Riding a motorcycle is an act of freedom and should never result in something bad happening. But sometimes another driver fails to follow the safety rules and causes a horrible crash. When this happens, the Lansing motorcycle accident lawyers at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm are ready and willing to fight for you and your family.
We have a dedicated team of experienced motorcycle accident attorneys specializing in these delicate cases. We will hire the right experts, meet with doctors, interview witnesses, and do what it takes to win your case. Just as important as getting full money compensation, our legal professionals are with you every step of the way.
Our Lansing, Michigan Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Stand up For Riders
A Lansing motorcycle accident lawyer will help you pick up the pieces and receive full compensation for your injuries. Our experienced personal injury attorneys have handled severe motorcycle crashes for nearly 50 years. We have helped our clients obtain millions in lost wages and pain and suffering. We understand the horrible position you are in and fight aggressively to hold the negligent driver accountable.
What Compensation Can I Get for a Motorcycle Accident?
There are multiple ways to get compensation and monetary damages for injuries resulting from a motorcycle crash. The two main components of compensation following a motorcycle collision are non-economic damages and economic damages. If another vehicle or rider causes the crash, then the injured rider and any passengers are entitled to pain and suffering compensation. This is called a negligence case. The injured person is filing a claim or a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for failing to obey Michigan traffic safety laws.
What are Examples of Pain and Suffering Damages?
Pain and suffering is a broad way of describing non-economic damages. In Michigan, a person can ask the at-fault driver, owner, and insurance companies for the physical pain and suffering caused by the crash. The injured person can also claim emotional pain and suffering. This includes things like:
- Anxiety and depression
- Emotional distress
- Fight and shock
- Denial of social pleasures and enjoyment
- Embarrassment, humiliation, or mortification
What Are Economic Damages?
Economic damages are the financial losses caused by the crash. They are easier to quantify than non-economic damages. Examples of economic damages include:
- Past medical expenses
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages and future lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket costs
Calling a Lansing motorcycle accident law firm that fights for you and has the guts and experience to get the most money is so important after a crash. There are a lot of injury law firms that handle motorcycle accident cases. But the attorneys at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm have the skills, resources, and expertise to get everything you are entitled to under Michigan law.
If a Car or Truck is Involved in the Crash, Who Pays the Medical Bills?
Motorcycle accidents are not normally covered under the Michigan No-Fault Law. However, there is one huge exception. If a motor vehicle (like a car or truck) was involved in a motorcycle accident, then a motorcycle accident is handled in much the same way as a normal car accident for purposes of payment of medical bills, lost wages, and other economic losses. In these cases, a no-fault claim must be opened with the proper auto insurance company.
Under the law, there is an order for which a car insurance carrier is responsible for paying medical bills, lost wages, and other no-fault benefits. Here is the order under MCL 500.3114(5).
(a) The insurer of the owner or registrant of the motor vehicle involved in the accident.
(b) The insurer of the driver of the motor vehicle involved in the accident.
(c) The motor vehicle insurer of the operator of the motorcycle involved in the accident.
(d) The motor vehicle insurer of the owner or registrant of the motorcycle involved in the accident.
(e) The Michigan assigned claims plan (MACP).
Unlike a standard car accident, in a motorcycle accident, the injured rider or passenger is stuck with the insurance carrier of the owner or driver of the car. Even worse, the motorcycle victim must accept the amount of PIP coverage the owner or driver selected. Some people only have $50,000 in medical coverage. Unfortunately, even if you have purchased unlimited medical coverage, you must abide by the medical coverage of the owner or driver of the motor vehicle.
Only if the owner and driver do not have auto insurance can the motorcycle operator turn to his or her own auto insurance for payment of medical bills.
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 pay us anything until we win your case. That is our guarantee and it has provided access to justice to Lansing and Ingham County residents for decades.
Causes of Lansing, 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.Â
- Speeding. Driving too fast increases the odds of a crash dramatically. Â
- 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. Â
- Illegal turn at an intersection. Vehicles must wait for traffic to pass before making a left-hand turn.Â
- Rear-end accidents. When drivers are speeding or not distracted, rear-end accidents are often the result.Â
- Running a red light. Drivers who are distracted or drunk can run a red light and cause a horrible crash at an intersection. Â
- Running a stop sign. A driver who runs a stop sign is just as negligent as a driver running a red light. Â
- Illegal lane change. Many drivers fail to see a motorcycle rider when they are changing lanes.Â
- 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.Â
The Lansing 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.
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.
Examples of Compensation for Wrongful Death Motorcycle Accident Victims
If you lost a loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident, our Lansing 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 damages 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 companionshipÂ
- Loss of consortiumÂ
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 law office handles the entire legal process during this stressful and emotional time. We work with compassion and diligence in making sure your rights are protected.
The Lee Steinberg Law Firm Serves Motorcycle Crash Victims All Over Mid-Michigan.
For over 50 years, the dedicated team of Michigan personal injury lawyers has represented motorcycle crash victims throughout Lansing and the mid-Michigan area. We have represented clients in Grand Ledge, Charlotte, Mason, St. Johns, Ithaca, Alma, Owosso, Battle Creek, Mt. Pleasant, and places in between.
Winning Lansing Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Ready To Serve You
For almost 50 years, the Lee Steinberg Law Firm has helped people injured in motorcycle crashes in the Lansing area win their cases and get the monetary compensation they deserve.
Our Lansing motorcycle attorneys have recovered hundreds of millions for our clients. We understand what our clients are going through. We know how to get the most money after the severe and life-changing injuries caused by a negligent driver.
Call us at 1-800-LEE-FREE for a free consultation or fill out a contact form today. We never charge anything until we win your case.
