Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Grand Rapids, MI

Protecting the Rights of Injured Riders for over 150 Years

Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Grand Rapids

There are many motorcycle accident lawyers in Grand Rapids, but only a few of them are truly experienced and knowledgeable about the law. If you have been in a motorcycle accident, you need a lawyer who knows how to win cases and get the maximum compensation for your injuries. The lawyers at Goodman Acker, PC have years of experience handling motorcycle accident cases, and we have the resources to get you the best possible outcome. We will work tirelessly to make sure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries, and we will make sure that the responsible party is held accountable. If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact our office today for a free consultation to learn about how a Grand Rapids motorcycle accident lawyer can help you.

We understand the unique challenges that riders face, and we know how to build a strong case on your behalf. Contact our Grand Rapids motorcycle accident lawyers at (248) 621-8771 today.

How Can Goodman Ackerman Help You?

• Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers in Grand Rapids can help you navigate the complex claims process and fight for the full amount of compensation you deserve. In Michigan, every driver is required to have their own insurance policy which pays for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, since motorcycles are not considered motor vehicles in Michigan, insurance companies are often reluctant to pay out these benefits to motorcycle riders. Moreover, insurance companies wrongfully deny or devalue legitimate claims routinely.

• A motorcycle accident attorney in Grand Rapids from Goodman Acker can evaluate your case and advise you on whether filing a lawsuit is likely to be successful. Even though Michigan is a no-fault insurance state, there are circumstances in which you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver, such as if your injuries are severe or permanently disabling or disfiguring, or the at-fault driver was a non-resident, or your motorcycle accident was in another state.
• If you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, the Grand Rapids motorcycle accident lawyers at Goodman Acker can help you get the maximum survivors’ loss benefits possible and sue the at-fault driver for wrongful death for excess present and future benefits. When a motorcycle rider is killed in Michigan, there are benefits available to the dependents of the decedent. A monthly payout is available for three years after the date of the accident, which is currently set at a maximum of $5,755 plus an additional $20 per day to replace expenses.

Motorcycle accidents can often result in serious injuries. Let us help you get the justice you deserve by contacting a motorcycle accident attorney in Grand Rapids today at (248) 621-8771

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Grand Rapids

There are several factors that cause motorcycle accidents, and the following are some examples of how motorcycle accidents can happen:

• Failure to see motorcycles is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents. This is especially true if a car driver is distracted and doesn’t see the motorcyclist. Other factors include the limited visibility of motorcycles due to sun glare, blind spots, and obstructions.
  • The failure to see motorcycles can cause the following types of accidents: 
    • Crashes with other vehicles making left turns
    • Lane changes and abrupt stops
    • Opening car doors in the path of an oncoming motorcycle.
• Hazardous road conditions place motorcyclists in peril, including slippery surfaces, loose gravel, uneven pavement, potholes, or debris on the road. Adverse weather conditions such as rain or snow can also cause a motorcycle accident.
• Head-on or rear-end collisions between motorcycles and other vehicles make up a significant percentage of motorcycle accidents and are typically severe or fatal. In many cases, the motorcyclist is traveling at excessive speed and does not see a potential hazard in time.
• Motorcycle lane splitting, or motorcycles driving between two lanes of cars, is dangerous because of limited space between motorcycles and other vehicles. It is often unexpected and challenging to see.
• Navigating corners can be dangerous as riders can lose control on sharp curves or curves with road debris. Curves can be unpredictable and hard to judge, especially at high speeds.
• Reckless driving, aggressive driving, speeding, and driving under the influence are also common causes of motorcycle and car-motorcycle accidents.

Grand Rapids is no exception when it comes to motorcycle accidents, and, unfortunately, these accidents often result in serious injuries or even death. If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to seek experienced legal help to ensure that your rights are protected.

Why Hire Goodman Acker Attorneys at Law?

The Right Grand Rapids Motorcycle Accident Attorney on Your Side

1. We are extremely knowledgeable about Michigan motorcycle accident laws

We don’t want to tell you how great we are at solving problems and getting results – the testimonials of our clients can do that since they speak volumes about how well we handle motorcycle accident cases.

