Motorcycle

Accidents

Upper Michigan

Motorcycle Accident

Attorneys

The Upper Peninsula has beautiful stretches of open road, making it an ideal place for motorcycle riders in the summer and surrounding months. However, Michigan’s roadways can be dangerous for riders, through no fault of their own. Motorcycle riders can be especially vulnerable to serious injury-related crashes. Unlike other motor vehicles, motorcycles do not have the same framed support, airbags and other structural components. What might seem to be a minor impact to a truck driver could have catastrophic or even fatal consequences to a person on a motorcycle. Regrettably, the statistics back this up. In 2019, for example, the numbers show that motorcycle riders were 29 times more likely to die in a motorcycle accident than as an occupant of a car. Additional statistics are available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Data also shows that motorcycle riders are more likely to suffer traumatic brain injuries, including concussions. If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle crash, our Upper Peninsula personal injury attorneys can assist you at every step of the way and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact Laydon Law Group, PLLC, the Upper Michigan Injury Lawyers, at (906) 448-4249, info@upinjurylawyers.com, or click here for a free consultation at any time, including nights and weekends.

Do Michigan’s Laws Treat

Motorcycle Accidents Different

Than Car or Truck Accidents?

Like car accident victims, an injured motorcycle rider can recover no-fault benefits if the collision involves another car or truck. In that case, the injured motorcycle rider may be entitled to recover: • Medical expenses. • Wage loss. • Attendant care services. • Replacement services. • Survivor’s loss benefits. However, if a motorcycle accident does not involve another car or truck, Michigan’s No- Fault Law does not apply. This would be the case if a motorcycle rider is hurt in a collision with another motorcycle or loses control due to conditions on the roadway. In that case, the injured rider may have to turn to his or her health insurance or other sources of compensation. An injured motorcycle rider in Michigan may also need to sue the at-fault driver for damages in a negligence lawsuit. Negligence lawsuits involving motorcycles often arise when car and truck drivers fail to account for their blind spots, make unsafe lane changes, neglect to drive defensively and simply do not pay the same respect to motorcycle drivers and riders as they do to other motorists. A negligence claim may allow the motorcycle rider to recover excess medical expenses, excess wage loss, and noneconomic damages, including pain and suffering.

What Deadlines Apply to My

Michigan Motorcycle Accident

Case?

Michigan has strict deadlines that must be met. If they are not, you may lose your ability to make a claim or bring a lawsuit. The following time limits generally apply: • You must give notice of your injury to your own insurance company within one (1) year from the date of the accident to recover no- fault benefits, e.g., medical expenses and wage loss. • If your own insurance company wrongly denies your claim for no-fault benefits, you have one (1) year from the date of formal denial to sue your insurance company for no- fault benefits. • Under MCL § 600.5805, you generally have three (3) years from the date of the crash to sue the other driver for excess medical expenses, excess wage loss and noneconomic damages, including pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, etc. • Note that other deadlines may apply, including when bringing claims against governmental entities.

Have Your Upper Michigan

Motorcycle Accident Case

Evaluated at No Cost

Our Upper Peninsula motorcycle accident attorneys understand that other drivers sometimes have an unfair opinion of motorcycle riders and do not pay them the same respect as they do other drivers. When the stakes are at their highest, we will hold these people accountable. Our attorneys will analyze your case and inform you of your options at no cost. If we do decide to take your case, we only earn a fee if we recover for you. If we are not successful, it costs you nothing. If you or a loved one were injured in a Michigan motorcycle accident, contact Laydon Law Group, PLLC, the Upper Michigan Injury Lawyers, at (906) 448-4249, info@upinjurylawyers.com, or click here for a free consultation.