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Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Michigan

We only charge a 22% contingency fee of the final settlement. Other Michigan attorneys charge 331/3%.
Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Michigan

Michigan Lawyers Representing Motorcycle Accident Victims

A motorcycle accident, especially a serious motorcycle accident, is a scary and emotionally traumatic event to go through, leaving victims confused about how to proceed. Without legal support, Michigan motorcycle accident victims can struggle to file their insurance claims and get the settlements they need to cover medical bills and other costs.

Matz Injury Law is a law firm of professionals who have helped generate over $300 million in results for our personal injury clients, and we can help you with your Michigan personal injury claim. Contact our Michigan motorcycle accident lawyers for a free consultation today.

How a Motorcycle Accident Is Different From a Car Accident

All motor vehicle accidents can have serious consequences, but a motorcycle crash often has more impactful injuries due to the lack of protection around the motorcyclist. While a car driver or passenger has a large vehicle around them, motorcyclists do not. Severe, life-altering injuries and even deaths are more common in motorcycle accident cases, which is why working with a motorcycle accident attorney is so important.

What Are Some Common Causes of Serious Motorcycle Accidents?

Like all vehicle accidents, motorcycle accidents can have several causes. Determining the cause of the accident is essential to getting a fair settlement with the help of a personal injury attorney.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is becoming an increasingly difficult problem for Michigan motorcyclists. Many injured motorcyclists claim a distracted driver as the cause of their crashes. The CDC estimates that around eight people die every day in the country due to crashes involving distracted drivers.

Negligent Driver

In motorcycle crashes, negligence occurs when the at-fault driver did something that a person who is being “reasonably careful” would not have done. Similarly, it can occur if the at-fault driver failed to do something a careful person would have done. That action or failure of action must be the primary cause of the motorcycle accident. Violating state traffic laws or making lane changes without checking a blind spot would fall into this category.

Motorcycle Safety Failures

Many drivers and motorcyclists are not properly trained on motorcycle safety. Failing to watch for motorcycles or understand how motorcycles work on the road can lead to motorcycle accidents. Failing to notice motorcycles on the road is the top cause of motorcycle crashes.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence often leads to a motorcycle crash, and if a motorcycle rider is near an intoxicated driver or if the motorcyclist is the one who is intoxicated, the risk of a crash increases significantly.

These are just some common causes of motorcycle accidents in Michigan. These motorcycle accidents also occur due to road debris, equipment malfunctions, taking turns too quickly, and reckless driving practices. Regardless of the cause, injured motorcyclists need to know their rights in these cases so that they may be able to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit.

motorcycle laying on ground

How a Motorcycle Accident Is Different From a Car Accident

All motor vehicle accidents can have serious consequences, but a motorcycle crash often has more impactful injuries due to the lack of protection around the motorcyclist. While a car driver or passenger has a large vehicle around them, motorcyclists do not. Severe, life-altering injuries and even deaths are more common in motorcycle accident cases, which is why working with a motorcycle accident attorney is so important.

What Should You Do After a Michigan Motorcycle Accident?

When you suffer any type of motor vehicle accident, you are left dealing in the aftermath. Knowing what to do is vital to protecting yourself and your rights in the moments and days that follow. Bikers need to know the steps to take after a motorcycle accident to protect themselves and their rights.

Immediately after a crash, get all the people involved to safety, and move vehicles out of the roadway if you are in danger of causing another crash. Then, leave everything alone. Do not admit guilt or fault or apologize to any other drivers. This is a crucial step you need to take in the event you file a Michigan motorcycle accident lawsuit.

Next, call emergency services. Make sure all people are given medical care if they need it. Work with the officers on the scene to take statements, get insurance information from other motorists involved, and clean up the area.

While waiting for the officers to arrive, gather evidence and take photos of the crash scene. Your insurance company and Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer can both benefit from having these. They will also help you prove your injury case should you need to fight for a fair settlement. Matz Injury Law is standing by to take your call and help you understand your rights in your motorcycle accident case. We offer free consultations to help you get started immediately.

Once everyone is safe and you are finished with the law enforcement officials, reach out to a Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer. Motorcycle riders are at high risk for serious injuries, and you need to know that you or your injured loved one are getting a fair settlement for your injuries.

