Traverse City Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Motorcycle rides should be a freeing experience that allows you to enjoy a nice day in Traverse City. When someone else’s negligence causes you to suffer injuries, including those that take a long time to heal from, your future can become uncertain. What makes this even more challenging is the complicated process of recovering damages from your losses.

With the help of Traverse City motorcycle accident lawyers from Matz Injury Law, victims gain the support they need to navigate even the most challenging situations.

Why Clients Partner With Matz Injury Law

Matz Injury Law provides custom solutions for accident victims. Our comprehensive experience fighting for our clients in tough legal matters makes a difference in your case. Throughout our extensive years serving the Traverse City area, we have worked to build a strong reputation for providing exceptional service for each client we represent.

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.

“Steve and everyone in his office that I spoke with were very professional, friendly and easy to work with. They were highly responsive and helpful any time I needed it. They walked me through the entire process and kept me up to date at all times. I would definitely recommend them!” — Meghann L.

“Thank you for removing all the stress and allowing me to focus on my recovery.  You guys are amazing.” — Rick S.

What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents in Traverse City?

Like any motor vehicle accident, the risk of serious injury depends on the cause of the accident. Some of the most common causes of accidents creating a risk for injury include the following:

• Road conditions: Poor road conditions, with debris, potholes, or other obstacles, create a higher risk for accidents
• Driver distraction: Drivers who do not see the motorcycle rider for any reason, including distraction from phone use, eating, or looking at navigational devices, pose a risk of accidents.
• Blind spots: Motorcycle riders in the blind spot of a vehicle can be at risk for lane-change-related accidents.
• Dooring: When someone opens the car door without looking, this can cause the rider to be struck by the door.
• Impairment: Driving under the influence can be a common injury case because the driver is not able to stop in time.
• Left-turn accidents: A motorcycle versus car accident at an intersection may occur because the driver did not give the right of way when making a left-hand turn.

What Are Some Common Injuries That Occur During a Motorcycle Accident?

Any injury can lead to high medical expenses. In motorcycle accident cases, some of the most common serious injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Broken bones
• Road rash
• Facial injuries and scarring
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries

How Are Motorcycle and Car Accidents Different in Traverse City?

When you work with our legal team, we carefully focus on your case’s unique aspects. The insurance claim process may be similar for car accidents and motorcycle accidents, but there are some differences to consider.

Claim Differences

Unlike cars, motorcycle riders are not required to maintain personal injury protection (PIP) benefits. You can do so, if you choose to, meaning you would be able to file a claim against your own policy to cover your losses. If you do not have PIP coverage, you may still maintain other insurance to protect yourself in the event of an accident. Most of the time, without PIP insurance, you will file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance.

Injuries and Wrongful Death

Motorcycle accidents cause more serious injuries because of the lack of vehicle protection around the rider. This means there is also a higher risk of motorcycle accident fatalities leading to wrongful death claims.

What Steps Should I Take After a Traverse City Motorcycle Accident?

The legal process in any type of case can support your efforts to recover comprehensive damages from insurance companies. In the ideal situation, follow these steps:

• Call the police: The police or, if needed, medical personnel will arrive at the scene and begin the necessary procedures.
• Gather evidence (if possible): If you can safely do so, obtain photos of the surrounding area. Take a photo of the surrounding area and the scene to help establish what occurred. Gather the name and contact information for all involved, including witnesses. Gathering evidence helps demonstrate what happened and where.
• Seek medical attention: See a doctor immediately after a motorcycle accident. Your adrenaline may make it seem like you are not hurt, so you may not know the extent of your injuries. Going to the doctor immediately may help reduce the risk of serious injuries that go unnoticed.
• Contact a personal injury attorney: Personal injury attorneys will work with you right away to collect evidence and start building a strong case for you.

What Damages Can Be Recovered After a Motorcycle Accident in Traverse City?

No matter what type of fault benefits you seek (no-fault PIP coverage or at-fault liability coverage), you have the right to pursue losses for any documented losses you have from the accident.

Economic Damages

Economic damages include:

• Medical bills
• Damage to your vehicle and necessary repairs to it, or other property damage
• Replacement of the motorcycle
• Wage loss

Non-Economic Damages

These damages include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma and mental anguish
• Loss of quality of life

How Does Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance Work in Traverse City Motorcycle Accidents?

Michigan car accidents work on a no-fault basis. This means each driver files a claim with their own insurance company for their losses. However, motorcycles do not fall into the requirement under Michigan law for maintaining PIP coverage. Insurance coverage differences can impact whether and when you can seek compensation for a motorcycle injury.

How Michigan Helmet Laws Impact Traverse City Motorcycle Accident Cases

Michigan only requires riders under the age of 21 to wear a helmet. As long as you are over 21 and have the necessary training, you are not required to wear a helmet. However, motorcyclists who do not wear a helmet are likely to receive less compensation for their losses. That is because, by not wearing a helmet, you assume more of the risk of hurting yourself in an accident. Our motorcycle accident attorneys will still fight for fair compensation, especially when you hold no fault in the accident.

Do I Need a Traverse City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

Having a Traverse City motorcycle accident lawyer provides several benefits to you throughout the claims process after a motorcycle crash:

• Your attorney helps you understand your rights.
• You will have a law firm with experience negotiating fair compensation for you from insurance companies.
• You can focus on recovering from your motorcycle crash with medical treatment while we handle the legal process.
• Our attorneys help you counter common strategies used by insurance companies to minimize claims against motorists.
• You avoid any delays or missed deadlines, including the statute of limitations or others required in your insurance policy.

Recent Settlements

We recently recovered a $4.15 million settlement in Washtenaw County for the family of a college student killed in a motorcycle accident. We strive to provide every client with the support they need throughout this legal process.

Our other settlements include:

• $475,000 for a 42-year-old man who suffered a neck injury as a result of an automobile crash in Oakland County.
• $450,000 settlement for a 23-year-old woman with a fractured calcaneus and kneecap fracture.
• $285,000 settlement on behalf of a 52-year-old woman who suffered from fibromyalgia after hurting her shin resulting from an auto injury.
• $187,500 on behalf of a 19-year-old man who suffered a hip injury as a result of an automobile crash.

Our Traverse City Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Are Here to Get You Back On the Open Road

Let Matz Injury Law fight for your rights. We serve all of Northern Michigan, including Grand Traverse County and the Traverse City area. Call 1-866-22Not33 or fill out our contact form now to schedule a free consultation.