Battle Creek Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Key Takeaways
- Motorcycle accidents often result in life-changing injuries, including permanent disability.
- Injury victims in Michigan can pursue both economic and non-economic damages.
- Bikers are frequently stereotyped as causing accidents, but other types of motorists are often identified as the at-fault party.
- Working with an experienced Michigan motorcycle accident attorney increases the chances of obtaining fair compensation to cover the cost of injuries and other accident-related expenses.
Motorcycle accidents can be life-altering, leaving victims not only with painful injuries but also with the heavy burden of medical bills and emotional trauma. In Battle Creek, countless riders find themselves grappling with the aftermath of a crash, feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn for help.
The reality is that these accidents often result in severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal damage, which can lead to chronic pain and permanent disabilities. Victims may find themselves unable to return to work, struggling with daily activities they once enjoyed, and living in constant fear of reliving the traumatic event. The financial strain can be crippling, with medical expenses soaring into six figures, while the emotional toll can manifest as depression or anxiety.
The stress of navigating complex insurance claims and legal hurdles can feel isolating, but you don’t have to face this journey alone. At Matz Injury Law, we understand the profound impact an accident can have on your life and the lives of your loved ones. Our dedicated team is here to provide compassionate and skilled representation, fighting tirelessly for your rights and the compensation you deserve.
When the road ahead feels uncertain and daunting, let Matz Injury Law be your trusted ally, guiding you toward recovery. You deserve justice, support, and a chance to reclaim your life. Contact our law office today for a free initial consultation.
Why Residents of Battle Creek, Michigan Choose Matz Injury Law
Matz Injury Law has been advocating for Michigan’s injured for several decades. Our law firm is proud of the positive reputation we have earned over time, largely due to our client-first approach.
Injury victims often choose to work with our attorneys because they know their well-being matters to us. We are known for providing honest, transparent, and compassionate legal services. Should you choose our law firm to represent you in your motorcycle injury case, you can expect us to get to know each other well. You will never be passed on to an assistant.
Over the years, our Battle Creek personal injury attorneys have logged hundreds of thousands of miles traveling throughout Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas to meet with clients. To date, we have earned more than $300 million for our clients.
Testimonials
“I was struck by an SUV while riding my HD motorcycle. When I was released from the hospital, I contacted Lawyer Steven Matz, who came to our home and assisted us with all the paperwork. Steve also got us top Dollar for my totaled bike, and the maximum amount allowed in our financial settlement. Steve was always available to help with questions, and gave answers that contained compassion. He was always upbeat and energetic! I highly recommend his services to anyone that may need them.” – Dan F.
“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 person, he’s not going to sugar coat anything but he’s also not rude about it either. Whenever I needed to talk to Steve he was always there and still always will be, I know I can always trust him and if I need anything he will help me out. I seriously couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer to share this journey with, if I had to do it all over again I wouldn’t change my lawyer and if I ever need a lawyer again he will always be my first choice. Suing anyone is really messy and for the most part no one wants to deal with it, but if you have to, make sure you’re choosing the right lawyer. Steve actually genuinely cares about his clients and their well being and he and his team will walk you through anything you need help with, it took a lot of stress off of me knowing Steve and his team were always by my side and I love the feeling of people that actually care about you. They aren’t there to just take your money and whatever happens, happens. I truly believe they are in the business because they care and want to fight to get people justice. Choose right, choose Matz Injury Law and I guarantee you won’t regret it! Thank you Steve and your team for everything you do and have done for me, I can’t thank you guys enough, stay well and amazing!” – Kristina K.
“For anyone looking for an attorney please look no further than Matz Injury Law!! Not only was Jared professional, he helped me beyond what I could have asked for. I’m so thankful for you all!!! To say I’m appreciative and grateful is an understatement. There’s no need to look for any other attorneys for your auto accidents!! They are so wonderful!!! Highly recommended 10/10!!!!!” – Tessa C.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Battle Creek, Michigan
Motorcycle collisions in Battle Creek, Michigan are often due to negligence, including but not limited to the following types of actions or behaviors.
- Distracted driving (e.g. texting, talking on the phone, eating, and other behaviors taking their attention off the road)
- Speeding
- Careless or reckless driving
- Failure to yield
- Weather conditions
- Road hazards
- Inexperienced riders
- Driving while under the influence (DUI)
- Fatigued driving
- Defective motorcycle components
- Poor road conditions
These circumstances, along with a variety of other types of traffic violations, can cause motorcycle crashes, leading to severe injury or, tragically, preventable fatalities.
Typical Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents in Battle Creek, Michigan
Experiencing a motorcycle accident in Battle Creek can lead to a range of serious injuries that can significantly impact a victim’s day-to-day living, for the short-term, long-term, or permanently. Motorcycle riders and/or their passengers often sustain the following types of injuries.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Road rash
- Internal injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Abdominal injuries
- Hand and arm injuries
- Foot and leg injuries
Riders and passengers often suffer severe injuries because they do not have a vehicle to protect them, even when they wear helmets or other protective gear.
Steps to Take Following a Battle Creek, Michigan Motorcycle Accident
The aftermath of a motorcycle crash can be chaotic, but it is important to take the following steps.
- Move to a safe location
- Call emergency services
- Do not admit fault or sign any documents
- Gather insurance and contact information for any other involved drivers
- Document the scene (e.g. photos and video – if you are unable, ask an eyewitness or other person to help)
- Seek medical care, even if you feel fine
- Keep records of all medical treatment
- Report the accident to the insurance company
It is important before speaking to the insurance company in any detail about the accident to consult a Battle Creek motorcycle attorney as soon as possible.