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Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

One of the reasons you need a motorcycle accident attorney when facing the aftermath of a Michigan motorcycle crash is the extensive injuries common to these types of cases. These include the following:

  • Traumatic brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries affect how the brain works. These head injuries can be fatal or cause lifelong disabilities, leading to mounting medical bills.
  • Road rash: When a Michigan motorcyclist is thrown from the bike, they can experience severe scraping of the skin that can lead to infections, scarring, disfigurement, and nerve damage.
  • Fractures: Broken bones are common for motorcycle crash injury victims, and they can sometimes require surgery to repair properly.
  • Spinal cord injuries: If the spinal cord is damaged, the motorcyclist may experience paralysis, which requires long-term care.
  • Neck injuries: Neck injuries can be something relatively minor, like whiplash. More serious injuries may lead to paralysis. Any injury can require medical care and ongoing treatment.
  • Fatalities: Sadly, many motorcycle accidents end up as fatalities. In 2020, there were 130 motorcycle accident fatalities across Michigan, and the number of deaths has steadily increased since the 1990s.

Each of these types of injuries carries severe potential consequences, and you need to ensure you are fully compensated for them. Working with an experienced Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer will help.

Common Types of Compensation in Motorcycle Accident Cases

When you work with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer after a motorcycle accident, you increase the chances of getting a fair settlement. Often, motorcyclists are not aware of the different types of compensation that may be due to them. Some of these include:

  • Medical Expenses – You should get compensation for your current medical expenses as well as future potential medical expenses for your injury.
  • Property Damage – Property damage includes damage to your motorcycle or any property around the motorcycle accident that was yours.
  • Lost Wages – Most motorcycle accidents are serious and cause long-term problems for injured riders, which means you may not be able to work and should receive compensation for lost wages.
  • Lost Earning Potential – Not only will you lose wages while you heal from your injuries, but sometimes motorcycle accident victims are not able to return to their normal work, losing earning potential that must be compensated.
  • Wrongful Death – Motorcycle accidents that end in death can lead to wrongful death claims for the families left behind.
  • Pain and Suffering – The lifelong impact of motorcycle injuries is hard to measure, but you can get compensation for these types of non-economic damages.

With so many potential types of damages, it’s clear that you need to work with a Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer to get a fair settlement.

red motorcycle on the ground after an accident involving a truck

Insurance Coverage and Motorcycle Crashes in Michigan

If you are in a motorcycle accident in Michigan, you need to understand the insurance laws in our state. In 2020, the Michigan no-fault law was passed, requiring all drivers to carry no-fault insurance benefits. You will also hear this referred to as personal injury protection (PIP). This PIP coverage pays for your medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, regardless of who is at fault for the crash. These no-fault benefits mean you can get medical care, even if the other driver is driving illegally uninsured.

No-fault insurance does not cover repairs to your motorcycle. For those costs, you will need to look to the insurance of the at-fault driver to seek compensation that extends more than the insurance no-fault insurance provisions, particularly if your injuries and damages are severe and long-lasting.

No-fault insurance is just the first type of coverage that may contribute to your compensation. You may also get compensation from the other driver’s liability coverage if they are the at-fault driver. Sometimes, your uninsured motorist coverage will kick in if the other driver does not carry insurance. Workers’ compensation may also play a role if you were injured while driving for work.

Sadly, many motorcyclists run into trouble when they try to file an insurance claim. Even in cases where the other driver is clearly at fault, the insurance companies like to blame these accidents on the motorcycle drivers, making it harder to recover liability damages from the other driver. Understanding the nuances of insurance coverage and motorcycle crashes in Michigan is crucial for motorcyclists in the state, as it can significantly impact your ability to secure compensation.

Because there are so many insurance companies and strategies at play, working with a skilled motorcycle accident attorney will help you work through all of these claims to get the full amount of compensation available to you.

Matz Injury Law has a team of personal injury attorneys ready to go to work for you. Contact us for a free consultation. Let us know how we can help you with your motorcycle accident claim. The sooner you call, the better. Due to the Michigan statute of limitations, you only have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.

Why Pick Matz Injury Law for Your Michigan Motorcycle Accident Case?

Even with Michigan’s no-fault motorcycle accident laws, you still need to consider a motorcycle accident claim after a crash. Insurance companies often offer the bare minimum for settlements and medical benefits. Only with a skilled Michigan motorcycle accident attorney at your side can you be certain that all of your medical needs, both now and in the future, have adequate coverage after a crash.

Matz Injury Law has a team of personal injury lawyers who are experts in what they do. We know how to negotiate with all insurance parties to ensure you get full and just compensation for your injuries. Our Michigan motorcycle accident lawyers work tirelessly to get the best possible outcome for our clients, and we have been serving the state of Michigan for decades. We are ready to put that experience to work for you as we fight for a fair settlement in your motorcycle accident case.

