Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Serving Port Huron

Port Huron, Michigan, is a wonderful place to ride a bike along the Bridge to Bay Trail, past the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, or even to a place where you can take a walk, like Blue Water River Walk or Pine Grove Park. A beautiful trip in these areas can come to a startling end when a motorcycle accident occurs.

Nobody wants to be in a motorcycle crash while seeing the sights, but when one happens, it can leave you with serious injuries. Insurance companies often seek ways to minimize their payouts or even avoid making any payments at all.

Fighting to get the settlement you deserve is stressful and draining, especially when paired with emotional and physical trauma and pain. The personal injury lawyers at Matz Injury Law can help with your claim so you can pay your medical bills and expenses. Call us today at 1-866-22Not33 or use our online form for a free consultation.

Why Clients Partner With Matz Injury Law

Clients often select Matz Injury Law to represent them in their personal injury cases because our law firm is well-known for its advocacy and dedication to helping Michigan’s injured.

Our law firm is proud of the positive reputation we have earned throughout the decades, which is primarily due to our client-first approach. At Matz Injury Law, you will work directly with your lawyer, unlike other law firms where your case is assigned to an assistant, and you may never meet your attorney.

Should you choose Matz Injury Law to represent you in your motorcycle accident case, you can expect to receive honesty, transparency, and compassion. We will listen to you and then tirelessly fight on your behalf to get the compensation you need.

Over the years, our Port Huron motorcycle accident lawyers have logged hundreds of thousands of miles traveling throughout the upper and lower peninsulas to meet with our clients. Should you select our law firm, you can expect that we will get to know each other well.

To date, we have generated more than $300 million for our clients. As a lower-fee law firm, Matz Injury Law does not charge the maximum 33.3 percent allowed by law; our fee is just 22 percent, which means more money in your account to help secure your financial future.

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.

“Mr. Matz was great helping me after my auto accident. I had no idea what was going on or where to turn but he led me the correct direction and to the right kind of doctors I needed to treat my injuries. He was there to answer any questions and still is, even if its not to do with the case he represented me on. His son is very helpful and caring also!” — Judy W.

“Many thanks to Jared and the staff at Matz law! You definitely helped ease a very stressful situation. I really didn’t have to do anything, you folks did it all, which I appreciated very much. It’s never a pleasant experience when someone runs a red light and you wind up with life long injuries…and I sure didn’t want to have to deal with the insurance company too. 2 thumbs up from me!” — Kim B.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Port Huron, Michigan?

Motorcycle accident cases happen due to many different causes. They are different from other car accidents and motor vehicle accidents, like truck accidents, because motorcycles do not have doors or a roof. This means they can result in truly catastrophic injuries. According to the Times Herald, the M-25 corridor at Krafft Road in Port Huron has the most accidents in St. Clair County.

If you are a motorcyclist who has suffered an injury and needs a Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer, the law office of Matz Injury Law may be able to help. We have extensive experience in these practice areas and have seen what it is like when bikers just want to grab a bite to eat or go to the Port Huron Museum but suffer at the hands of another reckless driver.

Distracted Driving

Simply taking your eyes off the road for one second can have devastating consequences. Distracted driving refers to anything that draws the attention of motorists away from the road. Most commonly, we think of cell phone use when talking about distracted driving, but activities like reading, checking makeup in the mirror, or even eating and drinking can cause a distraction.

Negligent Driving

Negligence is the core of every personal injury case, including motor vehicle accidents. Negligence is a legal term that means someone violated a duty of care, that their violation led to an accident, and that another person got hurt in that accident.

In the case of a motorcycle injury, every driver has a responsibility to control their vehicle, drive safely, and not put others in danger. If they fail to do so and a motorcyclist gets hurt as a result, this is negligence.

Drivers Not Seeing Motorcyclists

Motorcycles are smaller than other types of motor vehicles, which makes them more difficult to see. Drivers should pay extra attention when bikers are around, but all too often, they simply do not. Personal injury law ensures you receive compensation for your injuries if they neglect to do so.

Left-Hand-Turn Accidents

Say you are enjoying an evening ride, and as you pass through an intersection, someone makes a sudden left turn right in front of you, causing you to wreck your bike. Michigan law requires drivers who are making left-hand turns to yield to those going straight. If they fail to do so and an accident occurs as a result, the person making the left turn can often be held responsible for any injuries or property damage the motorcyclist suffers.

Speeding

Speeding frequently causes severe and fatal accidents across the country. When drivers go too fast for road conditions, they may not be able to stop in time to avoid obstacles, increasing the risk of losing control of their vehicle, which can have severe consequences. If you are in an accident with someone who is speeding, contact a personal injury attorney right away.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs affects a driver’s judgment and reaction times. They can’t make good decisions, are slow to brake, and are likely to over- or under-compensate in emergencies. DUI is also illegal and can carry criminal penalties, which are separate issues from seeking compensation for an accident.

