Due to the exposed nature of riding a motorcycle versus driving a car, motorcycle accidents are uniquely dangerous and thus often cause very serious injuries. Getting a grasp on the laws governing motorcycle accidents in Michigan can help provide a baseline of knowledge, but an experienced attorney can assist you in fully understanding the laws relevant to your case.
In this blog post, we’ll explain some of the basics on Michigan laws governing motorcycle accidents, but if you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Fieger Law and our team of Michigan motorcycle accident lawyers today.
Motorcycle Accidents in Michigan
According to the State of Michigan, there were more than 3,000 motorcycle crashes on Michigan roads in 2021 alone, and of those crashes, more than 150 were fatal. Male motorcyclists account for most motorcycle crashes, at more than 90 percent, and most motorcycle crashes occurred during the warmer months of the year, with July being the most common month for crashes.
Negligence Causes Motorcycle Accidents
When any accident, including a motorcycle crash, is caused by another person’s negligence, accident victims have a legal right to pursue compensation against the person who caused the accident to occur. At Fieger Law, we know all too well that motorcyclists frequently face stigma associated with dangerous driving. Even though the thrill of riding is a favorite experience for many motorcyclists, we know that most motorcyclists are safer drivers than “ordinary” car drivers.
In fact, many motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers’ negligent behavior, including the failure to look out for motorcycles on the road, thus giving rise to legal liability. Common examples of negligent driving that cause motorcycle accidents include:
- Failure to check for motorcyclists in blind spots
- Opening car doors without checking for clearance
- Drug and alcohol usage
- Failure to yield when turning left or changing lanes
- Sudden stops due to inattention
- Distracted and tired driving
- Speeding and other failure to follow traffic laws
When an accident occurs, it is imperative that you contact Fieger Law and our team of experienced motorcycle accident attorneys in Michigan as soon as possible to inquire about a possible negligence claim.
Insurance Companies Will Unfairly Blame Motorcyclists
Due partially to the stigma associated with motorcycle riding, insurance companies will often attempt to place blame for an accident occurring onto the motorcyclist instead of onto their covered party who caused the accident.
At Fieger Law, we know how to stand up to insurance companies to defend our clients’ rights and ensure fair and full compensation. There are two things to be aware of with respect to these arguments: first, Michigan is a no-fault state; and second, comparative negligence rules allow for partial recovery even when a plaintiff is partially negligent.
Michigan’s No-Fault Rules
Michigan is a “no-fault” insurance state, which means that every person’s insurance coverage applies to cover their own injuries, up to a certain coverage limit. If a covered person is injured seriously, which is often the case in motorcycle accidents, the injured person can seek compensation from the other party’s insurance company to cover the amounts over their own coverage by filing a lawsuit.
But additionally, sometimes an injured person’s own insurance company can be reluctant to pay out claims for damages. In these unfortunate circumstances, a personal injury lawyer can assist accident victims in ensuring that their own insurance company lives up to the terms of their contract.
For that reason, even if you believe your own insurance will cover your injuries, you still shouldn’t hesitate to contact Fieger Law immediately after being involved in a motorcycle accident. If necessary, we’ll sue your own insurance company as well as the other driver’s insurance company to protect your rights.
Comparative Negligence in Michigan
You may believe that you’re not eligible for filing a lawsuit due to your own behavior, and these situations are common, as accidents are rarely caused by one factor. But even if a motorcyclist was speeding, failing to wear a helmet, or otherwise acting in a slightly negligent manner, Michigan law allows for recovery of damages so long as the other driver was more negligent than the injured motorcyclist. These laws are called comparative negligence rules, and after consulting with our team of motorcycle accident lawyers, Michigan motorcyclists can be sure that they’ve explored all their options. Our consultations are zero-risk and offered totally free to prospective clients.
Fieger Law Will Fight for Your Rights
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact our team at Fieger Law as soon as possible. Our experience in obtaining verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients demonstrates that we’re not afraid to take on insurance companies, and especially when they try to get out of paying out claims that they’re obligated to pay. Even if you believe your insurance company will cover your claims, contact us anyway to ensure that your rights are protected.
We’re ready to assist you and your family – get in touch with us today to schedule a free consultation on your prospective case.
