Motorcycle Accident Lawyers In Petoskey, MI

Key Takeaways

• Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities when compared with other types of motor vehicle accidents.
• Motorists may crash into motorcycles due to negligent behaviors such as distracted driving, speeding, DUI, and other traffic violations.
• Michigan’s no-fault laws do not classify bikes as motor vehicles, making the insurance process work a little differently.
• An attorney experienced in Michigan motorcycle accidents can help you pursue fair compensation to help pay for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

According to statistics, every year, over 3,000 motorcycle crashes occur in Michigan, leaving victims facing life-altering circumstances. Most crashes do not happen on major highways but on local streets, such as those you might find in remote areas like Petoskey.

Accident victims often find themselves facing a harsh reality when trying to navigate an uncertain future while dealing with physical and emotional pain, along with a mounting pile of medical expenses. To make matters worse, insurance adjusters are likely to try to paint you as being at fault.

The compassionate attorneys at Matz Injury Law will listen to your side of the story and protect you from insurance companies seeking to minimize your pain and exploit your vulnerabilities by trying to pin the crash on you. Our Michigan personal injury attorneys know how to battle back against bias, investigate accidents, and navigate legal complexities. Contact our law office for a free consultation about your injury claim.

Recognized Among Michigan’s Top Attorneys for Motorcycle Accident Cases

The attorneys at Matz Injury Law are well-known across Michigan as staunch advocates for injured parties. Our law firm puts its entire focus on personal injuries and helping victims recover the compensation they need and deserve.

Over the decades, Matz Injury Law attorneys have been proud recipients of Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Preeminent rating, Super Lawyers, Michigan’s Top Attorneys from Crain’s Detroit Business, AVVO rating of 10.0, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, and other awards. We are proud of these awards because they demonstrate our commitment and the hard work we put into each case.

Our Michigan Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Are Highly Decorated

• 100% five-star review rate
• Over 300 million won in compensation
• 48 years of experience in law
• We offer a 11% lower fee than the standard Michigan contingency fee
• Steven Matz was inducted into Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame.
• Recognized by SuperLawyers in 2008 – 2009, 2013 – 2014, 2019 – 2024

Recent Motorcycle Accident Settlements

The personal injury lawyers at Matz Injury Law diligently pursue compensation for our clients so they can pay medical bills, replace lost wages, and move forward with their lives. Examples of recent motorcycle accident settlements include:

• $4.15 million settlement in Washtenaw County on behalf of the family of a college student who suffered a fatality while riding a motorcycle. The settlement came from three separate insurance companies.
• $490,000 settlement in Ingham County for a woman involved in an automobile/motorcycle crash.
• $3 million settlement for a couple who was struck by an oncoming car while riding a motorcycle.
• $300,000 on behalf of a 41-year-old passenger of a motorcycle.

Client 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.

“Mayz Injury Law was the best decision I have made. Steve has been so helpful through this whole process and always there for me and my husband. He made everything quick and easy! I would highly recommend Matz Injury Law.” — Linda N.

“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.

Our Petoskey Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Offer Free Consultations to Assess Your Case

Matz Injury Law helps motorcycle accident victims in Petoskey by offering free consultations to evaluate their cases. Our lawyers handle a wide range of personal injury cases, including motorcycle, car, and truck accidents. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Why Clients Partner With Matz Injury Law

Michiganders often turn to Matz Injury Law for legal advice in their personal injury cases because they know they can count on receiving honest, transparent, communicative, and compassionate services.

Matz Injury Law attorneys truly understand the fear and uncertainty motorcycle accident injury victims face after an accident. We are a client-first law firm and, over the years, have logged in hundreds of thousands of miles traveling to virtually every county in Michigan to meet with clients.

We are tireless advocates for every client who chooses Matz Injury Law to represent them. To date, our law firm has recovered over $300 million for our clients. We are also a lower-fee law firm, which means more of the compensation awarded goes back to you.

What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Petoskey, MI?

Some accidents cannot possibly be prevented. Unfortunately, many others are caused by negligence. The following are common causes of Petoskey motorcycle accidents.

