Helping Motorcycle Accident Victims Throughout Michigan
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash or if your loved one was killed while riding due to the careless or reckless actions of someone else, you could be entitled to financial compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic losses, like pain and suffering.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys can help you understand Michigan motor vehicle accident laws and how they apply to your unique situation. Our goal is to not only protect your rights but to recover the maximum compensation you are owed.
Michigan is one of the best places in the U.S. to ride a motorcycle. Whether you enjoy scenic weekend rides in the Upper Peninsula, or you rely on your bike for everyday transportation, you face certain risks when sharing the road with other motorists. Unfortunately, motorcyclists have the highest likelihood of being catastrophically injured or killed when they are involved in accidents with passenger vehicles and commercial trucks.
Give our Detroit and Lansing motorcycle accident lawyers a call at 888-473-1289 or contact us online to get started with a free initial consultation. You owe nothing unless we win your case!
Understanding Michigan’s No-Fault System
Because Michigan follows a no-fault motor vehicle system, most accident victims turn to their own insurance providers to recover compensation for their medical expenses and other losses resulting from an accident. Reforms to the state’s no-fault system in 2019 have impacted how injured motorcyclists can collect compensation after an accident, as well as how much compensation they can receive.
Before 2019, motorcyclists were generally excluded from the state’s no-fault system. While they were not required to purchase personal injury protection (PIP) coverage through their own insurance providers, they were required to carry minimum liability insurance. Additionally, by paying a fee, motorcyclists were covered for lifetime benefits under the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association’s guarantee. This offered protection to motorcyclists who suffered catastrophic injuries due to serious accidents.
Under the state’s new insurance laws, however, motorcyclists could be much more vulnerable. Specifically, an injured motorcyclist’s no-fault benefits are limited to the applicable coverage levels available under the policy through which the motorcyclist seeks compensation. This puts motorcycle accident victims’ fates in the hands of others involved in these collisions—which can be disastrous for motorcycle riders.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
One of the reasons why Michigan’s recent insurance reforms are so important is the fact that motorcyclists are much more likely to suffer severe bodily injury in the event of a crash than occupants of other types of motor vehicles. Motorcyclists have virtually no protection, aside from heavyweight clothing and helmets, which are not mandatory in the state. As a result, they are often catastrophically or fatally injured when they are struck by larger, heavier vehicles.
Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Head and brain injuries
- Loss of limb
- Broken bones/severe fractures
- Road rash (friction burns)
- Thermal burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Slipped/herniated discs
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Severe skin lacerations
- Soft tissue damage
The lifetime cost of treating such injuries can be exorbitant, easily exceeding hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars. Unfortunately, this means that motorcyclists may be stuck footing the bill when available insurance coverage runs out.
How We Can Help
Navigating any motor vehicle accident claim is a confusing, challenging process. With the recent changes to the state’s no-fault system—including changes as to how motorcyclists can file claims and what coverage they are entitled to—it is more imperative than ever that you work with a qualified attorney.
At Bahrie Law, PLLC, we are passionate about representing injured motorcyclists throughout Michigan. We stay up-to-date on the state’s complex and changing no-fault laws and can help you understand your options. We are here to handle all of the legal details, from negotiating with the insurance company to advocating for you at trial, so that you can simply focus on healing and moving forward with your life.
Request Your Free Initial Consultation
Getting back on your feet after a serious motorcycle accident is not easy, but Bahrie Law, PLLC is here to help. With more than 40 years of experience and a proven track record of success, our attorneys have what it takes to fight for the maximum compensation you are owed. With several office locations throughout the state, we proudly represent injured bikers throughout Michigan.
There are no fees unless we win your case, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have during a complimentary consultation.
For a no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation, give us a call at 888-473-1289 or contact us online today.