Our legal team will take care of all the paperwork, file on your behalf, and even represent you in court should the need arise. We have the knowledge to get you the highest possible settlement for your case, so you don’t have to worry about the cost of your medical treatment.

We regularly have verdicts for thousands more than the insurance settlement amount, and we have over $300 million in verdicts for Michigan clients. We are located in Southfield but proudly all of Michigan, from Saginaw to Grand Rapids and beyond.

Our Process

When you choose Matz Injury Law to represent you in your motorcycle accident case, here is what you can expect:

Step 1: We meet with you, either in person or over Zoom, to listen to the details of your case. At this meeting, we’ll explain what you can expect in the legal process and what issues you have that might impact your claim and compensation amount.

Step 2: Medical care is our top priority, so we will help you find the providers you need to ensure a full recovery. We’ll deal with the insurance company at this time so you can focus on healing.

Step 3: We will look for all potential sources of compensation for your case. This might include the other driver’s liability insurance policy, your no-fault insurance, other insurance coverage you carry, and even workers’ compensation coverage if you were driving on the job.

Step 4:We seek full compensation. We will work with adjusters, insurance companies, your medical benefits, and your medical care providers who send bills so that you can be confident you are getting the full amount of compensation for your losses. We understand these cases intricately, so you do not have to wonder if your case is getting a fair settlement.

Step 5:We will resolve your case for the maximum value of your claim. Throughout this process, we will keep you updated on what is happening. Should you need to go to court, we are here every step of the way to ensure you know what to expect and receive proper representation.

Throughout this process, we put you first. We desire to help each of our clients move forward with their lives after the lasting impact that a motorcycle accident can create. With the help of the skilled team at Matz Injury Law, you can get fair compensation and a just settlement.

Are you ready to discuss your case? We are ready to hear from you. Call our personal injury lawyers to discuss your motorcycle accident case at 1-866-22Not33 or complete our online contact form to schedule a no-obligation free consultation, and we’ll be in touch immediately!

Frequent Answered Questions

How are motorcycle accidents different from car accidents?

Motorcycle accidents typically result in more severe injuries due to the lack of protection for riders, making legal representation crucial for adequate compensation.

What are common causes of motorcycle accidents in Michigan?

Major causes of motorcycle accidents in Michigan include distracted driving, other drivers’ negligence, insufficient motorcycle safety awareness, and driving under the influence, all contributing significantly to the risk of accidents.

What should victims do immediately after a motorcycle accident in Michigan?

Directly after a motorcycle accident, ensure safety, avoid admitting fault, call emergency services, gather evidence, and consult with a Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer.

What types of compensation can victims seek in motorcycle accident cases?

Compensation can include medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, lost earning potential, wrongful death claims, and pain and suffering.

What is the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Michigan?

Victims have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in Michigan.

Recent Settlements

  • $4.15 Million Settlement in Washtenaw County

    $4,150,000 settlement on behalf of the family of a college student who was killed in a traffic crash while riding a motorcycle. The settlement came from three different insurance companies.

  • $3.45 Million Settlement In Genesee County

    $3.45 million settlement against a cement company whose truck crossed a center line causing three deaths and severely injuring a 4 year-old boy. The settlement was $450,000 in excess of available insurance.

  • $1.74 Million Settlement Awarded In Calhoun County Collision

    $1.74 million settlement against a 19 year-old driver and the fraternity where he was drinking immediately prior to a head on collision that killed a 52 year-old husband and father of 3 children.

  • $1.3 Million Settlement In Monroe County

    $1.3 million Federal District Court settlement on behalf of a mother and daughter in a car/truck collision. Mom suffered a pancreas injury but returned to full-time employment within six months; eight year old daughter suffered an aggravation of a pre-existing learning disability as well as a ruptured spleen.

  • $1 Million Settlement In Gravel

    $1 million settlement for a 52 year-old woman in a rural county who broke both ankles and suffered a retrobulbar hemorrhage of her right eye after being struck by a gravel truck.

  • $1,000,000 Settlement for Rear-end Accident

    Matz Injury Law obtained a $1,000,000 settlement for a woman in Northern Michigan who fractured both ankles as a result of being rear-ended by a gravel truck.

  • $3,450,000 Settlement From Commercial Vehicle Accident

    A settlement of $3,450,000 for a family who lost loved ones as a result of an inattentive cement truck driver.

  • $100,000 Uninsured Motorist Settlement In Detroit

    $100,000 uninsured motorist settlement (policy limit) for family of passenger killed in Detroit in suspected joyriding incident.

