Trusted Muskegon Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Every year, thousands of people in Michigan experience motorcycle accidents in Muskegon. The majority of these crashes do not happen on interstates but in lower-traffic areas, such as the roadways you might find in Muskegon County.

Motorcycle crash victims often face life-altering circumstances, such as permanent disability or chronic pain. Facing the future can be hard, especially with rising medical bills and the possibility of not being able to work full-time or at all.

Insurance adjusters will not be sympathetic to your situation, even if they appear to be. Their job is to deny claims or pay out as little as possible. You and your loved ones do not have to battle them alone. The compassionate attorneys at Matz Injury Law are here for you. Call us at 1-866-22Not33 for a free consultation.

Why Clients Partner With Matz Injury Law

Clients come to the experienced attorneys at Matz Injury Law for legal advice and to provide legal representation in their personal injury cases. Our law office puts its entire focus on personal injuries, and our lawyers are well-experienced in motorcycle accidents and other types of injury cases.

Matz Injury Law has been advocating for Michigan’s injured for several decades. Over time, we have traveled hundreds of thousands of miles to meet with our clients. The attorney-client relationship is critical to us. We will tirelessly work on your behalf to get your family the maximum compensation available. To date, we have recovered 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 had an amazing experience working with Steve and his practice.  Whenever I needed any help, he was right there to help.  He even came to my house to discuss my case with me when I was bedridden!  His dedication, professionalism, truly made a difference. One of the best parts is he takes 22% not 33%!!  I would highly recommend Matz Injury Law to anyone in need of legal assistance. Thanks again to Steve and his practice you truly made this process simple and stress free for me!” — Grant B.

“Jared Matz of Matz Injury Law is an excellent attorney.  He is very knowledgeable and I would highly recommend him to anyone needing assistance in matters of law.  He goes above and beyond for his clients and has wonderful caring attitude.” — Carl R.

What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents in Muskegon?

In Muskegon, Michigan, motorcycle accidents are often caused by the following:

• Bad road conditions due to inclement weather
• Road hazards due to poor maintenance
• Drivers not seeing motorcycles in their blind spot
• Motorists making left-hand turns and colliding with motorcycles
• Reckless driving, such as excess speed, lane-weaving, or improper lane changes
• Traffic violations, including speeding and running through traffic signals
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• “Dooring” accidents

What Are Some Common Injuries That Occur During a Motorcycle Accident?

People suffer many different types of injuries from motorcycle accidents. Helmets and safety gear can limit injuries, but nothing makes riders immune. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Broken bones
• Road rash
• Facial injuries and scarring
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries
• Death

Sadly, death is also a frequent result of a motorcycle accident. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) indicates motorcyclists are reported to suffer a 26 times increased risk of death in a crash compared to other types of motorists.

How Are Motorcycle and Car Accidents Different in Muskegon?

Motor vehicle accidents are complex regardless of the type, but there are differences between car accident cases and motorcycle collisions.

Claim Differences

The main difference between motorcycle and car accident claims is that motorcycles are not included in the PIP insurance protection since Michigan does not classify bikes as motor vehicles. The claim will most likely go through the at-fault driver’s insurance.

Injuries and Wrongful Death

Injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents are often more severe than those in car accidents. Also, there is a higher chance of wrongful death in motorcycle accidents than in car accidents. These deaths have increased by 32 percent over the past 10 years.

What Damages Can Be Recovered After a Motorcycle Accident in Muskegon?

Muskegon motorcycle accident victims are eligible to pursue damages. For accidents, the damages are divided into two categories.

Economic Damages

These are damages that reimburse you for money you have spent on accident-related injuries, including medical expenses, bike repairs, property damage, and other losses you’re able to provide a receipt for to show the exact amount you were charged.

Non-Economic Damages

These are damages awarded to compensate you for non-tangible losses, including pain and suffering, loss of companionship, scarring, disfigurement, amputation, and other non-calculable losses.

What Steps Should I Take After a Muskegon Motorcycle Accident?

To proactively start your injury case, take the following immediate steps after a collision.

Call 911

The police, or, if needed, fire and ambulance, will come to the scene to start necessary procedures.

Gather Evidence

Take photos and videos of the crash site, obtain security footage, and ask for the contact information of eyewitnesses. If you are injured and/or cannot acquire evidence without putting yourself in danger, then, if possible, ask someone else. In the worst-case scenario, your attorney can pursue evidence that remains.

Seek Medical Attention

See a doctor for medical care after a motorcycle accident to submit an accurate claim to the insurance company. Many times, adrenaline, triggered by your body’s fight or flight response, can cause you to not feel any pain after the accident. The symptoms can appear days or even a couple of weeks later, causing you to go to the doctor’s office.

Do Not Delay Medical Attention

Do not delay seeking medical attention because the insurance company may argue your injury is a different one from the one from the car accident and will deny the claim. Going to the doctor early can help you avoid the insurance company denying your claim. Also, follow all doctors’ orders.

Contact Your Lawyer

Contacting your lawyer early will help you start your case strong. Your attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence and talk to your insurance company. Insurance companies are looking for any reason not to pay you and will often trick you into saying something that will destroy your claim. Personal injury lawyers know these tricks and can help you avoid falling for them.

What Steps Should I Avoid After a Muskegon Motorcycle Accident?

Following the legal advice and instructions outlined by your attorney will generally help you in the long run, but there are a few mistakes that can hurt your chances at the beginning of the case.

Apologizing

Apologizing for the accident can be seen as admitting guilt. You should not be rude to the other parties, but checking if they are safe is a beneficial idea. Just do not say you are sorry.

Saying Too Much to Insurance

Do not contact the insurance company before consulting an attorney. Your lawyer is aware of any tricks or traps the insurance company will likely try to use to deny your claim. Insurance companies are for-profit and actively seek to avoid paying claims.

Lying About Your Injuries

Lying to the insurance company to try and get a bigger settlement is a terrible idea and can result in a criminal charge. Insurance fraud in Michigan is a grave offense. Such behavior may not only prevent you from getting a motorcycle accident settlement, but it could also get you jailed.

How Michigan Helmet Laws Impact Muskegon Motorcycle Accident Cases

Michigan only requires riders under the age of 21 to wear a helmet. While the laws of Michigan do not force riders to wear a helmet after they turn 21, the insurance company can use this as justification to deny your claim.

For example, if you were not wearing a helmet, crashed, and sustained a TBI, then insurance will likely argue that your lack of wearing a helmet caused the injury. They will also attempt to assert this claim for injuries that are not related to the head, a tactic that your attorney can combat.

Do I Need a Muskegon Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

Technically, you do not, but it is to your benefit to connect with a skilled lawyer who possesses experience in motorcycle accident cases. Your attorney will know the insurance companies and tricks they use to avoid paying the claim and can keep you on track for meeting important deadlines.

Do Not Let an Accident Keep You Off the Road.

A motorcycle accident can leave you and your family facing life-altering changes. Should you entrust Matz Injury Law with your case, you can expect to receive frequent communication, honesty, transparency, and compassion.

Ours is a client-first law firm, and our attorneys work directly with clients. You will never be passed on to an assistant or feel like a case number because you will always work with a Matz Injury Law personal injury attorney. We will get to know one another very well through the legal process.

To schedule a free case consultation, call Matz Injury Law at 1-866-22Not33 or fill out our online contact form. Other practice areas we handle include auto accidents, truck accidents, dog bites, medical malpractice, and many other legal issues relating to personal injury.