• Driver inattention/distracted driving
• Speeding
• Drunk driving
• Left turn accidents into a motorcycle’s path
• Failure to yield
• Adverse weather conditions
• Roadway hazards
• Aggressive driving
• Cars cutting off bikes when changing lanes
• Illegal lane splitting
• Sudden stops

These and other causes of bike accidents can tragically lead to severe injuries or fatalities in Petoskey and other regions in Michigan.

Danger Signs You Need to Be Aware of to Avoid a Motorcycle Accident in Petoskey

Motorcycle riders should be vigilant for signs of dangerous drivers to prevent accidents, as they are more susceptible to them.

• Vehicles exceeding speed limits
• Motor vehicles driving far slower than the posted speed limits
• Swerving vehicles
• Vehicles erratically changing lanes
• Signs of road rage (e.g. honking, yelling, tailgating, or other signals)
• Vehicles not utilizing headlights
• The presence of a “blue light” at night from the driver’s side of the car indicates they may be looking at their phone

Always be mindful of your surroundings and take precautions when sharing Petoskey’s roadways with other motor vehicles.

What Are Some Common Injuries Petoskey Motorcycle Riders Can Suffer?

Sadly, motorcycle injuries tend to be more serious than other accidents because motorcycles lack the protective elements that car and truck structures do. Common injuries Petoskey motorcycle riders suffer include

• Road rash and abrasions
• Broken bones and fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Neck and back injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Internal bleeding

Unfortunately, motorcycle accident victims are also vulnerable to disfigurement, amputation surgeries, and, tragically, fatalities.

What Should I Do if I Am Involved in a Motorcycle Accident in Petoskey, MI?

If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, immediately take the following steps:

• Call 911, so a police report can be filed and EMS can evaluate for potential injuries
• Seek medical attention after leaving the scene of the crash if you were not transported to the ER
• Document the accident scene with photos/video
• Collect eyewitness contact information
• Exchange insurance information with the other drivers

Importantly, contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. Your attorney will protect your rights and help you navigate the legal process.

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Michigan?

State of Michigan law stipulates motorcycle accident victims have a three-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. There are other important potential deadlines to meet, depending upon individual circumstances. It is advisable to consult a skilled attorney as soon as possible so legal action can be taken in a timely manner.

What Types of Compensation Can I Receive After a Motorcycle Accident?

If you suffered injury in a motorcycle accident, you can pursue both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earnings, any modifications made to homes or vehicles, and other calculable losses where victims can demonstrate money spent or will need to be spent, such as on long-term care or rehabilitation necessary for recovery.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are more difficult to assess because they do not have a dollar amount attached to them. Nonetheless, they represent significant losses. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, loss of consortium, scarring, disfigurement, amputation, and other intangible types of damages.

Do Michigan Motorcycles Get No-Fault Benefits?

Motorcycles are not classified as motor vehicles in Michigan, which means riders do not carry no-fault insurance. Since Michigan operates under a no-fault system for auto accidents, motorcyclists’ eligibility for these benefits can be complex and often depends on the involvement of another motor vehicle. An experienced attorney can help you navigate these complexities.

What if the Insurance Company Denies My Claim?

Insurance companies are notoriously known for sending automatic denials in accidents. It is advisable to consult a knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney who can assess the validity of the denial, negotiate with the insurer, and, if necessary, litigate to secure the compensation deserved.

Protect Your Rights After a Motorcycle Accident

Suffering serious injuries or wrongful death in a motorcycle crash is a devastating experience. The pain, suffering, and anguish can be too difficult to bear when trying to recover while managing the insurance and legal processes. Matz Injury Law wants to help relieve you of these burdens.

Unfortunately, bikers often face the stigma of causing crashes, but other motorists are often the at-fault party; Matz Injury Law will thoroughly investigate and identify the responsible parties. Call our law firm at 1-866-22Not33 to schedule a free consultation or fill out our online contact form.

Have another type of personal injury? Our lawyers are experienced in many other practice areas, including car accidents, medical malpractice, dog bites, and various other personal injury legal issues.