  • $1 Million Settlement In Oakland County Negligence Case

    $1 million settlement on behalf of a 60 year-old woman with a mild closed head injury due to County Road Commission negligence.

  • $950,000 Settlement On Behalf Of Hillsdale County mother

    $950,000 settlement on behalf of the mother of a young boy who died while a passenger in a one-vehicle crash.

  • $750,000 Settlement in Kalkaska

    $750,000 to the family of a passenger killed in a collision on an icy road.

  • $285,000 Settlement For Auto Injury Victim

    $285,000 settlement on behalf of a 52 year-old woman who suffered from fibromyalgia after hurting her shin resulting from an auto injury.

Visit Our Office

Address:
Matz Injury Law
25800 Northwestern Hwy # 575
Southfield, MI 48075
Phone:
+1 (866) 226-6833
Our location:
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Written By Steven Matz

Founding Shareholder

Steven J. Matz is a founding shareholder of Matz Injury Law. The firm’s concentration is on personal injury litigation, with an emphasis on traumatic brain injury.

Customer Reviews

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  • “Steve Matz deserves more than 5 stars! He went above and beyond to help me with my automobile accident/lawsuit, and stayed in constant contact with me. He cared about me as a person and how I was feeling or doing.”
    – Holly L.
  • “Mr. Matz was great helping me after my auto accident. I had no idea what was going on or where to turn but he led me the correct direction and to the right kind of doctors I needed to treat my injuries. He was there …
    – Judy W.
  • “Many thanks to Jared and the staff at Matz law! You definitely helped ease a very stressful situation. I really didn’t have to do anything, you folks did it all, which I appreciated very much. It’s never a pleasant e…
    – Kim B.
  • “If you are looking for the best attorney to handle your automobile accident claim, look no further! I have known Steve Matz for more than 20 years. He successfully represented me in 2001 then again in 2019 followin…
    – Gary C.
  • “If you’re looking for an attorney to handle your automobile accident/injury claims, then I highly recommend Steve Matz and his team! When I fractured my skull, he helped me settle my bodily injury claim in a timely m…
    – Alicia C.
  • “Following a near head on collision that left my wife with serious injuries to her leg and a head injury from the air bag that caused “instant onset dementia”, she has been deteriorating and needs constant supervision…
    – Thomas C.
  • “I was advised by Steve Matz over several days regarding a previous auto accident. He was very diligent with providing me the information I needed to be successful. I was very worried and misguided about the steps I n…
    – Domonique B.
  • “I cannot speak highly enough of Steve and his team! Everyone is so friendly and professional. Steve always kept me in the loop during the whole process and I tried to do the same. I love that Steve is such an honest …
    – Kristina K.
  • “Steve Matz was very easy to work with. His whole staff was knowledgeable and efficient. I would recommend them to anyone in need of an attorney. Thanks again Steve and staff!!”
    – Linda P.
  • “Steve was outstanding from the first telephone conversation all the way through until he settled my case at an amount that exceeded my expectations. He is a consummate professional and a compassionate attorney and I …
    – Sharyn G.

The maximum contingency fee permitted by law is actually 331/3%. Michigan court rules require that the attorney fee be computed on the net sum recovered after deducting all disbursements properly chargeable to the enforcement of the claim.

What does 22not33 mean, exactly?

We can charge 22% while virtually all other injury attorneys charge 331/3% because we are very, very, good at obtaining results for our clients.

We do not spend millions of dollars on television ads; instead, we offer a lower fee to all our clients. We do not have dozens of lower paid associates handling our work. All our clients are represented by Steven and Jared Matz. Steven Matz started the firm in 1977 and since then has dedicated his life to representing injury victims. Jared joined the firm in 2016 but grew up listening to stories, discussing theories, and generally learning at the dinner table about how to effectively and compassionately represent injury victims. Jared Matz was literally born to represent individuals involved in motor vehicle crashes.

All of our cases are handled on a contingency fee and all our cases are handled at 22%. Whether the case settles or goes through trial, the fee does not change. While our competitors make excuses as to why they charge so much, we are obtaining results for our clients at a lower fee.

At a typical television advertising law firm, your first call will be handled by a receptionist, who may refer you to an intake person, who will discuss your claim with an intake manager, who then discusses your claim with an associate, who may then report to a partner. You may never speak with the person whose name is at the top of the letterhead. At Matz Injury Law you will always speak with either Steven Matz or Jared Matz.