Southfield, Michigan Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Michigan Lawyers Representing Motorcycle Accident Victims

A motorcycle accident, especially a serious one, is a scary and emotionally traumatic event to go through, leaving victims confused about how to proceed. Without legal support, Michigan motorcycle accident victims can struggle to file their insurance claims and get the settlements they need to cover medical bills and other costs.

Matz Injury Law is a law firm of professionals who have helped generate over $300 million in results for our personal injury clients, and we can assist you with your Michigan personal injury claim. Contact our Michigan motorcycle accident lawyers for a free consultation today.

Matz Injury Law Is Equipped to Handle Your Motorcycle Accident Injury Claim

Hiring a Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer is essential after a motorcycle accident due to the complexities of the process, including the state’s no-fault benefits and liability claims. An experienced attorney will:

• Help you navigate Michigan law to take full advantage of your rights
• Fight for fair compensation for all of your losses, including medical expenses and lost wages
• Build a solid case for non-economic losses, including pain and suffering
• Protect your rights against insurance companies trying to minimize payouts or deny claims
• Handle your case so you can focus on your recovery
• Manage the entire claims and legal process on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay anything unless you win your case

Studies indicate victims represented by legal counsel typically secure a higher settlement than those who try to manage their cases independently. Act quickly to allow your Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer enough time to gather evidence.

Jared Matz

Partner & Personal Injury Lawyer

Once he graduated from Michigan, Jared pursued a career in real estate sales and development with a company in Lansing. After gaining valuable knowledge and business experience, Jared returned to…

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Steven Matz

Founding Partner & Personal Injury Lawyer

Steven J. Matz is the founder of Matz Injury Law, specializing in personal injury litigation with a focus on car accident victims. With over 40 years of legal experience, Mr.…

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Choose Matz Injury Law to Pursue Compensation for Your Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Even with Michigan’s no-fault laws for motorcycle accidents, you still need to consider a motorcycle accident claim after a crash. Insurance companies often provide minimal settlements and medical benefits.

Matz Injury Law boasts a team of experienced personal injury lawyers. We know how to negotiate with all insurance parties to get full and fair compensation for your injuries. Our Michigan motorcycle accident lawyers work tirelessly to get the best possible outcome for our clients, and we have been serving the state of Michigan for decades. We are ready to put that experience to work for you as we fight for a fair settlement in your motorcycle accident case.

Our lawyers will handle all paperwork, file for you, and represent you in court if needed. We know how to get you the fairest possible settlement for your case, so you don’t have to worry about the cost of your medical treatment.

We regularly have verdicts for thousands more than the insurance settlement amount, and we have over $300 million in verdicts for Michigan clients. We are located in Southfield but proudly serve all of Michigan, from Saginaw to Grand Rapids and beyond.

Only 22% Contingency Fee, Lower Than Most Firms

At Matz Injury Law, we believe great legal representation should be accessible. That’s why we charge a 22% contingency fee, significantly lower than the 33% rate common at other Michigan personal injury firms. This means you retain a larger portion of your financial recovery while we manage the legal fight.

• No upfront costs: You pay nothing to start your motorcycle accident case.
• Only pay if we win: Our fee is only a percentage of the settlement we secure for you.
• Full transparency: We explain all costs clearly, so there are no surprises.

This approach lets you focus on healing while we pursue maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Our Michigan Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Are Highly Decorated

• 100% five-star review rate
• Over $300 million in compensation
• 48 years of experience in personal injury law
• 11% lower fee than the standard Michigan contingency fee

Client Testimonials From Real People Injured in Motorcycle Accidents

“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.

“Jared Matz very professional made this process very easy we trusted him and he delivered, very easy to communicate with him and he made sure that we understand everything he went over every little detail and keeps you updated every step of the way. Thank you so much for getting the settlement as fast you did” — Doha A.

“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.

