Lansing Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Lansing Motorcycle Accident Lawyers You Can Trust

We Fight for the Rights and Interests of Motorcycle Accident Victims

Motorcycles are fun to ride until there is an accident. Motorcycle collisions are often devastating as they result in severe or catastrophic injuries, primarily to the motorcycle rider. Thankfully, injured motorcyclists can seek compensation from the person responsible for the crash for their injuries and other losses.

However, insurance companies are not always eager to pay compensation and will look for ways to pay less than you’re entitled to or deny the claim outright. This is why we advise motorcycle accident victims to retain the services of an attorney before beginning the compensation process. Our Lansing motorcycle accident lawyer at Goodman Acker, P.C. has a history of protecting the rights and interests of motorcycle accident victims from insurance companies.

While each case is different, we are committed to providing our clients with the help they need and helping them secure fair compensation. Our initial consultations are free, so call us at 248-286-8100 to schedule one with our legal team.

Why Choose Our Lansing Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

At Goodman Acker, P.C., we understand how motorcycle accidents can affect a person’s life, so we do all we can to help you get your life back on track. We have done this for several motorcycle accident victims for decades and secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. Our dedicated team of attorneys are skilled negotiators and trial lawyers, so whether you want a settlement or file a lawsuit, we are the people to have by your side.

We have a 99% success rate, and our clients’ testimonials are filled with accounts of our winning track record and dedication to every case we handle. Also, we work on a contingency fee basis, so you do not have to worry about paying us upfront. We are available 24/7 to listen to and attend to you, so contact us at 248-286-8100 to schedule a free case evaluation.

What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in Lansing?

Motorcycle collisions are more common than motorcycle riders would like. Data shows that in 2021, the death rate for motorcyclists in Michigan was 21.6 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. There were 3,175 motorcycle-involved crashes in which 166 motorcyclists died and 2,526 were injured.

Also, motorcycles were involved in 1.1 percent of all traffic crashes in Michigan in 2021. Out of the 159 motorcycle operators killed, 124 (78.0%) were reported by police as “going straight ahead” just before the crash. A motorcycle crash can involve only the rider, the motorcyclist, and a passenger vehicle, or the motorcyclist and a stationary object.

Like all traffic accidents, motorcycle collisions are avoidable if riders and other road users follow the rules. But this is not always the case, with many engaging in behaviors that cause an accident. The common causes of motorcycle accidents in Lansing, Michigan, are:

• Traveling at an unsafe speed
• Improper lane changes
• Riding or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Vehicles swerving in front of a motorcycle
• Failure to yield
• Vehicles cutting off motorcycles at intersections
• Weaving in and out of traffic
• Inability to travel at a safe distance between cars, etc.

The open nature of motorcycles increases the severity of the injuries riders suffer in a high-impact collision. As a result, motorcycle riders often sustain diverse degrees of injuries, from cuts and abrasions, broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries to spinal cord injuries. Our motorcycle accident attorney in Lansing can help if you sustained injuries in a motorcycle crash. So, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

What Should You Do after a Motorcycle Accident?

After a motorcycle collision, it is ideal to take the following steps:

• Call 911 to get the police and emergency medical services to the scene.
• Gather evidence by taking photos of your injuries, the crash site, your damaged motorcycle, witness statements, and the contact, insurance information, and vehicle registration details of the driver involved.
• Allow the EMS to transport you to the hospital to get checked or treat your injuries.
• Keep details of your medical bills, receipts, and pay stubs, and journal how you feel and the symptoms you’re experiencing.
• Get legal representation.

Most motorcycle accident victims will be unable to take some of these steps because of the severity of their injury. If that’s your case, don’t fret, as our attorneys can help you investigate the crash and gather evidence to hold the responsible party accountable. Also, do not speak with anyone about your case, and stay off social media.

Does Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance Law Affect Motorcycle Accident Claims?

In Michigan, motorcycles do not qualify as vehicles, so the no-fault law does not apply to motorcyclists. This means motorcycle riders do not need no-fault coverage but can have liability insurance or collision coverage. However, an injured motorcyclist can file a claim to receive no-fault benefits from the insurance policy of a negligent passenger car or truck driver.

The no-fault benefits will pay for your medical care, lost wages, and attendant care services. To collect no-fault benefits, you must file an application for no-fault benefits or written notice of injury with the at-fault party’s insurance company within a year of the accident. Alternatively, you can file a claim for no-fault benefits under the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan.

Recoverable Damages Under a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit

You can file a lawsuit to recover damages from the person responsible for the motorcycle accident. A successful lawsuit means you will receive economic and noneconomic damages, and the two cover the following:

• Medical expenses
• Loss of income
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of earning capacity
• Property damage
• Costs of home improvement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Cost of physical therapy
• Mental anguish/emotional distress, etc.

While settlements are always a preferred option even after filing a lawsuit, a jury might award more money than you can receive if you decide to settle. This would be the case if the responsible party was grossly negligent and you receive exemplary damages. Our Lansing motorcycle accident attorneys will always advise on the best option between a settlement and a trial and guide you to make the best decision.

Lansing Motorcycle Accident Lawyer FAQs

When motorcycle accident victims contact us for the first time, they have many questions about filing a claim. Below, we answer some frequently asked questions. We will provide more in-depth answers during the initial consultation.

How much compensation can I receive if I file a motorcycle accident claim?

If you receive no-fault benefits, your compensation is limited to the policyholder’s insurance coverage limit. However, in a lawsuit, you receive what the jury awards, from thousands of dollars to millions, depending on your injury severity and other factors.

Do I need a Lawyer to handle my motorcycle accident claim?

Although you can handle your claim yourself, it is always best to work with an attorney. Your lawyer will provide legal advice and guidance, keeping you from making mistakes and jeopardizing your case.

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit? 

In Michigan, you have three years to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit, and the clock starts ticking from the day of the accident. No court in Michigan will hear your case if you file out of time.

What if I contributed to the motorcycle accident?

Michigan’s comparative negligence doctrine will apply if you contributed to the motorcycle accident. If your fault percentage is more than 50%, you lose compensation.

These may not be your only questions; our attorneys will discuss your specific concerns in your initial consult.

How Our Lansing Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help You

When you retain our lawyers, some of the services we will render to you include:

• Evaluating the facts to determine the strength or weakness of your claim
• Collecting all relevant evidence, including police reports and other investigative documents
• Interviewing all eyewitnesses
• Analyzing the crash scene with the help of a motorcycle accident reconstructionist expert
• Obtaining a copy of your medical records to show how the accident happened
• Filing a claim with the at-fault party insurer or a lawsuit
• Negotiating with the insurance company for a settlement or arguing your case before a jury to secure fair compensation
• Handling all the paperwork involved in your case and ensuring they are filed on time.

Our attorneys will be with you every step of the way and work tirelessly to secure a favorable outcome for you.

Let Us Help You Get Fair Compensation

Dealing with insurance companies while recovering from your injuries can be tedious. But you don’t have to. Our attorneys at Goodman Acker P.C. will handle the claims process or lawsuit while you focus on recovering from your injuries. We don’t get paid until we win, so call 248-286-8100 to book a no-fee, no-obligation consultation.

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 ]