A motorcycle accident can leave you with serious injuries. Fighting for the settlement money you deserve after an accident is often draining, especially when you are also dealing with emotional and physical trauma. The motorcycle accident attorneys at Matz Injury Law have generated over $300 million in results for our personal injury clients in Jackson and throughout Michigan. Our law firm will handle the details of your claim so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Contact us or call 866-226-6833 for a free consultation today.
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents In Jackson, Michigan?
Motorcycle crashes have many of the same causes as other motor vehicle accidents. Determining the cause of the accident and identifying the negligent driver is essential to recovering compensation for your injuries.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a serious problem for motorists throughout Michigan. Motorcycles are particularly vulnerable to collisions involving drivers who are distracted by mobile devices.
Negligent Driving
Many motorcycle accident cases are based on the legal theory of negligence, which holds a driver liable for injuries that they cause when they fail to use a reasonable amount of care. Traffic law violations, such as running a red light, or failing to check blind spots when changing lanes could be examples of negligent driving.
Drivers Not Seeing Motorcyclists
Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles, which makes them harder to see. Many motorists do not understand how motorcycles work, nor do they know how to watch out for motorcycles on the road. Failure to see motorcycles on the road is the top cause of motorcycle crashes.
Left-Hand Turn Accidents
Left-turn accidents often happen when a car turns in front of a motorcycle at an intersection. In interviews with police officers after motorcycle crashes, many motorists say they did not see the bike before hitting it.
Speeding
Speed is a common factor in Jackson motorcycle accidents. Motorists may have difficulty judging the speed of an oncoming motorcycle. They may misjudge the distance between their vehicle and a motorcycle, or they might simply not see the motorcycle until it is too late.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs frequently leads to vehicle crashes. Both motorists and motorcyclists can cause or contribute to accidents when they drive while intoxicated.
Poor Road Conditions
Michigan roads can be dangerous because of debris, loose gravel, or weather conditions like snow or ice. Negligent road construction and maintenance can produce potholes, uneven lanes, and other hazards that cause Jackson motorcycle accidents.
What Should I Do After I Have Been in a Motorcycle Accident in Jackson, Michigan?
After an auto accident, you can take several steps to protect yourself and others, as well as gather evidence that you will need in an insurance claim or lawsuit. Your health and safety should be your first priority, though, so if you need immediate medical attention, do not hesitate to seek it.
Get Everyone to Safety
As much as you are able, help others get to safety. Move any vehicles that could cause further vehicle crashes. Once you have done this, do not move anything else. Leave the scene as it is for the responding police officers.
Call Emergency Services
Call 9-1-1 to inform them about the accident and tell them if anyone, including yourself, needs medical care. The operator will dispatch emergency responders, possibly including EMTs and police.
Gather Any Necessary Evidence
Take photos of the accident scene and your injuries if possible. Talk to witnesses and get their contact information. Since motorcycle crashes often involve other vehicles besides your motorcycle, you need to get the other driver’s contact and insurance information. Police can help you collect the information you need if they are present on the scene. They will prepare a police report when they complete their investigation, which you will need for your insurance claim.
Assess Your Injuries and Damage To Your Motorcycle
Common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputation injuries
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Lower extremity trauma
The severity of accident victims’ injuries may not reveal itself right away. We recommend that you seek medical care immediately, even if you do not feel hurt Many insurers will give you a low estimate of your damages to minimize the amount of compensation they must pay. Having a doctor assess your injuries and having a mechanic inspect your motorcycle can help you understand the extent of your injuries and property damage.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
You have a year from the date of your motorcycle accident to file a first-party or third-party claim with an insurance company. It can take time to build a case, though, so you should try to file a claim as soon as possible. You must notify the insurance provider of the accident, but that is all you should do before you talk to a personal injury lawyer. You do not have to answer an insurance adjuster’s questions without counsel, and you definitely should not sign anything they give you before a lawyer reviews it with you.
Hire a Motorcycle Attorney Serving Jackson
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What Are the Motorcycle Accident Laws in Jackson, Michigan?
Under Michigan’s no-fault law, injured motorists may recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses regardless of who was responsible for the accident. You may file a claim on your own no-fault insurance, also known as personal injury protection (PIP). Unlike most drivers, however, Michigan does not require motorcyclists to carry PIP coverage. An injured motorcyclist without PIP must submit a claim to the other driver’s insurance company for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. If the driver was uninsured, they may be able to make a claim on their own uninsured motorist coverage.
What Compensation Can I File For in Jackson, Michigan?
An experienced Jackson motorcycle accident lawyer can help you recover fair compensation for a variety of damages.
Medical Expenses
You may be able to obtain compensation for both current and future medical bills, including physical therapy and long-term disability.
Property Damage
You can get compensation for damage to your motorcycle and any other property that belongs to you.
Lost Wages
Motorcycle accident injuries can cause you to miss a significant amount of work while you receive medical care. You are entitled to damages that cover your lost earnings. This applies both to time you have already missed from work and time that you will miss in the future because of your injuries.
Wrongful Death
Some motorcycle accidents result in fatalities. If you lost a loved one due to another motorist’s negligence, you may recover damages for wrongful death.
Non-Economic Damages
Not all losses that result from motorcycle accidents are as easily measurable as medical bills or lost wages. Accident victims can claim compensation for more subjective harms, known as non-economic damages. One example, pain and suffering, compensates you for both the physical and emotional pain that results from your injuries.
How Can a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Help Me If I’ve Been Injured?
To recover damages for motorcycle accident injuries, you must prove that another driver was negligent. A lawyer serving Jackson residents can help you do this. They can gather evidence showing the severe injuries that you have suffered and the time you will need to recover. Your lawyer will negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to get you a fair settlement. Insurance companies know many tricks that they will use to try to reduce the amount they must pay you. Personal injury attorneys know how to spot and avoid these tricks.
Move Forward with a Fair Settlement and Just Compensation
Have you suffered injuries in a Michigan motorcycle accident? Matz Injury Law is here to help. Contact our personal injury lawyers today at 866-226-6833 to discuss your motorcycle accident case or complete our online contact form, and we will be in touch immediately!