We do want you to know, however, that we have the resources to investigate every aspect of your case and uncover all the evidence. This includes details about the accident itself, the extent of your injuries, and your financial losses.

We are also willing to hire experts, such as accident reconstructionists, to build a strong case on your behalf. Furthermore, we are willing to meet with your doctors and specialists to get a clear picture of your future medical expenses.

Motorcycle accident law in Michigan is different from other states, and even though it has its complexities, with the right motorcycle accident attorney in Grand Rapids on your side, you can be confident that you will receive the compensation you deserve.

2. We take the time to understand your situation

At the Goodman Acker law firm, we understand that being involved in a motorcycle accident can be a traumatizing experience. We also know that you have a lot of questions about your legal rights and options. That is why we believe it is always best to sit down with a qualifiedGrand Rapids motorcycle accident lawyer and discuss your specific situation face to face.

During your free consultation, we will answer all of your questions in detail and help you develop a plan to pursue the compensation you deserve. We recognize that it can be difficult to take the first step, and we want you to feel comfortable with us as we carefully put together a plan to win your case. The quicker you can come into our office to discuss your accident, the better the outcome will be.

3. We don’t back down

If a motorcycle accident results in severe physical injuries or a fatality or the medical bills are above the PIP medical benefits coverage level, it is absolutely essential to hire a Grand Rapids motorcycle accident lawyer. The other driver’s insurance company will have their own legal team working to minimize the amount of money they have to pay out, and you need someone on your side who is fully prepared to fight for your rights.

For over 150 years, Goodman Acker, PC has been handling accident cases, and we are not afraid to take a case to court if necessary. Some of our recent verdicts include $300,000, $525,000, $735,000, and $1.9M for motorcycle accidents in Michigan.

We take motorcycle accident cases on contingency, which means we don’t get paid until we win or settle the case. Hiring an experienced and confident lawyer can help ensure that you receive the best results in your case.

Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys in Grand Rapids have a proven track record of success in motorcycle accident cases, and we can help you get the outcome you deserve. Contact us today at (248) 621-8771.

Grand Rapids Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accident injuries are often more severe than car accident injuries. Motorcyclists do not have the same level of protection as people in larger vehicles and can suffer because of it. Injuries may be especially severe if a motorcycle rider was not wearing a helmet or other protective clothing at the time of a collision. Catastrophic injuries, such as damage to the brain and spinal cord, are unfortunately more common in motorcycle accident cases.

A person who is injured in a motorcycle accident may sustain injuries such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Burns

Motorcycle Accident Damages

The severe injuries caused by motorcycle accidents leave victims with costly medical bills, as well as additional expenses and non-economic damages. A person who is injured in a motorcycle accident may require surgery, medication, the use of a medical device, in-home care, rehabilitation, and physical therapy to treat their ailments. Additionally, they will need to pay for the cost of transportation to and from medical appointments and account for the economic damage of lost wages. Many motorcycle accident victims also suffer from damages that are not financial, such as pain and suffering.

A motorcycle accident claim can recover compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Transportation costs
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of purpose
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Relationship strain
• Stress
• Funeral costs

Michigan Motorcycle Laws

All drivers need to follow traffic laws, but motorcycle riders must obey regulations that are in place specifically to protect them. Motorcycle laws differ from state to state, but these laws generally regulate the equipment that motorcycle riders must use, the specifications for their bikes, where they are allowed to ride, and other motorcycle-focused rules.

Michigan’s motorcycle laws are unique when compared to some other states, because helmet use is not required. In Michigan, drivers and their passengers can forgo a helmet if they are at least 21 years old and are protected by at least $20,000 in insurance (drivers and passengers must each have $20,000 in insurance coverage). Additionally, drivers must pass a safety course or have had their motorcycle license for at least two years before they are able to drive without a helmet.

