Michigan Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Motorcycle Accident Causes & Statistics
Under the best of circumstances, motorcyclists don’t have an easy time on the road. But when a driver fails to pay attention to the road around them, even just for a few seconds, that’s all it takes for a motorcyclist to get seriously hurt.
As of 2023, the Michigan Secretary of State reported 3,056 vehicular crashes involving motorcycles. The causes of these crashes can take many forms, but commonly include:
- Speeding
- Lane-splitting
- Failure to yield
- Drivers not successfully completing a left-hand turn
- Distracted driving
- Unsafe lane changes
What Makes Motorcycle Accidents So Dangerous?
Motorcycle accidents and car accidents can both be absolutely devastating, but there are some factors unique to motorcycle accidents that make them different from car accidents. First of all, motorcycle accidents tend to have higher rates of injury or death. According to the NHTSA, Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in traffic accidents than occupants of passenger vehicles. Victims of motorcycle accidents can also face a bias that car accident victims don’t.
Unfortunately, many people assume motorcyclists engage in dangerous, reckless behavior and will try to avoid responsibility by trying to blame the victim for their injuries. This is where the compassionate, experienced injury lawyers of Scott Goodwin Law come in.
Contact a Michigan Motorcycle Attorney Today
When you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer who can fight for you. At Scott Goodwin Law P.C., we have Michigan motorcycle lawyers who have helped many people just like you. The sooner you get in touch, the sooner we can start helping you get the compensation you need. Don’t worry about being charged any up-front fees. You won’t pay any fees unless you win your case, so contact us today to get started.
Michigan Motorcycle Accident Settlements
- $1.2 Million Motorcycle Accident Settlement: After an elderly nurse lost partial use of her left arm in a motorcycle accident in New Jersey, James Scieszka fought for a $1.2 million settlement in 2014.
- $1.8 Million Motorcycle Accident Injury Settlement: Attorney Scott Goodwin won a $1.8 million settlement in 2009 for a plaintiff who was seriously injured when a box truck turned in front of their motorcycle.
More Information About Michigan Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle Statistics
- According the US Department of Transportation, an average of 90,250 motorcycle accidents resulting in injuries are reported every year (since 2012).
- More than two percent of registered vehicles on the roadways are motorcycles, and motorcyclists are about 8 times more likely than passenger car occupants to be injured in a crash.
- For Crotch Rockets, the fatality rate is four times higher per 10,000 registered motorcycles than riders on all other types of bikes.
See Our Infographics
Goodwin’s 5 Steps
In the eyes of the law, motorcycle accidents are treated similarly to car accidents. While motorcycles are a safe and fun way to get around, many people are seriously injured each year in accidents. What we do immediately after a motorcycle crash can affect the outcome of a personal injury case. If you happen to be involved in a motorcycle accident, take these five steps to protect your rights and ensure you receive the full compensation entitled to you by law:
Call the police or dial 911
Seek medical treatment immediately and call the police. Your safety is first. Even if you think you are unharmed, it is important to go to the emergency room or see a doctor and be examined. Even if you feel fine, injuries may not appear immediately.
Speak to witnesses and gather evidence
If you are able while waiting for an ambulance or the police, gather evidence. Speak to witnesses to the accident and record their contact information. If possible, speak to the other party involved in the crash and obtain their contact information. Keep conversation minimal and do not admit fault. Avoid apologies and admissions of guilt until all of the facts have been gathered. Take photographs of the involved vehicles, any damage to your vehicle, skid marks, traffic signals and signs, and any intersections.
Report all injuries
Let your doctor and the paramedics know what injuries you have sustained in the accident. Do not downplay your injuries. If possible, get the names of the responding officers, paramedics and doctors that see you. Don’t throw away any clothing that you were wearing and do not repair your motorcycle immediately, as these can be helpful items in determining the outcome of a personal injury suit.
Contact your insurance agent
Let your insurance company know that you were involved in a motorcycle accident. Even if the accident occurred after business hours, leave a message. Do not be bullied and do not sign anything before speaking with an attorney. Any time wasted could affect your ability to get the justice and fair settlement you deserve.
Contact a licensed Michigan attorney
Don’t leave anything to chance! A motorcycle accident is a grave life event, and you may be entitled to compensation. Let an experienced Michigan lawyer assist you through the complex legal process. Call Scott Goodwin Law P.C. anytime, 24 hours a day. No matter when or how you are affected by a motorcycle accident, our attorneys are available to support you, and to ensure you and your loved ones receive the full care and compensation you deserve. Remember, our attorneys fight for you.
Motorcycle Accident FAQ
How Many Motorcycle Accidents Happen Per Year?
Motorcycle accidents can be surprisingly common, even compared to the amount of motorcycles on the road in a given area. The State of Michigan reported 2,728 crashes involving motorcycles throughout the entire state of Michigan in 2018, with 134 of them resulting in fatalities. The number of motorcycles on the road and their increasing popularity means the numbers of these tragic accidents will remain high, even as greater safety precautions are taken.
What Are Some Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycles combine the danger of auto accidents with their own issues and hazards due to their positioning on the road and maneuverability. A few common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
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Inexperienced drivers
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Driving under the influence
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Car doors, or colliding with a stationary car with an open door
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Lane splitting, when two motorcycles share a single lane due their smaller size in comparison to a car
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Dangerous road conditions
And many others.
What Percentage of Motorcycle Accidents Result In Injuries Or Death?
While the specific statistics can vary from state to state, the NHTSA states that a shocking 80% of motorcycle accidents result in injury or death, with Michigan specifically experiencing a 50% rate of accident or death during a motorcycle accident.
How Long Can I Wait To Contact A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
After a motorcycle accident, the first thing you should do is contact the police to get a detailed police report containing all the witnesses’ statements and details about the accident. Once the police statement has been taken, you need to contact a motorcycle accident attorney as quickly as possible. Other parties, such as insurance companies, will quickly become involved in your case, and having a skilled and experienced motorcycle accident lawyer on your side will help you answer their questions and navigate the murky waters of filing a claim.
What Can A Motorcycle Accident Attorney Do For Me?
With the services of an experienced motorcycle lawyer at Scott Goodwin Law P.C., we can help you get the financial compensation you deserve for your accident. These can include medical expenses, lost wages from missing work when recovering from injury, psychiatric treatment for any trauma experienced as a result of the injury, and other expenses you may have incurred during your recovery.