Poor Road Conditions

Poor road conditions involving issues like loose gravel, snow, ice, rain, or potholes can contribute to accidents. Accidents are often caused by a combination of poor road conditions and careless driving. When a driver fails to operate their vehicle safely for the road conditions, they can be considered negligent, and an experienced personal injury law firm can fight for compensation for those injured by their careless behavior.

Types of Motorcycle Accidents Our Law Firm Can Handle in Port Huron

A motorcycle crash can change one’s life in an instant. Having an advocate by your side can help relieve stress. Matz Injury Law has experience in all types of motorcycle accidents, including:

• Head-on collisions
• Hit-and-run
• Left-turn accidents
• Merging accidents
• Lane-changing collisions
• Driver negligence
• Hazardous road conditions
• Inclement weather
• T-bone accidents
• Slide under accidents

Unlike other types of motor vehicle accidents, motorcycles lack protective elements, such as airbags and steel walls. When any of the above types of accidents occur, it can lead to serious and catastrophic injuries.

How Are Car Accidents and Motorcycle Accidents Different in Port Huron?

While all accidents have similar components, the process of handling claims is similar to some extent, but there are substantial differences between car and motorcycle accidents.

• Driver/rider safety: Motorcycle riders typically experience more severe injuries due to the absence of seatbelts, riding on two wheels, being exposed to various hazards, and the risk of being thrown to the ground.
• Fatalities in the accident: According to the National Safety Council, 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.
• Insurance requirements: Motorcycles are not classified as motor vehicles under Michigan’s no-fault law, so motorcyclists are not required to buy no-fault insurance like automobile drivers do.
• Stereotypes: Bikers often face biases and stereotypes that often assume the motorcycle caused the crash due to reckless driving.

What Should I Do After I Have Been in a Motorcycle Crash in Port Huron, Michigan?

An accident is a stressful, scary, and infuriating time. However, it’s crucial to approach the situation methodically. Maintain composure, refrain from apologizing to the other driver, and verify that all necessary precautions are taken. By maintaining your composure and approaching the situation as if it were a checklist, you can strengthen your case in the future.

Do the Following Steps

Get Everyone to Safety

The first thing to do is to confirm that everyone is out of immediate danger. When cars and motorcycles are on the road, they pose a risk to drivers of other vehicles who don’t know you’ve crashed. If you can, get vehicles off the road. Also, get people off the road so that they are not in the way of oncoming traffic. You should never move a seriously injured person before medical professionals have seen them.

Call Emergency Services

Calling for first responders is an important part of keeping everyone safe, as police and paramedics can safely block off the accident scene and help everyone get medical attention. Even if you do not feel hurt, it is important to get seen. Some injuries can take weeks or months to present symptoms. Calling the police also allows you to file a police report. The report is not evidence, but it can help you recall details later.

Gather Any Necessary Evidence

The more evidence you can gather, the more solid your case will be. Because most motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle, you should always exchange information with the other driver, including contact and insurance information. Police can help you with these details if needed. Do not apologize to the other driver.

Aside from exchanging information, draw diagrams, take photos, get information from witnesses, and document the incident in any other way that occurs to you. All of these details can be useful to your motorcycle accident lawyer.

Assess Your Injuries and Motorcycle Damage

Motorcycle accidents can cause catastrophic damage, including, but not limited to:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injury
• Amputation or loss of limb function
• Broken bones
• Lower back trauma
• Road rash

Again, it is important to get medical attention right away. You may be injured but unaware due to shock or adrenaline at the time of the wreck. In addition, the insurance company may try to downplay how hurt you are to avoid a big payout, and early attention can help offset these accusations.

Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Serving Port Huron

The most important call you will make after a motorcycle accident is to a Port Huron motorcycle accident lawyer. You want a local lawyer who has experience with these cases and cares about the community and you as a client.

At Matz Injury Law, we are familiar with Fort Gratiot County Park, North River Road Park, Lighthouse Beach, and other treasured areas in the Port Huron area. We care deeply about our friends and neighbors, and we are ready to fight for you.

Do Not Do the Following

Apologize

It is a natural reaction to want to apologize for an accident, but doing so can be considered admitting fault. Such an admission can make your case much harder to prove. You should still check on the other injured parties. Not apologizing doesn’t mean being rude; it means avoiding fault while the facts are still coming out.

Fail to Seek Medical Attention

After a motorcycle crash, the body often experiences painlessness due to the rush of adrenaline. This phenomenon is a pain-stopping chemical reaction activated by our fight-or-flight response. However, it also masks the pain our bodies are feeling, which means you may not feel pain from your injuries until days or even a week later!

Not going to the doctor delays treatment and could ruin your chances of getting compensation for your injuries, due to the insurance company claiming you were injured after the accident.

