Trusted Lansing Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Key Takeaways

• Motorcycle crashes tend to leave catastrophic injuries and wrongful deaths in their wake.
• Motorcyclists and their passengers should seek medical attention immediately in case they are suffering “hidden” injuries that could be serious.
• In Michigan, motorcycles are not classified as motor vehicles, so the insurance process works a little differently.
• Working with an experienced Lansing motorcycle accident lawyer can help you and your family receive fair compensation.

Motorcycle accidents often leave a victim with life-altering injuries, chronic pain, permanent disabilities, or, tragically, a fatality. In Lansing, MI, riders may find themselves struggling with injuries, suffering, and emotional distress as the medical bills start mounting up.

After an accident, it is challenging to juggle injuries while dealing with the claims process. Working with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can make the difference in obtaining fair compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages.

The compassionate personal injury attorneys at Matz Injury Law know what you are going through and want to help. We can assist you with navigating complex insurance claims and legal hurdles you encounter. Our attorneys truly understand the profound impact a motorcycle accident can have on your life and that of your loved ones. Call Matz Injury Law to schedule a free injury case evaluation.

What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents in Lansing?

Motorcycle crashes tend to be more devastating than car accidents due to a lack of protective elements for bikers to shield them. Common causes of motorcycle accidents typically include:

• Poor visibility
• Poor road conditions
• Other drivers failing to provide enough space for motorcycles
• Motorcyclist riding in drivers’ blind spots
• Impaired drivers
• Illegal lane changes

Additionally, drivers who do not account for motorcycles when driving through an intersection are a very common cause of bike crashes.

How Are Motorcycle and Car Accidents Different?

When it comes to motorcycle and car accidents, a lot of the process is the same, but there are a handful of differences.

Driver/Rider Safety and Injuries

Motorcycle accidents tend to involve much more severe injuries than car accidents due to the inherent risks of riding a motorcycle. Common injuries in a motorcycle accident include head injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, road rash, scarring, and disfigurement.

Insurance

Motorcycle and auto insurance coverage are two different things and will impact how the case works. In Michigan, motorcycles are not classified as motor vehicles, so they do not have to purchase personal injury protection (PIP) insurance.

Wrongful Death

Wrongful death can occur in any type of motor vehicle accident, but it is far more common in motorcycle accidents. The National Safety Council reports that motorcycles account for only 3 percent of the registered vehicles in the U.S. but account for over 14 percent of all traffic-related deaths.

Why Clients Partner With Matz Injury Law

Clients often select Matz Injury Law because we deliver honest, transparent, and communicative service. Our extensive experience lies within personal injury law, and our lawyers are equipped to handle the intricacies associated with motorcycle accident cases and other types of injuries.

We are a client-first law firm, and the attorney-client relationship is crucial to us. Should you choose to work with us, you can expect to receive personalized attention and legal advice directly from your attorney. You’ll never be passed off to an assistant or treated like just another case number. We will get to know each other well.

To date, our law office’s attorneys have logged hundreds of thousands of miles traveling throughout Michigan and have recovered more than $300 million for our clients.

Our Client Testimonials

“What a great crew at Matz Injury Law! Steve, Jared, Diane, and Kristina are top notch professionals and awesome individuals as well. Highly recommended!!!!” — Mitchell O.

“Steve is nothing short of amazing! He is currently helping me with my lawsuit and has been THE best very knowledgeable and works hard!!! Very guiding and informational and guidance he gives every step of the way is phenomenal I’d be lost without help!” — Tiffany L.

“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.

What Steps Should I Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Lansing?

The aftermath of a crash can be filled with confusion and fear. While difficult, taking proactive steps immediately after a motorcycle accident is essential. This way, you can set yourself up for success following the crash.

Call 911 or a Non-Emergency Line to Report the Crash

Call 911 immediately so police and emergency services can arrive at the scene. Law enforcement will write up a police report (important for evidence), and EMS can evaluate any potentially serious injuries.

Cooperate With Law Enforcement

Stay calm and cooperate with the police. Be polite when answering questions about the crash, but don’t admit fault, even if you think you caused the collision. Other factors may be present that you are unaware of, such as the other driver drinking or being distracted.

Collect Evidence (If Possible)

If able, take photographs and videos at the crash site, including injuries, motorcycle damage, skid marks, traffic signs, and any other pertinent factors that can show how the crash occurred. In the event you are unable to do so, ask an eyewitness or another individual to help.