How Our Michigan Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Help Your Case

When you turn to Matz Injury Law for your motorcycle accident support, you gain exceptional advocacy throughout the process. Your attorney provides you with the resources to maximize your claim and minimize frustrations, including:

• Providing legal insights into your motorcycle insurance coverage
• Determining who the at-fault party is, even if there is more than one
• Gathering evidence that may not be on your police report to help you prove recklessness
• Documenting your losses fully to create a comprehensive claim
• Negotiating fiercely on your behalf, using our experience to hold insurance companies accountable
• Utilizing our extensive trial experience, if there is a need to go to court

Our Process for Handling Motorcycle Accident Cases

When you choose Matz Injury Law for legal representation in your motorcycle accident case, here is what you can expect:

• Step 1: We meet with you, either in person or over Zoom, to listen to the details of your case. We’ll discuss the legal process and any issues that may affect your claim and compensation at this meeting.
• Step 2: We prioritize your medical care and will help you find the providers you need. We will deal with the insurance company so you can focus on healing.
• Step 3: We will seek all potential sources of compensation for your case. This might include the other driver’s liability insurance policy, your no-fault insurance, and other insurance coverage you carry.
• Step 4: We seek full compensation. We will work with insurance adjusters, insurance companies, your medical benefits providers, and your medical care providers so that you can be confident you are getting the full amount of compensation for your losses.
• Step 5: We will resolve your case for the maximum value of your claim. Throughout this process, we will keep you updated on what is happening. Should you need to go to court, we are here every step of the way so you know what to expect and receive proper representation.

Why Local Representation Matters After a Southfield Motorcycle Accident

Hiring a lawyer who knows Southfield and Michigan’s local landscape is crucial. Our firm’s deep community ties provide strategic advantages for your motorcycle accident claim.

• Local court knowledge: We understand the Oakland County courts and judges, which helps shape a winning strategy.
• Local network: We have established relationships with area medical professionals and accident investigators.
• Area insight: We know regional traffic patterns and dangerous roads where crashes often occur.
• Faster response: Being nearby allows for quick meetings, accident scene visits, and court appearances.

What Southfield Riders Should Know About Michigan Helmet Laws

Michigan’s helmet laws are unique and impact your legal rights and insurance coverage. Understanding them is vital for every rider.

• Riders under 21 are required by law to wear a helmet.
• Riders 21 and older may ride without a helmet only if they carry at least $20,000 in additional medical insurance.

Not wearing a helmet can affect an injury claim, as insurance companies may argue it contributed to your head injuries. Wearing a helmet is always the safest choice and can support your claim for serious injuries like a traumatic brain injury.

Am I Still Able to Sue if I Was Not Wearing a Helmet During My Motorcycle Accident?

Yes, you can still file a lawsuit even if you weren’t wearing a helmet. However, Michigan’s comparative negligence laws will apply.

• Your total compensation may be reduced by the percentage a jury believes your injuries were worsened by not wearing a helmet.
• You cannot be barred from suing entirely. You can still seek compensation for injuries caused by the negligent driver.

An experienced attorney is essential to argue against unfair blame and fight for full compensation for your medical bills and other damages.

Michigan Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Riding a motorcycle should not be a dangerous experience from the standpoint of sharing the road with others. Yet, Michigan motorcycle accident statistics document just how much risk exists.

Data from Michigan’s Traffic Crash Reporting System shows that motorcycle crashes are risky and should be considered whenever you go out to ride.

• In 2023, a total of 3,056 motorcycle-involved crashes occurred across the state, with 164 of those resulting in fatalities.
• The statistic represents a decrease of approximately 5% from the previous year.
• About 92.73% of those who died in these accidents were males.
• Among the fatalities, 75 individuals were wearing helmets, while 72 were not.

How Is a Motorcycle Accident Different From a Car Accident?

All motor vehicle accidents can have serious consequences, but a motorcycle crash often has more impactful injuries due to the lack of protection for the motorcyclist. While a car driver or passenger has a large vehicle around them, motorcyclists do not. Severe, life-altering injuries and even deaths are more common in motorcycle accident cases, which is why working with a motorcycle accident attorney is essential.

What Are Some Common Causes of Serious Motorcycle Accidents?

