Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Serving Portage

A Portage motorcycle accident can leave you with serious injuries. Fighting for the settlement money you deserve after an accident is often draining, especially when you are also dealing with emotional and physical trauma. The motorcycle accident attorneys at Matz Injury Law have generated over $300 million in results for our personal injury clients in Portage and throughout Michigan. Our law firm will handle your claim so you can focus on healing. Contact us or call 1-866-22Not33 for a free consultation today.

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

You must prove that another driver was negligent to recover damages for motorcycle accident injuries. A lawyer can help you do this. They can gather evidence showing the severe injuries that you have suffered and the time you will need to recover. Your lawyer will negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to get you a fair settlement. Insurance companies often employ various tactics to minimize the compensation they owe you. Personal injury lawyers like us at Matz Injury Law know how to spot and avoid these tricks.

Types of Cases Our Motorcycle Accident Law Offices Handle in Portage, MI

As a personal injury attorney serving Portage, we see a wide range of accidents impacting motorcyclists. We take accident claims seriously, no matter how challenging or seemingly simple the incident was. Some of the types of cases we help our clients file a personal injury claim for and head to court when needed include:

• Collisions with other vehicles, including a car accident, truck accident, or bus accident
• Single-bike accidents brought on by road hazards
• Accidents related to motorcycle breakdowns due to defective motorcycle parts

If you were involved in a motorcycle crash and someone else is responsible, contact our personal injury law firm immediately.

Why Clients Partner With Matz Injury Law

At Matz Injury Law, we have a long history of providing clients with exceptional legal representation at some of the worst times of their lives. If you are in a motorcycle or car crash, let us provide an honest and transparent case evaluation. Once we establish an attorney-client relationship with you, expect us to work hard to fight for fair compensation for you.

Our Recent Motorcycle Accident Settlements

Our personal injury law firm diligently supports clients who face serious injury, pain and suffering, and other losses caused by others’ negligence.

• We recently assisted a client who lost a family member to another party’s joyriding, resulting in a $100,000 uninsured motorist settlement.
• Our attorneys secured a $490,000 settlement for a 42-year-old woman who was involved in a car and motorcycle crash.

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.

“This attorney is the most respectful, considerate and caring person I have met yet in this field. My daughter was injured 20 years ago. I met him 14 years ago dealing with a hospital issue. He cleared it up quickly and proficiently. I would recommend him 150%.” — Lynne L.

“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.

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

Motorcycle crashes have many of the same causes as other motor vehicle accidents. Determining the cause of the accident and identifying the negligent driver is essential to recovering compensation for your injuries.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a serious problem for motorists throughout Michigan. Motorcycles are particularly vulnerable to crashes involving drivers who are distracted by mobile devices.

Negligent Driving

Many motorcycle accident cases are based on the legal theory of negligence, which holds drivers liable for injuries that they cause when they fail to use a reasonable amount of care. Traffic law violations could be examples of negligent driving, such as running a red light or failing to check blind spots when changing lanes.

Drivers Not Seeing Motorcyclists

Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles, making them harder to see. Many motorists do not understand how motorcycles work or how to look out for them on the road. Failure to see motorcycles on the road is the top cause of motorcycle crashes.

Left-Hand Turn Accidents

Left-hand turn accidents often happen when a car turns in front of a motorcycle at an intersection. In interviews with police officers after motorcycle crashes, many motorists say they did not see the bike before hitting it.

Speeding

Speeding is a common factor in Portage motorcycle accidents. Motorists may have difficulty judging the speed of an oncoming motorcycle. They may misjudge the distance between their vehicle and a motorcycle, or they might simply not see the motorcycle until it is too late.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs frequently leads to vehicle crashes. Both motorists and motorcyclists can cause or contribute to accidents when they drive while intoxicated.

Poor Road Conditions

Michigan roads can be dangerous due to debris, loose gravel, or weather conditions like snow or ice. Negligent road construction and maintenance can also produce potholes, uneven lanes, and other hazards that cause Portage motorcycle accidents.

What Should I Do After I Have Been in a Motorcycle Accident in Portage, Michigan?

After an auto accident, you can take several steps to protect yourself and others, as well as gather evidence that you will need in an insurance claim or lawsuit.

Get Everyone to Safety

As much as you can, help others get to safety. Move any vehicles that could cause further crashes. Once you have done this, do not move anything else. Leave the scene as-is for the responding police officers.

Call Emergency Services

Call 911 to let them know about the accident and tell them if anyone, including yourself, needs medical care. The operator will dispatch emergency responders, possibly including EMTs and police.

Gather Any Necessary Evidence

Take photos of the accident scene and your injuries if possible. Talk to witnesses and get their contact information. Since motorcycle crashes often involve other vehicles besides your motorcycle, you need to get the other driver’s contact and insurance information. Police can help you collect the information you need if they are present on the scene.

