Recovering from a Serious Southfield Motorcycle Accident
The Southfield motorcycle accident lawyers at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm know how to get the most money and justice for our clients and their families. For 50 years, we have represented people severely injured while riding a motorcycle or a passenger on a motorcycle. Motorcycle riders face a huge risk of serious injury and death due to the lack of protection. Contact our office for a free consultation and help.
What Compensation Can I Get From A Motorcycle Crash
There are many different things you can get compensation for following a Southfield motorcycle accident. After a crash, you may be inundated with hospital bills and doctors’ bills. In most situations, you are eligible for compensation for these bills and have a car insurance company pay the expenses under the Michigan No-Fault Law.
In addition, the auto insurance company for the vehicle involved in the accident must also pay 85% of lost wages for up to 3 years from the date of the crash. There are other first-party benefits available too.
In addition, if the other driver is at least 50% at-fault for causing the incident, then you are eligible for pain and suffering compensation. Pain and suffering come in different forms, but include things like emotional distress, anxiety, depression, loss of companionship, anger, and everything that turned your life upside down counts.
Because there is no magic formula for figuring out pain and suffering, it is vital to have experienced Southfield motorcycle accident lawyers on your side to prove why deserve the most compensation. Our attorneys specialize in motorcycle accident cases and know the law inside out.
You Don’t Pay Anything Until We Win Your Case
We take all over cases on a contingency-fee basis. This means there are no upfront legal fees or costs. In fact, you do not anything until we win your case. That is our guarantee and it has provided access to justice for our clients for the past 50 years.
What To Do After a Southfield, MI Motorcycle Accident
After a motorcycle accident, if possible, it is important to take the following steps to protect your rights.
1. Call the police or 911. Make sure help comes to the accident scene as quickly as possible. Even if you don’t your injuries are serious, it is best to have a medical professional check on you.
2. Talk to the Police. Even if you cannot do this at the accident scene, make sure the police get a statement from you about how the accident occurred. This can be done at any time after the crash.
3. Take pictures. Try to take photographs of the accident scene. This includes pictures of your motorcycle, the vehicle damage of the other cars, and the license plates of other cars.
4. Exchange information with all people involved in the crash. Get the names and telephone numbers of any witnesses.
5. Go to the hospital or local urgent care. Even a minor injury can become very serious.
6. Contact a Southfield motorcycle injury lawyer to find out your rights
It is also advisable to not discuss your injuries or the accident with any car insurance company without first talking to a lawyer. Also do not post about the accident on social media.
Michigan Motorcycle Accident Laws
There are specific laws in Michigan that pertain to motorcycle operators and their passengers. Here is a quick reference to a few of those safety rules.
Helmet Law – A motorcycle rider is required to wear an approved crash helmet unless he or she is (1) at least 21 years old, (2) has at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits, and (3) has held a motorcycle endorsement for at least 2 years, or passed an approved motorcycle safety course. This is the motorcycle helmet law. MCL 257.658(5).
Pass between lines of traffic – A person operating a motorcycle shall not pass between lines of traffic but may pass on the left of traffic moving in his or her direction in the case of a 2-way street or on the left or right of traffic in the case of a 1-way street, in an unoccupied lane. MCL 257.660.
Riding on the seat of the motorcycle; multiple riders – (1) A motorcycle operator must ride upon and astride a permanent and regular seat attached to that vehicle. (2) A motorcycle or moped shall not be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped. MCL 257.658.
Handlebars of the motorcycle – A person shall not operate a motorcycle or moped equipped with handlebars that are higher than 30 inches from the lowest point of the undepressed saddle to the highest point of the handle grips. MCL 257.661a.
Lane Sharing – Lane sharing is not permitted. Instead, a group of motorcyclists must operate in a staggered formation. Â
Causes of Southfield, MI Motorcycle Accidents
There are many reasons why a motorcycle crash can occur. Despite some prejudice towards motorcycle operators, motorcycles are not the cause of most crashes. Instead, careless, and reckless drivers are the cause of these life-changing incidents. The following are the most common causes of motorcycle accident crashes in Michigan:
- Distracted driving. When a driver is using a cell phone or not paying attention, they are distracted. This is now the leading cause of car crashes in Michigan.
- Speeding. Driving too fast increases the odds of a crash dramatically.