Like all vehicle accidents, motorcycle accidents can have several causes. Determining the cause of the motorcycle accident is essential to getting a fair settlement with the help of a personal injury attorney.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is becoming an increasingly difficult problem for Michigan motorcyclists. Many injured motorcyclists claim a distracted driver as the cause of their crashes. The CDC estimates that around 8 people die every day in the country due to crashes involving distracted drivers.

Negligent Driver

In a motorcycle crash, negligence occurs when an at-fault driver acts carelessly or fails to act responsibly, and that behavior directly causes the accident. Such actions or inactions must be the primary cause of the motorcycle accident. Violating state traffic laws, like lane splitting or making lane changes without checking a blind spot, would fall into this category.

Motorcycle Safety Failures

Many drivers and motorcyclists do not receive proper training in motorcycle safety, which can result in accidents caused by a failure to acknowledge motorcycles or understand their operation on the road. Failing to notice motorcycles on the road is the primary cause of motorcycle crashes.

Operating While Intoxicated

Operating while intoxicated, or better known as driving under the influence, often leads to a motorcycle crash. If a motorcycle rider is near an intoxicated driver, or if the motorcyclist is the one who is intoxicated, the risk of a crash increases significantly.

These are just some common causes of motorcycle accidents in Michigan. Other causes include road debris, equipment malfunctions, taking turns too quickly, and reckless driving practices. Regardless of the cause, injured motorcyclists need to know their rights in these cases so that they may be able to file a lawsuit.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

A key reason to seek a motorcycle accident attorney after a Michigan crash is the severity of injuries that frequently occur. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Traumatic brain injuries affect how the brain works. These head injuries can be fatal or cause lifelong disabilities, resulting in mounting medical bills.
• Road rash: When a Michigan motorcyclist is thrown from the bike, they can experience severe scraping of the skin that can lead to infections, scarring, disfigurement, and nerve damage.
• Fractures: Broken bones are common for motorcycle crash injury victims, and they can sometimes require surgery to repair properly.
• Spinal cord injuries: If the spinal cord is damaged, the motorcyclist may experience paralysis, which requires long-term care.
• Neck injuries: Neck injuries can be something relatively minor, like whiplash. More serious injuries may lead to paralysis. Any injury can require medical care and ongoing treatment.
• Fatalities: Sadly, many motorcycle accidents end up as fatalities. In 2020, there were 130 motorcycle accident fatalities across Michigan, and the number of deaths has steadily increased since the 1990s.

You need to fight for full compensation for each of these types of injuries, as they carry severe potential consequences. Working with a lawyer experienced in Michigan motorcycle accidents will help.

What Should You Do After a Michigan Motorcycle Accident?

When you suffer any type of motor vehicle accident, you are left dealing with the aftermath. Knowing what to do is vital to protecting yourself and your rights in the moments and days that follow. Bikers need to know the steps they should take after a motorcycle accident to protect themselves and their rights.

• Verify that everyone involved is moved to a safe location to prevent further injury. If there are no serious injuries, move the vehicles out of the roadway.
• Call emergency services. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions and remain at the scene until help arrives.
• Provide the responding police officer with factual information. Do not admit guilt.
• Take photos of the accident, your injuries, and the surrounding area.
• Get the insurance information from all motorists involved.
• Get medical care. Go to the emergency room or doctor to document your injuries.

After the situation is under control and you’ve spoken with the police, consider contacting a Michigan motorcycle accident attorney. Motorcycle riders are at high risk for serious injuries, and you need to know that you or your injured loved one is getting a fair settlement for your injuries.

Common Mistakes Motorcyclists Make After an Accident (and How to Avoid Them)

Avoiding these common errors can protect your health and your legal claim after a motorcycle crash.

• Admitting fault: Never say “I’m sorry” or admit blame at the accident scene.
• Skipping medical care: See a doctor immediately, even for minor pain, to document all injuries.
• Failing to document: Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and your visible injuries like road rash.
• Talking to insurers alone: Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without an attorney.
• Waiting to call a lawyer: Contact a Southfield motorcycle accident attorney early to preserve evidence and build a strong case.

How Do I Prove Fault in a Motorcycle Accident Case?