Types of Compensation Available for Battle Creek Motorcycle Accident Victims
Battle Creek motorcycle accident victims are eligible to pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are actual costs incurred by victims where a dollar amount can be attached to them. Examples include:
- Medical bills (past, current, and future)
- Medical equipment
- Medications
- Lost wages
- Loss of future wages/future earning capacity
- Damage to the motorcycle
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are harder to quantify because there are no receipts associated with the losses, but they are still damages. Examples include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- PTSD
- Mental anguish
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Humiliation (damage to the victim’s reputation or self-esteem)
Determining non-economic damages sometimes presents challenges, but an experienced Battle Creek motorcycle accident lawyer can help assess the value of a claim.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim After a Motorcycle Accident in Battle Creek, MI
Filing a personal injury claim after a motorcycle accident requires a thorough understanding of Michigan’s motorcycle laws, including no-fault insurance rules and helmet requirements.
Michigan does impose a statute of limitations of three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. It is vital to act quickly to preserve essential evidence and witness testimonies. Working with a Michigan attorney who is well-versed in insurance and other state laws is important.
In addition to providing legal representation, your lawyer will help gather evidence, identify at-fault parties, prove negligence, and pursue a fair settlement.
How is Negligence Proved in a Battle Creek Motorcycle Accident?
In a Battle Creek motorcycle accident claim, the injured plaintiff carries the burden of proving negligence. This involves demonstrating that the responsible party:
- Owed the injured victim a duty of care
- Breached that duty through carelessness or recklessness
- This breach directly caused the victim’s injuries and resulting damages
- The victim suffered actual damages as a direct result of the injury
Obtaining sufficient evidence to prove negligence is crucial to a motorcycle accident claim. Items such as police reports, witness statements, photos (and video) from the scene, and medical records are essential to a case.
Do I Need an Attorney for a Motorcycle Accident in Battle Creek, MI?
Partnering with a Battle Creek personal injury attorney with extensive experience in motorcycle accidents will prove to be a valuable asset to your case. Many motorcycle accident victims face large medical bills, significant property damage, and pain and suffering. It can be difficult to know how to obtain compensation to cover these and other losses.
Finding an attorney who understands Michigan’s specific motorcycle laws and how they apply to individual cases is important. An experienced lawyer can help by:
- Conducting comprehensive investigations
- Gathering necessary evidence to prove negligence
- Obtaining witness statements
- Compiling evidence before it degrades
- Building a strong case
- Working with accident reconstruction experts to prove liability
- Negotiating with insurance companies to obtain fair compensation
Using their experience negotiating with insurance companies, your attorney can effectively advocate for your legal rights and work towards securing a fair settlement. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will be prepared to represent you in court, presenting the case effectively to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Additional Practice Areas Offered by Our Personal Injury Lawyers
The skilled attorneys at Matz Injury Law handle a variety of personal injury cases, including but not limited to the following types of accident cases:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Passenger injuries
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bus accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- No-fault and uninsured motorist accidents
- Wrongful death claims
- Slips and falls
- Boat accidents
- Dog bites
Helpful Resources for Battle Creek Motorcycle Accident Victims
- Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF)
- Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- Michigan Department of Community Health
- Michigan State Police
Battle Creek Bikers, Let Us Fight for You
Suffering an injury in a motorcycle accident can leave you and your family feeling anxious and uncertain about the future.
The personal injury attorneys at Matz Injury Law understand the pain and worry you are experiencing. We will handle all the logistics of your claim so you can focus on recovery. As we navigate your case, we will do so with the goal of easing your suffering.
To schedule a free consultation, call Matz Injury Law at 1-866-22Not33 or fill out our no-obligation, online contact form.
Frequent Answered Questions
Yes, Michigan has a motorcycle helmet law requiring riders under the age of 21 to wear a helmet at all times. Riders aged 21 and over can choose to ride without a helmet if they meet certain conditions, such as holding a motorcycle endorsement for at least two years, completing an approved motorcycle safety course, and carrying a minimum of $20,000 in first-party medical benefits through their motorcycle insurance.
Yes, if the accident was caused by another party’s negligence, you can pursue compensation for road rash and scarring resulting from a motorcycle accident.
In such cases, you may be entitled to damages to cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and compensation for scarring and disfigurement resulting from road rash.
Given that road rash can lead to permanent scars that are both physically and emotionally distressing, a Battle Creek motorcycle accident lawyer can be invaluable to your case.
No, motorcycles are not covered under Michigan’s no-fault insurance laws because they are not classified as motor vehicles. This means motorcyclists are not required to purchase no-fault insurance.
Instead, they must obtain liability insurance, commonly referred to as PLPD (Personal Liability and Property Damage) coverage, which protects against bodily injury and property damage caused to others in an accident.
Michigan law imposes a statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident claim. This is generally three years from the date of the accident. Speak to your attorney ASAP about any important deadlines or possible exceptions to this rule.
Individuals should consider several key factors when choosing a motorcycle accident attorney in Battle Creek, Michigan. They want to identify an attorney with experience in motorcycle cases and a strong reputation supported by positive client reviews. Effective communication is crucial, so it is also important to select a lawyer who is responsive and clear in their explanations.
In Battle Creek, Michigan, the cost of hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer typically operates on a contingency fee basis. This means clients do not pay any upfront fees; instead, the attorney receives a percentage of the settlement or judgment awarded if the case is successful.
Matz Injury Law is a lower-fee firm, offering a contingency fee of just 22% compared to the standard 33.3% charged by many personal injury law firms.
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