- Head-on collisions. When a driver tries to pass another vehicle or loses control of their vehicle, they can strike a motorcycle rider head-on when coming from the other direction.
- Illegal turn at an intersection. Vehicles must wait for traffic to pass before making a left-hand turn.
- Rear-end accidents. When drivers are speeding or not distracted, rear-end accidents are often the result.
- Running a red light. Drivers who are distracted or drunk can run a red light and cause a horrible crash at an intersection.
- Running a stop sign. A driver who runs a stop sign is just as negligent as a driver running a red light.
- Illegal lane change. Many drivers fail to see a motorcycle rider when they are changing lanes.
- Drinking and driving. Driving while intoxicated or on drugs impairs a driver and slows down decision making. When a crash with a motorcycle happens, the results can be tragic.
The Southfield motorcycle accident lawyers at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, P.C. work tirelessly to investigate everything for our clients. Call us today at 1-800-533-3733 with any questions you may have.
Common Injuries from Southfield Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle crashes are much different than normal auto accidents. Because the rider and his or her passenger are completely exposed, the odds of sustaining a serious injury are much higher. In fact, motorcycle accidents are more likely to lead to a wrongful death than any other type of motor vehicle accident. Because of the nature of motorcycle wrecks, the most common injuries are:
- Broken bones. Broken bones are common motorcycle accident injuries and can require physical therapy, surgery, and a long recovery time.
- Road rash and severe scarring. Treatment for road rash can range from using creams to skin grafts and plastic surgery.
- Facial injuries. These injuries can be especially awful if the rider is not wearing a helmet. A broken jaw, broken nose, and scarring are common injuries to the face.
- Low back pain and lumbar herniation. When a rider is knocked off a bike or hit by a car, then whiplash can cause serious damage to the back.
- Neck pain. Neck injuries can create severe neck stiffness, pain in the shoulders, burning, and numbness in the arms and hands. Treatment of neck pain can be extensive, including physical therapy and a neck fusion.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) or closed head injury. Injuries to the head can result in life-changing events, such as cognitive impairment, memory loss, migraine headaches, mood swings, and sensitivity to light and sound.
- Torn ligaments. Tears to the ligaments and tendons can also result in surgery. Examples include a torn ACL, meniscus, Achilles Tendon, or ulnar nerve injury
Examples of Compensation for Wrongful Death Motorcycle Accident Victims
If you lost a loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident, our Southfield wrongful death attorneys are here to help you with your wrongful death claims after a motorcycle crash. A wrongful death lawsuit could help your family recover expenses such as:
- Outstanding medical bills
- Lost wage and loss of future earnings
- The decedent’s future benefits
- Funeral and burial costs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of consortium
How To File a Wrongful Death Claim
Wrongful death cases in Michigan are covered by a specific law, the wrongful death statute – MCL 600.2922. Under the law, an Estate for the deceased must be set up. The family can decide on who will act as the personal representative of the Estate, or the judge will appoint someone. Setting up an estate is done in probate court and our law office can do this for you.
Our office guides our clients through the legal process during this stressful and emotional time. We work with compassion in making sure your rights are protected.
Southfield Weather Can Be Difficult for Riders
The weather in Southfield and metro Detroit can make things very difficult for riders and other drivers on the road. Rain, storms, and wind can force drivers into risky situations. All riders should take extra caution when riding in difficult weather.
What is the Time Limit to File a Lawsuit?
There is a time limit for filing a lawsuit against the proper defendants who caused the crash. This is called the statute of limitations. For most cases, an injured person has 3 years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit in court.
However, this time limit is different for claims for first-party benefits. Sometimes, the time limit can be as short as one year if there are unpaid medical bills, lost wages, and other benefits. Contact our Southfield motorcycle accident lawyers for more information.
Contact Us Today – Our Southfield, MI Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Are Ready to Represent You
When you have sustained injuries following a motorcycle accident in Southfield or metro Detroit, you have a lot on your plate. The attorneys at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm will protect you and stand by your side throughout the case. We will fight for the monetary compensation you deserve by law.
We have represented Oakland County residents for almost 50 years and obtained hundreds of millions in settlements and verdicts. Call us for a free consultation at 1-800-533-3733, or fill out a contact form with us today.