Proving a negligent driver caused your crash requires strong evidence and legal skill. Our legal team thoroughly investigates to establish fault.

• Gather evidence: We collect photos, video, and physical evidence from the accident scene.
• Secure witnesses: We obtain statements from anyone who saw the motorcycle crash.
• Analyze reports: We use the official police report to support the facts.
• Establish negligence: We prove the other motorist breached their duty to drive safely.
• Link cause and injury: We connect the driver’s negligence directly to your serious injuries and losses.

Understanding Comparative Negligence in Michigan Motorcycle Accidents

Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means your compensation can be reduced if you are found partially at fault.

• If you are found 20% at fault for the accident, your total compensation will be reduced by 20%.
• Actions like not wearing a helmet or speeding could be used to assign you a percentage of fault.
• If you are found more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering compensation altogether.

A skilled motorcycle accident attorney will work to minimize any unfair fault placed on you, protecting your right to fair compensation.

Challenges Unique to Proving Liability in Motorcycle Crash Cases

Motorcycle accident claims face specific hurdles that require an attorney’s experience.

• Bias and visibility: The “motorcyclist was hard to see” argument is commonly used to blame the rider unfairly.
• Severe injuries: Catastrophic injuries like spinal cord or head injuries require complex medical testimony.
• Insurance tactics: Adjusters may quickly offer low settlements or claim the biker was reckless.
• Evidence gaps: These crashes may have fewer witnesses or camera footage than car accidents, making evidence collection critical.

False Arguments Used Against Motorcyclists

Insurance companies and defense lawyers often use unfair stereotypes to reduce the value of your claim. Matz Injury Law is prepared to counter these false arguments.

• “Lane splitting is illegal.” They may falsely claim you were splitting lanes, even if you weren’t.
• “You came out of nowhere.” They argue the driver didn’t see you, shifting focus from their inattention.
• “You were going too fast.” They may overstate your speed to suggest you were at fault.

We fight these tactics with facts, accident reconstruction, and expert testimony.

Common Types of Compensation in Motorcycle Accident Cases

When you work with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer after a motorcycle accident, you increase the chances of getting a fair settlement. Often, motorcyclists are not aware of the different types of compensation that may be due to them. Some of these include:

• Medical expenses: You should get compensation for your current medical expenses as well as future potential medical expenses for your injury.
• Property damage: Property damage includes damage to your motorcycle or any property around the motorcycle accident that was yours.
• Lost wages: Most motorcycle accidents are serious and cause long-term problems for injured riders, which means that you may not be able to work and should receive compensation for lost wages.
• Lost earning potential: Not only will you lose wages while you heal from your injuries, but sometimes, motorcycle accident victims are unable to return to their normal work, losing earning potential that must be compensated.
• Wrongful death: Motorcycle accidents that end in death can lead to wrongful death claims for the families left behind.
• Pain and suffering: The lifelong impact of motorcycle injuries is difficult to measure, but you can get compensation for these types of non-economic damages.

Insurance Coverage and Motorcycle Crashes in Michigan

If you are in a motorcycle accident in Michigan, you need to understand the insurance laws in our state. In 2020, the Michigan no-fault law was passed, requiring all drivers to carry no-fault insurance benefits, also referred to as personal injury protection (PIP). This PIP coverage pays for your medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, regardless of who is at fault for the crash. These no-fault benefits mean you can get medical care, even if the other driver is uninsured.

No-fault insurance does not cover repairs to your motorcycle. For those costs, you will need to look to the insurance of the at-fault driver to seek compensation that extends beyond the no-fault insurance provisions, particularly if your injuries and damages are severe and long-lasting.

No-fault insurance is just the first type of coverage that may contribute to your compensation. You may also get compensation from the other driver’s liability coverage if they are the at-fault driver. Occasionally, your uninsured motorist coverage will kick in if the other driver does not carry insurance.

Sadly, many motorcyclists run into trouble when they try to file an insurance claim. Even in cases where the other driver is clearly at fault, the insurance companies like to blame these accidents on the motorcycle drivers, making it harder to recover liability damages from the other driver. Understanding the nuances of insurance coverage and motorcycle crashes in Michigan is crucial for motorcyclists in the state, as it can significantly impact their ability to secure compensation.