Additionally, collect any witness statements, nearby security footage, and any other forms of evidence to help support your case.

Only collect evidence if you can do so safely and without injury.

Gather the Other Driver’s Insurance Information

Exchange names and contact information among drivers, along with the insurance information from every motorist involved in the crash.

Receive Medical Treatment

Even if you feel fine, see a doctor to check for hidden crash symptoms. Adrenaline may initially mask your pain, so you may not yet even realize you are hurt. If you wait, the insurance company may claim that any motorcycle accident injuries are from something else unrelated to the crash.

Contact an Attorney

Contact your attorney as soon as possible after the crash, ideally if you are still at the crash site. An attorney will advise you on the necessary steps to take after a motorcycle accident. Without a legal advocate by your side, you risk making mistakes that could ruin your chances of receiving compensation before your case even starts.

How Does Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance Work in Lansing Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycles are not required to carry PIP liability protection, whereas cars and trucks are. Michigan is one of a few states with a no-fault insurance law, meaning that for any motor vehicle accident, the injuries and damages will be covered by insurance.

The only problem here is that motorcycles are not considered motor vehicles under Michigan law. Thus, if you were involved in a motorcycle crash, you would need to file a claim for fault benefits with the other driver’s insurance to cover your injuries.

Michigan’s Helmet Law for Lansing Motorcycle Riders

Michigan’s helmet laws only require riders under the age of 21 to wear one. As long as you are over 21 and have the necessary training, you are not required to wear a helmet.

If you were not wearing a helmet, the insurance company may reduce your compensation. For example, if you fall and hit your head after the accident, the insurance company will likely state that by refusing to wear a helmet, you assumed the risk of hurting your head or sustaining a traumatic brain injury.

However, this is not always the case. A skilled lawyer will fight with the insurance company to leave the helmet use out of the personal injury claim.

What Damages Can Be Recovered After a Lansing Motorcycle Accident?

Despite there being differences in the insurance laws between motorcycles and motor vehicles in Michigan, the damages victims can pursue are very similar. If you file through the other party’s insurance, their policy may limit you. You may be entitled to recover damages such as:

• Damage to the bike
• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Wrongful death (if applicable)
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish

It is advisable to consult with an experienced Lansing motorcycle accident attorney who can evaluate your circumstances and what damages you may be eligible to pursue.

What Are the Options When a Wrongful Death Occurs in a Lansing Motorcycle Accident?

Losing a loved one to an accident is a tragic event no one should ever have to suffer, especially if negligence is involved. If you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash, you can file for a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the loved one who could have filed had they not succumbed to their injuries. The personal representative of your loved one’s estate can file on behalf of your family. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can handle the complexities and help you through this very difficult time.

Do I Need a Lansing Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

No, you do not need to hire a lawyer after a crash, but it is only to your benefit to do so.

An attorney can provide valuable insight into your case and help you get a fairer settlement. (Remember, an insurance company’s goal is to deny or pay out as little as possible on a claim.)

When seeking lawyers, be sure to hire one who has experience in motorcycle accident cases, not just car accidents. Your attorney can help you by:

• Contacting at-fault parties and their insurers: Insurance companies have many different ways they use to try to trick people into admitting fault for the accident; attorneys are familiar with these traps and know how to avoid them.
• Negotiating settlements: Since insurance companies will most likely try to limit paying out damages, an attorney can help you receive fair compensation from the insurance company.
• Keeping you on time for any important deadlines: In Michigan, you have three years to make a claim after a motorcycle accident. This time goes by incredibly fast and can slip away if you aren’t careful.

Your attorney will also help gather and assemble evidence to help build a strong case to support your claim.

Lansing Motorcycle Accidents Can Be Scary. Don’t Face an Accident Alone.

The caring and compassionate Michigan motorcycle accident lawyers at Matz Injury Law understand the life-altering effects a motorcycle accident can have on your life. Our legal team is here to provide support and legal advocacy to injured motorcyclists. We are committed to helping motorcycle accident victims and will fight tirelessly for your rights to get you the compensation you need and deserve.

Michigan allows injury victims to pursue both economic and non-economic damages. Let us handle the legal complexities, insurance negotiations, deadlines, and every other detail.

You focus on recovery and getting your life back on track. We’ll manage the entire legal process. To receive a free consultation from a personal injury lawyer, call Matz Injury Law at 1-866-22Not33 or fill out our online contact form today.