Grand Rapids Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Key Takeaways

• Motorcycle accident cases are different from car accident cases in that the injuries a biker suffers can be more severe or catastrophic because of the size of the bike and the little protection it offers.
• Experienced motorcycle accident lawyers work to collect evidence needed to recover the compensation you deserve, including future medical expenses.
• Matz Injury Law offers free consultations for personal injury cases, including motorcycle accidents, and works on a contingency basis so you can concentrate on recovering.

You took your bike out to enjoy a ride to the lake or through the country. You may have had a passenger on the back. As you were enjoying the scenery and the warmer weather, someone suddenly crashed into you. Your beautiful day just took a turn for the worse, and based on how your body feels, you know you’ll face a long recovery ahead if you fully recover at all.

Grand Rapids motorcycle accident lawyers, like those at Matz Injury Law, are experienced in motorcycle wrecks and recovering compensation for serious injuries and wrongful death. We can help you recover the compensation you deserve from the at-fault driver.

Award-Winning Grand Rapids Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Fighting for You

When you choose Matz Injury Law to help you recover the compensation you deserve, you are choosing attorneys who have won several awards over the years, including Super Lawyers, Top Attorneys, Avvo 10.0, AV Preeminent ratings, and ratings from The National Trial Lawyers in the Top 100 Lawyers. We won these awards due to our dedication to clients’ legal rights and our commitment to securing favorable outcomes.

How Can Our Grand Rapids Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Help You?

After you set up a free case evaluation and establish an attorney-client relationship with us, the process of recovering the compensation you deserve after a motorcycle accident begins. Once we review your case, we:

• Investigate the accident scene and speak with witnesses
• Obtain medical records and police reports
• Help you obtain the appropriate medical care
• Look for all potential sources of compensation
• Negotiate with the insurance companies involved

If the insurance companies do not offer a fair and reasonable settlement based on your injuries and the length of time it will take for you to recover, we will prepare for litigation.

We Will Conduct a Thorough Investigation and Collect Evidence

One of the most important aspects of a motorcycle accident case is determining fault and learning where we can recover the compensation you deserve. Our legal team consults with investigators and accident reconstruction experts to investigate the accident scene and obtain evidence. We also depose witnesses, including medical experts, so that we can create a compelling case for liability, damages, and losses.

We Will Fight for the Compensation You Deserve in Case of a Motorcycle Accident in Grand Rapids

Michigan’s no-fault laws are complicated, especially for motorcycle riders. We negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance to recover the fault benefits up to the amount of personal injury protection (PIP) coverage the at-fault driver has. PIP usually covers medical expenses, prescription drugs, therapies, and ongoing treatment. It can also cover up to a certain amount of lost wages and replacement services for up to three years.

Affordable Representation With Our “22 Not 33” Fee Structure

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. That means you do not pay legal fees unless you win. However, most also take 33 percent of the compensation you recover. At Matz Injury Law, we are more affordable, as we only charge 22 percent instead of the typical 33 percent contingency fee.

Why Clients Partner With Matz Injury Law

We work hard for our clients, as medical bills and lost wages add up quickly. We use our experience to recover the compensation you deserve, whether you have minor injuries, catastrophic injuries that will affect you for the rest of your life, or you are filing a wrongful death case on behalf of a loved one.

Our Recent Settlements

Some of our recent settlements and verdicts include:

• $4.15 million in a wrongful death case where a college student was killed in a crash while riding a motorcycle.
• $3 million for a couple struck by an oncoming car while riding a motorcycle.
• $3 million uninsured motorist settlement for a 41-year-old woman who was a passenger on the back of a motorcycle.

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.

“Martz Injury law was very informative, communicated in a timely manner, up front with what to expect and would highly recommend their services for injury situations.” – Dennis C.

“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 would highly recommend him if you ever find yourself in need of a personal injury attorney.” – Sharyn G.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Grand Rapids, MI

Some of the common causes of motorcycle accidents include the negligence of others, and the actions and inactions of the rider, including:

• Dangerous road conditions
• Aggressive driving by another driver or the motorcyclist
• Reckless driving by another driver or the motorcyclist
• Speeding by either party
• Improper lane changes
• Crashes with other vehicles while making left turns
• Failing to check blind spots before changing lanes
• Poorly maintained motor vehicles
• Weather conditions

Can I File a Personal Injury Claim After a Motorcycle Crash?

Yes, you can file a personal injury claim against the negligent driver after a motorcycle crash. However, you must be able to prove that another party’s negligence caused the accident to file a personal injury claim after a motorcycle crash. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can investigate your case to determine who the negligent parties were and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Compensation Available for Motorcycle Accident Victims

After a motorcycle wreck, you can recover two types of compensation for motorcycle accident injuries: economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Sometimes referred to as special damages, economic damages have a monetary value. They often include:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Replacement or repair of personal property, such as your motorcycle
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Death-related expenses in wrongful death cases

Non-Economic Damages

Sometimes referred to as general damages, non-economic damages do not have a monetary value. They include:

• Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
• Loss of quality of life
• Loss of consortium or companionship
• Inconvenience
• Disfigurement
• Sensory impairment

How Does Motorcycle Insurance Work in Michigan?

Michigan law requires motorcyclists to have a minimum of:

• $50,000 liability coverage
• $100,000 for each accident to cover several people injured
• $10,000 property damage liability

Riders can choose higher coverage—these are the minimums. Insurers must offer riders the option to purchase additional insurance for medical benefits in increments of $5,000.

Additionally, if a motorcyclist opts not to wear a helmet, he or she must have at least $20,000 in medical benefits included in his or her policy for each rider who chooses to ride “naked.”

Other coverages are available, including collision and comprehensive.

If another vehicle causes the accident, the motorcyclist is entitled to personal injury protection (PIP) from the at-fault driver’s insurance to pay for allowable expenses for medical expenses, recovery and rehabilitation, lost wages, and replacement services.

The other driver’s PIP may cover some funeral expenses and survivor’s benefits in the accident that caused the death of a motorcyclist. If the driver does not have PIP, the motorcyclist is entitled to up to $250,000 in PIP benefits from the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan.

Time Limit for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Grand Rapids, MI

You have a limited amount of time to contact a Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer and file a claim. The state’s statute of limitations requires you to make a no-fault claim within a year of the accident, though the statute of limitations for a third-party claim is three years. Because Michigan is a no-fault state and for several other reasons, always contact an attorney to start your claim as soon as possible—even if you are still in the hospital, as it takes time to investigate the accident.

What if the Insurance Company Denies My Claim?

If an insurance company denies your claim, contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer immediately. An attorney can help appeal the denial and negotiate with insurers. Should the insurance company still deny your claim, your attorney can litigate your case.

Hurt in a Motorcycle Accident? Get Legal Advice From a Grand Rapids Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Accident victims should only have to worry about recovering after a motorcycle accident. They should not have to worry about fighting the insurance company or whether they are getting the best care. You deserve to collect compensation for your injuries and losses, and our law firm can help. Call 866-226-6833 today to schedule your free consultation, or fill out our online contact form.