Because there are so many insurance companies and strategies at play, working with a skilled motorcycle accident attorney will help you work through all of these claims to get the full amount of compensation available.

Matz Injury Law has a team of personal injury attorneys ready to go to work for you. Contact us for a free consultation. Let us know how we can help you with your motorcycle accident claim. It is advisable to call as soon as possible due to Michigan’s statute of limitations, which allows only three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.

What Happens If the At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance or Is Underinsured?

If a driver hits a motorcyclist without insurance in Michigan, you may be eligible for no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) benefits. This is an insurance policy you purchase to cover yourself. It will cover your motorcycle or auto accident up to the coverage limits. If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, that could also help cover your bodily injury damages.

It is critical to note that there may be a need to seek legal action through a personal injury lawsuit against the uninsured driver. It may be challenging to collect damages if the driver does not have assets. In this situation, speak to a personal injury law firm to discuss options to recover damages in your case.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Michigan?

The statute of limitations in Michigan for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit is three years from the date the accident took place. If you do not file a claim against the at-fault party within this timeframe, you may not be able to seek a lawsuit against them. This is why it is so important to seek support right away from an attorney.

Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Michigan

In injury cases, your priority should be to get medical care and follow up on all of your medical needs. When you can, consult a lawyer about the legal steps you need to take. Expect the following:

• You will receive a comprehensive consultation with an attorney. Here you will discuss your case and offer details about your medical records and out-of-pocket costs.
• Your attorney will calculate your losses and determine if you have the right to file a complaint against the at-fault party. If so, they handle that process for you.
• Your attorney will then negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company. Usually, a settlement is possible.
• If an agreement cannot be reached, your attorney will move forward with litigation, enabling the court to decide what is fair in your case.

Wrongful Death Lawsuits After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents resulting in the death of a loved one may lead to a wrongful death lawsuit. The Michigan Wrongful Death Act requires proof that the death resulted from a “wrongful act, neglect, or fault of another.” Common causes include:

• Reckless driving
• Distracted driving
• Traffic law violations

The personal representative of the deceased party has the right to seek legal action. The personal representative is usually a close family member approved by the court.

To establish liability, you must prove that:

• A duty of care existed
• A breach of that duty of care occurred
• The breach caused the accident
• Losses and damages occurred

Compensation from a wrongful death claim may include coverage for:

• Medical expenses before death
• Funeral costs
• Loss of financial support
• Pain and suffering

In Michigan, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit is typically three years from the date of death, so it’s important for families to seek legal guidance promptly.

How Long Does a Michigan Motorcycle Accident Settlement Take?

The timeline for a motorcycle accident case will differ depending on its complexity. Most often, it can take one to two years to resolve a lawsuit. Factors that contribute to this length of time include:

• The backlog in the court system
• Severity of injuries
• Evidence available
• Insurance negotiations
• Court proceedings

Examples of Our Michigan Motorcycle Accident Settlements

Every case is different. Past case results do not indicate future awards. However, our legal team has a proven track record of supporting the needs of victims.

• Our legal team recovered $4.15 million on behalf of the family of a college student killed in a motorcycle accident. This settlement came from three different insurance companies.
• We aided a 42-year-old woman involved in a motorcycle and car crash to recover a $490,000 settlement in her case.
• Our team recovered a $3 million settlement for a couple injured in Genesee County when they were struck by an oncoming car while riding a motorcycle.

Injured in a Motorcycle Crash? Speak With Our Skilled Southfield Personal Injury Lawyer Today.

We are here to help each client move forward after the lasting impact a motorcycle accident can have by guiding them through every available legal option. With the skilled team at Matz Injury Law on your side, you can pursue fair compensation and a just outcome in your personal injury case.

Ready to talk? Call our personal injury lawyers to discuss your motorcycle accident case at 866-226-6833, or complete our online contact form to schedule a no-obligation free consultation, and we’ll be in touch right away.