Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Serving Sterling Heights

Experiencing a motorcycle accident can often leave you with serious injuries and stress as you try to recover. Insurance companies often pay out the bare minimum for settlements and medical benefits, leaving you with expensive medical bills and other mounting costs due to missed work hours or other injury-related expenses.

Fighting to get the compensation you deserve from a motorcycle or car accident is often draining on your own, especially when you are dealing with emotional and physical trauma on top of it. Working with a knowledgeable and experienced motorcycle accident attorney can alleviate your stress and provide you with the support and compensation you need in your recovery.

The Matz Injury Law firm has generated over $300 million in results for our personal injury clients. We can help with your claim so you can pay your medical bills and other costs. Contact our law office at 866-226-6833 for a free consultation today.

What Are The Most Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents In Sterling Heights, Michigan?

Motorcycle accidents are sadly a regular event throughout Sterling Heights and the rest of Michigan. Even more unfortunate is the fact many of these accidents are entirely preventable if people used better judgment and decision-making. If this was the case, there would be far fewer motorcycle accident victims on Michigan’s roadways.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is the top cause of motor vehicle accidents and is a growing problem with each passing year. According to a National Safety Council analysis of federal data, over 3,100 people die per year in distracted-related car crashes. In Michigan, many injured motorcyclists claim distracted driving was the cause of their accidents.

Negligent Driving

Negligence occurs in motorcycle accidents when at-fault drivers do something a person who was being “reasonably careful” would not have done. Negligence also occurs if at-fault drivers fail to make decisions or take actions a careful driver would have done. To prove negligence, the action or failure of action must be the main cause of the motorcycle collision. For example, breaking Michigan or local traffic laws and/or committing other violations can constitute negligence.

Drivers Not Seeing Motorcyclists

Another major contributor to motorcycle accidents is when other motorists traveling on the same Sterling Heights roadways fail to notice motorcyclists. Drivers often fail to look for motorcyclists or do not understand how bikes navigate roadways, which can result in serious injury or fatality to the biker who was operating within the law with safety in mind.

Left-Hand Turn Accidents

When a car or truck makes a left-hand turn in front of a motorcycle at a Sterling Heights intersection, the results can be devastating. This often occurs when a motorist lacks depth perception and does not see the motorcycle in its path or they do not think to check for who might be in their blind spot.

Speeding

When a car or truck ignores speed limits, this is dangerous for anyone in their path, especially motorcyclists, since they lack the protective elements a larger vehicle offers. Furthermore, drivers often have difficulty judging the speed of oncoming motorcycles and think they have more time than they actually do.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a major contributor to motor vehicle accidents. If motorcycles are traveling near an intoxicated driver or if the motorcyclist is intoxicated, the chances of an accident occurring significantly increase.

Poor Road Conditions

In Michigan, we see all sorts of different seasonal road conditions which can be very dangerous at times or present routine hazards. Winters in Sterling Heights can be brutal on road conditions. Even in milder weather, motorists must navigate potholes, debris, storm damage, uneven lanes, and loose gravel, along with negligent road construction activities, leading to accidents.

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

If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, it is important to take immediate steps in the aftermath. The following actions can go a long way toward motorcyclists protecting themselves while preserving their rights.

Get Everyone to Safety

Immediately after a crash occurs, get everyone involved to safety. If possible, move vehicles out of the roadway to avoid further injury from additional crashes. Once everyone is safe, leave the accident scene as is. Do not admit fault for causing the accident or make any apologies. Factors may be present that caused the accident of which you were unaware and were the fault of another driver.

Call Emergency Services

If anyone has obvious injuries or is acting as if something is not right, call 911 so emergency responders can examine anyone who is injured. Next, work with law enforcement officers by giving a statement and sharing insurance information.

Gather Any Necessary Evidence

While waiting for police to arrive, if able, gather evidence and take photos and videos of the crash site. The more evidence you can obtain, the better your insurance company and Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer can prove your injury case.

Because most motorcycle crashes involve another car or truck, it is vital to obtain the other driver’s information including their name, contact information, and insurance details. If officers are called to the scene of the accident, they will assist, but be sure to obtain the information to pass on to your Sterling Heights motorcycle accident lawyer and your insurance company.

