Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Serving Rochester

A 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 firm have generated over $300 million in settlements and verdicts for our personal injury clients in Rochester and throughout Michigan. Our legal representation can help you avoid common tactics that insurance companies use to avoid paying what they owe. We will handle the details of your claim so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries.  Contact us or call 866-226-6833 for a free consultation today.

What Are The Most Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents In Rochester, 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 in a Rochester personal injury case.

Distracted Driving

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

Negligent Driving

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

Drivers Not Seeing Motorcyclists

Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles, which makes them harder to see. In truck accidents involving motorcycles, the difference in size can be catastrophic. Many motorists do not understand how motorcycles work, nor do they know how to watch out for motorcycles on the road. Failure to see motorcycles on the road is the top cause of motorcycle crashes.

Left-Hand Turn Accidents

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

Speeding

Speed is a common factor in Rochester 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 because of debris, loose gravel, or weather conditions like snow or ice. Negligent road construction and maintenance can produce potholes, uneven lanes, and other hazards that cause Rochester motorcycle accidents.

What Should I Do After I Have Been in a Motorcycle Accident in Rochester, 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 are able, help others get to safety. Move any vehicles that could cause further vehicle crashes. Once you have done this, do not move anything else. Leave the scene as it is for the responding police officers.

Call Emergency Services

Call 9-1-1 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 that bad. Many insurers will give you a mediocre estimate of your damages in order to minimize the amount of compensation they must pay. Having a doctor assess their injuries and having a mechanic inspect their 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 attorney. 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 reviews it.

Hire a Motorcycle Attorney Serving Rochester

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

What Are the Motorcycle Accident Laws in Rochester, 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 own 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 own uninsured motorist coverage.

What Compensation Can I File For in Rochester, Michigan?

An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer dedicated to helping victims in Rochester 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 entitled to damages that cover your lost earnings.

Wrongful Death

If you 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.

How Can a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Help Me If I’ve Been Injured?

To recover damages for motorcycle accident injuries, you must prove that another driver was negligent. 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 use many tricks to reduce the amount they must pay you. Personal injury lawyers know how to spot and avoid these tricks.

Move Forward with a Fair Settlement and Just Compensation

Have you suffered injuries in a Rochester, Michigan motorcycle accident? Matz Injury Law is here to help. Contact our personal injury lawyers today at 866-226-6833 to discuss your motorcycle accident case or complete our online contact form, and we will be in touch immediately!