Assess Your Injuries and Damage to Your Motorcycle

Common motorcycle accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Amputation injuries
• Broken bones
• Road rash
• Lower extremity trauma

The severity of accident victims’ injuries may not reveal itself right away. We recommend that you seek medical care immediately, even if you do not feel injured. Many insurers will give you an insufficient estimate of your damages to minimize the amount of compensation they must pay. Having a doctor assess your injuries and having a mechanic inspect your motorcycle can help you understand the extent of your injuries and property damage.

Contact Your Insurance Provider

You have a year from the date of your motorcycle accident to file a first-party or third-party claim with an insurance company. It can take time to build a case, though, so you should try to file a claim as soon as possible. You must notify the insurance provider of the accident, but that is all you should do before you talk to a personal injury lawyer. You do not have to answer an insurance adjuster’s questions without counsel, and you definitely should not sign anything they give you before a lawyer views it.

Hire a Motorcycle Attorney Serving Portage

Motorcyclists are at high risk of serious injuries. You need to know that you or your injured loved one is receiving a fair settlement.

Importance of Proving Negligence in Motorcycle Personal Injury Cases

To recover fair compensation, we must prove negligence occurred. That means we must show that the other person owed you a duty of care, they violated that duty of care, and that violation caused an accident resulting in your injuries. We can show that the other party should pay for your losses and that maximum compensation is vital to your recovery by proving their carelessness and recklessness.

Essential Evidence in Motorcycle Accident Claims

Evidence that we may use to demonstrate this includes:

• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Expert testimonies
• Medical evidence
• Videos and photos of the incident

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Victim’s Claim in Portage, Michigan?

Under Michigan law, those who are hurt in an accident must take action in a timely manner. To file a motorcycle accident claim in Portage, Michigan, you must do so within the state’s statute of limitations. This statute requires that all accident claims be made within three years of the date of the accident. If you do not file a claim during that time, the court is not likely to hear it. You lose the right to pursue compensation.

Can I File a Motorcycle Accident Claim if I Was Partially at Fault?

Even if you are partially at fault in the accident, you may be able to file a claim for compensation for the damages you suffered. Michigan follows a comparative negligence system. That means that you can recover damages based on the number of faults you have. You can file a claim for your losses as long as your fault percentage is less than 50%. However, the number of faults you maintain reduces the value of your claim.

What if the At-Fault Motorist Is Uninsured or Underinsured?

There are times when the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured. In this situation, you may be able to use your insurance policies to help you. If you have an uninsured or underinsured motorcycle policy, it may help you recover damages up to its value for covering medical bills or other losses.

How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Take?

Many factors contribute to how long it can take to get your motorcycle accident to a settlement, especially when litigating it in court. The timeline varies based on factors such as:

• The complexity of the case
• The severity of injuries
• Any comparative negligence involved
• The willingness of the insurance company to settle
• The skill of your motorcycle or car accident lawyer

Our law firm aims to resolve your case as quickly as possible. Some cases only take a few months to conclude, while others may take several years. During a free initial consultation, our attorney can provide more specifics about your options.

What Are the Motorcycle Accident Laws in Portage, Michigan?

Under Michigan’s no-fault law, injured motorists may recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses regardless of who was responsible for the accident. You may file a claim on your no-fault insurance, also known as personal injury protection (PIP). Unlike most drivers, however, Michigan does not require motorcyclists to carry PIP coverage. An injured motorcyclist without PIP must submit a claim to the other driver’s insurance company for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. If the driver was uninsured, they may be able to make a claim on their uninsured motorist coverage.

What Compensation Can I File for in Portage, Michigan?

An experienced Portage motorcycle accident lawyer can help you recover fair compensation for a variety of damages.

Medical Expenses

You may be able to obtain compensation for both current and future medical bills, including physical therapy and long-term disability.

Property Damage

You can get compensation for damage to your motorcycle and any other property that belongs to you.

Lost Wages

Motorcycle accident injuries can cause you to miss a significant amount of work while you receive medical care. You are eligible for damages that compensate for your lost earnings.

Wrongful Death

If you have lost a loved one due to another motorist’s negligence, you may recover damages for wrongful death.

Non-Economic Damages

Accident victims can claim compensation for more subjective harms, known as non-economic damages. One example, pain and suffering, compensates you for both the physical and emotional pain that results from your injuries.

What Should I Do if an Insurance Company Contacts Me After My Accident?

When you are involved in an accident, it is not uncommon for an insurance company to contact you. If they do, be sure to do the following:

• Let them know that you have retained a Portage motorcycle accident lawyer to help you
• Provide only facts about the incident you are confident in
• Do not provide any information about your medical health

Do not agree to any settlement offers. Insurance companies work to minimize payouts aggressively. With legal representation, you minimize that risk.

Move Forward With a Fair Settlement and Just Compensation

Have you suffered injuries in a Portage, Michigan, motorcycle accident? Matz Injury Law is here to help. Contact our personal injury lawyers today at 1-866-22Not33 to discuss your motorcycle accident case, or complete our online contact form, and we will be in touch immediately.