Talk With Insurance Before Your Attorney

Insurance companies are for-profit companies and are, therefore, trying to trick you into saying something that will void your case. If they can get around paying compensation to you, they will. Your attorney should be well-versed in the traps frequently used by insurance companies and will help you avoid them.

Lie About Your Injuries

If you plan on lying about your injuries to receive a bigger settlement, then you are setting yourself up for failure and potentially criminal charges. Insurance adjusters are trained to spot lies about injuries and may deny your claim and pursue fraud charges. Insurance fraud is a felony in Michigan and can result in a sentence of 4 years in prison.

Agree Not to Report the Crash

Accidents sometimes initially appear minor, and it is tempting to simply avoid reporting them to sidestep the hassles with insurance companies and police. However, hidden or delayed serious injuries could be present, or damage to your bike could be much worse than it looks.

Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance Laws in Port Huron Motorcycle Accidents

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. However, motorcycles are not classified as motor vehicles under Michigan law and, thus, are not required to carry the same personal injury protection (PIP) coverage as cars and trucks.

Instead, they are required to purchase PLPD (personal liability and property damage) coverage. If you were involved in a motorcycle crash, you would need to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance to cover your injuries.

What Compensation Can I File for in Port Huron, Michigan?

There are two categories of damages for which you can file a claim after a motorcycle accident. These are special damages, which are also referred to as economic damages, and general damages, which are also called non-economic damages. Special damages can be easily quantified. General damages are harder to value.

Medical Care

Medical care covers all of your medical costs. These include doctor’s bills, medical procedures, medication, therapy, medical equipment, transportation to and from medical appointments, and in-home care costs.

Property Damage

Property damage covers harm to your motorcycle or other vehicle. It also covers any property you had on board and valuables that were damaged in the accident.

Lost Wages

Lost wages cover the money you have lost from not being able to work. It also covers the earnings you would have potentially received if you were able to continue working into the future.

Wrongful Death

Wrongful death refers to cases where you have lost a loved one due to the careless acts of another person. In such cases, you can be eligible for compensation to cover medical bills, loss of financial support, funeral expenses, and burial expenses, as well as non-economic damages.

Non-economic Damages

Non-economic damages, though sometimes colloquially called pain and suffering, go far beyond physical pain and anguish. They also cover conditions like mood swings, depression, PTSD, loss of the ability to enjoy life, loss of consortium and comfort, and other “invisible” injuries.

How Can a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Help Me if I Have Been Injured?

Michigan stipulates a 3-year statute of limitations, but for no-fault benefits, injury victims only have one year. These deadlines may seem like a lot of time, but they go by quickly. Call an attorney as soon as possible after the crash because it takes time to build a strong personal injury claim.

Your attorney can help you meet these deadlines, along with:

• Conducting a comprehensive investigation
• Gathering evidence to show the at-fault party’s negligence
• Obtaining eyewitness statements
• Working with accident reconstruction experts to show liability
• Building a strong case
• Negotiating with insurance companies for fair compensation
• Taking the case to trial, if necessary

At Matz Injury Law, we will manage every facet of your personal injury case, from the beginning to the end, to establish a strong case for you.

Insurance companies have powerful legal teams working for them. Taking on your case alone can significantly disadvantage you. Having an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer by your side evens the playing field and lets you fight back.

The Importance of Proving Negligence in Port Huron Motorcycle Accidents

Proving negligence is critical, and the burden is on the victim to show evidence that the at-fault party’s actions or inactions caused the crash. To prove negligence, you must establish the following four elements:

• Duty: The at-fault party was responsible for exercising reasonable care.
• Breach of duty: The negligent party failed to meet their duty.
• Causation: The victim’s injuries are linked to the at-fault driver’s actions.
• Damages: The victim suffered actual injuries from the accident.

Items such as police reports, eyewitness statements, medical records, bills showing medical expenses, and expert testimony can help motorcycle accident victims prove their case. A skilled personal injury attorney is equipped to assemble critical evidence to demonstrate negligence. Proving negligence can:

• Help you secure a fairer settlement
• Clear your name in the accident
• Allow you to pursue damages

Our Port Huron Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Are Here to Get You Back on the Road ASAP

The stress of dealing with injuries while trying to navigate the complexities of insurance claims and legal hurdles can be daunting. You do not have to face this journey alone; the caring and compassionate attorneys at Matz Injury Law are here to help.

Working with a Port Huron personal injury attorney who possesses motorcycle accident experience will prove to be an asset to your case and your ability to receive a fair settlement to cover the costs of injuries and damages. Matz is fully prepared to do this for you and your loved ones. Our attorneys will tirelessly fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve.

To schedule a free consultation, call Matz Injury Law at 1-866-22Not33 or fill out our online contact form. Our experienced attorneys are happy to go over your options and provide legal advice based on your situation.