Evaluate Your Injuries

Even if you do not feel hurt, plan to still get examined by a healthcare professional. Some of the most common injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents include:

• Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Amputation injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Road rash
• Neck and back injuries
• Lower extremity trauma

Your injuries may not be immediately visibly apparent. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, often do not reveal themselves until days, weeks, or months after the injury occurred.

Assess Damage To Your Motorcycle

After an accident, even if your bike is running, it is ideal to have it inspected by a professional since there may be hidden crash-related problems. Insurers, unfortunately, often underestimate damages and offer terribly low settlements; you want to ensure no issues are present that could jeopardize your safety.

Contact Your Insurance Provider

In Michigan, you have one year from the date of your motorcycle collision to file a first-party or third-party claim with the appropriate insurance company. However, plan to file your claim as soon as reasonably possible because it often takes time to build your case.

Hire a Motorcycle Attorney Serving Sterling Heights

To avoid being taken advantage of by insurance adjusters, speak with a personal injury lawyer servicing Sterling Heights who can fight against those parties who do not have your best interests at heart. A good lawyer will work to protect your rights and get a fair settlement.

What Are the Motorcycle Accident Laws in Sterling Heights, Michigan?

The state of Michigan is a no-fault insurance state, which means a driver must file with their own insurance company rather than that of the other motorist involved in the collision, regardless of who caused the crash. For example, even if someone rear-ends your car, you must first file with your own insurance company to get your medical bills, lost wages, and damages to your motorcycle paid up to your policy limits.

Michigan made significant changes to insurance laws in 2020. Speaking with an experienced attorney who is well-versed in state laws can help you navigate this complex process. Insurance coverage may not fully cover your injuries and/or damage to your bike and, if you meet the criteria, you can step outside of the no-fault auto-accident system and pursue other legal avenues.

What Compensation Can I File For in Sterling Heights, Michigan?

If you or a loved one file a claim in Sterling Heights, Michigan, you are able to seek compensation for the following economic damages.

Medical Expenses

Any medical costs you incur, including but not limited to emergency treatment, physical therapy, surgery, prolonged treatment, hospital visits, and long-term disability.

Property Damage

Any repairs your motorcycle will need to be restored for you to be able to drive safely.

Lost Wages

If you have missed work due to your injuries or medical appointments you need to recover, you can pursue lost wages. Accident victims who are no longer able to perform at the same level as before can file for lost earning potential.

Wrongful Death

In motorcycle crashes resulting in a fatality, the victim’s family may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim.

Non-Economic Damages

Not all losses and damages are easily calculable, like medical bills or lost wages. In serious motorcycle accident cases damages, such as pain and suffering, is hard to measure. In Michigan, you are eligible to pursue a non-economic personal injury claim for damages from your accident.

For both economic and non-economic damages, a skilled attorney can estimate your overall losses and determine the fault of the negligent driver.

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

If you or a family member were injured in a crash in Sterling Heights, an attorney can help prove the negligence of the other driver, see you get compensation to obtain the right medical care you need for your injuries, and fight for a fair settlement to pay for any lost wages or other losses you have endured. Your lawyer will:

• Gather relevant documents
• Help you file your claim correctly
• Contact witnesses
• Coordinate with police during the investigation
• Be a go-between with insurance companies

Essentially, with an experienced lawyer to advocate for you, you will have complete legal representation with every aspect of your personal injury case.

Need Compensation For Long-Term Injuries? Matz Injury Law Will Help.

Steve Matz and his legal team have been practicing personal injury law in Michigan for many decades. Over the years he has helped countless people who have suffered car, motorcycle, and truck accidents. If you are looking for skilled legal help for Sterling Heights accident victims, the Matz team is the firm to call.

Matz Injury Law has high success in getting settlement money for our clients throughout Michigan. We understand the suffering you have endured and want to help provide you with sound legal advice. Your needs are our priority, and we will fight insurance companies that do not care about what is in your best interests. You do not pay unless you receive a settlement. Furthermore, Matz Injury Law does not charge the industry standard of 33%. You pay just 22% of any compensation recovered.

To obtain a free consultation, call Matz Injury Law at 866-226-6833 or fill out our convenient online contact form.