffering, inconvenience, loss of use of a body part, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic damages.
Where a motorcycle accident results in another person’s death, the decedent’s surviving family members may be able to sue for wrongful death. As part of a wrongful death lawsuit in Michigan, the accident victim’s family can claim damages for lost earning capacity, loss of family support, and pain and suffering.
Experience Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Here to Help.
Motorcycle accidents can result in devastating and deadly injuries. If someone else’s negligence caused the crash, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The skilled lawyers at Thurswell Law can review how your accident occurred and take measures to protect your legal rights. We can negotiate with the insurance company to reach a favorable settlement on your behalf or litigate your case through the Michigan court system.
We have extensive experience helping motorcycle accident victims and their families in Michigan, and we are here to help you. Call Thurswell Law, your motorcycle accident Michigan lawyer, for a free consultation at 1-866-354-5544 today.
No fee unless you collect.