Michigan’s motorcycle laws also include the following rules:

• A motorcycle must have front and rear brakes, functioning lights, a horn, a rearview mirror, and a permanently attached seat.
• Motorcycles cannot be driven on sidewalks or in bicycle lanes.
• Lane splitting and lane sharing are illegal.

No-Fault and Michigan Motorcycle Laws

In most motorcycle accident cases, liability will fall primarily on either the motorcycle driver or the driver in the other vehicle (in cases of two-vehicle collisions). However, it is possible that another party could be liable for your injuries, such as the city that is responsible for maintaining the roads or the motorcycle manufacturing company.

If a car or truck driver causes a motorcycle accident, their vehicle’s insurance is responsible for paying benefits up to the amount of personal injury protection (PIP) available. Also known as No-Fault benefits, PIP covers medical expenses connected to the accident, lost wages for three years, replacement services for three years, and personal care such as in-home nursing and handicap modifications to the house. Replacement services cover household tasks like cleaning and child care that the injured party cannot perform.

In Michigan, if the driver who caused the accident with a motorcycle was at least 50% at fault, the injured party is eligible for non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Personal injury settlements can also cover emotional distress, disfigurement, loss of quality of life, loss of enjoyment of life, or loss of companionship.

First vs. Third-Party Recovery

As we’ve mentioned earlier, motorcycle accident lawyers seek no-fault insurance benefits, investigate all parties’ insurance coverage, and pursue a fair settlement to compensate for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Injured motorcyclists may need to file two different types of claims, depending on the circumstances. Attorneys can file first-party claims against your own insurance company and a third-party claim against someone else’s insurance provider. An attorney will determine the type of claim to file, providing a more prompt and fair settlement.

First-Party Claims

First-party claims are filed with your own insurance company after an accident or other loss. First-party claims are for personal injury protection (PIP) benefits. They are most likely filed for cases where coverage is needed for uninsured motorists, underinsured motorists, medical bills, collision and comprehensive coverage, and additional costs like rental cars and towing.

Your insurance company may pay up to the limits of coverage, depending on the circumstances. The statute of limitations for first-party claims is one year from the date of the motorcycle accident.

Underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage is an important part of your insurance policy because circumstances may require your policy to pay for another party’s negligence. Michigan drivers often carry minimum liability amounts on their auto insurance policies, which leads to their insurance companies being unable to properly compensate injured parties for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. Underinsured motorists are exposed to severe financial consequences. Michigan underinsured motorist coverage, known as UIM coverage, might be the only option to recover losses. Your own insurance company steps in and covers what the underinsured driver’s company cannot.

Third-Party Claims

Third-party claims are more common when motorcycle riders are hurt due to another person’s negligence and this person has liability insurance. Third-party claims seek payment from an insurance policy that someone else carries. Attorneys determine the negligent party’s insurance coverage and file a claim up to the limits of coverage. The statute of limitations for third-party claims is three years from the date of the motorcycle accident.

In special circumstances like the inability to determine fault right away, both types of claims may be filed. You may bring a first-party claim against your insurance company if the responsible party is uninsured or underinsured. If your insurance company covers a claim, it may seek reimbursement from the responsible party’s insurance company, called insurance subrogation. If subrogation is applicable, your insurance company pays your claim, and the other insurance company provides a reimbursement. This process doesn’t cost the policyholder anything.

Initial Consultations are Completely Free

At Goodman Acker P.C., we understand the extensive financial and emotional toll that motorcycle accident victims and their families face. It is our legal team’s mission to help you recover the compensation you deserve. We handle the legal processes, so you can focus on healing.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need an experienced lawyer on your side who will fight for your rights. Contact the personal injury lawyers in Grand Rapids today at (248) 621-8771.

Goodman Acker P.C. – Grand Rapids Office Location

1500 E Beltline Ave SE #235
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
(248) 965-0816

LEGALLY REVIEWED BY BARRY J. GOODMAN

Barry J. Goodman has devoted his professional life to keeping courthouse doors open for victims seeking justice. Always a tireless advocate for his own clients, Goodman sees his responsibility as a Detroit personal injury attorney in a broader sense as well. [ Attorney Bio ]